West Africa

Las Anod (AX) — At the heart of Somalia's political landscape, a dynamic initiative is emerging. Federal Minister of Interior, Ali Yusuf Ali, known affectionately by many as Ali Xoosh, has announced a development that could reshape the course of the nation. A new chapter unfolds as the SSC-Khaatumo administration gears up to take a center-stage role in the anticipated National Consultative Council meeting, poised to convene in Mogadishu this coming May. Could this mark a turning point for Somalia's unity and progress?…

A Historic Turning Point: PM Hamza's Visit to Las Anod and the Precarious Promise of Unity In the tapestry of history, there are moments when change seems to hover on the horizon, like the first glimmers of dawn. Prime Minister Hamza’s visit to Las Anod is one such instance, remarkable not merely for the symbolic gesture it represents but for the deeper currents it stirs within the community. As with any significant event, it's essential to ask ourselves: what promises are born from such a journey?…

North Western State of Somalia's Strategic Play in Global Politics: An Ambitious Bid for U.S. Partnership In the complex tapestry of international relations, where opportunities are intricately woven with risks, North Western State of Somalia appears to be navigating its path with a fresh perspective—particularly echoing the reputation of former President Donald Trump, often seen as a pragmatist negotiator. This political gambit raises intriguing questions: Could North Western…

The memories of historical tensions from my elementary and secondary school days bring Djibouti, the Somali Coast, to mind. Recently, I came across several articles on social media that discussed how people were busy with fleeting pursuits, like finding signals in Djibouti, rather than focusing on significant historical narratives. Such commentary often lacks the decorum and depth reminiscent of Djibouti’s historical role in Somali politics and nation-building, supported immensely by President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh’s political…

Meetings of international significance often carry an air of gravitas, yet they are underlined by the profoundly human quest to build bridges. On a Thursday afternoon in Paris, an intriguing convergence of perspectives unfolded as President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria sat down with Massad Boulos, the Senior Advisor for Africa to then U.S. President Donald Trump. Their conversation, intricately woven with aspirations of fortifying economic and security alliances, marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria's engagement with the United…

Understanding Somalia's Predicament and Potential In the heart of the Horn of Africa lies Somalia, a land teetering on the precipice of potential and peril. Today, this nation is primarily embroiled in a clash between its government and the notorious militant faction, al-Shabaab. Notably, other parties like Hizbul Islam—a former Islamic group historically opposing al-Shabaab—and the Dhulbahante clan are also pivotal in this turbulent landscape. The complexities of this conflict are compounded by the nuanced involvement…

DUBAI, UAE (AX) — The urban tapestry of Dubai is richly woven with the threads of countless languages and dialects. It's a place where linguistic diversity isn’t just accepted; it's celebrated. Yet, amidst this mosaic of voices, one particular tale has captured attention—a young Somali man speaking Malayalam with impeccable fluency. And not just any version of Malayalam, but the distinctive Thrissur dialect that has left Malayalis in the Gulf both astonished and proud. Meet Hassan Mohammed…

The unveiling of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP) for 2025-2029 represents a critical point in our nation's narrative—a narrative previously marred by conflict but now leaning towards recovery and sustainable growth. On a bright morning, with optimism brimming, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced this ambitious scheme designed to serve as a guide to rebuilding a self-sustaining and resilient Somalia. Like a phoenix rising, this plan symbolizes the shift from the former National Development Plan,…

The arrest earlier this week set off a wave of discontent in Algiers, prompting the Algerian government to demand clarifications from France and an immediate release of the consular agent involved. In this fast-paced world of diplomacy, where every move is scrutinized and questioned, what does this mean for France and Algeria’s deeply layered relationship? The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs was quick to take action. They summoned the French Ambassador to Algiers, Stephane Romatet, to express a vigorous…

The Maritime Partnership: Türkiye's Endeavor with Somalia In a world where alliances shape the contours of global power, Türkiye and Somalia have embarked on a captivating journey of cooperation through the ambitious offshore energy partnership initiated in March 2024. This potent alliance heralded the arrival of Türkiye's seismic vessel, now diligently engaged in conducting intricate 3D surveys within Somali waters. A step paramount for nations looking to optimize energy resources, this venture unfolds with layers of…