West Africa

Hargeisa (AX) – Mohamed Abib Yusuf, a lawmaker from North Western State of Somalia, has leveled accusations against the North Western State of Somalia authorities, alleging they detained him to spark turmoil in the Awdal area, aiming to derail upcoming elections and extend their political tenure.Upon his release from Mandera prison, the outspoken MP shared his perspective with the press on Monday. He contended that his arrest was baseless, serving as a means to postpone elections and breed discord in Awdal.“The government…

Mais Integridade has taken the significant step of launching a lawsuit against the Zambézia Provincial Elections Commission (CPE). The core of their grievance lies in the CPE's failure to issue observer credentials within the legally mandated timeframe. Out of a staggering 279 applications that were submitted, the Commission only approved 45 in the last fortnight. This delay blatantly flouts a law that stipulates decisions should be made within five days, prompting serious concerns about transparency and accountability in…

In Somalia's Bay Territory, Hunger Sparks New Disputes A Somali woman traverses the parched and barren lands of Bay, where ongoing strife alongside climatic shifts have crippled farming activities, leaving communities with little choice but to lean on humanitarian relief. (Credit: Islamic Relief/SIDA) Mogadishu (AX) — According to a detailed examination by Islamic Relief Somalia, the scarcity of food is exacerbating unrest in the Bay region. Various calamities, including prolonged dry spells, deluges, alongside relentless…

The Somali government's efforts to push back against al-Shabab are hitting snags due to the group's cunning and divisive strategies.

From left to right: Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, once-Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and Opposition Leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame have formed a united front against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They're strongly opposing what they claim are his actions to prolong his presidency—a move they argue would breach the constitution and jeopardize the nation's political steadiness. Mogadishu (AX) — Three prominent Somali opposition leaders are ringing alarm bells against President Hassan Sheikh…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Turkish research vessel, Oruc Reis, is embarking on a groundbreaking voyage to explore oil off Somalia's coast. This mission heralds a significant step forward in Somalia's quest for economic revolution. This expedition follows deals inked earlier this year, handing Turkish Petroleum the keys to explore three vast offshore blocks. Stretching across roughly 5,000 square kilometers each, this endeavor ranks as one of the most massive energy explorations in the area.The Oruc Reis is poised to reach Somali…

Mogadishu (AX) — Tragedy struck as a two-year-old Somali boy was counted among four migrants who perished while daring to traverse the English Channel from France to the UK last Saturday, reported French officials. The overcrowded boat, jam-packed with nearly 90 souls, became a suffocating trap for the little boy, underscoring the perilous nature of human smuggling in these waterways. The boat, carrying the young child, experienced engine trouble, sparking chaos aboard. French rescue teams acted swiftly, responding to the…

Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur announced during a press gathering in Mogadishu that ongoing military efforts are utilizing both ground forces and air strikes to dismantle the infrastructure of the militant group. “On a national scale, the Somali National Army is executing strategic operations aiming to further undermine Al-Shabaab's positions and leadership,” he stated. Regarding the African Union mission in Somalia, he revealed that next year a revamped initiative "will kick off to succeed ATMIS, with Ethiopian…

Mogadishu (AX) – The Acting Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, James Swan, has voiced his worries about the simmering unrest between Somalia and Ethiopia. This follows a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia, a region claiming autonomy, on the first day of 2024.This agreement, granting Ethiopia access to the sea and permitting a military base in North Western State of Somalia, faced strong objections from Somalia. On Friday,…

Back when Somalia first dipped its toes into federalism, there was real hope in the air—an honest chance to stitch our country back together after endless chaos and strife. The idea of empowering regions, sharing power wisely, and acknowledging local priorities seemed a promising path. Yet, here we are, more fragmented than united. If we're to grasp why federalism collapsed, we've got to see Somalia for what it is, not just some textbook example of a system that works great in places like Germany or the USA. We ain't those…