West Africa

Kismayo, with its sun-drenched streets and a vibrant tapestry of cultures, is currently a site of political intrigue. In a recent session held in this bustling city, the regional parliament of Jubbaland made a decisive move. On what seemed like an ordinary Thursday, they voted to grant President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe an additional three months to form his cabinet, a decision that resonates with layers of strategic depth. The parliamentary session, attended by a mere 47 members—though small in number, was…

Approximately 80% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 in Sierra Leone have endured the harrowing experience of female genital mutilation (FGM), as per findings from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This tragic statistic reveals a practice that isn’t merely a ritual; it is a troubling cornerstone of identity for many communities within the country. As Kaata Minah, an African feminist activist and a 2024 Impact West Africa Fellow, elucidates in her writing for the Inter Press Service, this act is often perceived…

Across the vast and diverse landscapes of Africa, the specter of hunger casts a long shadow. It's a formidable challenge—one that sees millions of people grappling to secure enough food each day. Envision the plight of families who wake up each morning, unsure of their next meal. How did a continent so rich in resources find itself in such a predicament? Nations like Somalia, Chad, and Madagascar epitomize this struggle, confronting extreme levels of malnutrition and pervasive food shortages.…

Edited By Ali MusaAxadle Times International–Monitoring. Mogadishu (AX) – Amidst the expansive blue shores and bustling avenues of Mogadishu, a decisive move to enhance national security has taken center stage. On Thursday, the spirited corridors of the Council of Ministers resonated with the collective commitment to fortify the nation against the resilient threat posed by Al-Shabaab. The meeting, aptly chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Ahmed Jama, was not just about orders being passed down but about…

Mogadishu (AX) – In an escalating effort to reclaim stability and peace in the Middle Shabelle region, the federal government recently made a strategic move by dispatching additional troops to the Adan Laxey area. This surge in military presence is the latest chapter in a prolonged campaign against the radical group Al-Shabaab. But what's driving this renewed fervor, and what does success look like for those on the ground? The area in question, steeped in conflict and resilience, lies near the…

North Western State of Somalia Embarks on a Visionary Peace Initiative in the Sanaag Region In a strategic move towards broader peace and stability, North Western State of Somalia has embarked on an initiative to integrate clan militias into its national forces—a project rippling with both pragmatism and hope. This effort, primarily focused on the Sanaag region, sees the North Western State of Somalia government acquiring vehicles and weaponry from local clan militia groups, heralding not just a transfer of…

On a pleasant Monday in Istanbul, the bustling city that straddles both Europe and Asia, a significant diplomatic meeting took place. Somali Ambassador to Türkiye, Fathudin Ali Mohamed, arriving with a vision and a purpose, engaged in a crucial dialogue with Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, who serves as the secretary-general of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The meeting unfolded within the walls of the organization's headquarters, a space that has witnessed numerous similar encounters charting the future of regional…

Ethiopia, a large and diverse nation, is in pursuit of a goal many consider essential for its economic vision: a solid hold on maritime access. This aspiration took a noteworthy turn in 2023 when Ethiopia struck a deal with North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared republic. The deal, which found Ethiopia trading recognition of North Western State of Somalia's independence for a coveted 20-kilometer coastal stretch, soon sparked geopolitical unrest in the region. Not surprisingly, the course of this agreement has…

Ali Adan Mumin: A Voice Liberated Amidst Controversy On a recent day that began like any other, social media commentator and political blogger Ali Adan Mumin found himself in the center of a storm, though one might argue storms are nothing new for those who dare to speak openly. Mumin spent two restless nights in police custody, arrested under allegations of threatening national security and defaming government officials—a charge heavy with implications. His unexpected detention sparked a wave…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Mogadishu (AX) — In the swirling complexities that define air travel decisions today, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways have deemed it necessary to suspend their flights to Mogadishu, prompted by security warnings from the U.S. Embassy. This move echoes a familiar yet unsettling melody for travelers in and out of Somalia — the ever-looming potential for threats at the Aden Adde International Airport. It's a decision steeped in caution. The Embassy, acting as an…