West Africa

Mogadishu (AX)— This year, Somali National University witnessed its biggest turnout ever as nearly 4,000 students took part in the National University Admission Test. The historic event was highlighted during the exam's opening ceremony. Minister of Education Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir reminisced about the university's remarkable journey since it was revived a decade ago. He highlighted that the participation of 3,924 students symbolizes a renewed fervor for education and the rising aspirations of Somali youth to attain higher…

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, at the helm of U.S. Africa Command, partakes in a military drill in Agadir, Morocco, May 30, 2024. The Islamic State in Somalia has doubled its strength in the past year, reveals the head of U.S. Africa Command in a chat with VOA. “Northern Somalia is on my radar due to the uptick in ISIS numbers,” AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley mentioned in a candid interview, using the acronym for the terrorist group. Langley refrained from disclosing the U.S.'s exact figures on…

Men gather around candidate Abdi Daisane (right), who's gunning for Minnesota State Representative. Here, he shares his campaign vision at the Waamo Café on Aug. 30 in St. Cloud. Credit: Paul Middlestaedt | MPR News Minnesota’s Somali community has grown significantly, flexing newfound political strength—especially in St. Cloud, where their numbers have surged. More than 20 years after the first Somali refugees arrived in St. Cloud, some are diving into governance and politics. This includes shaking up traditional…

Four years have zipped by since George Floyd’s tragic passing, shaking the law enforcement community. During that span, scores of officers departed, and fresh recruits were sparse. City officials announced a turning point last month, with recruitment numbers finally climbing.Sitting amidst her fellow graduates at the American Indian Center, Ikran Mohamed beams, fresh from completing the Minneapolis Police Department’s training. Credit: Matt Sepic | MPR NewsThis piece is brought to you courtesy of MPR News in tandem with…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has urged the Somali diaspora to engage more actively in fostering economic prosperity and regional stability. This appeal was made during the 10th International Somali Diaspora Conference held in Istanbul.The assembly saw representatives from the Somali diaspora meet with international allies. IGAD's Health and Social Development Director, Fathia Alwan, highlighted the vital role of remittances in supporting the economies of IGAD member nations.…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Tuesday, the Somali government inked a landmark $68.5 million Development Assistance Grant Agreement with the United States. This move is a big leap forward in pushing socio-economic progress throughout the nation.In a solemn ceremony held in Mogadishu, the deal was signed by Somali Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah (Beene-Beene), Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, and USAID Somalia Mission Director Catie Lott.Focused on bolstering economic growth,…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Monday, Somali Minister of Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, and his Turkmenistan counterpart, J. Gurbandeldiyev, connected via video call, discussing ways to bolster ties in education, culture, and tech sectors. Fathudin Ali Muhammad, the Somali Ambassador to Turkmenistan residing in Ankara, took part in the session. The main focus was on fostering collaboration and promoting university-level education between the two countries. Turkmenistan's Minister of Education applauded Somalia's enthusiasm…

Mogadishu (AX) — A weary Al-Shabaab leader, turned off by endless infighting within the faction, surrendered to Somali authorities. This surrender aligns with an uptick in militants abandoning the group lately. Qaasim Ahmed Duhul, known in the group as Suulal Ceyn, cited the government's pardon and reintegration efforts as his motivation. For eight arduous years, Duhul was embedded in Al-Shabaab's ranks. With the help of clan elders in Masagawaa, he gave himself up to the 28th battalion of the 21st division. Speaking to…

Mogadishu (AX) – Djibouti's intriguing suggestion as a potential remedy for the ongoing diplomatic rift between Somalia and Ethiopia remains unanswered by Ethiopia, Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf disclosed. In a tête-à-tête with VOA, Youssouf shared that the ball is still in Ethiopia’s court regarding the management and use of the Tojorah port, nestled in Djibouti's northern expanse. This port has been proposed by Djibouti as an alternate maritime gateway for landlocked Ethiopia, heavily dependent on…

The initiatory step in this journey is the submission of a formal motion by a coalition of MPs, igniting spirited debate in Somalia's Parliament. Take the case of Foreign Minister Ahmed Macalin Fiqi—over 46 MPs have rallied, accusing him of neglecting Somalia's sovereignty amid a tense diplomatic tussle with Ethiopia. They're also up in arms about a Somali company's exclusion from the 2025 Japan trade expo, where an Italian-owned business snagged a spot instead. MP Jeesoow, among the most ardent advocates for the motion,…