West Africa

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…

International Operation Yields Major Arrests in East Africa Mogadishu, a city often beset by the shadows of conflict, has borne witness to an unfolding drama of international significance. In a concerted effort to stem the tide of extremism, 37 individuals have been apprehended under a sweeping counterterrorism initiative orchestrated by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL. Their offenses? Alleged associations with infamous entities like Al-Shabaab, ISIS, and other radical factions that haunt the East…

For nearly a month now, the semi-autonomous region of Northeastern State in Somalia has become a theater of military operations as security forces advance against Islamic State militants entrenched in its rugged mountains. It’s a tense standoff, a test of endurance and strategy. What makes these events profoundly compelling? It could be the frenetic chess game unfolding between the regional forces and a disciplined insurgent group. The crescendo of this operation seemed to reach new heights late last week. The regional…

In a bold maneuver, officers from the Daynile District station of the Somali Police Force brought an unsettling chapter to a close by neutralizing two armed operatives linked to Al-Shabaab. This dramatic encounter unfolded in the seemingly ordinary Garage area of Gubta. But why does this story matter? These militants were on a deadly mission, allegedly attempting to assassinate police personnel. In the ensuing skirmish, while one officer sustained injuries, the threat was successfully dismantled. The scene was tense,…

In a bold proclamation, the Sahel nations have unveiled their exit strategy from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), set to take effect in 2024. The catalyst for this decision? A chorus of criticism aimed at ECOWAS for allegedly being puppeteered by former colonial powers—a sentiment that resonates deeply in regions still grappling with the legacies of colonialism. To counter this narrative, the military regimes of these countries have unified under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), announcing an…

The scene in Garowe was tense yet purposeful on Wednesday, as Northeastern State authorities embarked on a significant, perhaps controversial, operation. They deported close to a thousand undocumented Ethiopians, a move that underscores the region's determination to address the thorny issue of undocumented migration. The individuals were held for a brief period, just two days, before being transported in trucks—an image stark in its human implication—to the Somali-Ethiopian border. Why, one might ponder, has this policy…

In a dazzling display of football fervor, the much-anticipated draw for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 was held in Rabat, Morocco, illuminating the path for the 24 countries aiming to take home the coveted trophy from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the buzz of anticipation and the whispers of fans eager to see how their beloved teams would fare against the competition. At the focal point of the event, the host nation—Morocco—was assigned to Group A alongside Mali, Zambia,…

Mogadishu—In the ever-bustling heart of Somalia's capital, an unsettling skirmish unfolded on Monday when Somali police encountered two Al-Shabaab militants. It happened in the Deyniile district, a place often tinged with tension yet alive with the daily hum of city life. The two militants dared to disrupt this environment, prompting the local security forces to spring into action. Have you ever wondered how these urban terrains suddenly transform into battlegrounds? It was in the Issa Abdi neighborhood where these men,…

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, a move that signals a new era of stringent immigration enforcement as the Trump administration takes the reins. If you thought the conversation around immigration was heated before, just wait—things are about to get spicier. Among African nations, Somalia tops the list with a staggering 4,090 of its citizens facing deportation. It’s a sobering statistic that casts a long shadow over the political landscape.…