West Africa

Galkayo (AX) — Early Friday morning witnessed a dramatic turn of events in Galkayo when armed clan vigilantes forcefully breached the central prison, focusing their assault on the area under Northeastern State's control. Their mission? To liberate inmates facing execution. This bold move exemplifies the ongoing escalation of clan-related hostilities that continue to shake the fragile peace in Somalia's Mudug region. The resultant chaos saw a firefight break out between the invaders and prison guards, leading to one…

In a whirlwind of political intrigue, Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, the head honcho of North Western State of Somalia's Waddani party, flat-out denied any hush-hush chitchats with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his jaunt to Djibouti. Setting the record straight, Hirsi was crystal clear about his party's dedication to openness and transparency. "I didn't have a pow-wow with President Hassan Sheikh while I was in Djibouti," he stated. "Heck, if there were talks to be had, they would stick to our party's principles—open…

The Nigerian government has firmly stated that it will not permit the presence of foreign military forces within its borders as it navigates ongoing security challenges from insurgents and bandits. Nonetheless, it has expressed a willingness to collaborate internationally to "domesticate" military equipment production, aiming to sidestep delays often associated with procurement processes. President Bola Tinubu made these remarks during a recent meeting in Abuja with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Furthermore, President…

Mogadishu (AX) — "The wind of change is blowing through Somalia," as the region witnesses ISS's intricate web of terror tighten its grip. On the brink of the new year, December 31 saw the Islamic State Somalia Province (ISS) launching a major assault on Northeastern State's security apparatus, illuminating the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by extremist factions. Through precision and coordination, attackers unleashed suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs) and suicide vests (SVESTs) on a…

Mogadishu (AX) - Making headlines once more, entrepreneur Mohamed Abdi Afweyne, known for his infamous involvement in piracy, has finally returned to Mogadishu. After enduring over ten years behind bars in Belgium, following piracy-related charges brought by Belgium's government, his homecoming was monumental. Described as the 'mastermind' behind Somali piracy, Afweyne was caught up in a high-profile arrest in 2013. Belgian authorities orchestrated a cunning sting operation, enticing him under the guise of a documentary…

Mogadishu (AX) — In Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, the Dhagahyo Addo area has recently been stirred with anxiety owing to feral encounters that left two young boys injured by hyena attacks. These incidents illuminate the thin line rural communities walk when typified by wildlife encroachments. The first unfortunate encounter involved Bashir Mohamed Ismail Harir, a 16-year-old who faced a harrowing episode while catching some z’s near a camel corral. His father painted a vivid picture of the scary incident: "The hyena…

In a notable twist of events out of Kismayo, tensions have flared between the Jubbaland State cabinet and Somalia’s federal government over serious allegations involving international humanitarian aid. Jubbaland authorities are pointing fingers, saying that aid meant to support their vulnerable communities is being rerouted to bankroll regional conflicts. The unsettling claims were aired during a gathering in Kismayo last Thursday, where it was asserted that instead of reaching those in need, these crucial resources have…

In the bustling heart of Hargeisa, the political landscape sparkled with freshly minted licenses for three key parties—Waddani, Kaah, and Kulmiye. This development unfolded at a spirited gathering in the Ambassador Hotel, set against the backdrop of North Western State of Somalia’s dynamic political scene. A ceremony on Wednesday marked this momentous occasion, graced by none other than North Western State of Somalia’s helmsman, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro. With an air of triumph, the President observed the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Once a lively trade hub bustling with activity, Beledweyne in central Somalia now finds itself caught in a web of insecurity, unlawful checkpoints, and ineffective leadership. This turbulent climate prompted Somalia's federal government to step in, taking charge of security operations in hopes of reviving stability in the beleaguered Hiiraan region. The federal authorities' intervention springs from the violent El Baraf confrontations, where militia attacks claimed the lives of numerous soldiers. Earlier…

Northeastern State is actively joining forces with international bodies like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Red Crescent. Together, they’re crafting plans to send home foreign combatants who lay down their weapons and surrender. Dirir mentioned that while they’re keeping the specifics like timelines and nationalities under wraps, the ultimate goal is clear: these individuals need to return home, and it all has to be orchestrated under proper legal guidelines. "We’ve got foreign fighters in our…