West Africa

Las Anod, Axadle Times International Monitoring — With a profound sense of anticipation and an undercurrent of historical significance, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre's arrival in Las Anod on Saturday symbolizes a venerated milestone. His visit aims to realign the bonds connecting the Federal Government of Somalia with the SSC-Khaatumo interim administration in a setting brimming with potential and mutual desire for stability. The reception at Las Anod airport was nothing short of momentous. Abdikadir Ahmed…

Mogadishu (AX) — The delicate relationship between the Somali state and the media has reached another crossroads, underscored by recent developments involving the Shabelle Media Network. This Saturday, the Director General, Abuukar Sheikh Mohamud Abuukar, known as "Sky," alongside Deputy Director Mohamud Abdinasir Soofeysane, found themselves detained by Somali police. These arrests have amplified the ongoing debate surrounding press freedom. Initially summoned individually, both executives soon found…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture a sunlit morning, the rhythm of life pulsating through the heart of the Middle Shabelle region. It was on such a morning that tragedy struck. The quiet was shattered on Friday when a vehicle carrying a handful of innocent civilians struck a landmine nestled between Ceel Gub and Adale. This devastating event resulted in the loss of at least five lives, leaving nearly ten others nursing wounds, their peace disrupted, their destinies altered. Local officials, the…

Antalya (AX) — A significant diplomatic engagement unfolded recently as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. This interaction took place on the vibrant sidelines of the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which launched with great anticipation in Turkey on Friday. In a moment that reverberated across the conference halls, Minister Abdelatty delivered cordial greetings directly from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. With these warm words, he…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the vibrant setting of Turkey's Antalya Diplomatic Forum, a significant milestone was achieved on a sunny Friday afternoon. Ukraine and Somalia, nations separated by continents yet united in aspiration, formally embarked on a new diplomatic journey. This moment echoed Kyiv's proactive strategy to forge robust alliances across Africa's diverse landscape. The agreement, inked with a flourish, was the result of diligent effort by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Somalia’s State Minister…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable escalation of diplomatic tensions, North Western State of Somalia has issued a stern warning against the potential visit of Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Las Anod, reigniting a long-standing territorial conflict over this contested city. Come Friday, North Western State of Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning Prime Minister Barre's proposed visit as a “brazen breach” of territorial integrity. The message was clear: Somalia’s federal…

Evolving Dynamics: Somalia and Ethiopia's Diplomatic Chessboard Amidst a tapestry of international dialogues and palpable tension, Turkey confidently stepped into a pivotal diplomatic role. Under the watchful gaze of the world, Turkey masterfully facilitated negotiations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, leading to the landmark Ankara Declaration on December 12. This significant pact was not just a declaration of mutual respect for each nation's sovereignty; it was also a gateway to more substantive talks…

Justice and Accountability in Columbus: A Community's Demand During a recent press conference, a woman identified as "Faith" stood at the center of a controversy that has stirred both her community and broader public consciousness. Although authorities and civil rights organizations are yet to disclose her full name, the echoes of her ordeal have resonated far beyond her immediate surroundings. “They threatened, saying they will kill you and your family outside your home,” Lynn…

Expanding Horizons: First National Bank's Strategic Growth in Africa As the world watches, Africa is blossoming into a hub of economic opportunities, with many eyes drawn to its burgeoning affluent demographic. In the midst of this transformation, a subsidiary of South Africa’s financial powerhouse, FirstRand Ltd., is keenly setting its gaze on Ghana. But what prompts a bank to venture into another country's market? The answer lies in the undeniable growth of Africa's affluent…

An Extraordinary Journey to Recovery: Guled Mohamud Hersi's Story Mogadishu — In a world where chance is an unpredictable player, it sometimes deals us the most unexpected cards. For one young Somali man, 26-year-old Guled Mohamud Hersi, these odds transformed into a challenging yet hopeful journey from the bustling streets of Mogadishu to the sophisticated surgical theaters of India. It all began on an unassuming day in Mogadishu when Hersi found…