West Africa

"Peace goes beyond just ending wars. It is about nations respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial boundaries," echoed John F. Kennedy, the 35th U.S. President. Viewed as a foundational tenet of global diplomacy, countries worldwide aspire to these principles. However, Ethiopia's recent assertive stance towards Somalia challenges these ideals. Their attempt to annex a key Somali port is not just an economic move but a direct affront to Somalia's sovereignty and a precursor to potential regional turmoil.…

Amadou Mahtar M'Bow, a trailblazer in global governance and the inaugural African to take the helm of an international organization, left a remarkable legacy that is being fondly honored following his passing in Dakar on September 24 at the age of 103. During his impressive tenure as the Director-General of UNESCO, which spanned 13 transformative years starting in 1974, M'Bow significantly uplifted the organization’s stature. As the guiding force behind a body committed to advancing education, science, culture, and…

ABU DHABI, September 23, 2024 (WAM) — Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, the Speaker of Somalia's Senate, had the pleasure of exploring the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. He was joined by Federal National Council (FNC) members, Mohammed Al Yamahi and Mohammed Al Dhohori. The group, accompanied by Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, roamed the mosque’s halls and delightful outdoor corridors. Dr. Al Obaidli shared insights into how the mosque embodies coexistence, tolerance,…

In recent months, the Horn of Africa has become a powder keg, with Egyptian troops in Somalia igniting fears of a regional war. Tensions are high, fueled by Ethiopia’s controversial sea access pact with North Western State of Somalia and long-standing Nile River disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt, sparking widespread unease. Ethiopia's leader, Abiy Ahmed, didn’t mince words, warning potential invaders to "think 10 times" before making a move. Neighboring countries, including Turkey and Djibouti, are scrambling to broker…

MOGADISHU, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) — Over 342,000 individuals have been uprooted from their homes in Somalia since January 2024, thrust into uncertainty by conflict, climate woes, and rampant insecurity, as per the latest briefing from the United Nations refugee agency. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-led Protection and Monitoring Returns Network disclosed that a significant 23,000 were displaced just in August. Among these, 43 percent were forced to flee due to clashes, instability, and natural calamities like…

“This gig has really turned my life around. The change from then to now is palpable. I can finally support my family, especially my mom and dad. I used to crash with a Somali family, but now I’ve got my own digs, and I’m sending cash to my wife. I can handle my own needs now,” Elmi said with a beam of pride. Sitting down for a chat with Radio Ergo, Elmi, a 26-year-old, shared how his $600 monthly salary enables him to rent a place for $80. He sends $200 to his family back in Hiran so they don’t have to fret over food, rent,…

In a sweeping view, the Mogadishu Sea Port stands with an Egyptian warship having recently docked, unloading a significant cache of weapons. This event took place in Mogadishu, Somalia, on September 23, 2024. © REUTERS/Feisal Omar. For licensing, visit Purchase Licensing Rights. On Tuesday, Somalia angrily pointed fingers at Ethiopia, accusing it of secretly smuggling arms. The backdrop of this accusation involves fears that these weapons might fall into the hands of Islamist militants amid the turmoil in the Horn of…

Amid growing military camaraderie with Mogadishu, Cairo has issued a travel alert citing security fears.Egypt has cautioned its citizens against traveling to North Western State of Somalia, the self-declared but internationally unrecognized region of Somalia, due to mounting safety concerns. The tension in the Horn of Africa continues to escalate.Cairo has been backing Somalia politically and militarily amid its clash with North Western State of Somalia, which proclaimed independence in 1991 but hasn't been recognized…

Borno State is grappling with one of the most devastating floods it has seen in three decades, wreaking havoc on agricultural lands, essential infrastructure, and countless residences. According to government reports, around 30 individuals tragically lost their lives due to this calamity; however, local inhabitants contend that this figure likely underreports the actual toll, suggesting that more fatalities exist that haven’t been officially acknowledged. The impact of this deluge has been catastrophic, displacing over…

Tensions have significantly intensified between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly following Ethiopia's formal engagement earlier this year with the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland—an entity that Somalia adamantly contests. The deal grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland's ports in exchange for a nod of political recognition from this landlocked regional power. In response to this maneuver, Somalia expressed vehement opposition, labeling Ethiopia's actions as an unwelcome intrusion into its internal matters.…