West Africa

BELGRADE, Serbia (AX) — The Embassy of Somalia in Serbia cheerfully embraced a batch of Somali scholars freshly chosen for the World in Serbia initiative's scholarship program. This generous program covers an entire spectrum of tuition, lodgings, and a monthly allowance, permitting these ambitious learners to pursue their academic dreams at the esteemed University of Belgrade.The scholarships reflect Serbia's commitment to fostering growth in burgeoning regions, with intentions to boost knowledge and expertise in societies…

Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the head honcho of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in parliament, recently expressed serious concerns regarding the Speaker's decision to abruptly adjourn the assembly. He declared that the Speaker's move was misguided and hinted at his intentions to initiate a recall. This interruption by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin came amidst a heated contention over which party rightfully holds the majority in Parliament, a matter complicated by a recent shuffle of MPs switching allegiances ahead of the…

For more than ten years, the most harmful weapons wielded by terrorists in Somalia have been improvised explosive devices (IEDs), impacting countless Soldiers and civilians alike. According to Action on Armed Violence, a UK-based organization that monitors civilian-targeted armed violence globally, over 14,000 individuals have been affected—injured or killed—by IEDs set by al-Shabaab since 2014. Astonishingly, 61% of those affected were civilians. In the past year, IEDs have claimed or injured 1,500 lives in Somalia,…

Mogadishu (AX) — Condemning a bloodcurdling assault on Turkish Aerospace Industries, the Somali government described it as a "vile" act threatening worldwide tranquility. The ambush, striking near Ankara's TUSAS headquarters, tragically claimed five lives and injured 22 others, Turkish officials confirmed. "This pusillanimous attack goes beyond targeting Turkey; it endangers global stability," Somalia's Foreign Ministry shared. "Having wrestled with similar adversities, Somalia stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Turkey in…

Idris Elba has set his sights on a significant shift in his life over the next ten years — he wants to move to Africa. This isn’t just a personal endeavor; it’s a heartfelt commitment to bolster the continent's burgeoning film sector. With an eye toward progress, Elba envisions constructing film studios in two pivotal locations: Zanzibar in Tanzania and Accra in Ghana. He believes it’s high time for Africans to take charge of their own stories. “We need to reclaim our narratives,” he asserts, urging a break from the confines…

Ruto remarked that Somalia stands ready to contribute significantly to global discussions on peace and security amidst a transformative period in global governance. Both Heads of State emphasized continued and open dialogues on shared interests. President William Ruto and Somalia’s Hassan Mohamud stressed the importance of peace, security, and stability across the Horn of Africa and the entire continent. This point was highlighted during their meeting at State House. While visiting Kenya on October 21-22, Mohamud…

Nairobi (AX) — On Tuesday, Presidents William Ruto of Kenya and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia warmly endorsed the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to take over from the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) come January 2025. President Mohamud was in Kenya from October 21st to 22nd, continuing a regional tour of nations contributing troops to ATMIS. Their discussions hovered over challenges and opportunities in stabilizing Somalia and the…

Mogadishu (AX) - The Somali government firmly declared its control over selecting which international allies will provide forces for the African Union's upcoming Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, set to succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the dawn of January 2024. On Wednesday, a formal communique from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the necessity for troop decisions to mesh with Somalia’s core interests and sovereign rights. The administration took a strong…

As Guinea-Bissau gears up for its forthcoming elections, a notable chill has fallen over the media landscape, prompting serious worries about the state of press freedom in the country. Many media outlets face insurmountable obstacles, particularly the hefty $5,000 licensing fees imposed by the government, which they must pay to continue broadcasting. Consequently, a significant number of radio stations have found it challenging, if not impossible, to muster the funds necessary to renew their licenses in time for the…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a surprising turn of events, Abdirahman Duale Bayle, who once held the position of Somali Finance Minister, alongside other notable political figures, has thrown his lot in with North Western State of Somalia’s opposition party, Waddani, with the November ballots just around the corner.Having distanced himself from his earlier campaign for a 'Greater Somalia,' Bayle made a homecoming to North Western State of Somalia after years in the federal quarters. "We’re jumping aboard this ship and teaming up with…