East Africa

Somali Clerics Criticize Ethiopia's Pact with Somaliland, Advocate for Stronger Egyptian Relations Mogadishu (AX) — A cadre of influential Somali religious leaders has vociferously denounced Ethiopia’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the self-declared North Western of Somaliaregion. They have also expressed resounding support for Somalia’s burgeoning ties with Egypt. Convening on a Sunday in Mogadishu, these clerics characterized Ethiopia’s actions as aggressive, rallying for a cohesive front to contest this…

Devastating Blaze Erupts at Garowe Gas Station, Investigation Underway Garowe (AX) — A catastrophic fire erupted Saturday night at a gas station located in Garowe, the bustling capital of Northeastern State. This blaze resulted in significant destruction and injuries, sparking concern and investigation. Initial reports suggest the inferno ignited when a fuel tanker parked in a nearby garage succumbed to flames. The flames rapidly spread to the gas station and neighboring structures, leading to chaos. Eyewitness videos…

The School Year as a Fresh Start for Newcomers “I feel no trepidation about anything,” declared the 15-year-old, speaking in Somali and interpreted for clarity. Khadra recently immigrated to Canada with her family in July, a decade after escaping an enduring civil conflict in Somalia. Her ambition is clear: she longs to excel academically, master the English language, and ultimately pursue higher education—steps she believes will lead her to realize her dream of becoming a physician. “I desire to gain knowledge and then…

Tragic Fire Claims Lives at Kenyan School Dormitory The devastating toll from a fire at a school dormitory in central Kenya has escalated, reaching 21 as two more students succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. This heartbreaking incident has ignited serious concerns regarding safety protocols within educational institutions across the nation. As night descended, flames erupted again at a girls' school in the same region, generating conflicting reports about injuries sustained. Earlier on Saturday, the country’s…

Egypt Acquires Chinese J-10C Fighter Jets Amid Rising Tensions with Ethiopia Egypt’s recent decision to procure Chinese J-10C fighter jets signals a notable shift in military partnerships within the region. As neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, increasingly turn to China for sophisticated military hardware—like drones, missiles, and anti-drone defenses—this trend underscores a growing affinity for Chinese technology. Nations aim to diversify their defense options, reducing dependency…

Somalia's President Declines Meeting with Ethiopia's PM in Beijing MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly refused an audience with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during their time in Beijing, a departure from the usual trend of informal gatherings at significant global events where discussions on bilateral relations often take place. Both dignitaries attended the Forum on Africa-China Cooperation, where they were spotted engaging with numerous leaders from Africa and beyond. In the past,…

Chaos and Confusion Following Explosions in Mogadishu Mogadishu experienced a wave of tumult on Saturday due to a series of powerful explosions that resonated throughout various neighborhoods. Initially, authorities attributed these jarring sounds to large plastic bags that had been strategically placed. "We would like to assure Mogadishu residents that what they heard resulted from plastic bags, and thankfully, no injuries or fatalities occurred," the police announced. Light damage to tin-roofed houses did merit mention,…

Mortar Strikes Rattle Mogadishu, Instilling Fear Among Residents Earlier this evening, a barrage of mortar fire struck multiple areas within the Somali capital, sending shockwaves through various neighborhoods and igniting widespread panic. Witnesses reported that projectiles landed close to significant sites, such as the Presidential Palace, the entrance of the Peace Garden, and the Yaaqshid district. In total, up to eight suspected mortar rounds pounded the city. The full scope of the destruction and the number of…

Somali Immigrants Challenge GOP Narratives in Tim Walz’s Minnesota MINNEAPOLIS – In the bustling atmosphere of Afrik Grocery located in Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, Fardousa Yossuf, a proud Somali immigrant, grabbed my hand and declared herself a "storyteller." Her narrative dates back to 1999, a pivotal year when she sought refuge from the tumult of the civil war in Somalia. Over the years, she has witnessed significant transformations: Minneapolis has evolved into a more vibrant and prosperous city. "This…

Somalia's Speaker Prohibits Press Conferences at Parliamentary Site Mogadishu, September 8, 2024 - Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, the Speaker of Somalia's House of the People, has enacted a sweeping ban on press conferences both within and around the parliamentary premises. This decision, unveiled last Friday, has ignited discussions surrounding the openness and accessibility of the media in Somalia. The announcement comes on the heels of heightened political strife, particularly after a recent press conference…