As nicotine pouches surge in popularity, the World Health Organization is pressing governments to tighten controls, warning that the highly addictive products are being "aggressively marketed" in ways that hold particular appeal for younger people. The small pouches, placed under the lip to deliver a nicotine buzz, have quickly emerged as a crucial growth area for major tobacco companies as cigarette smoking continues its long decline. That rise, however, has drawn mounting criticism from campaigners and researchers over the…

Somalia’s politics is shaped by clan history, security conditions and an election process that has often relied on indirect voting. As the country moves through the 2026 electoral cycle, young people—now a large share of the population—are seeking more voice through civic groups, political parties, and candidate engagement, while facing barriers linked to money, access and institutional design.Analysts and election-focused organisations say youth participation is increasingly visible in public forums and voter-related…

Saturday April 11, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — More than 500 young athletes crowded into Mogadishu on Friday for Somalia’s annual short-distance marathon, a race officials are using to scout the next generation of competitors for the international arena. The capital-hosted event drew open participation from aspiring runners across the country, with no restrictions based on age or competitive experience. Organizers said the broader goal is to widen Somalia’s athletics pipeline and give the country a stronger foothold in global…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A high-profile ceremony in Mogadishu on Monday, March 30, brought the first season of the “Daaci 2026” program to a close, spotlighting a new generation of Somali creators whose online work promoted uplifting social and religious messages during Ramadan. The campaign was spearheaded by Nasiye, a startup created by young entrepreneurs and known for its IPTV services, with backing from telecom heavyweights Hormuud Telecom and WAAfi. Its central mission was to reshape Somali digital spaces by steering…

The African Union's Legitimacy Crisis Among Youth Amid the annual summit in Ethiopia, the African Union faces a growing legitimacy crisis, particularly among the continent's youth. With 1.4 billion people to consider, the organization's failure to meet young Africans' expectations is increasingly evident. Youth frustration is linked to the AU's perceived focus on leaders over citizens. Military coups and protests highlight the disconnect between young Africans and their leaders. The AU Summit will address climate…

Australia’s world-first ban on social media use by under-16s has taken effect, forcing platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook to block underage users or face fines of up to €28 million. From Dublin to Brussels, policymakers are watching closely. The question in Ireland is not only whether such a ban could work here, but whether it should—legally, practically and politically—within the European framework. In Ireland, the immediate answer from government is cautious distance. Communications Minister…

Puntland State arrests senior immigration official in Garowe over alleged youth-smuggling passports Garowe, Somalia — Puntland State security forces on Sunday arrested a senior official with the Immigration and Nationality Authority in Garowe on allegations he facilitated youth smuggling networks by illegally issuing Somali passports, authorities said. The official, identified by local sources as the deputy head of the Garowe Immigration Office, is accused of producing travel documents for large numbers of young people who…

SOUTH AFRICA — South Africa faces what health researchers call a “vaping crisis” among adolescents while a long-promised overhaul of the country’s tobacco laws sits largely dormant. The draft Tobacco Bill published in 2018 — designed to extend smoke-free public spaces, introduce plain packaging and ban point-of-sale displays for both cigarettes and electronic cigarettes — has yet to clear the long road from proposal to law, leaving regulators and public-health advocates alarmed as youth nicotine use climbs. A 2024 study of…

Morocco's Bold Investment in Health and Education: A Hopeful Path for Reform In a significant stride towards modernization, Morocco has unveiled plans to invest 140 billion dirhams—approximately $14 billion—into its education and health sectors in the coming year. Announced at a ministerial meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI in Rabat, this initiative aims to address long-standing issues in these critical areas, marking a substantial commitment to improving the nation's infrastructure and workforce. A Boost to Health…

Youth Awakening: The New Face of Resistance in Togo As the sun set over the streets of Lomé, Togo's capital, the air buzzed with defiance. Young people carrying banners took to the streets, chanting for change and demanding political accountability from a regime that has ruled for nearly six decades. This wave of protests marks a significant generational shift in Togo’s political landscape—one that is uniquely vibrant and unfettered by the constraints of their parents' memories. A New Generation Takes the Lead Unlike…