West Africa

Northeastern State's Mountain Offensive: Striking at the Heart of ISIS in Somalia In the rugged, sun-scorched mountains of northern Somalia, a new chapter in the relentless struggle against terrorism is unfolding. Northeastern State security forces successfully executed a strategic operation against ISIS fighters in the Calmiskaad mountains, a formidable landscape where militants have entrenched themselves for years. The Battle in the Mountains On Tuesday, amidst the arid peaks and thorny undergrowth, Northeastern State…

Strengthening Bonds: UAE and Somalia Forge Deeper Ties Amid Regional Shifts In a move resonating with diplomatic significance, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to Mogadishu. The high-level meeting unfolded against the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics, underscoring the evolving socio-political landscape of the Horn of Africa. Deepening Diplomatic Relations The discussions took place at the heart of Somali leadership—the…

The Unyielding Isolation of Niger's Ousted Leader: A Human Tale in a Time of Turmoil Over two years have passed since former President Mohamed Bazoum was confined to the opulent yet prison-like surroundings of Niger’s presidential palace. The isolation that engulfs Bazoum, 65, and his wife, Hadiza, draws a stark picture of a nation struggling under the weight of a military coup that has left many questioning democracy's fragile state in West Africa. The coup, orchestrated by Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, the erstwhile chief…

Somalia’s Education Triumph: A Story of Resilience and Hope In a remarkable turn of events that marks a significant milestone in Somalia's historical narrative, the Federal Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Learning unveiled the results of the 2024-2025 national Grade 12 examinations on Sunday. The results symbolize not just an academic achievement but a triumph over adversity for a nation that has long been burdened by decades of conflict. A Resounding Success Amidst Adversity Out of the 37,052 students who…

Charting a New Educational Course: Somalia's Ambitious Stakeholder Dialogue On a balmy Sunday morning in Jowhar, Hirshabelle state's interim administrative capital, the air buzzed with a sense of promise and renewed purpose. The city, known for its verdant landscapes and strategic location, played host to a crucial event with national implications: the National Education Consultation Conference. Amidst a landscape reshaping itself after decades of turmoil, Somalia stands at an educational crossroads. This gathering,…

Executions in Mogadishu: A Harsh Reminder of Somalia's Struggles In a somber scene that underscores Somalia's ongoing battle with extremist violence, a Somali military court recently carried out the execution of two men. Convicted of orchestrating deadly bombings and targeted killings, their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group. By Ali Musa Axadle Times international–Monitoring. The Executions Anas Abdulqadir Ali Mahmoud, known by the alias "Salman," and Aden Mursal…

Strengthening Ties: Somalia and Sudan's Security Partnership in a Troubled Region In a region where instability and conflict often dominate headlines, a significant diplomatic step was taken this week as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in substantial discussions with Maj. Gen. Ahmed Ibrahim Ali Mufadal, Sudan's Director General of National Intelligence Service. The meeting underscores a potential pivot towards more strategic alliances in combating shared security threats in the Horn of Africa. A Crucial…

Somalia's Ambitious Step into the Cosmos: A New Era or Overambition? In an unexpected announcement that has captured imaginations globally, Somalia is exploring plans to become the world’s next satellite launching pad. While this may seem like a bold step for a nation grappling with reconstruction, the possibility hints at broader aspirations and potential implications for Somalia and the global stage. Exploring a New Frontier Mohamed Mahmud Allaale, a seasoned communications strategist and advisor to Somalia’s Ministry of…

A New Chapter in Somalia’s Electoral Landscape: Progress or Peril? In a significant political shift, a faction of Somalia's opposition alliance has reached an electoral agreement with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This pact could alter the country’s democratic trajectory, signaling both hope and uncertainty. As the global audience absorbs this development, one must consider its ramifications within Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa. A Historic Breakaway The Sehmiye faction, composed of influential figures like…

Sowing Seeds of Change: Senegal and France Redefine Their Relationship On a crisp autumn afternoon, the stately halls of the Élysée Palace echoed with the voices of two leaders navigating a complex web of history, diplomacy, and shared aspirations. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and French President Emmanuel Macron sat down for a meeting that was expected to redefine the longstanding relationship between their nations. With the backdrop of France's recent military withdrawal from Senegal, ending over six decades…