West Africa

The ongoing withdrawal of French troops from West Africa is creating a significant power vacuum, one that is rapidly attracting the interests of private military contractors. Analysts have noted a concerning trend: nations in the Sahel region are increasingly leaning on these firms for a variety of missions. What does this mean for regional stability and the future of international military cooperation? As of early 2025, France has transferred control of its historic military bases from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to…

The highly anticipated grand opening of the latest Wear It All Luxury boutique took place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Libreville Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja. This spectacular event gathered a host of influential figures from the realms of fashion, entertainment, and business. Among the memorable highlights of the evening was the appearance of Afrobeats sensation Davido, whose star power elevated the atmosphere and added an undeniable sparkle to what was already an extraordinary occasion.…

New Leadership in Mogadishu: Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab Takes the Helm Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant shift within the municipal leadership landscape, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appointed Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab as the new Governor of the Banadir Region and the Mayor of Mogadishu. This decision comes as part of a presidential decree issued on Wednesday, which officially relieves Mohamed Ahmed Amiir of his duties. This appointment brings both continuity and change. Dr. Muungaab isn’t…

Nearly half of South Africa's refining capacity lies dormant, a staggering statistic that highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the nation's energy sector. In just five years, South Africa's refining capacity has been slashed by 50%, a decline attributed to a complex mix of accidents and a desperate lack of investment. At times, the magnitude of these figures can be overwhelming, but what does this really mean for the everyday South African? According to Transnet SOC Ltd., the state-owned logistics firm,…

Somalia's Political Conference: A Critical Meeting of Minds in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) — On a noteworthy Wednesday in the heart of Somalia, a significant political conference convened, drawing the eyes of the nation and beyond. This gathering brought together influential opposition figures, setting the stage for an important dialogue on Somalia’s political trajectory, security environment, and electoral framework. In many ways, this moment could be pivotal in the ever-evolving landscape of power in Somalia. At…

In a tragic display of violence, the heart-wrenching toll in Nigeria's central Benue state has escalated, with at least 42 lives claimed in a series of brutal attacks. This disheartening episode highlights a grim reality that many Nigerians face daily. A police spokesperson has confirmed these assaults, detailing a particularly harrowing incident where a police officer tragically lost his life while bravely defending against the assailants. Benue state, nestled in Nigeria's Middle Belt, serves as a poignant backdrop to the…

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is navigating tumultuous waters. As jihadist groups proliferate, taking advantage of strained inter-state relations, the specter of violence looms large over countries in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. Recent months have seen a disturbing rise in violent incidents, particularly in nations like Benin and Nigeria. It raises an important question: How can regional organizations effectively combat such escalating security threats amidst political disarray? A…

Security Alert Issued Following Abuja Explosion The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has recently issued a significant security alert in response to a troubling explosion that occurred in Abuja on Monday. This incident resulted not only in the death of the suspected bomber but also left one other individual injured. Such occurrences raise alarms, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of life in various parts of the world, and especially in regions facing heightened security risks. In its advisory, the U.S. Embassy urged all…

JIGJIGA, Ethiopia (AX) — Mustafa Mohamed Omar, widely recognized as Mustafa Cagjar, the President of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, has firmly rejected recent allegations asserting that his administration played a role in sowing division within the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF). These claims originated from a faction of the ONLF, which has accused the regional government of intentionally causing a schism within the organization. In a revealing interview with BBC Somali, President Cagjar dismissed these…

Understanding the Economic Toll of Visa Rejections on African Nations The losses incurred by African countries from rejected visa applications often serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals seeking opportunities abroad. These rejections are not just numbers; they represent dreams dashed and aspirations not realized. Specifically, these losses arise from a broad category of EU-issued visas, which encompasses national visas intended for study, employment, and long-term residence. Imagine…