West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — On a fine Sunday in the heart of Somalia’s capital, Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the Somali Foreign Minister, welcomed Manuel Marques Pereira, the newly appointed Chief of Mission from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to Somalia. Amid the meet-and-greet, they dived into talking shop about ramping up their joint efforts to fuel Somalia’s developmental strides. It seems the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is busier than ever with its ambitious plan to set up a Diaspora Centre. What's the buzz…

Chidimma Adetshina has carved out a significant milestone in history, becoming the first Nigerian to clinch the title of first runner-up at the prestigious 73rd Miss Universe pageant. In the wake of this remarkable achievement, Adetshina took to Instagram to share her heartfelt appreciation. She reminisced about the unwavering support she received from Nigerians during her most challenging times. "Together, we find strength," she noted, highlighting how the vast African continent has imparted lessons on the essence of unity…

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at a Pentagon press briefing on May 20, as captured by Ricky Carioti of The Washington Post. Lately, rights organizations have been nudging Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to green-light compensation for families affected by U.S. military actions abroad. This push comes as the Biden administration faces a final-hour challenge to fulfill its vow to mend its approach to unintended civilian casualties during military…

FILE PHOTO Dhusamareb (AX) — Tragedy struck east of Dhusamareeb, the heart of Galmudug, where a fierce skirmish over grazing land left 11 people dead and numerous others nursing wounds on a somber Sunday. Local folks tell of two feuding militia factions clashing, painting a harrowing scene that saw countless families hastily abandon their homes in search of refuge. Caught in this whirlwind of violence, those displaced now find themselves grappling with insecurity and fear, rattling an already fragile existence. While the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Jubbaland's leadership, alongside its representatives in Somalia's federal Parliament, have declared their opposition to a newly sanctioned law that establishes the Independent National Electoral Commission. They argue it breaches constitutional principles and excludes them from pivotal discussions.On Saturday, a statement emerged from the corridors of power in Jubbaland, decrying the parliamentary proceedings as "unlawful" due to the absence of their own lawmakers and those from Northeastern State during…

In a recent hubbub in Mogadishu, the Somali Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, took to the podium, wagging a finger at foreign diplomats for what he says is meddling in Somalia's sovereign affairs. The heat was turned up after comments made around North Western State of Somalia's presidential elections held in Hargeisa. Diplomats' remarks stirred the pot by suggesting North Western State of Somalia stands as its own country, a move Fiqi claims crosses the line and ignites tensions over territorial loyalty. Fiqi got fired…

In the vibrant yet tumultuous political landscape of Kismayo, the Jubbaland Electoral and Boundaries Commission has rolled out the timeline for both parliamentary and presidential elections. This move has amplified the friction between Jubbaland and Somalia's federal government concerning election processes. It's the sort of political drama that keeps the nation on the edge of its seat. The Commission, in their Saturday communique, highlighted key dates. Mark your calendars, folks: November 18–19 will see the unveiling of…

In a recent press event on Thursday, Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs and OPP Det.-Insp. Mike Moore announced a slew of criminal charges against 17 individuals following an 18-month-long investigation. This endeavor, known as "Project Champion," focused on breaking down illicit drug networks swirling around Ottawa. Located in the spotlight are Bayle Khandid, 31, and Bile Khandid, 33, cousins of the police officers embroiled in a lawsuit against the force for alleged unlawful espionage on them and their kin. According to…

President Asif Ali Zardari has stepped up to the plate, instructing Interior Minister Rehman Malik to do everything possible to free the Pakistani hostages held by Somali pirates. This is a serious mission, and President Zardari made it clear that failure isn't an option.Sources reveal that late Monday night, Zardari reached out to Malik via phone, urging him to pull out all the stops to secure the release of these captives before the Tuesday deadline imposed by the pirates. "Leave no stone unturned," was the essence of his…

In a gesture of goodwill, Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry gave North Western State of Somalia a pat on the back for pulling off a “free and fair election.”The straightforward announcement declared:“Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry extends heartfelt congratulations to the people of North Western State of Somalia for their calm and democratic elections. Commending the National Electoral Commission, the Ministry acknowledges the free and fair election as a testament to the maturity of North Western State of Somalia’s…