West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of prominent opposition groups spearheaded by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, released a powerful statement this past Saturday night. In it, they leveled serious accusations against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, asserting that he is undermining national cohesion and straying from the mutually agreed-upon blueprint for state-building. The statements emerged following a significant meeting in Mogadishu, where concerns were raised regarding the President’s…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an important step toward fostering national unity and addressing pressing governance issues, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially announced the commencement of the National Consultation Forum. Scheduled to open in Mogadishu on June 15, 2025, this high-level gathering aims to bring together political and civil society leaders to discuss critical state-building priorities. “In times of uncertainty, dialogue becomes not just a mechanism, but a bridge,” President Hassan Sheikh articulated…

Exploiting Dreams: The Alabuga Dilemma A recent initiative marketed as a scholarship and vocational training opportunity turned into a disturbing revelation for many Nigerian youths. The promise of new skills and modest stipends within the confines of Russia's Alabuga Special Economic Zone was tantalizing. Just imagine the excitement of being selected for a program bearing the charm of educational growth and professional development. However, this excitement soon spiraled into something far more sinister.…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant step towards enhancing security and stability, the Somali military court delivered a resounding message on Saturday by sentencing five individuals for their affiliation with Al-Shabaab and their involvement in orchestrating a series of assassination plots and bombings within the heart of Mogadishu. The proceedings took place at the First Instance Court of the Armed Forces, where the weight of justice was borne on the shoulders of these convicted men. The convictions were rooted in…

The Future of Open-Source Models: Governance and Collaboration In today's rapidly advancing technological landscape, a salient topic of discourse unites researchers, tech executives, and policymakers: the governance of open-source models. These models, characterized by their free accessibility and capacity for modification, offer incredible potential but also pose significant questions about ownership, accountability, and ethical standards. How can we strike a balance that fosters innovation while…

The Return of Mahad Salad: A Crucial Shift in Somalia's National Security Landscape In a significant turn of events for Somalia's national security framework, Mahad Salad is stepping back into the leadership role at the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). His return, following his resignation in April 2024 to campaign for the presidency of Galmudug state, comes at a pivotal moment as the government heightens its counterinsurgency efforts against the al-Shabab militant group. With intelligence coordination…

Three years have slipped by since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ascended to power in Somalia, a nation still navigating the delicate art of governance following decades of turmoil. Elected through a rather intricate indirect electoral model, where parliamentarians drawn from clan delegates select the president, this system has long been a double-edged sword. As his term inches toward its conclusion with merely a year remaining, discussions have heated up regarding how power will relinquish itself come next year.…

Somalia's Indispensable Moment: The Human Rights Commission Mogadishu – Emerging from decades of turmoil, Somalia finds itself at a pivotal juncture with the establishment of its Independent Human Rights Commission. This isn’t merely a formality; it represents a constitutional obligation—a profound test of the nation's ethical landscape and the moral duty of its leaders. Tasked by the Provisional Constitution, this commission aims not just to enhance governance but to actively safeguard the dignity of…

In a significant gesture marking a new chapter in Africa's economic strategy, a remarkable commitment of $16 million was announced during a high-profile meeting at the 2025 African Development Bank (AfDB) Annual Meetings, held in the vibrant city of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This pledge signifies not merely a financial boost but a powerful statement about the continent's aspirations and collective capability. This substantial increase, more than tripling the previous pledge of $5 million, represents a watershed…

France and Africa: A Visa Connection In an interesting pivot towards enhanced international mobility, France has witnessed an unprecedented surge in visa applications from Africa, with over 1.36 million applications submitted in 2024 alone. This figure stands in sharp contrast to a global total of around 3 million applications, demonstrating a solid 17% increase compared to the previous year. The numbers alone tell a compelling story; they are an indication of France's deep-rooted…