West Africa

Nigeria's Nutrition Crisis: A Silent Struggle for Survival In the heart of Nigeria’s bustling capital, Abuja, a stark warning resonates from the Nigeria Health Watch Roundtable: the nation stands on the precipice of a silent crisis, grappling with a “triple burden” of malnutrition. This term paints a grim picture, embodying a complex web of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies that threatens the health and future of millions—especially the youngest among us. Understanding the Triple Burden As…

Voices from the Capital: A Clash Over Free Speech and Political Power The bustling avenues of Mogadishu tell tales of resilience, struggle, and now, a spotlight on the evolving discourse of power and free expression in Somalia. The Somali Salvation Council, a coalition shaped by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has brought forth a boiling issue in the Somali capital: the arrest of Hussein Mohamed Mahmoud Haadoole. A Controversial Arrest Earlier this week, Mogadishu's dynamic rhythm was cut by an event that has…

markdown Strengthening Bonds: Somalia and Djibouti Forge Deeper Ties In the bustling city of Mogadishu, amid the backdrop of age-old buildings and a resilient populace, a meeting of diplomatic significance quietly unfolded. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Abdiqadir Hussein Omar, marking a noteworthy moment in the continued camaraderie between these two Horn of Africa nations. A Message of Solidarity Emissaries serve not just as messengers but as symbols of continuity and…

Breaking News: U.S. Airstrikes Target ISIS Strongholds in Somalia's Baallade Valley The Baallade Valley in Somalia reverberated with the sound of warfare on Saturday night as U.S. forces launched a series of airstrikes aimed at dismantling the presence of the Islamic State (ISIS), according to security officials. The operation, which extended over several hours, concentrated on Maraagade—an area recognized for its entrenched ISIS strongholds. The strikes were reportedly audible in regions surrounding Bosaso, a significant…

Sobering Seizure at Somalia's Gateway: A Closer Look at the Drug Crisis Amid shimmering heat and the steady hum of life at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport, Somali police intercepted an alarming cargo—48 sacks of narcotics ready to breach the borders. As passengers crisscrossed the airport's buzzing terminals, this illicit cache threatened to slip quietly into the world beyond. A Calculated Haul This wasn't just a minor find. The Office of the Attorney General detailed the discovery: 48 bags, each divided into…

Somali Forces Foil Roadside Bombing in Lower Shabelle: A Triumph in Ongoing Conflict In the sunbaked landscape of Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, the rhythm of daily life was suddenly disrupted this past Saturday. Members of the Somali National Army's 14th October Battalion, led by the vigilant Brig. Gen. Abdirahin Mohamed Munye, safely intercepted a deadly roadside bomb intended to wreak havoc in the district of Janaale. This decisive action reflects the persistent challenges faced in a nation long-scarred by conflict and…

Rising Tensions in Mogadishu: The Resonating Echo of Conflict Mogadishu, a city with a complex past, witnessed another chilling reminder of its ongoing struggles on Saturday. In the bustling Heliwa district, a landmine explosion tore through the Suqa Xoolaha neighborhood. The attack claimed the life of at least one civilian and left two government soldiers wounded, casting a grim shadow over the area. The Scene and Immediate Repercussions Situated near a strategic checkpoint, the explosion seemed to be a calculated strike…

Drug Seizure in Mogadishu: A Deep Dive into Somalia's Battle Against Narcotics Mogadishu, Somalia – A major operation by Somali police has brought to light the grim realities of narcotic smuggling in the war-torn nation. At the heart of this unfolding drama are two containers seized at the bustling Mogadishu port, filled with illicit substances, including Tramadol, codeine syrup, and a locally infamous pill known as Bilig bilig. The Haul: A Snapshot Police spokesperson Abdifatah Adan Hassan announced the seizure on…

Crackdown on Drug Abuse: Liberia's Leadership Responds to Rising Public Outcry In a significant move this week, President Joseph N. Boakai of Liberia dismissed three top officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), a decision underscoring the administration's increasing awareness of the rampant drug issue plaguing the nation. This action comes amidst mounting public pressure and a recent scandal involving an LDEA senior official caught attempting to intervene on behalf of his daughter, who faced drug-related…

Somalia Embraces Digital Transformation: E-Visa System to Enhance Travel and Security In a groundbreaking move aimed at modernizing its immigration protocols, Somalia has unveiled an electronic visa (E-Visa) and electronic travel authorization system (eTAS), marking a significant step towards digital governance. This initiative is set to become a mandatory entry requirement for all foreign visitors starting September 1, 2025, offering a seamless online platform for visa applications. The launch represents a broader trend of…