West Africa

The dusty streets of Hargeisa, the bustling capital of North Western State of Somalia, are abuzz with talk of change. For years, this self-declared republic has existed in a unique state of limbo—unrecognized by the world, yet functioning with a surprising degree of independence since breaking away from Somalia over three decades ago. Enter Donald Trump. The man whose name has become synonymous with unpredictability, for better or worse, is now fueling rumors and hopes that the United States might be first to formally…

Mogadishu (AX) — A balmy Wednesday evening in Halaalay quickly turned into a harrowing scene of battle, leaving at least six people dead by the time the dust settled. This tiny village, nestled near Halgan in Somalia's Hiiraan region, became the latest stage in the enduring drama of power struggles between local defense forces and the relentless Al-Shabaab militants. It seems Somalia's battle with the militant group shows no signs of ending, as accusations, skirmishes, and whispers of turmoil continue to echo across…

Kismayo Tragedy Unfolds: The Tale of Poison, Love, and Betrayal Kismayo — There are tales that grip the heart, refusing to let go, weaving their threads of intrigue tighter around every unraveling detail. Such is the gripping saga unfolding in the normally quiet neighborhood of Farjano in Kismayo. Once a bustling, colorful town, this tragic incident has turned all eyes toward it once more. Like a scene scripted from a crime drama, a woman stands accused, not of theft or fraud, but of a much darker…

FILE - Mohamud Aydid Dirir, Northeastern State's Minister of Information, making waves during a public address.Kismayo (AX) - In a tale as old as time, the clash between Northeastern State and the federal government of Somalia has rekindled, this time over a torrent of words unleashed by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. The Prime Minister, in a recent display of commendation, hailed Northeastern State’s military forces for their valiant anti-ISIS operations in the rugged terrains of the Bari region. However, what was…

In the heat of Beledweyne’s bustling streets, under the watchful eyes of locals, a defining moment unfolded in a tale as old as time—justice seeking its course against the tide of lawlessness. A Somali Military Court, in a move that sends ripples across the Hiiraan region, handed down 10-year prison sentences to five men on Thursday. Their crime? Brazenly running illicit roadblocks and robbing innocent travelers on a critical highway—a lifeline in this part of the world. These men, apprehended by the vigilant forces of the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Imagine the kaleidoscope of creativity that could unfold when the diverse, colorful palette of East African arts meets the dynamic rhythms of Australia's cultural scene. That's not just a far-off dream but an emerging reality, as the Australian High Commission in Kenya throws open the doors to an innovative partnership program. Targeting regions as eclectic and vibrant as Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, this initiative promises to spin a rich tapestry of creative collaboration from…

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, where the whispers of the Indian Ocean intermingle with the echoes of a city reborn, a significant call was made this past Wednesday. From behind the fortified walls of Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, came the resonant voice of Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s dedicated Foreign Minister. He reached across the miles, into the embattled heart of Eastern Europe, to speak with Ukraine's committed diplomat, Andrii Sybiha. The topic of the day?…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a world where turmoil often grips the headlines, a welcome breeze of relief has swept through the international community this Thursday. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud threw his weight behind the widely-covered Gaza ceasefire agreement. His warm accolades are aimed at Qatar, Egypt, and the United States for their pivotal shuttle diplomacy, which finally saw the ink dry on this beleaguered accord. He hailed their roles in scripting what could be a significant chapter for peace. But will it be…

Picture this: It's a bustling Wednesday at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where the undulating chaos of travelers intermingles with quiet pockets of diplomacy. There, amidst the hubbub, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, leans in for a conversation with Kenya's Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki. Their meeting wasn't just a layover chat but a diplomatic tango aimed at deepening the bonds between Somalia and Kenya, two nations long tethered by history and a border, yet…

(Photo: ENA) In a remarkable turn of events reminiscent of a soap opera plot twist, Ethiopia and Somalia have decided to rekindle their diplomatic flame. The breakthrough came after Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Ethiopia's charismatic, albeit oftentimes controversial, Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, held candid discussions in the bustling heart of Addis Ababa on January 11, 2025. Speaking with the enthusiasm of someone who just found out they won the lottery, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special…