West Africa

<Mogadishu (AX) — In an assertive move to curb the tempest of extremism plaguing his nation, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently amplified calls for intensified military efforts against ISIS elements holed up in the craggy Al-Miskaat Mountains of the Bari region. A multitude of events crescendoed into this renewed appeal, primarily the resounding victory by Northeastern State's Daraawiish forces, whose relentless 24-hour siege claimed the lives of over 50 militants, among them were prominent foreign…

The Liberian Electricity Corporation (LEC) has recently announced a substantial reduction in electricity supply across the nation. This situation arises from a decision by its Ivorian energy supplier, Compagnie Ivoirienne d'Électricité (CIE), to slash its energy provision to Liberia by a staggering "85 percent." Under a power purchase agreement, CIE has historically supplied a vital share of Liberia's electricity demands, making this cut particularly consequential. According to the Liberian authorities, this latest…

As the dry winds swept across the vast desert landscape of Mandera on February 4, 2025, President William Ruto made a significant entrance, escorted by local dignitaries who eagerly awaited his arrival. The timbre of anticipation was palpable, especially with the burden of unresolved concerns hanging in the air. Would the five abducted Mandera chiefs see the light of freedom soon? President Ruto's resolute promise echoed a commitment that although rare in articulation, resounded with heartfelt urgency. Ruto, in a bid that…

In the bustling corridors of Mogadishu, where the scent of freshly brewed tea mingles with the relentless hum of political discourse, the Somali Council of Ministers gathered for their weekly meeting. It was an occasion that resonated with the weight of recent triumphs—a significant victory by the Northeastern State Dervish forces against the ISIS militants lurking in the Al-Miskaat mountains of the Bari region. Picture this: a dusty plateau in the Bari region, where the echoes of previous battles linger in the air. The…

Hargeisa (AX) – In the ever-complex political landscape of North Western State of Somalia, a glimmer of hope appears to be emerging. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro recently acknowledged a peace proposal extended by Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni, aimed at quelling the tumultuous disputes currently unfolding in the Sanaag region. Could this mark the beginning of a new chapter for this embattled region? In an intimate gathering held at the presidential palace on a breezy Wednesday…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a decisive move, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), working closely with the Somali Police Force and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), executed a coordinated security operation on a bright Friday morning. The target? An elusive Al-Shabaab stronghold concealed in the shadows of Muuri. One might wonder, in the face of unending strife, what drives such bold undertakings? The primary objective of this mission was to quell the looming threats from the…

In recent years, the plight of children in Mali has escalated, leaving an indelible mark on their lives amid escalating violence and widespread atrocities. The ongoing conflict, fueled by various factions, has created an environment where the most vulnerable—our children—face unimaginable horrors on a day-to-day basis. What does it say about our collective humanity when the innocent are caught in the crossfire of such chaos? Reports suggest that between April 2022 and March 2024, more than 2,000 egregious violations against…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the volatile landscape of Somali politics, the federal government has directed pointed accusations at Jubbaland's President, Ahmed Madobe, in relation to the violent clash that shattered the peace in Bardhere district, Gedo region, this past Wednesday. This deadly altercation led tragically to the death of the district commissioner, Mohamed Ilyas Caagane, and numerous other casualties. The federal Ministry of Internal Security did not mince words in its recently released statement, alleging…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a development that may stir diplomatic waters, British Member of Parliament Sir Gavin Williamson has vocally pressed the United States to acknowledge North Western State of Somalia as an independent entity. His demands follow serious accusations claiming that funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are being funneled to bolster Al-Shabaab militants by the Somali government. Williamson took to X, which you might remember as the platform formerly known as Twitter, to…