East Africa

(Photo: Social Media) In Ethiopia’s Amhara region, specifically the Wagihimra Zone, a nasty measles outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 15 people, worsened by an ongoing drought. Speaking with Addis Standard, Wagihimra’s health honcho, Assefa Negash, divulged that almost 1,800 folks have caught measles. Negash painted a grim picture of a “complicated” health catastrophe entangled with a severe crop failure. “Last year's lack of rain triggered a drought, ushering in cholera, measles, malaria, scabies, and even…

Mogadishu (AX) - On Saturday, three Somali fishermen who had drifted at sea for over three months were discovered in the Maldives. The Maldivian police revealed they were located by the nation's coast guard and are now safe. Efforts between Somali and Maldivian authorities are underway to ensure their swift reunion with their kin in Mogadishu. These fishermen vanished while casting nets off the shores of the Indian Ocean, close to Mogadishu. Authorities suspect erratic weather might have caused these skilled artisans to lose…

The Somali National Army soldiers now monitor the streets after assuming control from ATMIS at Jowhar Town Forward Operating Base (FOB)/ATMIS. The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) has greenlit a fresh AU-led mission to take the place of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Following their 1217th assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Thursday, a communique revealed that the PSC prioritizes the new mission in undermining the Al Shabaab terror outfit. The Council added that the mission…

Mogadishu (AX) - On Saturday, over 37,000 Somali students from 736 schools commenced their 12th-grade national exams for the 2023-2024 academic term. Education Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir noted a record number of examinees this year and an increase in exam centers. However, scholars in Northeastern State and North Western of Somalia are sitting out due to political tiffs with the federal government. "The examinees tally at 37,038 this year. We've set up 136 centers, 736 participating schools, with 2,870 staff and…

Female operatives from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and National Police Service toil in Somalia, predominantly under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Tasks encompass battling Al-Shabaab, aiding local security forces, and fostering stability and economic autonomy via assorted projects. For over a decade, these committed women have been stationed in Somalia, with their deployment set to end in December 2024. They engage in roles like combat support, aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The U.S. has named Richard H. Riley as its new envoy to Somalia. He presented his credentials to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking the start of his term. Riley steps in at a critical time with escalating dangers from Al-Shabaab insurgents. President Mohamud, along with General Michael E. Langley, AFRICOM Commander, discussed strengthening their strategic security alliance during Riley's introductory visit. The presence of Riley and General Langley highlights America's dedication to aiding…

File Photo After spending 15 years as a pastoralist, Osman Mohamed Elmi has shifted gears and now works as a driver at the newly established port in Hobyo, located in central Somalia’s Mudug region. He's behind the wheel, transporting freshly imported vehicles from the port to their new owners in towns such as Adado, Guriel, Galkayo, and Dhusamareb. Osman clocks in 25 days each month, pulling in $80-$120 per trip. This paycheck supports his family of 12, who previously struggled with food scarcity and the challenges of…

The fresh mission aims to keep gut-punching Al Shabaab, uphold security, and aid state-building ventures. The PSC okayed a staggered Phase 3 pullout of ATMIS troops, chopping 4,000 personnel into two waves: 2,000 by June's end in 2024, and another 2,000 by September's finale. This move hopes to plug any security holes and ensure a seamless swap.The Somali government has previously shown a bold face about its readiness for this pullback. Just last month, Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail ‘Fartaag’ boasted about…

According to the Somali National Broadcaster, students from Las Anod and Buhoodle undertook the federal government's certificate exam today. "A brigade of 1,154 students, boys and girls alike, are sitting for the exam, with oversight from officials in the Ministry of Education and Higher Education," the broadcaster disclosed.Daoud Ahmed Farah, the honcho of the North Western of Somalia Examinations Office, has cooked up alternative plans for Las Anod's students. They're now taking their tests in places like Burao.The…

The Somali presidency and the prime minister's office haven't yet chimed in on the suggestions from Western nations about taking a slow-and-steady approach with the new army plan. They’re still mum. National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh Ali mentioned that postponing this month's troop withdrawal matches the blueprint for a gradual reduction of the ATMIS mission.On Friday, the new U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard H. Riley, linked up with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Gen. Michael E. Langley, who heads U.S. Africa…