West Africa

Tensions Rise in Las Anod: A Struggle for Sovereignty Las Anod, the vibrant capital of the Sanaag region, has recently found itself embroiled in a tragic conflict that transcends mere politics. On Saturday, the waves of discontent culminated in a clash between the Northeastern State security forces and armed fighters loyal to Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil, a notable figure who once held the esteemed position of speaker in the Northeastern State Parliament. This altercation, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of a civilian…

Nigeria is asserting that it is owed over $11 million by Benin and Togo for electricity supplied in the first quarter of 2025. This claim comes from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which has underscored the growing tensions in cross-border energy transactions. Despite having established bilateral agreements that ensure a consistent supply of power to its neighbors, the payment behavior of these countries has been less than encouraging. Intriguingly, while Togo has failed to make any payments, Benin…

Resurgence in Nigeria's Forex Markets: A Sign of Economic Optimism A notable turnaround is echoing through Nigeria's foreign exchange landscape. A recently observed uptick in the international usage of naira cards highlights a blossoming confidence that permeates the market. This shift can be attributed to a combination of pragmatic monetary policy reforms, a revival of bank initiatives, and a general enlivening of the economy. Engaging in cross-border transactions has become more accessible, allowing for smoother…

Recent developments in Burkina Faso have raised eyebrows both domestically and internationally, as the military government has enacted significant changes affecting foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In a notable decree, the government announced the withdrawal of operating licenses for four foreign NGOs and the suspension of two other associations. These decrees, attributed to a government minister, were formalized in mid-June. While the minister referenced specific breaches that justified the actions, the…

**Mogadishu (AX)** — In a significant move towards enhancing stability in Somalia, the African Union (AU) has decided to extend the presence of Burundian troops for another six months. This extension is part of an overarching strategy aimed at reinforcing efforts against the militant group al-Shabaab while simultaneously supporting state-building initiatives in the tumultuous region. The decision was made during a virtual meeting held on Thursday, convened by the line ministers of AU member states who comprise the African…

Strengthening Bonds: Somalia and South Africa's Diplomatic Dialogue Pretoria (AX) – On a notably sunny Friday afternoon, the serene atmosphere of Pretoria buzzed with enthusiasm as two prominent figures in international diplomacy came together for a pivotal meeting. Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, sat down with South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Ozzy Lamola. Their discussion was more than just another diplomatic gathering; it was…

Mogadishu (AX) — Strengthening International Support for AUSSOM The Somali government has once again placed a heartfelt call for robust international support to enhance the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This appeal isn’t just about finance; it’s about fostering a sense of global responsibility toward stabilizing a nation that has faced significant challenges for decades. Sustained financial aid, along with long-term funding solutions, are not mere line items on a budget; they are…

In a recent press briefing that took place at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness and International Cooperation, Dr. Debo Akande, shared a wealth of insights regarding the state’s burgeoning agribusiness sector. As he commenced the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing, a palpable sense of optimism filled the room. It was evident that the future of agribusiness in Oyo State is…

As we look toward the future, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has demonstrated commendable progress in bolstering the nation’s economic foundations. By the end of June 2025, Ghana’s gold reserves had surged to a notable 32.99 tonnes, a significant leap from the 32.16 tonnes recorded just a month prior. This consistent growth underscores Ghana's strategic efforts to shore up its foreign exchange buffers and enhance economic stability. According to the latest statistics from the central bank, Ghana's gold reserves have appreciated…

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko for defamation, a verdict first delivered in January 2024. This decision pertains to accusations against him for attempting to tarnish the reputation of former tourism minister Mame Mbaye Niang. The ramifications extend far beyond the courtroom, playing a pivotal role in the political landscape of the nation. As the Supreme Court dismissed Sonko’s appeal for a reversal, the implications for his political career became…