West Africa

FILE - Stacks of Khat, a plant sought for its stimulating effects in areas like East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Due to its status as an illegal substance in numerous nations, authorities are rigorously trying to stop its unlawful importation. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AX) — At the break of dawn on Monday, police in Johannesburg nabbed a Somali man following the confiscation of 100 kilograms of Khat, valued around $19,750, during a precise drug bust. The individual arrested, a 39-year-old named Mohamed Deeq Abdulahi…

Mohamed Omar makes history as the first Somali-American to head up the Board at Hennepin Healthcare — Minnesota’s leading safety-net hospital. CREDIT / Washburn MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — Stepping into uncharted waters, Mohamed Omar has achieved a groundbreaking moment by becoming the inaugural Somali-American Chair of Hennepin Healthcare, marking a turning point for Minnesota's preeminent public hospital. Omar’s new position follows three years of dedication on the board at Hennepin Healthcare, focusing his expertise on…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — As the investigation into the harrowing murders of three Somali women in Eastleigh intensifies, police have unearthed a car suspected to have been used in their kidnapping. This discovery marks a significant stride as mourners prepare to lay the victims to rest. The community grows restless, demanding justice as protests ignite throughout the neighborhood. Discoveries surfaced on Thursday when sleuths tracked down the vehicle amidst the bustling stalls of Ukulima Market in Kamukunji, Nairobi. It's…

When film director Mo Harawe mentioned his Somali roots, he observed certain stereotypes shaping people's views of the nation, a peculiar quirk he'd picked up on. Talking to Middle East Eye, his regular run-ins with these clichés fired up the inspiration for what would become a groundbreaking Somali film making waves at the Cannes Film Festival come May 2024. Harawe says, "Crafting the screenplay felt instinctual, mapping out diverse characters drawn from Somalia's everyday life." As Cannes stands pivotal in the cinematic…

MOGADISHU, Oct 24 (Reuters) - In an effort to track al Shabaab militants and provide residents with a sense of security, thousands of surveillance cameras have been installed throughout Somalia's bustling capital. However, this initiative has also sparked fear among business proprietors who dread retaliatory violence. Launched this year under the city government's directive, CCTV systems have, according to officials, bolstered the ability of law enforcement to monitor militant movements in Mogadishu while ensuring…

Mogadishu (AX) — Reports buzzing on social media about a supposed crash involving government aircraft were dismissed by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), dismissing them as sheer fabrications. The SCAA firmly stated that none of the newly acquired planes have faced such mishaps, rubbishing claims of them hitting the ground in off-limit locales.Releasing a detailed statement on Tuesday, the SCAA labeled these stories as part of a concerted effort to spread falsehoods by what they termed "Somalia's antagonists." As…

Families uprooted by crop failures are seeking sanctuary in makeshift camps on the fringes of Baidoa. A harsh drought in Southwest Somalia has compelled over 120 families to forsake their farms and way of life, enduring severe conditions in rudimentary shelters. Image: Radio Ergo Mogadishu (AX) — Jinay Isaaq Hassan spent her days in the quaint village of Mintaanyo, diligently working her six-hectare farm while raising her children. However, her life took a drastic turn earlier this year. The life-giving rains failed to…

On a lively Saturday, a flotilla of boats darted around MV Ruen during a daring Indian military raid, as captured by Ministry of Defence/PIB and relayed through CNN. Mogadishu (AX), famed for its vibrant markets and historical allure, has resumed its piracy saga. After a lull lasting five months, Somali pirates have re-emerged, casting shadows over global shipping routes that stretch across the vast oceans. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), under the vigilant watch of Operation ATALANTA, sounded the alarm when a…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali government announced Thursday that its esteemed Danab Commando Force successfully executed a strategic operation in the Galgadud region, taking down a dozen al-Shabab militants and injuring 12 more. This meticulously planned strike occurred in the Gerile area within the Eldher district, a known hideout for fighters plotting their next moves, as they lurked, "fangs sharpened," ready to strike. The government's statement triumphantly noted, "Twelve insurgents met their end, while 22 others…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has taken a dim view of the Burkina Faso government’s recent submission to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, highlighting its glaring omissions regarding human rights abuses. Various organizations advocating for human dignity have urgently appealed for enhanced protections for civilians amidst the ongoing armed struggles. They emphasize the necessity of lifting restrictions placed on journalists, dissenters, and political opponents, while also demanding that those responsible for…