West Africa

Jigjiga, Ethiopia — In a time of mounting political tensions, Mustafa Muhumed Omar, the steadfast President of Ethiopia’s Somali Region, has vowed to expand government services. This declaration arrives amidst mounting pressure and critiques from the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), who claim the administration is underperforming. "Are we, as leaders, meeting the expectations set upon us?" President Cagjar’s administration grapples with this very question.

In a developing tale that intertwines geopolitics and aviation, Belarus's national airline, Belavia, appears to be on the brink of a significant acquisition. Sanctioned by the West and in desperate need of aircraft, Belavia is reportedly poised to bolster its fleet with three Airbus A330 aircraft, which previously flew under the banner of Magic Air, a Gambian carrier. This revelation comes from three reliable sources who spoke to Reuters. Belarus and its ally, Russia, have been navigating…

In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a spirited struggle for peace and stability is unfolding. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stands at the forefront of this effort, unyielding in his vow to eradicate the militant factions that threaten Somalia's future. As operations surge in the regions of Hirshabelle and Southwest States, the determination of the government resonates with every heartbeat of its citizens. On a serene Wednesday evening, under the gentle glow of the moon, an Iftar gathering buzzed with hope…

Niger’s New Chapter Amidst Shifting Alliances It was a pivotal moment in Niger's tumultuous political landscape. Abdourahamane Tiani, a former leader of the presidential guard, has taken the oath as a president under a newly forged five-year transition charter. With this act, the military’s mantle over Niger grows stronger. But what does this mean for a nation yearning for stability? Tiani, who captained the 2023 coup, is now an army general - the height of military prestige. The transition…

In the heart of Mogadishu, whispers of hope intertwine with the calls of street vendors and laughter of children, creating a melody of resilience that is unmistakably Somali. This sense of tenacity, however, met an untimely stumble on the soccer field, as Somalia's cherished ambition to record a historic victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers faced a fresh challenge. On a somber Tuesday afternoon, under the African sky, the Ocean Stars bowed to Botswana in a 2-0 defeat—a match marked by stark defensive errors, according to…

ISIS Militants' Strategic Shift in Somalia Imagine a calm, silent night in the rugged terrain of Somalia's northeastern Bari region. The wind whispers secrets through the Al Miskaad mountains. Once a stronghold for the shadowy figures of ISIS, these peaks have silently witnessed violent confrontations. In recent weeks, the battleground has shifted, not just geographically, but tactically. "The enemy adapts," General Faadhigo, the firm yet weary spokesperson for Northeastern State's counterterrorism forces, has…

Security Concerns in Northeastern State: A Troubling Pattern In a world where security should bolster peace, the unfortunate reality in Northeastern State tells a different story. Recently, security officials took swift action, arresting a guard shortly after a shooting incident. While such cases often unfold with alarming regularity, each carries its own narrative worth deep reflection. Consider the incident four days prior, on March 23. The day etched itself into the community's memory when a young barber…

In the bustling city of Hargeisa, a shadow has cast itself over the daily lives of many. More than 2,000 individuals coping with HIV/AIDS in North Western State of Somalia have found themselves facing an unexpected crisis: the abrupt suspension of U.S. humanitarian aid. Imagine being thrust into a cyclone of uncertainty, where your survival depends on medications now at risk of vanishing. This is the stark reality confronting many. This alarming situation follows a stern warning from Dr. Tedros Adhanom…

Trust in the media can often serve as a mirror reflecting wider public sentiment. At the forefront of this trust are China and Indonesia, each with a striking 75%, and India trailing not far behind at 67%. Collectively, these nations house over three billion people, a staggering figure that underscores the breadth of media influence. Their media is often perceived as reliable, and that naturally leads us to wonder—what drives this confidence? Is it the consistency in reporting, or perhaps the structure in which their media…

A Journey from Dreams to Reality: The Story of Mubashir "Muba" Nour In the vibrant arenas of professional soccer, where cheers echo, dreams collide, and history is crafted, one name is increasingly whispered with admiration – Mubashir "Muba" Nour. His journey is a testament to the belief that dreams have no limits, and goals are only as distant as the effort we put into them. Originating from the sun-baked landscapes of Ethiopia, Nour's story finds its roots in struggle, hope, and an unwavering…