West Africa

Remembering General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice It is with profound sorrow that we reflect on the life and legacy of General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan, a stalwart figure in Somalia’s military history, who passed away on May 28, 2025, in a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. This news, delivered through an official statement by Somali MP Abdullahi Aden Kulane, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have defended our nation's sovereignty. “With great sorrow, I extend my…

TotalEnergies Divests Stake in Nigeria’s Bonga Oil Field: Implications for the Industry On a notable Thursday, French energy powerhouse TotalEnergies made headlines by announcing its decision to sell a 12.5% non-operating stake in Nigeria’s Bonga oil field. The buyer of this stake is none other than a subsidiary of Shell, with the transaction valued at an impressive $510 million. Such a substantial move is indicative of broader trends in the energy sector, where strategic shifts are not just common—they’re essential for…

Somali National Army Takes Major Strides Against Al-Shabaab Beledweyne (AX) — In a continuing effort to reclaim territory from Al-Shabaab, the Somali National Army (SNA), alongside local militia forces, launched a meticulously planned assault on militant positions in the Aboorey area of Buula Burte district, located in the Hiiraan region, early Thursday morning. The vivid imagery of modern warfare is often marked by unforeseen tension and a palpable sense of urgency. Imagine for a moment,…

Somalia’s Unforgettable Football Renaissance: A Hopeful Future in the Stadium of Dreams On May 27, 2025, Mogadishu Stadium was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of joy and optimism. Thousands of Somalis, both young and old, gathered under the sun to witness what many called a landmark exhibition football match. The atmosphere was electric, invoking a sense of shared purpose that transcended the boundaries of sport. At the heart of this grand event, supported by FIFA’s “peace tour,” was a mission to rejuvenate Somalia’s…

It all began with a simple message on LinkedIn. Nova Phoenix, the visionary founder of LyfebloodDAO in the U.S., had just returned from dynamic blockchain conferences in Dubai and Singapore when he reached out to Rume Ophi, a passionate Web3 advocate from Nigeria. What started off as a casual check-in quickly blossomed into an ambitious idea: why wait for someone else to orchestrate a transformative African Web3 event when they could collaborate to make it happen themselves? The result is Decentralized Nigeria,…

Nigerian Diaspora Remittances: A Heartfelt Connection In the intricate tapestry of Nigeria’s economy, remittances from its diaspora serve as a vital thread, weaving together families and communities. These small, often modest sums sent back home effortlessly transcend mere financial transactions. They capture emotional ties, familial commitments, and the enduring spirit of togetherness. Take, for instance, the remarkable figure of $20.93 billion in remittances recorded in 2024. This five-year high tells a compelling…

Nigeria and South Africa: The Energy Landscape Shift Recent developments in Africa’s energy scene are hard to ignore, particularly when we consider Nigeria's evolution from being the continent's most significant petrol importer to approaching self-sufficiency in fuel production. For years, Nigeria, despite its status as one of Africa's largest crude oil producers, has struggled with heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum. What does this transformation mean for the national psyche? Could this be the moment…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Wednesday, a significant chapter unfolded in Somalia’s evolving narrative, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed African football legends Samuel Eto’o, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jay-Jay Okocha to the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. This moment was not merely a casual gathering; it represented a powerful stride toward rebuilding Somalia’s international image through the unifying power of sports. The President spoke earnestly about the importance of this visit. “This visit by our African brothers is…

U.S. Forces Strike Al-Shabab: A Closer Look at Recent Developments Over the weekend, U.S. forces executed an airstrike against the al Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab in Somalia. This operation represents a continued commitment by the United States to combat extremism in a region that has been beset by conflict for decades. The airstrike, carried out by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), specifically targeted an area approximately 40 miles northwest of Kismayo, a known stronghold for al-Shabab forces. The significance of this…

Somali poets often delve into the intricate depths of philosophy and social critique. A shining example of this is Hadrawi, whose poem 'Dabo-Huwan' sharply critiques neoliberalism and the ripple effects of globalization. He argues with fervor that the relentless chase for material wealth has corroded the moral core of Somali society. In his view, the modern fixation on individual desires has inadvertently catalyzed the erosion of time-honored cultural virtues—endurance, harmony, trust, honesty, unity, and, most…