West Africa

A thought-provoking adage reminds us, “Whoever desires to raise a high building must strengthen and perfect its foundation.” Initially, this wisdom applies to architecture, yet its resonance echoes deeply within the spheres of politics and diplomacy. Take, for instance, the unfolding narrative of North Western State of Somalia. This self-declared state, seeking international recognition and broader engagement, must establish a sound domestic foundation for its foreign policy to be effective. It’s imperative to recognize…

SOMALI PRIME MINISTER HAMZA ABDI BARRE (LEFT) MEETS WITH DJIBOUTIAN PRESIDENT ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH (RIGHT) AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE IN DJIBOUTI ON JUNE 2, 2025. THE LEADERS DISCUSSED REGIONAL SECURITY AND EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN SOMALIA AND DJIBOUTI. Djibouti City, Djibouti (AX) — In a significant meeting held on Monday, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre engaged with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh. The focal points of their discussion centered around enhancing bilateral…

Engaging in Dialogue: A Commitment to Somalia’s Future The recent remarks made by former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo highlight a pivotal moment in Somalia's political landscape. “I welcome the timeline for the national consultative dialogue proposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud concerning critical national issues, particularly elections, security, and the Constitution,” he expressed. This sentiment reverberates through the hearts of many Somalis who yearn for a cohesive and sustainable political…

In a striking revelation, Environment Watch, a revered non-governmental organization, has attributed the tragic loss of life during the recent floods in Mokwa, Niger State, to a failure in executing the Ministry of Works' 2025 Budget. The organization's critical stance toward Minister of Works David Umahi accuses him of procrastination in vital drainage and erosion control initiatives. Had these measures been timely and effectively implemented, would many lives have been spared? The deluge—precipitated by relentless…

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has recently raised concerns over the sharp uptick in mpox cases across the nation. With 69 "active cases" reported, the situation demands attention. This surge isn't just a local phenomenon; NPHIL has confirmed that these viral strains are highly infectious and have crossed borders into neighboring countries. In response, authorities are urging schools, places of worship, and businesses to take precautionary measures. Imagine entering a bustling market and noticing…

Somalia's National Conference Tackles Arms Control Challenges Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal move toward enhancing national security, Somalia's federal government convened a two-day national conference on Monday in Mogadishu. This gathering aimed to confront the pressing issues of illicit arms, unmonitored ammunition, and the insidious threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) used by insurgent factions. Under the leadership of Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the conference was organized by the Office of the…

Coastal Weather Alert: A Caution for All Maritime Users On Monday, an important alert was issued highlighting the deteriorating conditions along our coastal waters. Winds are projected to reach speeds ranging from 14 km/h to 45 km/h, which could lead to waves swelling up to a daunting height of 1.9 meters. Such rough seas pose significant hazards, particularly for small boats and various maritime activities. The Coast Guard has sounded the alarm, issuing a cautionary statement directed at all maritime users—including…

It was the year 2017 when I found myself at a crossroads; I had just resigned from my job, and the job market looked as bleak as a stormy sky. Survival became my only priority, yet opportunities seemed as elusive as the morning mist. I took stock of my skills. I could type, edit, manage printing operations, and even train people on basic computer usage. It was a simple realization, but it sparked a question in my mind: “Why not venture into business?” That was the seed that germinated…

KSrelief: A Beacon of Hope for the Most Vulnerable Communities In a world rife with challenges, the Saudi aid agency KSrelief stands tall as a testament to compassion and commitment. Providing crucial assistance to some of the globe’s most vulnerable populations, KSrelief is not just an organization; it is a lifeline for those in dire need. Recent Initiatives in Syria Take, for instance, a recent initiative in Sarmada, located in the Idlib Governorate of the Syrian Arab Republic. Here, KSrelief distributed 2,290 food…

This year marked a significant turning point for Nigeria's cinematic landscape. It wasn't merely about showcasing films; it was about reframing the entire narrative surrounding Nollywood. As Nigeria took center stage at Cannes, it emphasized a crucial point: Nollywood must be valued not just as a cultural phenomenon but as a vital economic force. This nuanced understanding paves the way for a more substantial investment in its future. From Applause to Infrastructure For years, African creative industries have…