West Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — In the heart of Nairobi on Saturday evening, Geoffrey Mosiria, the county's Chief Officer for Environment, swooped down on the Somali-owned Fay Bistrow lounge situated in Kilimani. This operation was a response to continuous clamor from the locals about escalated noise levels. It's all part of Nairobi's ongoing hustle to shush the city's residential zones, and the episode sure stirred the pot. Despite several advisories given to the nightclub's management to dial back on the decibels, they seemed to…

The “Goodness Vessel” brimming with 3,000 tons of vital humanitarian supplies dispatched by the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) has finally reached Somalia’s bustling capital, Mogadishu. (AA Photo) A Turkish ship jam-packed with necessities docked in Mogadishu on a balmy Saturday, delivering life-saving relief to Somalia. Dubbed “The Vessel of Kindness,” it set sail from Mersin, Türkiye, on a cool morning of Sept. 29, finally tying up at Mogadishu’s port where a formal reception awaited. High-level…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali government is under fire for naming 17 diplomats recently, with just a single one boasting prior experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.According to the Foreign Service Act, diplomats are required to have clocked in at least two years at the Somali Foreign Ministry before snagging foreign postings.The Upper House Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs threw a few tough questions this week at the Ministry leaders. They wanted answers about how these new diplomat choices were made and the…

  Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down in Bujumbura, the heart of Burundi, for a diplomatic shuffle around the neighborhood, aiming to bolster ties and teamwork on security issues. Cozying up at the Presidential Palace, President Hassan Sheikh and President Évariste Ndayishimiye swapped thoughts on safeguarding their nations and boosting economic bonds. While there, Hassan Sheikh tipped his hat to Burundi for stepping up in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). President…

Mogadishu (AX) – Nations involved in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have pledged their continued support for peacekeeping efforts as ATMIS concludes in December 2024.During last week's African Defense Ministers Conference in Addis Ababa, defense chiefs from these countries confirmed their backing for the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), starting January 2025.They highlighted financial hurdles challenging both ATMIS and AUSSOM. Emphasizing the importance of…

Here's a fresh take on the content you provided:   An alarming situation unfolds as Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, a Somali journalist, is reportedly snatched from his home and held captive, a move that sparks concern for freedom of the press, as voiced by the media union. Advocates for press freedom have raised alarms over the incident occurring early Friday morning, claiming Nur was taken by intelligence agents. The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), an organization representing journalists, blasted the detention of Nur as a…

Mogadishu (AX) - A collaborative military maneuver saw Somali government troops and allied local fighters eliminate at least 30 al-Shabab insurgents in the southern reaches of the Mudug region, as confirmed by the Ministry of Information on Saturday.Among the fallen militants were figures such as Mohamed Bashir Muse, commonly called Mukhtar, the mastermind of al-Shabab’s military operations in that area, and Maadey Foodey, the individual orchestrating explosive threats against residents of Mudug. These key militants met…

Gatherings of devoted citizens, healthcare experts, and passionate advocates converged at the illustrious Minnesota Somali Community Center’s annual Samafal Gala. This event was a beacon, illuminating those who have exhibited remarkable dedication in tackling the opioid crisis, mental health issues, and other critical challenges confronting the community. The gala was a tribute to bravery, “Geesinimo,” with accolades commemorating their significant impacts. The evening was alive with traditional performances, cultural…

Mogadishu (AX) — Blimey, the Brits have dug deep, tossing an extra £7.5 million into the coffers to back the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, ATMIS. Their pot now brims with a whopping £77 million since 2021. This cash injection pays the brave souls from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, anchoring ATMIS in their gritty mission. Mike Nithavrianakis, the UK's envoy to Somalia, banged the drum for Britain's enduring dedication to Somalia's defense and growth. He voiced, "Backing ATMIS isn't just…

The accord inked in August between the Somali and Egyptian governments, involving the deployment of ten Egyptian soldiers to Mogadishu, is coming to fruition. Half of these forces will be integrated into joint defense strategies, while the remaining troops will join the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to succeed the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by January 31, 2025. According to the Somali Guardian, Egyptian military advisors have already landed in Somalia to assist…