West Africa

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…

Hargeisa (AX) — The news of former North Western State of Somalia President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo’s death on Friday has left a significant mark. A major player in the political landscape of North Western State of Somalia, Silanyo was 86 years old when he passed away, as reported by his family. Having led the Somali National Movement (SNM) and founded the influential Kulmiye party, Silanyo's political career peaked when he became President of North Western State of Somalia, serving from 2010 until 2017. Born in…

Ay up, ever read a headline and thought, "Well, what’s the craic here?" Let me fill you in on the insider juice. Over in Mogadishu, it's not just the Somali tea brewing hot; their parliament's just given the green light to a law that’s set to shake up the election scene. They're gearing up for a voting system that'll finally hand over the ballot keys to every dude and dudette in the country. Now that’s what we call democracy getting its groove back! Gather 'round for espresso shots of democracy—173 lawmakers, snug in their…

In a show of recognition, the Somali Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation has applauded North Western State of Somalia for its successful and calm execution of recent presidential and party elections, attracting participation from over a million registered voters. The Ministry's statement, issued on Friday, underscored the seamless execution and orderliness characterizing the election process. The Somali government reaffirmed its dedication to empowering the populace by fostering environments conducive…

In a chilling demonstration of control, the militant group Al-Shabab executed two young men in a remote village not far from Janale—roughly a stone's throw, or, to put it more precisely, about 90 kilometers, southwest of Mogadishu. On a rather somber Friday, eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, which took place in Busley Daoud. This locale, firmly in the grip of Al-Shabab, witnessed this grim spectacle, the group’s message delivered with the brute force of gunfire. Busley Daoud's central square became the stage for…

FILE PHOTO Mogadishu (AX) — On a sunny Saturday, word got out that the Somali federal government had ramped up its military presence in the El-Wak district, nestled in the Gedo region. The tension with Jubbaland President Ahmed Madobe has simmered without resolution, leading to this decisive move, insiders confirmed. Swooping in like a determined flock, troops from the Somali National Army’s 43rd Division have dug in, readying themselves for upcoming clashes against the ever-persistent al-Shabab insurgents spread across…

A handful of nations have officially punched their tickets to the 35th edition of the renowned African Cup of Nations, all set to unfold in Morocco. Countries like Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, and Equatorial Guinea stood tall during the intense fifth round of qualifying matches. In a dramatic turn of events, Nigeria's ace striker Victor Osimhen salvaged a point for the Super Eagles against Benin, leveling the score at 1-1 with a late equalizer. Remarkably, the three-time champions had already cemented their…

"Al-Shabaab will meet its match and lose," says Ethiopia, pledging ongoing efforts to neutralize the group's influence. The country remains unswerving in its mission to protect its borders and preserve the progress made so far. In a weekly press gathering on November 14, 2024, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, who speaks on behalf of Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored Ethiopia's significant role in weakening al-Shabaab’s impact across the region. “We won't take our foot off the pedal,” Getachew declared,…