West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In a moment that resonates with the aspirations of many, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has made a decisive declaration: Somalia will not revert to its previous system of indirect elections. With passion and conviction, he argues that the locus of political power must reside firmly with the people. During a remarkable dinner event held in Mogadishu on Sunday night, designed to honor delegates from the recently concluded National Dialogue Conference, Barre took the opportunity to reaffirm his government's…

Recently, the U.S. Embassy shared a crucial message on its official Facebook page regarding the importance of adhering to U.S. laws. Officials underscored a significant point: “Breaking U.S. laws can have serious consequences for your visa.” Further expanding on this, they cautioned, “If you are arrested or violate any laws, your visa may be revoked, you may be deported, and you could be ineligible for future U.S. visas.” These statements highlight the serious implications of noncompliance while residing in the United…

Security forces maintain a vigilant watch outside a building recently targeted by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Mogadishu, Somalia's bustling capital, on February 21, 2023. The marked tension in the air is palpable, as the ongoing threat from extremist groups continues to cast a long shadow over the Horn of Africa. In a heartbreaking announcement, officials confirmed that at least seven Ugandan soldiers lost their lives in Somalia. This tragic loss underscores the risks faced by those in the frontline of the battle…

As the sun rose over the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna, a group of determined soldiers stood ready for a new chapter in their careers. They had undergone rigorous training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), preparing not just for the duties ahead but for the tremendous responsibility of peacekeeping in The Gambia. During a pre-deployment ceremony, Major General Uwem Bassey, the Nigerian Army Chief of Operations, took a moment to instill confidence in the…

In recent weeks, a troubling narrative has emerged from Northeastern State, where the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside international partners, has faced significant allegations surrounding the anti-locust program. Specifically, reports indicate that this crucial initiative—a measure funded by the World Bank aimed at safeguarding crops from the devastating impact of desert locusts—teeters on the brink of failure. So how did it come to this? This program, heralded as essential in the fight against agricultural destruction…

In an era where fluctuations in global energy prices can send shockwaves through economies, it's notable that a handful of African nations have successfully shielded their citizens from the brunt of these challenges. As gasoline costs soar in various parts of the continent, it’s imperative to delve into the strategies adopted by these countries to alleviate the pressures on their citizens and economies. The benefits of stabilizing fuel prices extend beyond mere dollars and cents. They possess the potential to…

Political Tensions in Ethiopia’s Somali Region JIGJIGA, Ethiopia (AX) — In a striking turn of events, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has leveled serious accusations against governmental officials in Ethiopia’s Somali Region. They claim that two of their senior members have been unlawfully detained for over three weeks. This incident, they argue, is not an isolated case; rather, it's part of a disturbing pattern of political intimidation that jeopardizes the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. In…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is setting ambitious goals as it embarks on a journey to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030. This initiative is part of a holistic strategy aimed not just at slashing high electricity costs, but also at significantly expanding access in its rural communities and gradually breaking the long-standing reliance on imported diesel fuel. Collaborating closely with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Somalia's new approach envisions a formidable leap in renewable energy…

A Moment of Sacrifice: The Ongoing Struggle in Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — Recent reports revealed a somber event that cuts to the heart of the ongoing conflict in Somalia. Seven brave Ugandan peacekeepers, operating under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), lost their lives during a concerted military operation aimed at reclaiming a pivotal town from the clutches of Al-Shabaab militants. This tragic yet heroic sacrifice serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dedicate their lives to peacekeeping.…

Conflict Erupts Again in Baidoa: A Closer Look Baidoa, Somalia — On a seemingly ordinary Monday morning, the calm was shattered by the unmistakable sounds of conflict. Intense fighting erupted between Somali government forces and the militant group al-Shabab, as the latter launched a brazen assault on a military base located just outside Baidoa. This incident, which unfolded in the early hours, has already left its mark on the local community and raised urgent questions about the ongoing security challenges in the region.…