West Africa

London Mayor Sadiq Khan Embarks on Groundbreaking Trade Mission to Africa In a decision that notably underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape, London Mayor Sadiq Khan is preparing for a significant visit to four pivotal African cities: Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. This trip, part of a broader UK-Africa engagement initiative, aims to enhance trade, foster investment, and cultivate cultural cooperation between the United Kingdom and the African continent. Such a tour is not merely…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a strategic military operation that reflects both resilience and determination, the Somali National Army (SNA), alongside the local Macawisley militia, has successfully neutralized two senior leaders of the Al-Shabaab militant group. The operation took place in the Guulane area of the Middle Shabelle region and was confirmed by military sources on Friday. The targeted individuals have been identified as Ali Abuukar Mohamed Saaqle, better known as Ali Habad, and Mohamed Addow Isse. Both men were…

Angélique Kidjo has taken a monumental step in history, becoming the first Black African artist to earn a star on the revered Hollywood Walk of Fame. This recognition is an extraordinary milestone, not only for Kidjo but for countless artists who dream of global influence. The vibrant, five-time Grammy-winning vocalist, hailing from Benin, is among the 2026 honorees, which also includes luminaries such as Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, and towering figure Shaquille O'Neal. Kidjo's journey through the music industry spans…

In a significant development for regional agriculture, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have united to establish the Alliance of Agricultural Seed Producers of the Sahel (APSA-Sahel). This initiative aims to enhance food sovereignty across the Sahel, specifically by fostering seed systems that are carefully tailored to the region's unique climate and agricultural challenges. The announcement was recently made by Denis Ouédraogo, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Agriculture, highlighting a collaborative commitment shared…

Next week promises to be a pivotal moment in international relations as U.S. President Donald Trump embarks on his first significant diplomatic initiative focused on Africa since re-entering the political arena. A summit of this magnitude raises important questions: What will be the outcome of these discussions? What implications will this gathering have on U.S.-Africa relations moving forward? The meeting is set to convene five esteemed African leaders: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of Liberia, President Bassirou Diomaye…

In an empowering celebration of diversity and artistry, the acclaimed African music icon, Angélique Kidjo, has recently secured her place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside an exceptional group of talents set to be honored in the Class of 2026. This eclectic lineup includes personalities such as Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Deepika Padukone, who notably becomes the first Indian actress to receive this honor, and basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, among others. What a diverse collective of groundbreakers! The…

Nigeria's political landscape is once again stirring, as a group of formidable opposition leaders has come together to form a coalition under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Among them are notable figures like Peter Obi, who made waves during his presidential campaign, and Atiku Abubakar, a seasoned political player. Their objective? To take on President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections. This coalition does not merely consist of a handful of politicians; it embodies a response to a populace…

Starlink Launches in Chad: A New Era of Connectivity In a landmark development for digital access, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has officially launched Starlink, its innovative satellite internet service, in Chad. This significant step follows the completion of its licensing process, firmly establishing its operations in the nation. The confirmation of this launch was shared through the company’s official availability map, much to the excitement of those eager for enhanced internet connectivity in this region.…

Egypt's Commitment to Somalia: A Collaborative Effort for Stability On a pivotal Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdelatty, participated in an insightful virtual session convened by the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC). The focus of this meeting steered towards the evolving landscape in Somalia, particularly the transition from the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to what is being termed as the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Thursday, the Somali Council of Ministers reached a significant milestone, formally endorsing a list of nine candidates for appointment to the National Independent Human Rights Commission (NIHRC). Convened under the leadership of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, this weekly session marked a pivotal moment in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to build a robust human rights institution. The nominations, which originated from the Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, were the result of what the…