West Africa

Today, an intriguing diplomatic exchange unfolded as Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, sat down for a chat with Vincent D. Spera, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Africa, Sudan, and South Sudan. From the onset, Ambassador Mesganu didn't mince words. He drove home the point that Ethiopia and the U.S. need to crank up their relationship, especially where peace and security are concerned. For Mesganu, the magic word is "economic." He passionately delved into Ethiopia’s…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the realm of uplifting news, the United States tipped its hat to Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro for snagging the coveted presidential seat in North Western State of Somalia. They threw kudos at the region for its tip-top democratic practices, something many can look up to.The US Embassy in Mogadishu gave a shoutout, via X (the platform yesteryear folks knew as Twitter). "Big ups to North Western State of Somalia's citizens for showing up to the polls and a hearty congratulations to President-elect…

The opposition leader in the self-declared independent region of North Western State of Somalia triumphed in the recent election, according to the electoral commission's announcement on Tuesday. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, representing the primary opposition faction known as the Waddani Party, secured over half of the votes, stepping out as the clear victor. At 69 years old, Abdullahi has previously held the prestigious position of North Western State of Somalia's parliament speaker back in 2005. This opposition group…

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, there’s been a splash of political excitement. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud offered hearty congratulations to Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi – widely known as Irro – for clinching the top spot as North Western State of Somalia’s new President. Alongside him is the freshly minted Vice President Mohamed Aw-Ali Abdi. Their triumph in the November elections was not just political but a reflection of the vibrant democratic spirit alive in the region. In an official statement shared on…

In a significant move, Resolute Mining, an Australian-based company, has agreed to pay a hefty sum of $160 million to the Malian government in a bid to settle an ongoing tax dispute. This decision comes on the heels of a troubling incident where Mali's authorities detained the company’s CEO, Terence Holohan, along with two other staff members during their trip to Bamako for what was supposed to be routine negotiations with the current regime. As tensions rise, the spotlight on foreign mining operations in Mali grows ever…

In a key move for Somalia's financial future, Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh inked a pivotal debt relief deal with Denmark's representative, Ambassador Steen Sonne Aderson, in the bustling city of Mogadishu on a vibrant Monday. This latest agreement reflects the positive outcomes from the notable discussions held by the Paris Club back in March 2024, another feather in the cap of Somalia’s ongoing economic reform crusade. The ministry enthusiastically declared, "The national reform efforts and debt forgiveness successes…

North Western State of Somalia Elects New Leader: A New Chapter Unfolds In a surprising political shake-up, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is set to take the reins as North Western State of Somalia's new president, as proclaimed by early results from the electoral commission on Tuesday. His leadership spells a fresh start for the disputed region. Irro, the figurehead of the Waddani party, secured a whopping 64% of the votes, prevailing over his opponent, Bihi, who garnered just 35% according to the figures released by…

Picture this: a lively Friday where the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, fondly known as KSrelief, rolls up its sleeves and steps into action. They make their way to the Banadir region, nestled within the Federal Republic of Somalia, armed with a treasure trove of relief supplies. Their mission? Deliver much-needed aid to those who’ve had to flee their homes. What's in this humanitarian goodie bag, you ask? Exactly 1,000 sturdy shelter kits to provide a semblance of warmth and a little pocket of security…

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has extended its heartfelt condolences to the folks over in North Western State of Somalia following the demise of Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud, affectionately known as Siilaanyo, their former president. Siilaanyo was more than just a leader; he was a true ally to Ethiopia, having played an instrumental role in fortifying the deep ties shared by our nations. The Ministry remarked on his enduring friendship with Ethiopia and acknowledged his pivotal…

Hargeisa (AX) — Beneath the watchful gaze of the African sun, on a notable Monday morning, political luminaries and countless mourners converged in Hargeisa. The occasion was solemn yet steeped in a dignified reverence as the community paid their final respects to Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo, a colossus etched into the political tapestry of North Western State of Somalia. As the former President, Silanyo's impact on regional history remains, undeniably, significant. Passing at the venerable age of 86, Silanyo had a…