West Africa

This weekend, a significant face-off is set to take place in Senegal’s parliamentary elections, pitting former President Macky Sall against Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Both leaders are at the helm of separate coalitions, each vying for control of the parliamentary majority. Expecting a turnout of over seven million voters, Senegalese citizens will cast their ballots for new members of Parliament. This election comes on the heels of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's decision to dissolve the previous Parliament, which he…

Ethiopia recently called in Sudan's ambassador for a stern chat over rather fiery remarks made by Sudan’s acting foreign minister. During a lively television interview, Ali Youssif hinted at the possibility of siding with Egypt and potentially going to war with Ethiopia if the talks around the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) hit a stalemate. Ethiopia's foreign ministry didn't take too kindly to Youssif's comments. They expressed their "displeasure" to Ambassador Al-Zein Ibrahim, while underlining their dedication to…

Disinformation plays a pivotal role in Russia's hybrid warfare strategy throughout Africa. This tactic aims to bolster Moscow's influence and seize control of the continent's precious resources, as outlined by the Africa Defense Forum (ADF). According to reports, Russia accounts for a staggering 40% of disinformation initiatives across Africa, driven by its so-called "cognitive warfare" approach. This method exploits local grievances and the complex history of colonialism in Africa, cleverly redirecting attention away from…

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS, has recently turned over a significant forward operating base to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), marking a pivotal step in their mission's phased withdrawal. This handover, which took place on Thursday, saw the Burgavo Forward Operating Base change hands, wrapping up the third phase in ATMIS's drawdown strategy. Stationed on the southern coast of Somalia, 530 kilometers from Mogadishu, the Burgavo base, previously controlled by Kenya’s Defense Forces…

Mia le Roux, South Africa's representative, has decided to withdraw from the Miss Universe finals taking place in Mexico due to health issues, as announced by the pageant organizers. This sudden decision means South Africa will not have a contestant at the 73rd Miss Universe event. In a public statement, the Miss South Africa organization emphasized that le Roux's health is their "number one priority." They pledged unwavering support until she makes a full recovery. It’s worth noting that le Roux made history by becoming…

Baku, Azerbaijan (AX) — In a landmark move, Somalia's Ambassador Khadija Al-Makhzoumi, who serves as the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, entered into an agreement with the Global Center for Climate Mobility on Thursday. This collaboration is aimed at supporting communities in Somalia that are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Taking place in the vibrant city of Baku, Azerbaijan, the alliance seeks to bolster Somalia's efforts in climate adaptation. The primary focus is on advancing…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a noteworthy Thursday, Somali Minister of Interior, Ali Yusuf Ali-Hoosh, had an engaging sit-down with an esteemed Finnish delegation. They huddled to chat about the relentless military campaigns against the notorious al-Shabab, with a sharp focus on stabilizing Somalia. This Finnish entourage, captained by the savvy Ambassador Pirkka Tapiola, boasted top brass from Finland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their involvement underscores a solid commitment to bolstering Somalia’s leap towards security and…

“A handshake in Istanbul colored the air with new possibilities,” noticed observers as Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan last September . The meeting seemed to signal a thaw in icy relations and was a precursor to subsequent talks between Turkey and Egypt, centering on Africa and Libya. On a lively Monday, officials from both countries gathered to address mutual concerns. On the table were discussions about the Horn of Africa and simmering tensions in the Red Sea, alongside the…

Abdirahman emphasized the widespread repercussions of the recent disappearances, which have left a deep impact even within government circles. "This isn't just an issue for officials—opposition folks are feeling the heat too," he remarked. In the midst of probing deeper into these incidents, he assured transparency would be the order of the day. Now, diving into the unexpected drama on social media: a slew of Facebook accounts belonging to prominent figures, like journalists, have mysteriously gone silent—vanished into…

The Biden administration's approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict has stirred unrest among Somali and Muslim Americans nationwide, contributing to Kamala Harris's dip in support normally expected by Democrats. In Minnesota, community organizers dispersed leaflets in mosques and Somali shopping centers, urging folks to consider third-party options, portraying the administration as backing what they termed genocide in the Middle East. Discussions with voters and community figures reveal alternative motivations: nostalgia for a…