Djibouti Anticipates Ethiopia’s Response to Port Access Plan to Alleviate Tensions with Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) – Djibouti's intriguing suggestion as a potential remedy for the ongoing diplomatic rift between Somalia and Ethiopia remains unanswered by Ethiopia, Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf disclosed. In a tête-à-tête with VOA, Youssouf shared that the ball is still in Ethiopia’s court regarding the management and use of the Tojorah port, nestled in Djibouti's northern expanse. This port has been proposed by Djibouti as an alternate maritime gateway for landlocked Ethiopia, heavily dependent on…

How Somalia’s Parliament Methodically Removes Ministers: A Detailed Guide

The initiatory step in this journey is the submission of a formal motion by a coalition of MPs, igniting spirited debate in Somalia's Parliament. Take the case of Foreign Minister Ahmed Macalin Fiqi—over 46 MPs have rallied, accusing him of neglecting Somalia's sovereignty amid a tense diplomatic tussle with Ethiopia. They're also up in arms about a Somali company's exclusion from the 2025 Japan trade expo, where an Italian-owned business snagged a spot instead. MP Jeesoow, among the most ardent advocates for the motion,…

ISPI: China Surpasses Russia in Arms Trade within Sub-Saharan Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — Sub-Saharan Africa's arms trade is witnessing a seismic shift. Traditional suppliers, Russia for example, are losing their stronghold to rising competitors like China and Turkey. A fresh series of reports from the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI), titled "Importing (In)security: The Evolving Arms Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa," outlines this transformation, spotlighting China as a burgeoning force in the region's arms market.In a significant shift, many Sub-Saharan African countries…

Death Row’s Longest-Serving Inmate Celebrates Acquittal as a ‘Triumph’

In a remarkable turn of events, the individual who has held the title of the longest-serving death row inmate globally has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his supporters. This outpouring of appreciation comes on the heels of a groundbreaking decision by a Japanese court that last week annulled his long-standing murder conviction. After an arduous journey for justice, primarily spearheaded by his devoted sister, the 88-year-old Iwao Hakamada was finally exonerated of the quadruple homicide for which he endured an…

Austria’s President Steps Up as Far-Right Movement Faces Isolation Post-Election Win

In a striking turn of events, the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) has made history by clinching a significant win in the recent Austrian parliamentary elections. However, this victory has left the party somewhat in a lurch, balancing precariously under the scrutiny of a prominent adversary: the president, who holds the reins in guiding the search for a workable coalition government. For the first time ever, the Eurosceptic and pro-Russia Freedom Party garnered 29% of the vote, yet this figure falls short of securing a…

Marine Le Pen Faces Trial for Alleged Misappropriation of EU Funds

The trial of Marine Le Pen, the prominent leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN) party, is now underway. She's facing accusations of misusing European Union funds but maintains that she will demonstrate her innocence throughout the proceedings. Le Pen, along with the RN and twenty-four others—ranging from party officials to former politicians and parliamentary aides—stands accused of diverting funds intended for European Parliament operations to pay personnel engaged in party work. At that time, the party was…

Netanyahu Cautions Iran: No Area Lies Outside Israel’s Access

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently issued a stark warning to Iran, asserting that there is nowhere in the Middle East that Israel cannot reach, especially in light of a series of air strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. In a video message delivered in English, Netanyahu directly addressed the Iranian populace, cautioning them that their government is steering them "closer to the abyss." He emphasized, "There is no corner in the Middle East Israel cannot access," further stressing that the Iranian…

Turkish Vessel of Compassion Departs with 3,000 Tons of Humanitarian Supplies Bound for Somalia

At a heartfelt farewell ceremony, AFAD's chief Okay Memis shared that since 2016, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s guidance, over 60,000 tons of aid have been sent to East Africa from Türkiye, a region often battered by natural calamities like drought, famine, floods, and cyclones. Memis underscored Türkiye’s unwavering dedication to assisting those in need, both domestically and internationally, shining a light on the invaluable efforts of non-profits and generous individuals. Post-speeches, a vessel brimming with…

The Groundbreaking Therapy Transforming Tuberculosis Healthcare in Somalia

You can't begin to fathom the heartache of not being able to support your loved ones, watching them struggle while you feel utterly powerless. It was terrifying when I thought I had a life-threatening illness that made me fear for my life. But things took a different turn. With the medication, I'm feeling hale and hearty. - Abdi Mohamed, MSF patient. Introducing this innovative treatment regimen is particularly crucial in conflict-ridden countries like Somalia, where inadequate access to healthcare makes effective treatment…

North Western State of Somalia Lawmaker Abiib Released by Police After Court Dismisses Treason Allegations

Hargeisa (AX) — On Monday, North Western State of Somalia security forces released lawmaker Mohamed Abiib Yusuf, only hours after the Supreme Court declared his arrest unlawful and ordered his immediate release from Mandera prison. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hussein Mirre Giirre, confirmed Abiib's release to the press, attributing the decision to the court's ruling. After spending 30 days in detention, the lawmaker shared on his Facebook page: "I can attest to regaining my freedom. Thank you to…