West Africa

West Africa Media and Development Conference Kicks Off in Abuja The third edition of the West Africa Media and Development Conference (MDC 3.0) is underway in Abuja, bringing together approximately 300 journalists, policymakers, researchers, diplomats, and technology leaders from across more than a dozen African countries. In his opening remarks at the conference on Monday, Dapo Olorunyomi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES,…

MINNEAPOLIS (AX) — Minnesota officials, immigration attorneys and Somali American leaders urged calm Monday and denounced “dangerous misinformation” after former President Donald Trump claimed in a social media post that he had immediately terminated Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals — a move legal experts said he cannot make and that has not occurred. TPS for Somalia remains in effect through March 17, 2026, under a Department of Homeland Security designation that shields eligible Somali nationals from…

GALKAYO, Somalia — A Puntland State court on Monday sentenced Hodan Mohamud Diiriye to death for the murder of 14-year-old Sabiriin Saylaan, a case that gripped Somalia’s central city of Galkayo after an hours-long hearing was streamed live on social media and drew widespread public attention. The First Instance Court of Mudug Region found Diiriye directly responsible for the girl’s death, concluding proceedings that had been closely followed both online and in the streets amid mounting public anger. The court also sentenced…

Students Escape from Kidnapping in Niger State Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations In a harrowing incident that has sparked national outrage, fifty out of more than 300 students and 12 teachers kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State have successfully escaped and have been reunited with their families. The escape comes amidst an intensifying military-led search and rescue operation aimed at locating the remaining victims, who are still held captive by their abductors. This kidnapping incident follows a troubling…

Mass Kidnappings in Nigeria: A Growing Crisis The recent abductions of over 300 children from a Catholic school in Niger state highlight the persistent threat of kidnappings in Nigeria. Despite escapes and appeals for resolution, the crisis continues amid growing international concern. 303 children and 12 teachers were abducted from St Mary's co-education school. Fifty children have managed to escape, leaving 251 primary school pupils, 14 secondary students, and 12 teachers still missing. Abductions in Nigeria…

Somali Teacher’s Day is a moment to honor lecturers whose reach stretches far beyond classrooms — educators who guide, inspire and shape generations. For me, this year carries a deeply personal weight: it marks 10 years since I first stood at a chalkboard and began the work that would define my voice, my discipline and my purpose. My path into education began as a teenage girl helping young learners and unfolded across primary schools, secondary schools, universities and, eventually, a graduate program in Japan. A decade…

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…

Nigeria Faces Second Mass School Abduction in a Week Nigeria is grappling with a major security crisis following a second mass abduction from a school within a week. Christian organizations and state officials are responding to escalating concerns about the safety of students and teachers in the region. 315 students and teachers abducted from St Mary's school in Niger state. Second mass school kidnapping in a week, following abductions in Kebbi state. Security measures heightened with school closures ordered in…

Mass School Abduction in Niger State, Nigeria 227 pupils and teachers were kidnapped from St. Mary’s School in Niger State. This follows the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State. The attacks exemplify ongoing security challenges in Nigeria. Details of the Niger State Incident The recent abduction involved 215 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution. Attackers stormed the premises early on Friday morning. The school is located near a major road and operates alongside a…

A Somali businessman was shot dead inside his shop in Philippi, Cape Town, on Friday night, underscoring a rise in violent attacks targeting Somali traders in South Africa. The victim was identified by local sources as Mahmoud Abdi Osman. Osman was killed when armed assailants entered his store and opened fire, according to people familiar with the incident. Philippi is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous areas for Somali business owners, who have been repeatedly targeted in robberies and shootings. South African…