West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — On a mission in Ras Qabow, a secluded locale nestled within the Middle Shabelle region, the Somali National Army (SNA) successfully neutralized 25 fighters from the Al-Shabab faction this past Saturday.Colonel Mohamed Hassan Abukar Dhaladheere, leading the 251st unit of the 25th brigade, explained that the operation was initiated following the army's successful defense against an assault by Al-Shabab. A fierce clash erupted afterward, testing the mettle of both sides."The gallant soldiers from the National…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, is resolute in standing tall against Ethiopia’s recent saber-rattling, stating unequivocally that Somalia is primed to counter any belligerence directed toward its defense forces or citizens. During a speech in the heart of Mogadishu, Nur declared, "Somalia and Ethiopia should coexist in harmony and good neighborly spirit, yet if the fragile leadership of Abiy and Jula stumbles in upholding peace, then those stoking discord shall soon realize the gravity…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama slammed an attempt to kick him out of his Senate spot, tagging it as uncalled-for, upholding that it breaks all sorts of constitutional rules. Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdillahi held the view that Jama had essentially abandoned his role after he was missing from four back-to-back sittings. On October 13, Jama voiced his concerns, pointing a finger at the Speaker for overstepping his bounds. "It's unsettling," Jama voiced, "that the Speaker is going down a…

Mariam Mohamed is the brilliant mind behind Hoyo, one of the lucky dozen startups chosen for 2024 microgrants awarded by the benevolent Market Entry Fund. You might have bumped into her on October 1, 2024, bustling around Hoyo's hustle-and-bustle Bloomington spot. Cheers to Dymanh Chhoun and Sahan Journal for shining a spotlight on this! In Somali language, "Hoyo" translates to the word “mother.” Back in 2015, the Mohamed sisters, including Mariam, Halima, and Asha, thought of a grand plan. They decided to put Somali…

FILE - Senegal's Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi leads a session in the Upper House of the Federal ParliamentMogadishu (AX) — A storm's brewing in Somalia’s Upper House as Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi has declared that Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama's Senate spot is kaput, all due to his repeated disappearing acts. Leaning on the constitution like an old friend, the Speaker stated that Mr. Jama's four session no-shows sealed his fate and booted him from his seat. Ibrahim Suleiman Idle, who was…

This image, courtesy of the Defense Department, features Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers on the left, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram on the right. Image is credited to Department of Defense/AP. Tragically, the investigation into the drowning of two Navy SEALs off Somalia's coast reveals these incidents were preventable. They found a deficit in adequate training and vague instructions on flotation practices at fault. As night fell, the mission was to intercept…

"FILE - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi makes a gesture during a press briefing in Cairo, Egypt, on October 25, 2023." (AP Photo, Christophe Ena, Pool, File) Somalia has announced that Egypt has proposed sending peacekeeping troops to its territory, offering support as the mandate of the existing African Union peacekeepers is winding down. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi was present at a summit in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, where he, alongside Somalia and Eritrea's leaders, vowed to enhance cooperation for…

In Mogadishu, Saturday saw a noteworthy tête-à-tête at Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi welcomed Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu. They focused on nurturing the diplomatic bonds between their two nations. Ambassador Wang Yu launched into a round of applause for Minister Fiqi's stalwart defense of Somali sovereignty. He pledged China's unwavering backing for Somalia's independence and unity. The ambassador also spotlighted the decade-long presence of China's embassy in Somalia,…

 Mogadishu (AX) — In a startling revelation from the Habitable Project, it's been disclosed that the specter of climate change looms large over Somalia, posing a burgeoning threat of displacement through intensified flooding. Released in July 2024, this report spells out a worrying future where flood-induced displacements could swell, moving tens of thousands from their abodes yearly. Climate change, it says, will likely ramp up flood hazards, potentially multiplying the number of displaced Somalis ninefold under bleak…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a bold move towards fostering international relationships, Taiwan has pledged a whopping $22 million to revamp Hargeisa General Hospital. Additionally, they've thrown in $2 million to aid North Western State of Somalia’s imminent elections, weaving tighter bonds between these two diplomatically unrecognized territories as they ambitiously stride towards global acknowledgment.A landmark pact was inked on Friday, uniting North Western State of Somalia's Health Minister and a Taiwanese envoy in shared…