West Africa

Amid Tensions, Somali President Makes An Unexpected Visit to the UAE In a move that caught many by surprise, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on a sudden journey to the United Arab Emirates on a seemingly ordinary Monday. This unscheduled visit follows closely on the heels of a diplomatic discord that unfurled just days earlier. The reason? The UAE extended an invitation to North Western State of Somalia's leader, Abdirahman Irro, to attend the prestigious World Government Summit in Dubai. An…

As the world grows more interconnected, the desire to expand one's horizons becomes a compelling narrative for many. Nigerians are at the forefront of this quest for global engagement. According to Henley & Partners, Nigerians ranked among the top five nationalities curious about investment migration options in 2024. With a 16% year-over-year increase, they outpaced any other African country in expressing this interest. What exactly stirs this profound demand for overseas investment opportunities?…

An Ambitious Vision: Ethiopia Navigates New Waters Mogadishu (AX) — Ethiopia is embarking on an ambitious voyage to bolster its trade capabilities, ushering in a new era of economic strengthening and maritime aspirations. On a crisp Monday, Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise (ESL) unveiled a transformative plan that has captivated the attention of many: Ethiopia has ordered six state-of-the-art commercial ships. Two of these vessels, embracing the grandeur of Ultramax dry bulk…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali Defense Minister Abdikadir Mohamed Nur has made a compelling call to the public: "Steer clear of Al-Shabaab interactions as military operations ramp up in the Middle Shabelle region." His address on Sunday served as a stark reminder of the militant group's lingering influence, especially in areas like El Bacad, where some individuals reportedly continue to maintain ties with Al-Shabaab. The Defense Minister highlighted the precision of recent airstrikes, designed to target senior Al-Shabaab leaders…

Brigadier Michael Kabango Addresses Troops The endeavor of serving on foreign soil is filled with unmatched challenges and vivid experiences. The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) recently witnessed the return of two resilient units, Battle Group (BG) 40 and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU) X, after a year-long deployment in Somalia. With their duties overseas concluded, they now face the task of reintegration into regular duty back home. This crucial transition was marked by a post-mission ideological training…

Struggle and Resilience in the Face of Conflict Amidst the relentless sun and vast stretches of barren land, the quest for survival becomes an art of its own. For many displaced families, each day begins with the search for something as simple yet elusive as shade. It’s a daily journey in which finding shelter from the sun can be just as challenging as securing the next meal. “When we were in our own area, life was different,” Ubax recalls, her eyes reflecting both the nostalgia and pain of what’s been lost. “The…

A New Chapter in Somalia's Fight Against Al-Shabaab In a significant development in the relentless struggle against extremism in Somalia, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has reported a highly successful airstrike. The operation specifically targeted the newly constructed bridge in the village of Aw-baalle, a location strategically critical and infamous as a notorious transit point for Al-Shabaab fighters and the weaponry they transport. But what does this mean for Somalia and its wider,…

If you listen closely to the quiet whispers of Garowe, there is a transformative energy stirring—a palpable shift etched in the bold directives of Northeastern State’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni. It is not often that leaders meet the crossroads of security and diplomacy with such determined resolve, but, as history unfolds, it seems President Deni is crafting a narrative infused with both rigor and reconciliation. Imagine sitting among the sable-clad traditional elders of Bari, each line on their faces a testament to…

Flight from Erigavo: A Delicate Balance of Conflict and Peace In a landscape as complex and vibrant as North Western State of Somalia’s, the winds of change are swift and often unforgiving. At the heart of this transformation lies Erigavo, a city that recently witnessed the exodus of over 45,000 families. The underlying cause? A looming fear of potential conflict in the Sanaag region, despite a burgeoning peace initiative helmed by the North Western State of Somalia government. Minor skirmishes have erupted…

A Tale of Silence and Mystery in Wajir “He was taken by unknown men in September. Last night, they simply left him in the dark,” recounted Adam Keynan Wehliye, a fellow legislator from Wajir County. Those words echo a community's unrest, a family's anguish, and a government's inexplicable silence. The gravity of these events found Ahmed, a man spirited away unexpectedly, now thrust into the arms of urgency. In the quiet sterility of a medical facility, doctors found him malnourished, worn by sleep deprivation,…