West Africa

NAIROBI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) — On Friday, Kenya Airways announced that starting Oct. 15, they will suspend their flights to and from Mogadishu, the heart of Somalia. This decision comes as the airline grapples with operational hurdles while tweaking its flight network. In a statement made public in Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital, the airline explained that this action would help them concentrate on boosting their route management and enhancing the overall mojo of their operations. "Kenya Airways is firmly devoted to…

Nestled just beyond the bustling edges of Somalia's capital city, the Darus Salam Zoo provides locals with a rare opportunity to witness the wonders of the wild right in their backyard. "We began with a single croc, but now we've got over a century's worth of diverse critters," remarked Muhammad Abd Rahman, the zoo's custodian. "From majestic lions to cunning foxes, prickly porcupines to quick-footed hares—our zoo is a jungle in its own right, albeit sans leopards and cheetahs." Rahman, who nurtures many animals from birth,…

The defense deal between Egypt and Somalia has stirred up worries about Cairo's clout in the Horn of Africa. Recently, Egypt and Somalia have been engaging in high-level security discussions. These talks focus on the stationing of Egyptian forces as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This move has sparked regional apprehensions regarding Egypt's growing strategic and military sway in the Horn of Africa. According to a senior Egyptian security official, "A significant meeting took place in Mogadishu…

Minneapolis, Minn (AX) — A group of over 35 Somali religious figures and thinkers in Minnesota have shown firm support for the Harris-Walz campaign. Their endorsement stems from deep worry about what a second term for Donald Trump might mean for Muslims in America. Announced during an event in St. Cloud, they made a fervent call for Somali-American voters to back the Democrats to safeguard civil liberties and combat the growing tide of Islamophobia.This coalition, representing various segments of Minnesota's Somali-American…

MOGADISHU (Xinhua) -- The International Maritime Bureau (IMB), a global force combating piracy, has expressed the ongoing necessity for alertness. Even with the notable downturn in piracy incidents along the Somali coast during 2024's initial nine months, vigilance remains key. As per the latest dossier shared with Xinhua, the IMB recounted that three ships ended up hijacked, two were commandeered or shot at, and there was an attempt to accost another vessel around the Somali waters and the Gulf of Aden during this period.…

In the spotlight, we see prominent figures like Egypt's el-Sisi, Somalia's Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Eritrea's Isaias Afwerki, accompanied by former Somali leader Farmaajo and Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed. In recent happenings in Mogadishu (AX), a fresh alliance has been brewed between Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt. This unexpected coalition marks a significant turning point in the state of affairs in the Horn of Africa. The pact, unveiled during a gathering in Asmara, brings Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Eritrean leader…

In a significant gathering in Asmara, Eritrea, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened to reaffirm their commitment to upholding sovereignty and ensuring territorial integrity within the Horn of Africa. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia participated in this summit, which took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions throughout the region. During their discussions, the leaders focused on bolstering security measures, enhancing…

In the city of Asmara, Eritrea, leaders converged for a pivotal meeting. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi joined Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki at a trilateral summit. Together, they vowed to fortify security alliances amidst growing regional unrest, with particular focus on Ethiopia's heightened presence in the Horn of Africa.Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia warmly welcomed Egypt’s offer to contribute peacekeeping forces as part of the forthcoming African Union Mission to Support…

The government of Burkina Faso is sharpening its focus on a nationalistic approach to news and information dissemination, as noted by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Recently, the Superior Council for Communication (CSC), which oversees media regulations in Burkina Faso, imposed a ban on the rebroadcast of foreign radio programs effective immediately. This decision follows a three-month suspension of the Voice of America (VOA) broadcasts in the country. This move highlights a growing trend in which the government seeks…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has decided to bid farewell to single-use plastic bags, aiming to cut down on pollution and join hands with international environmental crusades. "Plastic bags are no longer welcome here. Anyone caught in the act—using or selling—will be met with the full force of the law," declared the Police Spokesman Abdifitah Adan Hassan. The announcement of this ban in February 2024 marks a turning point. It outlaws the import, creation, sale, and use of these pesky plastics. While fines are still a bit…