East Africa

In Mogadishu, Somali military forces successfully eliminated an al-Shabab member known as Abdulkadir Haji Enow during a security operation in Lower Shabelle over the weekend. The leader of the 26th unit of the 6th battalion, Farah Mohamud Hirsi, shared that local residents provided vital information leading to the operation's success. Commander Farah Mohamud affirmed that such operations will persist to eradicate al-Shabab members in Lower Shabelle, but did not disclose the operative's rank within the group. The military…

Nairobi (AX) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down in Nairobi, Kenya over the weekend for a meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto. The two leaders engaged in discussions centered on regional peace and security, as well as enhancing partnerships in trade and investment, at State House in Nairobi. Recently, Kenya and Somalia inked a deal to work together on political consultations, education, and defense. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also oversees Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, along with…

Bayer Leverkusen has made history in the Bundesliga by going unbeaten for an entire season after a 2-1 win over Augsburg. Led by Xabi Alonso, they secured their 28th victory with goals from Victor Boniface and Robert Andrich. With 90 points, Leverkusen finished the season undefeated, drawing only six matches. This achievement is remarkable, only second to Bayern Munich's 91 points in the Bundesliga era. Meanwhile, Bayern ended third after a 4-2 loss to Hoffenheim. Stuttgart's 4-0 win lifted them above Thomas Tuchel's team…

Former President Trump is open to sharing the debate stage with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. if he meets the qualifications. This move demonstrates Trump's continued involvement in politics and hints at a potential game-changer for the upcoming election. Trump's announcement came during a recent interview, where he acknowledged the growing presence of third-party candidates like Kennedy. The possibility of a debate stage that includes both major party contenders and a prominent independent like Kennedy adds an exciting twist to…

In Somalia, Northeastern State was absent from a recent NCC meeting causing uncertainty about the country's future. Northeastern State has been critical of Mogadishu's lack of consultation on federalism, resulting in strained relations with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's government. Leaders from various regions including Hirshabelle, Southwest, Jubaland, and Galmudug met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to endorse constitution amendments and pushed for parliamentary approval of remaining chapters. This agreement…

In Garowe, Said Abdullahi Deni, the leader of Northeastern State, expressed his opposition to the decisions made during the recent National Consultative Council meeting in Mogadishu. Deni stated that the meeting lacked consensus and did not benefit the people of Somalia. Addressing local reporters in Garowe, Deni criticized the few individuals making decisions that do not represent the sentiments of the community. He called the meeting a waste of time and urged for a more sensible approach to address the complex situation…

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) announced on Friday that it has successfully disposed of 439 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Somalia since 2017. According to Justin Smith, Chief of Mine Action for the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Somalia, cooperation between Somali Security Forces (SSF), ATMIS, and the UN has prevented an estimated 1,756 potential casualties. Over the years, UNMAS has helped detect and eliminate a significant number of IEDs planted by al-Shabab militants in…

North Western of Somalia recently marked 33 years since declaring independence with lively celebrations in various regions. President Muse Bihi Abdi, along with opposition leaders and officials, attended the main event in Hargeisa. President Bihi emphasized that North Western of Somalia's separation from Somalia is unique and not a secession as commonly misunderstood in Africa. He criticized Somalia for misrepresenting the recent agreement with Ethiopia over the leased coastline area near Berbera. President Bihi highlighted…

The European Union's anti-piracy naval forces, Operation ATALANTA, have handed over six Somali pirates to Seychelles for trial following an attack on the Crystal Arctic, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, which occurred on 10 May in the Gulf of Aden. The attack was thwarted by the vessel's security team firing back. Confirmation of the transfer was made by Operation ATALANTA on Wednesday. The suspects are now in custody awaiting trial. Prior to their handover, a delegation including the Minister of Internal Affairs, a…

Yohana Mawaka showcases his project in a photo taken by Faraja Goodluck. In Nairobi, experts gathered to discuss bridging skills gaps in East Africa by enhancing academia-industry relationships. The East Africa Private Sector Academia Forum drew over 100 participants, including academia, private sector representatives, and government officials. The event focused on fostering collaboration between academia and industry to drive digital innovation and skill development. Gaspard Banyankimbona, executive secretary of the…