takes

The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) recently made headlines with its controversial decision to replace striking lecturers with part-time staff, offering a meager rate of just US$5.50 per hour. Of this amount, a staggering 40%—equivalent to US$2.20—will be disbursed in local currency, subject to income tax. Whose idea was this, one might wonder, to disregard the commitment and expertise that full-time educators bring to the table? As the sun rises over the university campus, classrooms remain eerily quiet. Striking lecturers…

Pop singer Dawn Richard took the witness stand once again in Sean "Diddy" Combs' ongoing sex trafficking trial. Last week, she shared gripping accounts with the jury, detailing years of alleged physical and emotional abuse inflicted by the hip-hop mogul on his then-girlfriend. Ms. Richard, who gained fame as a member of the pop group Danity Kane, recounted a harrowing incident that occurred at Mr. Combs' Los Angeles residence in 2009. She described how he allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, dragging her…

Tragedy Strikes in Mogadishu: Al-Shabaab Attack Leaves 15 Dead at Recruitment Base By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring MOGADISHU, Somalia – A cloud of grief hung over Mogadishu on Sunday as the al-Shabaab group claimed responsibility for a heinous attack at a military recruitment base. The strike, which left 15 potential recruits dead and many others injured, targeted the hopefuls who dreamt of serving their nation. In a…

Tidjane Thiam, a prominent figure in Ivorian politics, has unexpectedly resumed his role as the leader of the country’s foremost opposition party. This surprising turn of events occurred just days after he had stepped down from the position. Following legal complications that emerged with his presidential aspirations for the upcoming October elections, Thiam initially announced his resignation from the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire - African Democratic Rally. At 62, his political journey has taken a tumultuous path,…

US President Donald Trump took to Air Force One recently, using his downtime to openly criticize musician Bruce Springsteen, whom he referred to as an "obnoxious JERK," while also declaring Taylor Swift "no longer HOT" in a series of social media posts. During his return from a diplomatic tour in the Middle East, Trump made headlines on his Truth Social platform, engaging in a feud with Springsteen. The legendary rocker had recently expressed his concerns about America’s leadership, calling it a "corrupt, incompetent and…

Celebrating Breakthroughs in Education: Slum2School Africa Wins the 2025 HP Digital Equity Accelerator Prize In a remarkable development that underscores the transformative power of education, Slum2School Africa has been awarded the prestigious 2025 HP Digital Equity Accelerator Prize. This accolade not only recognizes their impactful efforts in Nigeria but also places them among a select group of eight nonprofits across four countries—each committed to redefining accessible digital learning for…

Mogadishu (AX) — Recently, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) took a bold step by conducting an airstrike targeting a stateless vessel off the coast of Somalia. This action, aimed at a vessel reportedly transporting advanced weaponry to the militant group Al-Shabaab, marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle against maritime smuggling in the region. It’s not often that airpower is deployed in such a way, creating ripples of interest and concern across military and political circles. Officials from both the Somali…

Nairobi National Park: A Complex Dance of Coexistence Nairobi National Park, a unique sanctuary nestled just outside the bustling capital of Kenya, is a biodiverse haven where majestic lions, graceful giraffes, agile leopards, mighty buffalo, and swift cheetahs roam. This juxtaposition of city life and wild habitat is part of what makes Kenya so distinctive. However, this closeness between human settlements and wildlife can sometimes lead to tragic encounters, a reminder of the delicate balance we must maintain. Recently,…

In recent years, the relationship between Türkiye and Somalia has blossomed, evolving into a robust partnership across a range of sectors. This transformation is attributed to the diligent efforts of both nations, particularly highlighted by the insightful words of Somalia's Foreign Minister, Ali Mohamed Omar. He emphasizes the growing areas of cooperation that have nurtured these ties, particularly praising Türkiye's pivotal role as a mediator in addressing regional challenges. One only needs to look at a Turkish…

An Inspiring Encounter: Hanu Fejiro Reflects on Time Spent with Sir Richard Branson Have you ever met someone you admired deeply since childhood, someone whose life story not only shaped your thinking but also encouraged you to tread your own path with fearless ambition? Recently, Nigerian entrepreneur and innovator Hanu Fejiro experienced such a powerful encounter—spending quality time with legendary entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson, on Necker Island, Branson’s spectacular private escape nestled in the clear waters of…