West Africa

Starlink Takes a Giant Leap in Somalia Imagine a star-speckled night, where the sky is not just a decorative canopy, but a functional expanse connecting the remote corners of our planet. In this cosmic dance, Elon Musk's SpaceX has scripted a new chapter, extending its groundbreaking Starlink satellite internet service to the landscapes of Somalia. With a mere tweet from Musk on the platform he owns, X, on a seemingly quiet Sunday, the world was informed of this monumental leap. Africa, a continent rich in culture and…

Cuban doctors treating a patient in Mandera County, 2019 In the quiet yet resilient towns of Mandera County, Kenya, two Cuban doctors, Assel Herrera Correa and Landy Rodríguez Hernández, embarked on a journey that remains tragically unfinished. Their mission, like many before them, was to heal. But in 2019, under circumstances that remain both mysterious and heartbreaking, they were kidnapped—a distressing chapter that continues to be written.…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a recent development that has stirred political waters, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s visit to Las Anod has been met with staunch criticism from North Western State of Somalia's opposition parties. The visit, they argue, constitutes a breach of North Western State of Somalia’s territorial sovereignty and could potentially escalate tensions. Abdiweli Sheikh Suufi, a prominent figure within the Kulmiye party, did not mince words. He accused the Somali federal government of orchestrating what he…

Mogadishu (AX) — The vibrant city of Mogadishu stands at the precipice of a significant democratic advancement. As the capital of Somalia, it is gearing up for a transformative event in its political landscape. The Banadir Regional Administration, the governing body overseeing the capital, has officially announced the commencement of voter registration for upcoming local government elections, slated to begin on April 15. This initiative marks an important leap toward establishing a one-person, one-vote electoral system in…

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…