West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, the Dhagahyo Addo area has recently been stirred with anxiety owing to feral encounters that left two young boys injured by hyena attacks. These incidents illuminate the thin line rural communities walk when typified by wildlife encroachments. The first unfortunate encounter involved Bashir Mohamed Ismail Harir, a 16-year-old who faced a harrowing episode while catching some z’s near a camel corral. His father painted a vivid picture of the scary incident: "The hyena…

In a notable twist of events out of Kismayo, tensions have flared between the Jubbaland State cabinet and Somalia’s federal government over serious allegations involving international humanitarian aid. Jubbaland authorities are pointing fingers, saying that aid meant to support their vulnerable communities is being rerouted to bankroll regional conflicts. The unsettling claims were aired during a gathering in Kismayo last Thursday, where it was asserted that instead of reaching those in need, these crucial resources have…

In the bustling heart of Hargeisa, the political landscape sparkled with freshly minted licenses for three key parties—Waddani, Kaah, and Kulmiye. This development unfolded at a spirited gathering in the Ambassador Hotel, set against the backdrop of North Western State of Somalia’s dynamic political scene. A ceremony on Wednesday marked this momentous occasion, graced by none other than North Western State of Somalia’s helmsman, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro. With an air of triumph, the President observed the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Once a lively trade hub bustling with activity, Beledweyne in central Somalia now finds itself caught in a web of insecurity, unlawful checkpoints, and ineffective leadership. This turbulent climate prompted Somalia's federal government to step in, taking charge of security operations in hopes of reviving stability in the beleaguered Hiiraan region. The federal authorities' intervention springs from the violent El Baraf confrontations, where militia attacks claimed the lives of numerous soldiers. Earlier…

Northeastern State is actively joining forces with international bodies like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Red Crescent. Together, they’re crafting plans to send home foreign combatants who lay down their weapons and surrender. Dirir mentioned that while they’re keeping the specifics like timelines and nationalities under wraps, the ultimate goal is clear: these individuals need to return home, and it all has to be orchestrated under proper legal guidelines. "We’ve got foreign fighters in our…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Northeastern State authorities have firmly dismissed allegations from Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) claiming that they received a hefty 200-ton shipment of food aid in Bosaso, a bustling port in the semi-autonomous region. In a straightforward comeback, Ubah Abdirashid Hirsi, who holds the Minister of Relief and Disaster Management post in Northeastern State, made it crystal clear that the federal government hasn't sent any food aid to them. She didn't mince her words, stating,…

Hey there! In an exciting development, Somali government forces, teaming up with local militias, have successfully reclaimed important territories in Hiiraan from the clutches of Al-Shabaab militants. This victory marks a significant step forward in the nationwide mission to dismantle the hold of this extremist group.Beera Yabaal, Jibibow, Biya Madoobe, and Arooso—these liberated towns along the lifeline that is the Shabelle River—carry immense strategic importance for Al-Shabaab. Nestled between Buulaburte and Halgan…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's electoral landscape is on the brink of a transformation. Next week, the National Independent Electoral Commission plans to reveal a detailed roadmap for the nation's forthcoming elections.During a bustling Mogadishu press briefing, the chair of the commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, emphasized their steadfast dedication to orchestrating fair, transparent elections. This move is a monumental leap forward for Somalia's democracy. "Expect a full schedule next week," Abdikarin promised. "It'll outline…

Horn of Africa's own Mogadishu—Somalia just tossed its hat into the ring for a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), hoping to snag a spot for the 2025–2028 term. It's an ambitious endeavor to up its game in the arena of peace and stability across the continent.The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement this past Thursday, pointed out that since the inception of the AU PSC back in 2004, Somalia hasn't had the chance to represent. The ministry emphasized their candidacy isn't just a matter…

This is the scoop, folks. Somalia's got a bit of a step up in the realm of global travel documents. According to the 2025 Henley Passport Index, the Somali passport is now sitting at 102nd place, granting free passage to 35 destinations all over the map. Let's take a quick jaunt back a few years — in 2015, Somalia's passport was limping at 108th spot. While a move to 102nd might seem like a crawl in progress, it feels like an anticlimax when you see how the United Arab Emirates leapfrogged 32 spots to touch the tenth with…