Struggles

A Water Crisis Unfolding: The Struggles of Families in Banderbeyla Picture a mother, exhausted and worn, perched outside her makeshift home, surrounded by empty water containers. This is the reality faced by many families in coastal Banderbeyla, located in Northeastern State’s Bari region. They are grappling with a dire water crisis that forces them to resort to drinking contaminated, salty water. It's a heartbreaking situation that leaves children and the elderly vulnerable to illness. As the town’s sole borehole system…

President Joseph Boakai has taken a firm stance in defense of his choice to travel via private jet for international engagements, asserting that this decision is not rooted in an ostentatious lifestyle. Yet, the controversy surrounding his travel habits continues to swirl, especially among opposition figures who are quick to spotlight what they deem a disconnect between his earlier critiques of luxury travel by his predecessor and his current practices. In a candid interview with the BBC, President Boakai remarked, “I can…

Understanding the Complex Landscape of South Sudan's Debt Crisis In a significant legal development, a petition has been filed in a U.S. court in Washington, D.C., stemming from South Sudan's failure to repay a staggering $700 million loan obtained from Qatar during one of its most tumultuous periods, the civil war. With accrued interest and penalties, this debt has now surged beyond the billion-dollar mark, raising pressing questions about fiscal responsibility and the implications of sovereign debt crises.…

In the fluctuating realm of currency exchange, the recent developments concerning the Ghanaian cedi have certainly caught the attention of many. The Bank of Ghana's official exchange rates have taken a troubling turn, effectively wiping out the modest gains that were achieved earlier this month. As the cedi continues its struggle against the dollar, one has to wonder: what are the underlying factors feeding this disheartening trend? This reversal comes after several weeks of cautious optimism buoyed by central bank…

Al-Shabaab Struggles for Control in Central Somalia Amid Intense Clashes MOGADISHU, Somalia - The landscape of central Somalia is once again disrupted by the relentless attempts of the al-Shabaab forces to reassert their authority. These Al-Qaeda-linked militants have been engaged in heated battles, particularly on the outskirts of Moqokori village. It seems they are determined to displace government forces along with local fighters who bravely stand on the frontlines.…

For Botswana, Africa’s largest diamond producer, navigating the current landscape of diamond mining is akin to walking a tightrope. Diamonds are not merely precious stones here; they are the backbone of the nation’s economy, accounting for around 80% of export revenue. However, the shifting market dynamics present serious challenges that jeopardize the stability of this vital sector. In recent years, we have witnessed a noticeable reduction in demand for natural diamonds. This downturn is intensified by a surge of…

Climate Crisis and Humanitarian Challenges in Somalia “Families are being battered on every front — flood, hunger, and neglect,” observed Etienne Peterschmitt, Somalia's representative for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This stark reality illustrates the multi-faceted struggles faced by households in Somalia today. With the remnants of what little they possessed receding like the floodwaters, a growing concern emerges: the international lifeline that has traditionally provided support to these communities…

Ugandan Deputy Defence Chief in Mogadishu: Navigating AUSSOM's Financial Hurdles MOGADISHU, May 17 – In a marked display of camaraderie and duty, Sam Okiding, the Ugandan Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, touched down in Mogadishu last Saturday. His arrival, marked by an earnest reception by senior officials from both the Somali Army and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), holds significance that goes beyond mere diplomatic courtesies. But why now? The timing of Okiding's visit is…

Somalia's Leadership Struggles: A Fragmented Nation Yearning for Unity MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a nation where hope seems perpetually on the horizon, yet just out of reach, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stands at the crossroads, facing the challenge of uniting Somalia's federal leaders. Recently, his efforts to gather all participants of the National Consultative Council (NCC) in Mogadishu have fallen short, highlighting deepening fissures within the fragile country. The initial talks, scheduled for May 2, 2025, and…

The recent report sheds light on an array of growing challenges faced by Ghana, which include alarming inflation rates, a weakening cedi, and increasing climate-related risks. Together, these factors are contributing to a significant rise in household vulnerability. The implications are profound, impacting not just the economy but the daily lives of countless Ghanaians. How can we respond effectively to these pressing issues? Over One in Four Ghanaians Now in Extreme Poverty More than 25% of Ghanaians…