West Africa

The border between Somalia and Kenya, often a tense line in the sand, witnessed an unexpected turn of events recently. On a seemingly ordinary Sunday evening, 11 soldiers from the Somali National Army made their way to the Hulugho border, not to patrol or at the call of duty but to seek refuge. Armed, yet vulnerable, they surrendered, rifles shouldered and more than 1,000 bullets in tow. Their decision to cross over into unfamiliar territory did not go unnoticed. As they inched towards Garabey, a small enclave near the…

Garowe (AX) – With undeniable intensity, Northeastern State’s regional government has emphatically refuted claims circulated by Ethiopian media, asserting that three Ethiopian citizens met their demise in the towns of Bosaso and Garowe. Is it a misunderstanding, or a deliberate misrepresentation? On Thursday, with an air of resolute authority, the Northeastern State Police issued a press release dismissing these allegations as unfounded and misleading. Their message was clear: "Dismiss these claims," they urged the public,…

In a remarkable stride for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially applauded Guinea for its success in eradicating human African trypanosomiasis, more commonly known as sleeping sickness. This milestone is more than just a line on the achievement chart; it marks the first time a neglected tropical disease has been wiped out in the country, shining brightly as a beacon of hope amidst ongoing global health challenges. Coincidentally, this announcement was made on World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day,…

Baidoa (AX) – In the shadowed corners of the Bakool region, where rust-red earth meets dusty skies, the Somali National Army (SNA) embarked on a crucial mission. It was a Wednesday laden with the anticipation of conflict, as troops moved through this sparse landscape, eyes keenly scanning for movement. Their objective? To rid Southwest State of the pervasive Al-Shabaab strongholds in an escalation of military efforts that have become a repetitive rhythm in the national strategy against militant forces. What were the minds…

Mogadishu (AX) – Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, orchestrated a pivotal assembly on Wednesday, drawing together an impressive tapestry of talent that included roughly 60 officials and experts. These participants hailed from various corners of the Federal Government, the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), and multiple UN agencies dedicated to Somalia's future. This mosaic of minds congregated with a purpose—to forge a strategic path for the gradual handover of duties from the UNTMIS…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a remarkable step towards fostering bilateral ties, Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, inked a trio of pivotal agreements with Tanzanian counterparts on Wednesday. The accords, focusing on enhancing security, cultural enrichment, and prisoner exchange, underscore a deliberate stride towards regional collaboration. The signing ceremony unfolded with distinct formality in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Fiqi was joined by Tanzanian officials,…

A checkpoint, weathered by time and sand, stands steadfast amidst the arid expanse of Somalia’s Northeastern State region. On a brisk March day in 2018, this sentinel of vigilance welcomed the world to Bossaso's bustling port city. Fast forwarding to today, Northeastern State's guardians are unfurling new strategies to unravel the tangled web of financial channels feeding the Islamic State's voracious appetite. In a bold maneuver, Northeastern State authorities have erected barriers against the clandestine incursion of…

In a recent diplomatic move, the United Kingdom has urged conflicting parties in North Western State of Somalia and SSC Khaatumo to begin peace processes by exchanging prisoners. This development comes amidst a turbulent backdrop, where ongoing hostilities have displaced thousands and severely affected regional trade. British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, after conversing with a newly established peace committee in North Western State of Somalia, emphasized, “A durable peace must begin with the exchange of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a harrowing turn of events at Rosslare Europort, a mere whisper of alarm echoed through the grim silence of a shipping container. Nine migrants, hailing from Somalia and Eritrea, had endured an unimaginable ordeal. Starved and parched, they spent four days in the stifling dark, stuffed like sardines, all in a desperate bid for freedom. Why endure such hardship, one might wonder? A phone call for help stirred a chain of actions that led to their rescue on a brisk Monday morning. Upon their discovery, the…

An intriguing development is taking shape in the diplomatic relationships that intertwine Turkey with Ethiopia and Somalia. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkey, a dominant political force known for its astute strategies over the past two decades, is embarking on an ambitious diplomatic endeavor. But what does this mean for the Eastern African countries involved? Zafer Sirakaya, the AKP's deputy chairman, recently met with Somalia's Abdurahman Mohamed Hussein, the secretary-general of the ruling Union…