West Africa

Somalian Parliamentary Dynamics: The Reinstatement of Lawmakers and its Ripple Effects In the bustling and politically charged atmosphere of Somalia's Parliament, significant developments often emerge that subtly reshape the landscape. On a recent Saturday, a decision by Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe) reignited conversations, speculations, and yes, tensions as well. The Speaker chose to reinstate 15 lawmakers who had been barred from Parliamentary sessions for almost three months – a move laden with both…

Somali Football's Grassroots Revolution: New Beginnings in Kismayo The sprawling beaches and bustling markets of Kismayo serve not just as the city’s identity but as a backdrop to its ever-budding football culture. Now, the heartbeat of this culture has found a renewed rhythm with the Somali Football Federation’s (SFF) inauguration of its second youth development centre. This latest initiative stands as a testament to the federation’s ambition of sowing the seeds of a…

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AX) — From the frigid confines of an Anchorage jail, Roble Ahmed Salad, a 27-year-old Somali asylum seeker, epitomizes the intricate and often perplexing nature of immigration enforcement in the United States, particularly Alaska. The U.S. government has already invested thousands of taxpayer dollars in an attempt to deport this man, despite the clear and present dangers associated with returning anyone to Somalia. To paint a fuller picture, Salad has no criminal record, neither in America nor in…

The Weight of Justice: Navigating Accountability in North Western State of Somalia In the quiet town of Gabiley, North Western State of Somalia, a landmark decision by the military court reverberates through the community. Recently, Salah Isaaq, a local rickshaw driver, was sentenced to death by a First-Degree Military Court. His crime? The fatal shooting of Buuh Mowlid Ismail, an officer belonging to North Western State of Somalia’s Road Transport Forces, following a heated…

Mandera County’s Initiative Against Polio: A Community-Centric Approach The sun rose with a renewed sense of urgency in Mandera County, casting long shadows on the dusty roads leading to the villages spread across the area. A sense of unity pervades the air, linked to a mission that transcends beyond borders: a battle against an invisible enemy, polio. Have you ever considered the impact of a single vaccine drop on the life of a child? From February 21 to 25, 2025, the Mandera County Department of Health is…

Speed limits, a crucial element of road safety, typically fluctuate across African nations based on the type of roadway. In cities, you'll find limits ranging from 40 to 60 km/h, while rural roads allow 60 to 100 km/h. Highways, the epitome of speed, permit 80 to 120 km/h. Speed limits serve not merely as numbers on signs but as lifelines woven into the fabric of road safety. They aim to foster an orderly flow of traffic and, more importantly, preserve human lives. "Speed thrills but kills," as the adage goes. Research…

Exploring the Political Landscape of Somali-Americans: A Shift Toward Conservatism? The intersection of politics, religion, and identity is a profound one in the realm of Somali-Americans. As we dive into the heart of this topic, consider: How do immigrants navigate the complexities of political allegiance in a foreign land that's brimming with evolving ideologies? This inquiry takes us to the bustling communities of Minnesota, where Somali-Americans are experiencing a notable political shift under the tenure of…

Joint Military Initiative: Aiming to Defeat ISIS in Northeastern State In the vastness of Northeastern State, Somalia lies a challenge that has, for years, demanded courage, strategy, and international cooperation. The coordinated efforts between Somali military forces and the U.S. Africa Command targeted a notable ISIS stronghold nestled in the Al-Miskaat Mountains of the Bari region. This collaboration is part of an ongoing series of tactical maneuvers designed to dismantle remnants of ISIS influence. It was…

Is it possible for a single conversation to change the course of a region's security dynamics? Earlier this week in Nairobi, an important dialogue took place that might very well influence the future stability of East Africa. In a meeting characterized by commitment and collaboration, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, engaged with Somali military leaders to deliberate on the persistent security challenges facing Mogadishu. The Somali delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Madey Nurey Sheikh, the…

Hargeisa (AX) – In the bustling heart of North Western State of Somalia's capital, Hargeisa, a new movement is unfolding. As the sun creeps over the horizon, the bustling markets and narrow streets begin to swell with activity. There’s perhaps an unnoticed rhythm to the city’s awakening—a blend of smells, sounds, and an intertwining of languages and cultures. Yet, amid this lively tapestry, a deeper narrative is emerging. Just as groups connect through shared…