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Somalia’s Poets Keep Storytelling Alive and Champion Peace
MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the shadow of sandbagged checkpoints and concrete blast walls, the National Theater sits like a survivor. Years after a suicide bomber tore through its auditorium, the stage still glows under hard light. On a recent morning, Hassan Barre stepped forward to offer a different emblem of Somalia: poetry. “Somalis must be aware of their responsibility to their country and each other,” he recited, his cadence steady and unhurried. The 70-year-old cut a somber figure at the podium, his voice carrying over a…
Nigerian Authorities Successfully Rescue 100 Kidnapped Children
Release of Abducted Schoolchildren in Niger State: A Fragile Victory Nigerian authorities announced that they have successfully secured the release of 100 schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary's Catholic boarding school in Niger state. This incident, which unfolded on November 21, saw 315 pupils and staff taken by gunmen from the co-educational facility located in north-central Nigeria. Following the chaos of the attack, around 50 students managed to escape, but the fate of another 165 children and staff remains unknown.…
Puntland State President condemns Borama crackdown, urges talks instead of force
GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni has offered condolences to families of those killed in days of violent protests in Borama and urged dialogue after North Western State of Somalia security forces opened fire on residents demonstrating against the planned launch of the Xeer Ciise book. “I express my condolences for the violence that occurred in Borama that resulted in deaths. It was truly an inappropriate matter. I call for a solution to be sought for everything without resorting to violence,”…
North Western State of Somalia denies reports of talks with Somalia, accuses Mogadishu of interference
HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia — North Western State of Somalia authorities on Sunday rejected claims from Somalia’s federal government that talks between the two sides are under way, declaring the long-running dialogue “formally ceased” and accusing Mogadishu of “blatant interference” in its internal affairs. In a statement posted on X, North Western State of Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it wanted to “clarify that there are no ongoing talks with Somalia,” adding that Hargeisa “officially suspended…
West African Alliance Sends Forces to Aid Benin
ECOWAS Deploys Forces Following Failed Coup Attempt in Benin West African regional group ECOWAS has announced the deployment of forces to Benin after an attempted coup was foiled. This move aims to support the Beninese government in maintaining constitutional order and territorial integrity. Forces from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, and Ghana will assist the Beninese army. The coup attempt was announced by a group called the Military Committee for Refoundation. Beninese President Patrice Talon condemned the…
Nigeria Achieves Liberation of 100 Kidnapped Individuals
Mass Abduction of Students in Nigeria A tragic event unfolded in Nigeria, highlighting ongoing security issues. The recent mass abduction of students has drawn international attention. 100 students were released after being kidnapped in Niger state. The abduction is one of the largest in recent times. The kidnappings occurred at St. Mary's Catholic boarding school. Details of the Kidnapping On November 21, gunmen captured 303 children and 12 school staff from a school in Papiri. The school attack…
Benin’s President Announces Successful Prevention of Coup Attempt
Benin Thwarts Coup Attempt: President Talon Stays in Power In a dramatic sequence of events, Benin’s President Patrice Talon announced the thwarting of an attempted coup. The country’s armed forces successfully countered the uprising by a group of rogue soldiers. Gunfire erupted in Cotonou, prompting public concern and a swift military response. The coup attempt follows a disturbing trend of military takeovers in West Africa. Key international bodies condemned the coup and took proactive measures. Details of…
There’s a Term for Trump’s So-Called ‘Garbage’ Politics
Opinion: Trump’s “garbage” slur against Somali Americans shows how fascist politics take root President Donald Trump’s latest attack on Somali Americans — calling a small, visible community “garbage” during a Cabinet meeting, with Vice President J.D. Vance pounding the table in approval — is not a gaffe. It is a governing philosophy made plain: divide the country into “real” Americans and internal enemies, cast cruelty as strength, and test how far institutions will bend to accommodate it. This is not a semantic debate about…
Somali Forces Seize Nine Hiiraan Villages as al-Shabab Withdraws
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali government forces captured nine villages from al-Shabab in western Hiiraan after militants withdrew ahead of a planned military advance, military officials said Sunday. The army moved into areas surrounding the El Adde settlement as part of a broader offensive to weaken the group’s long-standing hold over parts of the region. Officials said troops faced no resistance because al-Shabab fighters abandoned their positions before the units arrived. A senior officer involved in the operation said the…
Borama unrest worsens North Western State of Somalia crisis as army probes alleged foreign gunmen
North Western State of Somalia on edge as rival elders mobilize after Borama killings; military probes claims of foreign snipers HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia — Fears of clan conflict surged Sunday in North Western State of Somalia’s western regions after rival elders in Awdal and Salal declared they were prepared for war, while the military said it is investigating reports that “foreign shooters” may have killed civilians during unrest in Borama. The warnings followed the government’s decision to cancel the Issa…