West Africa

Under the dappled shadows of Hiiraan's rugged terrain, the Somali army, on a recent Tuesday, carried out a decisive operation that led to the demise of 16 al-Shabab militants. This audacious move marks yet another stride in the relentless campaign against the al-Qaeda-linked insurgents that have haunted the region for years. It’s a scene reminiscent of a high-stakes chess game, where each move carries the weight of potential calm or chaos. The state-run outlet, SONNA, brought these developments into the public eye,…

Jowhar (AX) – On an ordinary Tuesday, the heart of Jowhar buzzed with unusual activity, as if aware that history was quietly being scripted within its folds. A delegation from Somalia's National Electoral Commission and Boundaries descended upon the city's worn, dusty streets, with an unmistakable sense of urgency that seemed to echo through the air. Their mission? A straightforward, yet monumental task—to meet with Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe. The gathering was a mere two days post a similar visit…

Mogadishu (AX) – Gazing futureward with resolute optimism, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud underscored Somalia's unwavering dedication to amplifying its energy capabilities. This strategic tenet is pivotal for ushering in a new era of modernization and economic prosperity, he declared during his invigorating address at the Africa Energy Summit on Tuesday. As President Mohamud stood before a diverse gathering of African leaders and stakeholders, he painted an evocative picture of the Horn of Africa's abundant…

"These programs were lifelines for so many," lamented a senior Somali official wishing to remain unnamed. The suspension of aid is a stumbling block we simply can't afford to encounter. Consider the meticulously crafted five-year development initiatives recently unveiled by USAID, worth a hefty $28 million. Designed to foster sustainable livelihoods and bolster local resilience, these programs were a beacon of hope for Somalia. A nation where nearly 70% of its denizens are trapped beneath the poverty line, the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a captivating move toward bolstering local governance, the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) of Somalia recently declared its intent to conduct Local Council Elections in June. This electoral endeavor, spanning pivotal regions like Gedo and Khaatumo, forms a cornerstone of the federal government's broader strategy for decentralization. Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, the NIEC chairperson, unveiled an interesting array of details in a dialogue with Somali National Television. He indicated that…

The world beneath our feet is more dynamic than it may appear. Imagine standing in Ethiopia's Afar Desert, where, in 2005, a colossal 35-mile fissure suddenly cleaved the arid landscape—a preview of Earth's internals at work. "The earth is forever changing; ask any geologist," my professor once said, emphasizing how every crack and crevasse has a story to tell. Isn't it fascinating how seemingly imperceptible movements can reshape entire continents over millennia? A geological mystery is unfolding, driven by tectonic forces…

In a corner of the world often scarred by turmoil, the picturesque city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo finds itself shrouded in a thick cloud of violence once more. The relentless guns and recrudescent battles between the M23 insurgent faction and national forces have thrust the city into a maelstrom of chaos, displacing countless souls and quaking the very foundation of livelihoods and trade.

Mogadishu (AX) — A sense of tenuous peace lingers in the Hiiraan region of Somalia after a clangorous clash between federal forces, their local allies, and the militant group Al-Shabaab. In a daring mission, more than 40 members of the al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgents met their demise, a stark testament to the volatile struggle for control shaping Somalia's heartlands. The Ministry of Defense announced this significant blow to Al-Shabaab on Tuesday, foreshadowing the ebb and flow of conflict yet to come. Under the harsh…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a sweeping verdict bound to ripple through digital corridors far and wide, the military tribunal of Northeastern State has handed down prison sentences to two high-profile online personas, raising eyebrows and sparking chatter across media landscapes. Convicted for their alleged ties to the notorious ISIS, Mohamed Yacqub Siyad and Ali Ahmed Ali, known in virtual circles as Iley, face 10 and 5 years in jail, respectively. Intriguingly, these sentences were delivered in absentia, further complicating an…

On Monday, January 27, the Supreme Court of Liberia found itself noticeably absent from a pivotal moment in the political arena: President Joseph Boakai's constitutionally mandated annual address. As he spoke, the seats reserved for the five justices sat barren, a striking tableau that raised eyebrows and sparked a whirlwind of speculation. Did they choose to stay away to avoid giving a nod of legitimacy to the executive branch's recognition of Richard Nagbe Koon, the ruling Unity Party's pick for Speaker of the House of…