West Africa

Baidoa (AX) – In a region often clouded by uncertainty and conflict, a significant gathering took place on Saturday within the heart of the Southwest state. Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, the president of the Southwest regional state, orchestrated a security council meeting in Baidoa. The primary focus? Crafting strategies as intricate as a game of chess to bolster regional security and confront the ever-present menace of Al-Shabaab militants. Picture a room filled with anticipation and determination as the council…

In the picturesque yet turbulent city of Garowe, a swirling blend of tradition and modernity, a significant decree has been issued by Northeastern State's regional authorities. This directive, steeped in both strategy and caution, aims to sever all media communications with the notorious Islamic State (ISIS) faction. It's part of a meticulous military campaign focused on obliterating ISIS hideouts nestled in the rugged Al-Miskat mountains of the Bari region. But what does this mean for press freedom, and how should we…

Beledweyne, a city marked by arid landscapes and relentless spirits, was recently the backdrop to a passionate proclamation by Ali Jeyte Osman. As the specially appointed Somali President’s Envoy for Community Defense Forces, Osman delivered a message filled with both resolve and urgency on a bright Saturday morning. Who would have imagined that this land, far removed from global power plays, would become ground zero for a microcosmic battle against a menacing force? Over the past week, amidst the rugged terrains of the…

Year 2024: a monumental chapter etched into Somalia’s modern tapestry—a year where sovereignty hung delicately by a thread. As fireworks painted the sky on New Year’s Day, Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia clandestinely inked a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement, granting Ethiopia access to a 19-kilometer stretch of North Western State of Somalia’s coast, bypassed Somalia’s federal heartbeat. Was this a simple diplomatic maneuver, or a disruptive gambit? Ethiopia, in a tantalizing exchange, hinted at…

In the dimly lit remnants of a world that seems to have long forgotten compassion, Libyan authorities have stepped forward as unexpected custodians of hope. They rescued 263 African migrants, ensnared in the sullied nets of human traffickers within the Ajkhara district—a name that whispers of anguish and survival. Among the rescued throng are individuals from nations such as Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, stripped of the most basic human dignities, their bodies marred by signs of severe malnutrition and abuse. The tales…

Somali President on U.S. Commitment in Fight Against al-Shabab Why should the United States maintain its involvement in the complex struggle against al-Shabab? To answer this question requires an understanding of Somalia's geopolitical realities, economic imperatives, and, perhaps, a dose of human empathy. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, a stalwart leader with unmistakable resolve, finds himself at the helm of a nation riddled with challenges. Al-Shabab, an insidious al-Qaeda affiliate, lurks…

In the serene yet tumultuous landscape of Northeastern State, where the arid earth meets resilient communities, tensions have flared in Erigavo. It is here that Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni steps into a realm more fraught than most, calling for an earnest dialogue to quell recent conflicts. Erigavo, often restless, now stands upon a precipice, but who does not seek peace beneath this shared sky? Deni, a statesman in his own right, pleads with the opposing factions to seek a peaceful resolution, for in…

In an unsettling twist of fate, the COVID-19 pandemic, which should have propelled global unity and empathy, instead became fertile ground for some to exploit public resources for personal gain. How can we measure the depth of human avarice? Acting U.S. Attorney, Lisa D. Kirkpatrick, threw a harsh spotlight on the situation: "Rather than feed children, Noor and his co-defendants took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic—and the resulting program changes—to enrich themselves by misappropriating millions of dollars in federal…

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, there’s a campus event that, year after year, breathes life into the rich tapestry of Somali culture. This Saturday, The Ohio State University’s Somali Students Association (SSA) will host its shimmering 20th anniversary celebration, featuring the celebrated Somali Night—a cultural resurgence for those near and far. Picture this: two decades ago, an intimate, unassuming gathering marked the humble beginnings of what would become a cornerstone for cultural celebration. Now, it blooms into a…

Kirubel Tesfaye, a fact-checker at HaqCheck, spearheads a workshop for journalists and university students in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, in 2024. (Photo courtesy of HaqCheck) WASHINGTON — In the volatile dance of geopolitics, misinformation weaves a dangerously seductive tapestry across social media platforms. Consider last year's rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia: a video claimed to show Egyptian troops training on Somali soil. The clip rapidly garnered 34,000 views on the social media platform X, but alas, it was a…