West Africa

The Nigerian government recently expressed its approval of a report that concluded there was "no evidence" to support claims that military personnel engaged in illegal abortions targeting Islamist insurgents in clandestine operations. The Nigeria Human Rights Commission, which operates with governmental oversight, undertook a thorough investigation after three reports by Reuters surfaced in December 2022. These reports made serious allegations against the Nigerian military, suggesting the existence of a covert, systematic…

Hargeisa (AX) — A staggering one million-plus voters in the self-proclaimed Republic of North Western State of Somalia turned out early on a Wednesday morning to participate in presidential and parliamentary elections, catching the eye of both local and international onlookers.The current head honcho, President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye party, faces competition from Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of the Waddani party and Faisal Ali Warabe from UCID. Bihi, who has been captaining the ship since 2017, recently…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a shocking incident in Guriel, a town in the Galgaduud region of Somalia, two Ethiopian nationals lost their lives on Monday. It all started with a clash reportedly involving an individual clad in the uniform of the Somali federal forces, which has triggered a wave of fear and prompted many Ethiopian workers to flee the area. Eyewitnesses recounted that one of the Ethiopian men was shot dead on the spot, while the other, severely wounded, succumbed later in the day. This violent episode has stirred…

Hargeisa (AX) — A Critical Vote in the Horn of Africa In the rugged landscape of the Horn of Africa, North Western State of Somalia, a self-styled republic, stands at a crucial point in history. The region is preparing for a momentous event: the dual election scheduled for this Wednesday. Citizens will engage in selecting their leader and defining the political parties that will guide the region's governance over the next decade. Combining a presidential race with a political party ballot, this election is pivotal for North…

In the sun-whipped regions of Somalia, where the ground rarely sees rain, date palm trees have become indispensable allies for rural folks. They’re not just green life in the dry, they’re a lifeline, putting food on tables and coins in pockets. It’s been nearly ten years since the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) rolled out its initiative to boost these trusty trees here, and guess what? They’re still standing strong against climate’s curveballs, offering a smidgen of stability where it's needed most. CREDIT/…

In Kismayo, a significant announcement is expected soon from the Jubaland Election and Boundaries Commission, which plans to unveil a novel approach to selecting its parliamentary members. This marks another chapter in the ongoing tug-of-war between the federal government of Somalia and the semi-autonomous Jubaland region. The new selection procedure, set to be detailed today, highlights Jubaland's push for increased self-governance, further straining its relationship with Mogadishu.Under the leadership of President Ahmed…

Qatar Charity, teaming up with UNICEF, has kicked off a vital nutrition initiative aimed at alleviating hunger among children in Somalia's displacement camps near Mogadishu—a region heavily impacted by drought-related displacement. This project, a beacon of hope, is set to aid more than 3,000 young ones in dire need of nutritional support. The primary goal here? To nourish children aged 6 months to 5 years, addressing malnutrition head-on and ensuring their basic dietary needs are met. As of now, the initiative has already…

Somalia shook things up this Saturday, swapping out their top military brass in a dramatic reshuffle. The cabinet decided to retire Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin Addow from his position as the chief of the armed forces, handing the reins over to Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rageh. The mood in Mogadishu was tense during the emergency meeting when this decision was made, reflecting the swirling political unrest in the Horn of Africa. It’s a big callback for Rageh, who’s no stranger to the role, having previously served as the army chief…

In a compelling appeal to the political landscape of Ghana, Kathleen Addy, the head of the National Commission for Civic Education, has urged local politicians to quit hurling insults on social media platforms. She passionately asserted that such behavior "could lead to violence," drawing attention to the broader implications of their words. Furthermore, Addy cautioned the media against peddling "misinformation, personal attacks, and divisive rhetoric," emphasizing the responsibility they carry in shaping public discourse.…

Mogadishu (AX) — Here’s the scoop: Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) claimed a significant victory over al-Shabab, taking out at least 22 militants in a precise and strategic maneuver in the Dhararweyn village, located in the Gal’ad district of Somalia's Galgadud region this past Monday night. The intel on this op comes straight from NISA itself, emphasizing that the strike was the culmination of diligent intelligence-gathering on al-Shabab's movements. Recent activities of these militants in…