West Africa

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Resilience Amidst Challenges FILE - In this poignant snapshot of survival and hope, Somali women find refuge near Mogadishu, erecting shelters to protect themselves from the cruelty of displacement. We find ourselves on the cusp of another International Women's Day, coming up on March 8, 2025. This year, the world celebrates women across the globe for their unwavering strength amidst relentless struggles, championing a theme that echoes the…

Connectivity Woes in Somalia: A Tale of the Deep Sea and Fragile Networks In the vibrant yet challenging tapestry of East African connectivity, a rupture isn't just a word; it’s a call to action. On a bright Sunday, residents of Somalia and nearby regions of East Africa found themselves wrestling with sluggish internet speeds and choppy video streams. The usual seamless journey of data through the intricate web beneath our oceans grounded to a halt, leaving a palpable void in the digital experience. This turbulence…

Introduction In the heart of the Horn of Africa, Somalia stands at a precipice, caught in the tumult of political and constitutional crises. These challenges are not mere bumps in the road; they are profound dilemmas teetering on the brink of institutional failure. Imagine a car careening uncontrollably, an apt metaphor for Somalia's halted constitutional review, stymied by political spatters that have rendered the federal system dysfunctional. With the mandates of the current Federal Government and Parliament nearing…

Mogadishu (AX) — With a blend of confidence and caution, Somali Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Mukhtar Robow Ali, firmly assures his nation that Al-Shabaab's capacity to menace Mogadishu is on the wane. Speaking at a somber press conference in the heart of Somalia’s capital, Robow delineated the situation with a conviction born from firsthand experience—a narrative rich in complexity and hope. Hosting the press on a sunny Sunday afternoon, Robow…

In southeastern Mudug, central Somalia, the relentless conflict between government forces and Al-Shabaab has unleashed a wave of despair, displacing countless civilians. Over the last two months, hundreds have sought refuge in makeshift camps woefully devoid of fundamental amenities. Since January 5, 2025, more than 230 families have poured into the Somaliweyn camp in Harhar, forced to abandon what little they had as the strife intensified. Among them is Ubax Salad Sabriye and her family of seven, who once thrived through…

When we think about the titans of the technology world, it's easy to conjure images of their innovative products and groundbreaking ideas. Yet, isn't it intriguing how often our minds drift towards their distinctive personal styles, too? Imagine Steve Jobs without his black turtleneck or Mark Zuckerberg stepping out sans hoodie. These signature looks, whether they are striking or subtly unnoticeable, are as much a part of their identity as the companies they spearhead. Oscar Wilde once said, "You can never be…

Hargeisa – As the news of renewed violence in the Buqdharkayn district surfaced, it was met with a wave of palpable concern and empathy by many, including North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro. On a day set aside globally to honor women – International Women's Day, March 8 – President Irro addressed the disheartening events with candor and a resolute spirit. "We deeply regret the aggressive attack on a peaceful area," President Irro stated solemnly, his voice steady yet tinged with…

Somalia’s Electoral Shift: A Nation’s Leap Toward Democracy By Ali MusaAxadle Times International – Monitoring Mogadishu – The vibrant and bustling heart of Somalia, where you can feel the pulse of a nation yearning for change, has witnessed a compelling narrative unfold. On an eventful Saturday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made a poignant address, whose echoes are likely to be felt far beyond the borders of this storied land. In an impassioned plea, he underscored how Somalia's reliance on indirect…

In the vibrant heart of the Federal Republic of Somalia, an act of profound compassion unfolded this past Monday. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, known as KSrelief, embarked on a transformative mission within the Banaadir region, offering sustenance to those who yearn for hope amid adversity. In an awe-inspiring gesture, 1,200 food baskets were distributed, touching the lives of 7,200 individuals. But have you ever wondered how a simple basket of food can ripple through a community, restoring dignity and…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — It was a late afternoon when an operation unfolded with precision in the El Ba'ad area of the Middle Shabelle region, altering the course of events for the notorious group, Al-Shabaab. Somali forces, alongside international allies, achieved a significant milestone through a targeted airstrike that ended the life of Yusuf Dhegnaas, a senior Al-Shabaab figure. This development marks a determined stride in an ongoing strategic campaign to weaken the…