Sports

Image source Somalia has reached a remarkable epoch in its economic narrative. On December 13, 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank confirmed that Somalia had reached the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion point. This milestone facilitated a dramatic reduction of external debt, from a staggering 64 percent of GDP in 2018 to below 6 percent by the end of 2023—an accomplishment that translates to an impressive $4.5 billion in debt relief. The momentum didn't stop there. In early 2024,…

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a high-level expert stakeholder meeting in Nairobi to validate the End-Term Review Report of its Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (RAIP) 2016–2020. This event marks a pivotal moment in IGAD's commitment to combatting food insecurity, particularly in the Horn of Africa, and sets the stage for a new strategic approach towards regional agri-food systems investment. This validation is more than a procedural step; it is the foundation for the forthcoming…

Somalia's New Identification Mandate: A Step Toward Unity or Controversy? Mogadishu (AX) — In a bold move aimed at streamlining public services, Somalia's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has mandated that all of its services will now require the presentation of a National Identification Card. This requirement is a product of the Prime Ministerial Directive XRW/415/04/2025, which aims to enhance nationwide identity verification through a unified system. The Cabinet endorsed this decision during its…

Knife Attack in Eyl: District Commissioner's Serious Injury Garowe (AX) — In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of concern through the local community, Faysal Khaliif Wacays, the district commissioner of Eyl in the Nugaal region, suffered severe injuries in a knife attack on Saturday. The alleged perpetrator is reported to be a prominent local youth leader, which adds a layer of complexity to this unfortunate event. Details are still emerging, but sources indicate that at the time of the attack, the commissioner…

In a troubling development that raises serious humanitarian concerns, at least 37 Ethiopian men currently face the death penalty in Saudi Arabia for drug-related offenses. This alarming situation has been spotlighted in a joint statement released by a coalition of 31 civil society and human rights organizations. They have expressed trepidation over what they describe as an “imminent risk” of execution for countless foreign nationals within the Kingdom. On June 17, 2025, the organizations declared they are “gravely fearful…

Kenya's 2025 Finance Law: A Complex Balancing Act On Thursday, Kenya's parliament took a significant step by voting in favor of this year's proposed finance law. This decision, echoing the echoes of past turmoil, reflects both cautious optimism and a commitment to safeguarding the privacy of taxpayers. The crux of the debate is not solely about numbers and fiscal policies; it's a matter of trust and transparency. Lawmakers strongly denied the Kenya Revenue Authority's (KRA) request for unrestricted access to personal…

Xabi Alonso's Alarming Start at Real Madrid Xabi Alonso’s much-anticipated debut as head coach of Real Madrid was met with a mixture of optimism and unforeseen challenges. In a gripping match held at the Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday, the Spanish giants found themselves in a 1-1 stalemate against Saudi Arabia’s formidable Al Hilal in the Club World Cup. While every new manager hopes for a triumph to kick off their reign, the road to victory proved to be far more complicated than Alonso might have…

In the heart of southern Somalia, a remarkable woman has dedicated her life to the health and well-being of others. Maryan Abdulkadir Haji, a 62-year-old veteran midwife, has spent an impressive 34 years in maternal healthcare, earning accolades and deep respect from her community for her unwavering commitment and life-saving achievements. As the head of the Malable Mother and Child Health Centre in Wanleweyn, located in the Lower Shabelle region and managed by the New Ways Organisation (NWO), Maryan plays an essential…

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025: An Enthralling Yet Problematic Debut As the sun cast its warm glow over Atlanta, two Chelsea supporters found themselves nestled in the quiet of an empty stand during their team’s FIFA Club World Cup match against Los Angeles FC at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Their excitement was palpable, yet their isolation invoked a sense of longing typical of a sports event that has yet to find its rhythm. When the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) kicked off on June 14, it promised a showcase of…

On a warm June evening in 2025, the vibe at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was electric, despite the noticeable scattering of empty seats. Chelsea FC initiated their Club World Cup journey, seeking not just victory but a declaration of their intentions on the world stage. They faced off against Los Angeles FC, and the match promised to be the unveiling of tactics and talent under the bright stadium lights. From the very beginning, it was clear Chelsea came prepared for battle. Although LAFC, fueled by a sense of…