West Africa

Picture this: a computer screen flashing a cyberattack warning. A group of cyber bandits swiped a whopping $350,000 from a Somali solar energy company by rerouting their funds. Mogadishu (AX) — In a daring cyber-heist revealing alarming flaws, hackers drained over $350,000 slated for a Somali solar venture. The hit spotlighted gaps in security at India-based International Solar Alliance (ISA). The intended recipients, Hayle Barise Energy Solutions, are paving the way for solar development in Somalia. Instead, the cash…

The vibes in Mogadishu (AX) were electric as Somali security operatives in Jubbaland fended off Al-Shabab's attempted raid on Buulo Haji, a key locale near Kismayo, recently freed from the clutches of militants.Major Mohamed Farah Dahir, who speaks for the regional forces in Jubbaland, announced that the militant group struck fiercely at army strongholds near Buulo Haji, only to face a resounding defeat with significant losses. They claimed victory, stating they seized the village and downed six soldiers, but Dahir painted a…

In South Africa, the battle for women's rights has reached a new crescendo, with dedicated activists rallying against the anticipated performance of the controversial U.S. artist, Chris Brown. The advocacy group, Women For Change, has initiated a petition aimed at urging both the government and concert promoters to reevaluate the decision to host him in December. The petition articulates a clear demand: the Department of Home Affairs should revoke Brown's visa, thereby preventing him from entering the country altogether.…

FILE - Inside the Parliament House in Mogadishu, Somali Federal Parliament members gather. Parliament plays a pivotal role in promoting good governance, accountability, and democratic ideals in Somalia.  Introduction When envisioning good governance, images of democracy, the rule of law, and visionary leadership come to mind. The term “governance” takes its roots from ancient Greek ideas, picked up from Latin origins meaning “to steer,” and passed along by the French. John Locke, back in the 17th century, dished out…

Mogadishu (AX) — A groundbreaking partnership was forged between North Western State of Somalia's Ministry of Minerals and Energy and Emirates Industrial Laboratory, a hub from the UAE, aiming to transform the mineral testing landscape in Dahabshiil’s neck of the woods.Ink dried on the agreement in Dubai, where Mohamed Osman Said, the heavyweight at North Western State of Somalia's Ministry, gave Emirates Industrial Laboratory the green light. With this deal, North Western State of Somalia shuns the hefty task of outsourcing…

A groundbreaking collaboration has been forged between the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Somali Bankers Association (SBA). According to Abdiwali Tima’adde, the Director General at NIRA, this alliance is poised to revitalize the economy by harmonizing Somali business operations with global standards while curbing calamities like fraud and money laundering. "Beneath the facade of this partnership lies a blueprint for discussions on its potential impacts, strategies to bring registration…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a mission in Ras Qabow, a secluded locale nestled within the Middle Shabelle region, the Somali National Army (SNA) successfully neutralized 25 fighters from the Al-Shabab faction this past Saturday.Colonel Mohamed Hassan Abukar Dhaladheere, leading the 251st unit of the 25th brigade, explained that the operation was initiated following the army's successful defense against an assault by Al-Shabab. A fierce clash erupted afterward, testing the mettle of both sides."The gallant soldiers from the National…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, is resolute in standing tall against Ethiopia’s recent saber-rattling, stating unequivocally that Somalia is primed to counter any belligerence directed toward its defense forces or citizens. During a speech in the heart of Mogadishu, Nur declared, "Somalia and Ethiopia should coexist in harmony and good neighborly spirit, yet if the fragile leadership of Abiy and Jula stumbles in upholding peace, then those stoking discord shall soon realize the gravity…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama slammed an attempt to kick him out of his Senate spot, tagging it as uncalled-for, upholding that it breaks all sorts of constitutional rules. Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdillahi held the view that Jama had essentially abandoned his role after he was missing from four back-to-back sittings. On October 13, Jama voiced his concerns, pointing a finger at the Speaker for overstepping his bounds. "It's unsettling," Jama voiced, "that the Speaker is going down a…

Mariam Mohamed is the brilliant mind behind Hoyo, one of the lucky dozen startups chosen for 2024 microgrants awarded by the benevolent Market Entry Fund. You might have bumped into her on October 1, 2024, bustling around Hoyo's hustle-and-bustle Bloomington spot. Cheers to Dymanh Chhoun and Sahan Journal for shining a spotlight on this! In Somali language, "Hoyo" translates to the word “mother.” Back in 2015, the Mohamed sisters, including Mariam, Halima, and Asha, thought of a grand plan. They decided to put Somali…