threatens

Garowe (AX) — In a significant development, the Northeastern State regional administration has placed a definitive ban on the administration of North Western State of Somalia’s certificate examination in the Badhan district of the Sanaag region. This area is pivotal, as it is contested land claimed by both Northeastern State and North Western State of Somalia, making the decision a potentially contentious one. On Sunday, the Governor of the Sanaag region, representing Northeastern State, took a firm stance by announcing…

World Malaria Day, commemorated annually on April 25, serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need for ongoing political commitment and investment in malaria prevention and control. This is especially critical in Africa, a region that accounts for a staggering 94% of global malaria cases and deaths. Just consider this: while we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, one ill-defined mosquito continues its reign as a leading enemy to children and mothers, and indeed, entire communities. Recently, Uganda marked…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable escalation of diplomatic tensions, North Western State of Somalia has issued a stern warning against the potential visit of Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Las Anod, reigniting a long-standing territorial conflict over this contested city. Come Friday, North Western State of Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning Prime Minister Barre's proposed visit as a “brazen breach” of territorial integrity. The message was clear: Somalia’s federal…

Mogadishu (AX) — The path to Mogadishu is fraught with challenges. Once-thriving towns now lay shattered, with makeshift outposts marking territories—changing hands one too many times, too quickly to remember. A new report from the insightful Soufan Center has painted a stark picture: Al-Shabaab's newest offensive in central Somalia threatens to destabilize Mogadishu. The capital stands vulnerable as Somalia’s forces—spread far too thin—grapple with an alarming surge in militant activities. Since February 2025, a chilling…

The complexities of international trade and local economics can often brew storms, leaving us to wonder about the wisdom of certain policies. One such focal point right now is the bustling activity surrounding the Dangote Refinery, particularly with its naira-for-crude policy that’s been quite the topic. This policy, orchestrated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, dictates that local refiners buy crude oil in naira rather than dollars. At first glance, this sounds like a strategic move to…

Mogadishu (AX) — The intricate tapestry of Ethiopian politics is once again at a crossroads, with the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) standing poised on the verge of conflict. This tension unfurls from a central grievance: the perceived breach of a peace agreement by the Ethiopian government. Signed in 2018, during the nascent tenure of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the accord promised autonomy over resources for the Somali region, an acknowledgment of historical injustices, and a commitment to foster free trade…

Addressing Somalia's Overlapping Crises There are times when we find ourselves confronted by crises that weave themselves together, creating challenges that are daunting yet demand immediate action. As we cast our gaze upon Somalia, this narrative of intertwined emergencies unfolds—its fragility laid bare by nature's whims and the pressure of humanitarian needs. A Warning That Cannot Be Ignored "These overlapping crises demand immediate, collective, and well-coordinated action to strengthen Somalia’s resilience and…

As the specter of strained trade relations looms over South Africa, a wave of uncertainty permeates the air. The United States, a significant player in global commerce, has hinted at severing vital economic ties, igniting anxiety among South African entrepreneurs and corporations alike. Is it time for Africa's most industrialized nation to brace itself for a seismic economic shift? This isn't merely theoretical speculation; it’s a scenario that resonates with real-world implications. Picture the bustling markets of…

Libya, a nation once brimming with promise, now finds itself teetering on the edge of instability. During a recent session of the UN Security Council, UN Political Affairs chief Rosemary DiCarlo painted a stark picture of a country burdened by deep-rooted political fractures, widespread economic mismanagement, and alarming human rights abuses. “Libya’s unity is imperiled,” DiCarlo stated, capturing the essence of a nation grappling with its own factions. Political divisions have become so pronounced that they threaten the…

Experts contend that the Congo Basin holds the title of the planet's most vital carbon sink, outpacing even the Amazon in its ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Recent discoveries of extensive peatlands hidden beneath this lush expanse have solidified this view. As global appetite for minerals surges—especially those crucial to the ongoing energy shift—the effects on the region's forests are becoming increasingly alarming. According to Earth Insight, a staggering 27% of the intact forests are now encompassed within mining…