West Africa

In a bustling, often unpredictable world, fresh allegations have surfaced in the Horn of Africa, casting a shadow over the delicate peace between Somalia and Kenya. Lawmakers from the autonomous region of Jubbaland are pointing fingers at Somalia's federal government, accusing it of stirring up trouble along their shared border with Kenya. On Tuesday, a collective declaration emerged from Jubbaland's parliamentary representatives, both those in the Lower House and the Upper House. They claimed that federal forces, alongside…

Garowe (AX) — The leadership in Northeastern State has firmly decided against offering any form of clemency to foreign ISIS fighters entrenched within the Al Miskat mountains, presenting a stark ultimatum to the Somali ISIS insurgents to capitulate. This development unfolded on Sunday, according to officials familiar with the situation. The declaration emerged shortly after a violent incident in Dharjaalle, where an attack by 12 foreign militants on a Northeastern State military outpost resulted in multiple fatalities,…

As President-elect John Mahama prepares to assume the highest office in Ghana on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, he faces a monumental task—leading a nation overwhelmed by its most severe economic crisis in decades. Mahama isn’t new to the political arena; he served as president from 2012 to 2017. His recent triumph over the ruling party's candidate, outgoing Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, marks a noteworthy comeback that has captured national attention. "The economic landscape is challenging," Mahama expressed shortly after…

In the vast tapestry of current global affairs, the world has indeed turned its gaze towards North Western State of Somalia, particularly given the peaceful nature of its recent elections. These elections were not merely a procedural political act but rather a poignant statement on the region's dedication to democracy and stability. What truly stands out is the seamless transition of power that followed, a testament to the sophisticated political maturity underpinning this unrecognized yet spirited region. “It's an…

**Mogadishu (AX) —** An exciting shift is happening amidst the arid landscapes of Somalia's Bari region, with local farmers finally reaping the rewards of patience and perseverance. After years of struggling against a harsh climate, they've tapped into success by cultivating and selling dates, sweetening both their prospects and their wallets. Take Mohamed Rage Ali, for instance. The father of 14 has turned a promising corner. After half a decade of toil, his farm has yielded a harvest with a $1,200 payout, providing his…

Lawmakers Challenge Exclusive Livestock Export Deal In a bold stand, about one hundred members from both chambers of Somalia's Federal Parliament openly criticized a recent government decision favoring Abu-Yasir, a foreign entrepreneur, with exclusive rights to export the country's livestock. In clear-cut words on Monday, the parliamentarians pointed fingers at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of putting a foreigner's interest over those of local Somali traders. These traders have long been pillars in the…

Photo Op - Al-Shabab in Action If you were to hop in a time machine and set the dial to October 21, 2010, you’d witness a scene straight out of an action flick: Al-Shabab fighters strutting their stuff with weapons in northern Mogadishu, Somalia. 10 Militant Casualties Announced by Somalia The Somali government recently spilled the beans on an operation that resulted in the elimination of ten al-Shabab militants. This mission saw a tag-team effort with the United States military, showing some serious teamwork. According to…

Over a bustling weekend, Egypt's Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, found himself deep in conversation with prominent figures like US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. These chats centered around the ever-shifting dynamics of regional happenings and the potential pathways to strengthen bilateral ties. In a dialogue on January 4th, Abdelatty and Blinken honed in on the turmoil in Gaza and the messy quagmire that is the Syrian crisis. Abdelatty did not mince words, asserting…

The recent diplomatic exchange between Somalia and Egypt marks a step forward in their partnership. Highlighting efforts to strengthen Somali governance and boost its economic resilience, this conversation builds on meaningful discussions many moons ago, when Fiqi journeyed to Cairo. Egypt's longstanding role as a steadfast ally in Somalia's rebuilding has been characterized by the provision of training programs and support aimed at empowering state institutions. Foreign Minister Abdelatty emphasized that countering…

Paris (AFP) - Despite his vivid orange beard and distinctive glasses, Abdul Qadir Mumin remains a shadowy figure, difficult to catch, and even harder to understand. This Somalian has likely climbed to the top tier within the Islamic State (IS) ensemble, potentially acting as the de facto big cheese without the official endorsement, according to experts. Some observers are puzzled about the mysterious figure Abou Hafs al-Hachimi al-Qourachi, IS's supposed caliph, speculating if he even exists. Meanwhile, it's plausible that…