Struggles

Despite Billions in Aid, Somalia’s Army Struggles as Al-Shabaab Resurgence Gains Ground MOGADISHU, Somalia – Imagine a nation fighting a relentless tide, where billions in international assistance seem like a mirage against a desert sun. This is Somalia’s ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group staging a fierce resurgence despite years of relentless effort from the government and global backers. On July 7, in a bold display of defiance, Al-Shabaab fighters, supported by a suicide bomber in an…

IMF Completes Third Review of Somalia's Economic Reform Program Washington D.C. (AX) — Recently, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded its third review of Somalia’s economic reform program under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. This review is a significant milestone that unlocks an immediate disbursement of approximately US $10 million to bolster Somalia’s ongoing economic reforms. To put that into perspective, this latest disbursement, which amounts to SDR 7.5 million,…

The Journey of a Graduate in Transition: Isra Hirsi and Her Post-College Reality In a world where education meets activism, Isra Hirsi, daughter of Representative Ilhan Omar, finds herself at a crucial crossroads following her graduation from Barnard College. Recently, she shared the stark reality of unemployment with her followers on Instagram, captioning a casual selfie with a candid remark: “Unemployment got me.” At just 22 years old, Hirsi stands as a poignant reminder that the path after college can be fraught with…

In a vibrant display of prowess on the continental stage, Mansur Abdullahi, the former team manager of Nigeria's Super Falcons, stands resolute in his belief. With a track record of success, the nine-time African champions are on the cusp of clinching their 10th title at the Women Africa Cup of Nations unfolding in Morocco. Having already triumphed over Tunisia, they now prepare for their pivotal match against Botswana. As the team gears up for their Wednesday evening clash at the Stade Olympique in Rabat, the intensity of…

Kenyan Youth Rise: The Voice of a Generation On June 25, 2025, Nairobi became a vibrant stage for the resilience of its youth. Clutching banners and donning bold bandanas, hundreds took to the streets not just to protest, but to honor the memory of over 60 fellow demonstrators who lost their lives in similar protests the previous year. But before marching, there was a somber task: writing their own eulogies—just in case. Among the many voices rising in fervor, 19-year-old Wilson, a jobless Nairobi resident, proclaimed,…

Somalia: The Flag Still Waves, But the Nation Does Not Stand OP-ED — Last evening, the iconic blue flag with its white star proudly fluttered over bustling city squares and quiet alleyways. Patriotic music spilled from loudspeakers in Mogadishu, filling the air with nostalgia and hope. In contrast, Hargeisa exuded a more subdued atmosphere, while Garowe's celebrations, albeit vibrant, were tinged with contemplation. As people exchanged polite smiles, one unspoken question lingered: "Where is our nation headed?"…

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…