West Africa

Hope Resurfaces in Bay and Bakool Regions In a landmark moment for the communities of Bay and Bakool regions, roads that had been blocked by Al-Shabaab since 2012 have recently reopened following a pivotal agreement reached between local elders and the militant group. This development marks a turning point for many who have endured hardships for over a decade. Can you imagine living in constant fear of basic interactions, confined to treacherous off-road routes just to obtain essential goods? Before the…

Tragic Loss: The Assassination of Dr. Mohamed Abdi Ali Beledweyne (AX) — In an act that has left the community in shock, armed assailants took the life of Dr. Mohamed Abdi Ali, affectionately known as Dr. Gaalib, on a seemingly ordinary Monday night in Jowhar. According to reports from Somali authorities, this targeted assassination of a prominent regional official echoes a growing concern over violence aimed at civil servants and intellectuals in the region. The episode unfolded in the Hantiwadaag neighborhood, a quiet…

In the heart of southern Mogadishu, a tragedy unfolded on an otherwise ordinary Sunday morning. A suicide bomber, suspected to be linked to al-Shabab, unleashed devastation at the bustling Xero Damaayo recruitment camp. The explosion claimed several lives and left countless others injured, casting a pall over the city. The Chaotic Scene Just after 9:20 a.m. local time, the blast shattered the calm, with the assailant posing as a civilian and detonating explosives right outside the military camp's entrance. The Ministry…

Human Rights Watch has urged the Malian government to initiate a thorough and impartial inquiry into the tragic deaths of 22 men detained on May 12. The organization maintains these individuals fell victim to what they describe as "apparent extrajudicial executions." Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene: the bodies were discovered with their throats cut, buried in two shallow graves. The men were apprehended during a military operation in a town situated along the Niger River, an area often characterized by its…

Garowe (AX) — In a recent high-level meeting held in Garowe, the United Nations took a significant step by urging the Northeastern State authorities to prioritize human rights protections amid ongoing security operations targeting the Islamic State-linked militant group in northeastern Somalia. This plea underscores the delicate balance between ensuring safety and maintaining the dignity of individual rights in a region grappling with ongoing turmoil. The gathering featured prominent figures, notably Northeastern State's…

Garowe (AX) – In a significant development in the ongoing battle against extremism, Northeastern State security forces recently achieved a crucial victory by eliminating Ahmed Muse Sidi, a high-ranking leader of the Islamic State (ISIS). This operation took place in the Togga Miiraale area of the Bari region, as confirmed by local officials on Tuesday. Abdifitax Mohamed Nur, the Minister of State for the Presidency of Northeastern State, elaborated on the impact of this decisive action during an interview with BBC Somali.…

In a significant development for international relations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently delivered a ruling concerning the islands of Mbanie, Conga, and Cocoteros. These tiny, sparsely populated landmasses now officially rest under the sovereignty of Equatorial Guinea, a resolution that puts a close to a territorial disagreement that has lasted for decades with Gabon. While these islands may seem inconsequential at first glance, they lie in waters believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves, a detail that…

The Landscape of Government Debt in Africa: A Deeper Look Borrowing is often seen as a lifeline in the complex world of economics. When used wisely, it fuels growth, supports essential services, and can bolster a country's financial stability. However, this financial instrument becomes problematic when a nation’s general government debt surpasses the size of its economy. One may wonder: at what point does this borrowing become a burden rather than a boon? The ratio of general government debt to Gross Domestic…

**Beledweyne (AX)** – In a remarkable development, Abdi Dahir Guure Karoore, the Minister of Interior of Hirshabelle State, has made a bold announcement: the Somali National Army (SNA) and local defense fighters have encircled the strategic town of Aden Yabaal in the Middle Shabelle region and are gearing up for an imminent entrance into this pivotal location. Just days ago, Aden Yabaal was under the control of the notorious Al-Shabaab, a group that has long plagued Somalia with its violent insurgency. However, the tide is…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a remarkable Monday, the vibrant city of Mogadishu welcomed its new guest, the newly appointed UK Ambassador to Somalia, Charles Nicholas King. As he stepped onto Somali soil, King officially began his mission, representing the United Kingdom in this fascinating yet complex region of the Horn of Africa. As he takes on this important role, one can’t help but ponder: What does this transition mean not only for the diplomatic landscape but for the everyday lives of Somali citizens? Having been appointed in…