West Africa

In the heart of Baidoa, a storm is brewing. The city, the bustling capital of Southwest State, is bubbling over with frustration and fury as its residents take to the streets to voice their outrage over the alarming wave of youth trafficking that has gripped the community. Picture this: determined faces woven with worry and resilience rallying together, their voices rising in a chorus demanding justice. It's a scene that could move even the hardest of hearts. The message? Crystal clear and urgent. "This is about protecting…

The Chinese government did not mince words when they denounced what they referred to as a "vicious act" that posed a grave threat to both the ship’s crew and the sanctity of international navigation. With a promise to tenaciously defend the legitimate rights of Chinese citizens and businesses abroad, they made their stance crystal clear. Picture the scene in late November: a ship leisurely cruising through the vast waters, suddenly intercepted and spirited away to the Xaafuun district, nestled within Somalia’s…

In the rapidly whirling world of social media, where even a speck of misinformation can snowball into a frenzy, rumors spun a fantastic yarn about Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia. The buzz sprang from claims, running wild across online platforms, that the president was inspecting Ethiopia’s naval forces. But let's pause here and consider, have the metaphorical ships really come in on this? To set the record straight, factual accounts and photographic evidence reveal that President Mohamud was…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the labyrinth of African geopolitics, where the sands of strategy shift almost as swiftly as the dunes of the Sahara, Somalia finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The nation, energetically charting the course for the African Union's next phase in peacekeeping — dubbed the African Union's Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) — eagerly gestures towards its long-time neighbor, Ethiopia, hoping to draw them into this unfolding tapestry of collaboration. Yet, the path to inclusion is anything but a…

The long-standing dream of bringing Somalia’s identification system into the 21st century is finally blossoming before our eyes. Imagine this: a country ready to leap into the future, armed with a powerful tool known as the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS). Now, with an astounding capacity to handle two million ten-print records and 50,000 latent records, ABIS is not just a piece of tech hardware—it's a crucial ally in aiding the Somali Police Force's relentless pursuit of justice. It’s like having a digital…

Addis Ababa—The sun shone brightly over the Ethiopian capital on January 11, 2025, as an air of optimism and anticipation filled the streets. Against this vibrant backdrop, a monumental announcement was made—one that carried the promise of a brighter future for two historic neighbors. Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, stood before an attentive audience of officials and journalists, his composed demeanor hinting at the weight…

Mogadishu — Off the shimmering Somali coast, where the endless waves whisper secrets of the deep, a game-changing adventure is underway. Somalia, a nation poised at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge, is setting the stage for what could be its grandest economic revival—or its most precarious gamble. Picture this: a Turkish-owned research vessel slicing through the azure waters, its mission as ambitious as it is daring. By April 2025, the Oruc Reis vessel—Turkey’s pride and joy—aims to uncover untapped oil and gas…

In the serene expanse of the Togdheer region in the North Western State of Somalia, where life flows with a quiet rhythm and history seems etched into every stone, a shocking tale unfolded that has left the community reeling. In the once-peaceful village of Habaaslay, the unimaginable happened: two brothers stand accused of committing the ultimate betrayal—the murder of their own mother. On December 23, 2024, the tragic news of Aamina Yusuf Ismail’s death shattered the calm of Togdheer. Aamina was more than just a mother;…

In a remarkable twist of events that has stirred ripples across the Hiiran region, the Somali federal government forces have triumphantly reclaimed the reins of local power. They have officially taken charge of the Hiiran regional administration centers, not just the bustling district of Beledweyne but also the strategic Lamagalaay military camp—a bastion held by the Hiiran State administration for the past year. It's as if they swooped in like knights in shining armor, ready to bring a whirlwind of change. The handover…

Somali Forces Strike Key Blow Against Al-Shabab in Amara Mogadishu (AX) – Picture this: under the cloak of night, when even the stars were whispering secrets, Somali National Army (SNA) forces, alongside some fearless local clan militias, sprang into action in a daring escapade that could give even the best action films a run for their money. They descended upon the Amara district in the Mudug region during a Saturday night operation, delivering a significant blow to the notorious al-Shabab militants.…