West Africa

Hargeisa (AX) – In a bold move that's been turning heads across North Western State of Somalia, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has shaken things up at the very top of the military and police hierarchy. The new appointees represent not just fresh faces but a pivotal shift towards youthful energy in national leadership, stirring a fascinating blend of hope and curiosity among the populace. Imagine being the youngest officer to ever grace the pinnacle of military leadership in your country—meet Lieutenant General…

In a bold stance against the perils of beauty standards, the government has issued a resounding caution against the rampant use of skin bleaching products both within the nation and beyond its borders. This warning comes despite the glaringly obvious—yet often ignored—dangers associated with these products. During a recent forum aimed at shedding light on this troubling trend, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, expressed his deep concern over the pervasive presence of skin lightening creams,…

Steve Witkoff captured the spotlight at a lively presidential inauguration parade held within the pulsating walls of Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on a chilly January 20. Washington, DC – Embarking on a daring diplomatic mission, the United States' Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced plans for a visit to Gaza within days. This journey is part and parcel of his endeavor, whimsically described as an “inspection team,” to keep a vigilant eye on the ceasefire pact recently inked between Israel and Hamas. In a…

Jigjiga (AX) – On a bright Thursday morning, amidst the buzz and hum of anticipation in the air, delegations from Somalia's Federal Government and the self-declared independent state of North Western State of Somalia touched down in the bustling town of Jigjiga. Their arrival coincided with the celebrations marking the anniversary of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, a festivity as eagerly awaited as a tickled hangover of nostalgia intertwined with hope.This gathering was no small affair. At the heart of it were…

Hargeisa (AX) – In an exciting move that has drawn attention across the dusty streets of Hargeisa and beyond, North Western State of Somalia—a self-declared autonomous region—has unveiled a 50% salary bump for its armed forces. This comes as President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro sticks true to his campaign vow about making their salaries more than just pocket change, aiming to bolster their spirits along with their financial standing. On Wednesday, a presidential directive brought this promise to life, scheduling the…

Mogadishu (AX) - Against the backdrop of fluttering flags and the hum of bustling streets, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down in the enchanting, ever-bustling city of Cairo. It was Wednesday, and the president, accompanied by an entourage of dignitaries, heeded the call to visit Egypt—a gesture of friendship extended by none other than Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. Talk about rolling out the red carpet! Amid the aroma of Egyptian spices swirling through the air, the agenda of…

WASHINGTON — It was a grim scene over two relentless days of tumult in Somalia’s Northeastern State territory where recent skirmishes claimed the lives of over 20 individuals and left a further ten nursing battle scars. The security forces clashed with Islamic State insurgents in a fierce showdown, as shared by officials on Tuesday. Speaking to VOA’s Somali Service, the steely Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, who orchestrates Northeastern State's security responses, painted a stark picture of the skirmish. He…

In the bustling village of Goob-weyn, located in the heart of Somalia’s Lower Juba region, a remarkable tale of resilience and entrepreneurship unfolds. Maryan Khalif Digale, a fiercely determined single mother, has risen to become the cornerstone of her family, largely thanks to a budding vegetable business. Picture this: a group of 90 women, their lives uprooted by merciless droughts and ruthless floods, were handed a lifeline. Last October, they received a $500 grant each from Alight and GIZ organizations, designed…

Imagine the sweltering sun beating down mercilessly or the sky opening with relentless rain, leaving you with nothing but the clothes on your back. That’s the stark reality for many in Somalia grappling with natural calamities. In a moving display of humanity, Qatar Charity has rolled out the literal red carpet, or rather, the canvas tarpaulins, for those most impacted by Mother Nature’s wrath. This week, arriving with the kind of military precision any general would envy, two mammoth…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a dramatic showdown that has taken the nation by storm, a gaggle of irate airlines has hit the brakes on both local and international flights on a day that will linger in the annals of aviation history — Wednesday, January 22, 2025. The core reason? An itchy battle over swelling fees slapped on carriers by Somalia’s federal administrators, an action akin to a sudden 'turkey dump' right before dessert. What’s the buzz all about? Let’s go for a nosedive into this unfolding aerial saga. The usually stoic…