Central Africa

The New Frontier: Somalia's Ambitious 200-Square-Kilometre Development Project The winds of change are blowing across Somalia's landscape, bringing with them a project that aspires to revolutionize commerce and connectivity. Over the next few months, a comprehensive surveying and feasibility study will mark the beginning of a 200-square-kilometre endeavor designed to enhance the country's trade and economic potential. Picture a gateway not merely for Somalia, but for its landlocked and coastal…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling streets of Somalia's capital, a significant initiative quietly unfolds, marked by the colorful presence of health workers armed with life-saving vials. With palpable determination, the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services, bolstered by global allies like WHO, UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, has embarked on a crucial four-day polio vaccination campaign. Their mission? To immunize 2.5 million children under the tender age of five against a persistent adversary:…

The M23 rebel group has recently made headlines by calling for direct peace negotiations with the Congolese government, following their seizure of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu Province. This development has ignited yet another chapter in an enduring saga of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In their statement, M23 asserted that their entry into Bukavu aimed to "restore security" and "aid the local population." This declaration raises an eyebrow, considering the group’s controversial history. They…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, the African Union convened its annual summit. This gathering, straddled between the echoes of prior conflicts and the anticipations of future peace, witnessed a pivotal leadership transition. Among the dappled sunlight that filtered through the grand assembly hall, an air of quiet anticipation settled in—a new chief was to be chosen for the African Union Commission, a role vital for steering the organization through its intricate daily operations. The merits of…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a pivotal election steeped in African political dynamics, Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, emerged victorious as the newly appointed chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC). His triumph came after he secured 33 decisive votes in a fiercely competitive election on Saturday in the bustling heart of Addis Ababa. The contest was no simple affair. Youssouf faced formidable opponents in Kenya's Raila Odinga and Madagascar's Richard Randiamandrato. The climactic announcement came…

Global Shift: Is Abdul Qadir Mumin Leading the Islamic State? Mogadishu (AX) — The quiet hum of intelligence networks across nations is singling out a name with increasing urgency: Abdul Qadir Mumin. Rumblings echo that Mumin, erstwhile leader of IS-Somalia, may have ascended to worldwide command of the Islamic State (IS) network. Could this signify a strategic directional shift for a militant group long anchored in the heart of the Middle East? According to an incisive United Nations Sanctions…

The grand boulevards of Addis Ababa are once again alive with a sense of purpose as African leaders begin their descent into Ethiopia's bustling capital. Their reason for gathering? The prestigious 38th African Union summit, an event poised to serve as a critical juncture for the continent's myriad challenges. Set for February 15 and 16, this summit promises to be more than just a meeting of minds; it's a beacon of potential solutions and collaborative spirit. One of the summit's focal points is the escalating conflict in…

Mogadishu (AX) — Like characters in the dynamic theater of geopolitics, nations vie for influence on the African stage, painting the canvas of history with choices and alliances. Recently, Ethiopia emerged as a pivotal protagonist by securing a seat on the African Union's Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for a three-year tenure. But how did this happen? And what significance does this hold for the continent? Ethiopia's triumph at the 46th Executive Council meeting, held under the imposing shadows of Addis Ababa's…

The ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern regions such as Goma, is reaching critical levels. Civilians, especially children, are bearing the brunt of this turmoil. According to UNICEF, the situation grows increasingly dire with each passing day. The refugee agency estimates that hundreds of thousands have been uprooted by the relentless fighting. Imagine for a moment the sheer chaos—a family that once shared laughter and meals finds itself scrambling for safety, with little to no…

Mogadishu (AX) — Amid the scenes of bustling markets and vibrant streets in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, whispers of hope rise, echoing with the dreams of young footballers poised to make history. The anticipation is palpable. On February 13, in the heart of Cairo where grand history resides, the next chapter for Somalia’s burgeoning football talent unfolds with the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, precisely at 13:45 local time. Is this the dawn of a new era for Somali…