North Africa

Nigeria beat Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON bronze as Nwabali denies Salah Nigeria edged Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win the Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal on Saturday after a scoreless 90 minutes, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saving spot kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Ademola Lookman converted the winning penalty to seal a cathartic finish to the Super Eagles’ campaign. The third-place playoff in Rabat did not go to extra time under tournament rules, placing immediate pressure on the kickers.…

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State authorities on Saturday released the names and photographs of nearly 50 foreign Islamic State fighters captured during military operations in the Calmiskaat mountains of the Bari region, days after declaring the yearlong campaign against the group largely complete. Security officials said the detainees hail from at least seven countries, underscoring the transnational reach of Islamic State’s Somalia branch. The largest contingents presented were from Ethiopia and Morocco. Ethiopia: 18…

At Las Anod inauguration, Somalia’s president condemns Israel over North Western State of Somalia and vows to defend unity LAS ANOD — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Saturday attended the swearing-in of Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, as president of the Northeastern Regional State, using the ceremony to project federal authority and denounce foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. Hassan Sheikh condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of…

Envoys from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Sudan attend Las Anod inauguration, signaling support for Somalia’s unity LAS ANOD, Somalia — Ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Sudan arrived in Las Anod on Saturday to attend the inauguration of Abdikadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, the newly elected president of Somalia’s Northeastern Regional State, in a show of diplomatic backing for the region’s evolving political order. The envoys’ visit underscores international support for Somalia’s federal institutions and…

Egypt, Djibouti back Somalia’s unity, condemn Israel’s move on North Western State of Somalia, deepen economic ties CAIRO — Egypt and Djibouti reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity and pledged to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, energy and infrastructure during talks between Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Djiboutian Foreign Minister Abdulqader Hussein Omar in Cairo on Wednesday. The meeting, held on the sidelines of a fifth consultative gathering focused on improving…

Friday January 16, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Saudi Arabia is in advanced talks with Somalia and Egypt to establish a new Red Sea military and security partnership, a step that would deepen Riyadh’s role in the Horn of Africa and sharpen competition with the United Arab Emirates, according to people familiar with the discussions. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks to finalize elements of the agreement, the people said. The proposed pact would expand coordination on…

The World Health Organization on Wednesday warned that the widespread availability of inexpensive sugary drinks and alcohol is driving avoidable illness and deaths and straining health systems around the world, with low- and middle-income countries in Africa among the most exposed. In two new reports accompanying the agency’s statement, WHO officials said weak tax systems that fail to raise prices on harmful products leave them affordable and fuel a growing tide of noncommunicable diseases. "By increasing taxes on products…

New Leadership in U.S. Africa Bureau Faces Complex Challenges Nick Checker, who stepped into the role of head of the State Department's Africa Bureau earlier this month, brings a unique perspective to the position after spending most of the past decade at the CIA. Unlike his two predecessors—career diplomats who served under President Trump—Checker has only four months of experience at the State Department. As the 'Senior Bureau Official,' a title currently used for acting positions across numerous agencies, Checker is…

In a thrilling climax to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-finals, Morocco and Senegal have booked their spots in the final, setting the stage for a showdown rife with historical significance and national pride. The contrasting victories of both teams showcased not just their tactical prowess but also their resilience under pressure, enhancing the narrative leading up to the coveted championship match. Senegal secured their place in the final by narrowly defeating Egypt 1-0 at the Grand Stade de Tanger. The…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s abrupt decision to cancel port management and security cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates caps years of friction and crystallizes a new geopolitical split in the Horn of Africa. Triggered by Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state — the first by any country — the rupture threatens to reorder alliances, stress Somalia’s fragile federal compact, and unsettle maritime security along one of the world’s most strategic coastlines. The move,…