West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In an audacious display of bravery and vigilance, the Somali National Army (SNA) joined hands with the local residents to foil an intricate ploy designed by the notorious Al-Shabaab militant group. What began as a routine patrol escalated into a nail-biting showdown — the drama unfolded dramatically near Beledweyne on a seemingly ordinary Saturday, where the hawk-eyed Somali forces seized a vehicle brimming with a cache of 13 sleek AK-47 rifles. We're talking about heavy artillery, folks. According to the…

Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has thrown down the gauntlet with an audacious promise: to forge an elite military force that's as cutting-edge as they come. Picture this—troops armed to the teeth with futuristic weaponry, ready to defend every inch of North Western State of Somalia's territory, from the sun-baked desert borders to the rippling expanse of its seas. Now, isn't that a thrilling vision?Over the weekend, nestled amidst the distinct vibes of Hargeisa,…

On a sun-drenched Saturday morning, the streets of Mogadishu buzzed with an unsual energy as Somali security forces scattered themselves across the city, staking their claim on Mogadishu's bustling corners. Their mission? Silencing the city’s signature soundtrack—auto-rickshaw speakers. These speakers, which once belted out catchy tunes and lively broadcasts, now find themselves tangled up in controversy. Just like that quiet guy at a party who suddenly breaks into a dance—unexpectedly! Police…

Deeqo lounges on the stoop of her shiny new home, a significant upgrade from eight grueling years in an IDP camp. Photo by Hoodo Ahmed/Ergo In Garowe, the bustling heart of Somalia's Northeastern State region, the winds of change are brewing. A thousand internally displaced families are leaving behind the gritty hustle of tin shacks and entering the permanence of actual homes. Who’d have imagined? It’s a cultural shift, one that offers a poignant chapter of new beginnings rather than the endless loop of makeshift living.…

TikTok, the app that's got everyone from teenagers living for viral dance trends to grandparents trying out the latest viral challenges, may soon vanish from the screens of over 170 million Americans. Come Sunday, it faces the tech world's equivalent of being sent to the guillotine, all due to the ongoing legal kerfuffling with Uncle Sam. Apparently, unless the Biden administration can whip up a last-minute assurance that they won’t be cracking the app with penalties for violating its looming ban, TikTok might just zip…

Mogadishu (AX) - At the hustling heart of Mogadishu, Somalia steps gleefully towards a new dawn of progress, rolling out its long-anticipated National ID Card. Imagine unlocking not just doors, but possibilities - that’s the power of this little rectangle of promise. The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has fired the starting gun on this venture, aiming to equip citizens with a key to both essential services and their due rights. The ribbon at the launching event was snipped by none other than the…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the heart of Hirshabelle State, an unfortunate chapter unfolded as hostilities broke out between two storied clans, the Hawadle and Abgaal. The air around Calabria, a serene yet secluded borderland bridging the Hiiran and Middle Shabelle regions, was shattered Saturday morning by the echoes of a timeworn struggle over the lush pastures both clans hold dear. You might wonder, what stokes such enduring conflicts? Picture this: fertile lands, a scarcity of resources, and age-old rivalries simmering beneath…

Mogadishu (AX) – With a voice as commanding as a ship's captain braving a storm, former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed issued a stern warning to the federal government this past Friday. At the heart of his concern? A looming political quagmire: unilateral elections. Picture this: a nation split at the seams, fraying edges evident unless sanity prevails through dialogue, something sorely lacking in today's discourse. Once upon a headline, Sheikh Sharif, now helming the Himilo Qaran Party, stepped into the fray…

Kismayo (AX) – Jubaland's spirited leader, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, boarded a private jet on Saturday morning, setting his sights on Kenya. It's his first cross-border jaunt since he snagged the presidency of Jubaland once again—a victory that the Somali federal government has dished out cold shoulders and a tight-lipped refusal to acknowledge. A swathe of diplomats awaits him in Kenya, where whispers in government corridors suggest that talks will orbit around the thorny political landscape of Somalia. High on the…

Somalia's Legal Evolution: A Mosaic in the Making The essence of a thriving society often beats in rhythm with the heart of its governing laws. For Somalia, these laws are whispering transformations, evolving in tandem with its vibrant culture and tumultuous history. The Provisional Constitution that emerged in 2012 attempted to create stability but left many areas ripe for further exploration and consensus. The Constitution, a dynamic tapestry of governance, sets the stage for legal structures, political interplay, and…