issues

Parliamentary Setbacks in Somalia: A Call for Responsibility Mogadishu (AX) — On a day meant for progress, Somalia’s Lower House of Parliament hit yet another snag, as its Monday session was postponed due to insufficient attendance. This disruption not only halted the swearing-in of two new members but also postponed a pivotal vote on a pan-African child rights treaty, leaving many to wonder: what lies behind this recurring issue? Only 87 lawmakers showed up, far below the 139 required for a valid quorum under…

Garowe (AX) — In a significant turn of events, the Northeastern State regional administration has made an official announcement that it will abstain from participating in the upcoming national consultation forum convened by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The reasons behind this decision are rooted in claims of constitutional violations and a perceived lack of genuine commitment from the central government towards a federalist approach. During a recent press conference, Northeastern State’s Minister of Justice,…

The Challenges of Revenue Audits: A Closer Look at Nigeria’s Fiscal Landscape In recent months, Nigeria has faced a significant setback, primarily stemming from shortcomings in the revenue assurance audit reports submitted by two pivotal government bodies: the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service. These reports cover the period from 2018 to 2021 and reveal a troubling picture of inefficiency and gaps in accountability. This disconnect contributes to a broader narrative of fiscal…

Galkayo (AX) – On a Friday morning that should have been filled with joy and camaraderie following the Eid prayers, a significant cloud loomed over Awaale Sports Stadium in Galkayo. What transpired was a series of arrests involving several young men who had gathered, banners in hand, to voice their frustrations regarding the Northeastern State administration and the federal government's restrictions on development initiatives in the Mudug region. The intention behind their gathering was clear. These youths sought to shine…

Starlink's Service Interruptions: Understanding the Impact and Challenges in South Africa Recently, a wave of unsettling emails swept through the inboxes of customers subscribed to Starlink’s Roam Unlimited and Global Roaming packages. The messages delivered unwelcome news: accounts had been terminated due to utilization in an “unauthorized territory.” One particularly alarming excerpt read: “You are currently using Starlink in an unauthorized territory. As a result, your service will be suspended…

Recently, South Africa has been added to the growing list of countries under a 'Level 2' travel alert, joining Namibia, Botswana, Belgium, Greenland, Denmark, and Germany. This classification encourages travelers to exercise increased caution while navigating these regions. As of the May 27 update, South Africa’s designation comes amidst mounting diplomatic tensions between the United States and the nation. But what does this classification truly mean for prospective travelers? A Level 2 alert indicates a…

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is navigating tumultuous waters. As jihadist groups proliferate, taking advantage of strained inter-state relations, the specter of violence looms large over countries in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. Recent months have seen a disturbing rise in violent incidents, particularly in nations like Benin and Nigeria. It raises an important question: How can regional organizations effectively combat such escalating security threats amidst political disarray? A…

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba Extends Apology to Western Diplomats KAMPALA, Uganda - In a striking turn of events, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the outspoken Chief of the Defence Forces of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and son of President Yoweri Museveni, has issued an apology to Western diplomats. This follows a period of tension marked by actions perceived as threats by these diplomats. General Muhoozi, known for his sometimes controversial remarks, was reportedly…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has joined forces with several European Union and non-EU leaders to issue a compelling statement that condemns what they describe as "the man-made humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our eyes in Gaza." This strong declaration was signed not only by the Taoiseach but also by the leaders of Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, during a sidebar meeting at a summit in Albania. Mr. Martin could not attend due to the funeral of Garda Kevin Flatley, which took place on the same…

In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a significant surge in inflation, driven primarily by the scarcity of essential food staples such as maize, potatoes, and green vegetables. This spike not only puts additional stress on household budgets but also presents a formidable challenge for government authorities striving to maintain inflation at manageable levels. Have you ever experienced that sinking feeling when you notice the price of your staple food has suddenly skyrocketed? This shared struggle paints a vivid picture of…