West Africa

President Will Ruto addresses Wajir residents during his North Eastern tour on February 5th, 2025. President William Ruto's recent journey across North Eastern Kenya has stirred a complex array of questions and controversies, shaking the dusty plains where political ambitions converge with historical anomalies. Is this sojourn about redressing the historical marginalization of the Somali community in Kenya, or does it signal an opportunistic ploy to bolster electoral figures with potential foreign influence? As the 2027…

Mogadishu (AX) – Gathered in the vibrant city of Dar es Salaam, leaders from across East and Southern Africa came together in a pivotal summit, as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visibly immersed himself last Saturday. The extraordinary meeting was a collective endeavor by the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a bold attempt to untangle the turbulent web of conflict that has recently engulfed the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The…

Mothers' House Controversy in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) – A peculiar tension simmered in the heart of Mogadishu early Saturday morning. Somali police forces, in an orchestrated operation, took possession of the Mothers' House compound. You might wonder, what urgent matter requires such swift action? This iconic site, nestled opposite the Somali National Theater, has become the center of a heated property dispute. The operation unfolded quietly with the first light. As the city awakened post-prayers, the…

Mogadishu (AX) – Within the escalating tides of conflict, the Somali government has embarked on a formidable campaign to dismantle the financial underpinnings that sustain terrorist organizations like al-Shabaab and ISIS. This strategic move aims to erode their entrenched influence in the region, a task riddled with complexity and fraught with peril. On a typically bustling Saturday in Mogadishu, an animated press conference unfolded. Among its distinguished speakers were Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Adala,…

The unpredictable corridors of power opened their doors on February 4, 2025, as US President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into the Oval Office. An occasion captured in time by Evan Vucci's lens for the Associated Press, the meeting hinted at a controversial geopolitical chess move: relocating Gazans from their besieged enclave. But relocate to where? The eyes of Israeli and US officials are turning toward Morocco and two autonomous Somali regions—Northeastern State and North Western State…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a charged atmosphere of growing political tension, Somali Minister of Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag has thrown serious accusations against Ahmed Madobe, the President of Jubbaland State. Fartaag, in a fiery address delivered in the heart of Mogadishu on Saturday, painted Madobe as not merely a political rival but a profound obstructionist, hampering the painstaking fight against the militant group, al-Shabaab. His words resounded with palpable frustration. Fartaag sparked a blend of intrigue…

Northeastern State’s Vigilant Stand: A New Chapter in the Fight Against ISIS On January 30, 2025, amidst whispers of courage and resilience, the Northeastern State Security Forces paraded a newly trained unit through the streets of Bosasso, located in Somalia's Northeastern State region. Gleaming equipment accompanied them, a show of strength and preparedness dedicated to combating the looming threat of ISIS in the Bari Region. Reuters captured this profound moment—one that might signal a pivotal shift.…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a move set to shape the future fabric of Somali society, the Somali Council of Ministers recently ratified two pivotal cooperation agreements with Azerbaijan, focusing on education and energy. During Thursday’s meeting in the heart of Mogadishu, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, who presided over the proceedings with a thoughtful gaze, underscored the profound significance of these accords. "These agreements will enhance education and energy collaboration, laying the groundwork for long-term…

Mogadishu (AX) – Is it truly feasible or ethical to propose relocating individuals from one troubled land to another? A recent initiative, put forth by U.S. President Donald Trump, suggests resettling Palestinians from the embattled strip of Gaza to the distant lands of Northeastern State, a self-governing region in northeastern Somalia, and the self-proclaimed autonomous state of North Western State of Somalia. Phrased with enticing adjectives as "far safer and more beautiful," this proposal has sparked considerable debate…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the vibrant city of Kampala, a significant meeting unfolded between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. Their conversation was peppered with discussions on deepening the bonds between their nations, with an emphasis on security, economic growth, and collaborative measures against the specter of terrorism. The dialogue between the two leaders wasn't merely a formal exchange. Instead, it was imbued with the kind of warmth and understanding that often arises…