East Africa

The M23, an armed group notorious for its tumultuous past, takes a somber stroll with the locals down Keshero neighborhood’s bustling streets in Goma. These scenes unfolded on a striking winter's day — Jan. 27, 2025. GOMA, CONGO — Amidst whispered rumors and tense anticipation, a seismic diplomatic discussion looms on the horizon. Kenyan President, William Ruto, voiced a pivotal announcement on Monday, heralding a consequential meeting on Wednesday. Both President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of…

Garowe (AX) – In an era where the historic and the contemporary constantly intertwine, Northeastern State authorities have sounded a stern warning: mistreating foreigners will incur serious consequences. This declaration is part of an intensified campaign in the Bari region aimed at decimating the stubborn presence of ISIS, often compared to an unwanted guest who has overstayed their welcome. Under the searing Garowe sun on what seemed like an ordinary Monday, the ever-energetic Northeastern State's Minister of…

In the merry month of May, a tempest brewed in local news circles over a demanding missive from kidnappers, requesting a hefty ransom—$1.5 million no less!—for two missing Cuban medics. The Kenyan government, cool as a cucumber, refused to cough it up, and mum was the word from Cuba about whether they were even acknowledging this audacious claim. Months have trickled by like sand through an hourglass, leaving folks high and dry when it comes to updates on the Cubans' whereabouts. Occasionally, whispers from the island…

In the sprawling and untamed landscapes of Somalia, livestock isn't just a commodity—it's the lifeblood of the economy. Picture this: a whopping 70% of the country's exports are tied to camels, goats, cattle, and sheep. It's a pastoral symphony harmonized around the rhythm of animal trade. But as serene as it sounds, this melodious arrangement hit a discordant note in 2023, when nearly $1 billion flowed primarily into Saudi Arabia's coffers from Somali livestock exports. However, this paradise of pastoral profits faces a…

Dhusamareb (AX) – Under the blazing Somali sun, NISA agents sprang into action on a mission worthy of a blockbuster thriller. In Bahdo district, within the heart of Galgadud region, two vehicles were intercepted, stirring up more intrigue than a pirate treasure map. These vehicles, reportedly full to the brim with critical provisions, were allegedly headed straight to the notorious Al-Shabaab—a group known far and wide for giving even seasoned security forces a run for their money. The buzz in the neighborhood was palpable,…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent crackdown on swirling rumors, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) made it crystal clear that the freshly-minted national ID cards have absolutely zilch to do with Somalia's forthcoming nationwide elections using the one-person, one-vote principle. In a direct tête-à-tête with BBC Somali on a sun-drenched Sunday, NIRA’s head honcho, Abdiwali Ali Abdulle Timacade, set the record straight, emphasizing that this ambitious ID card initiative is all about offering a timeless…

Jigjiga (AX) – In an event bubbling with vibrant cultural hues, a Somali government delegation graced Dire Dawa in Ethiopia's Somali Regional State on a crisp Saturday morning to honor a monumental recognition. The gathering was an eclectic mix of cultural exuberance and official prestige, marking UNESCO's acknowledgment of Xeer Ciise as earmarked for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The lemonade was particularly tangy that day, with the theme "The Xeer Ciise is the Foundation of Equality, Justice, and Unity"…

Bosaso (AX) — As doom would have it, Abdifatah Nur Mataan, second in command on matters of politics and safeguarding in Beled-Hawo, was swept away after grappling with grievous injuries from a landmine explosion. The town's officious adventurers confirmed his departure. “We were cruising back from Beled-Hawo’s landing strip, minding our own business,” recalled an official who wished to remain nameless, similar to a garden gnome caught in unwarranted chaos. A dire fate unfolded as Mataan's convoy, fresh from airport…

Each year, a spiritual journey beckons millions, calling on the faithful like a siren with promises of divine grace and fulfillment. The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, isn’t merely a travel undertaking; for Muslims, it stands as a sacred duty among the five pillars of Islam. This year, the journey comes with an unexpected twist that’s left pockets lighter and hearts heavier in Somalia's Somali Regional State. "Having to foot the bill in foreign currency really doesn't help anyone sleep soundly," chuckled Mohamed…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AX) — In a turn of events that left many shaking their heads in disbelief, a resident of Savage, Minnesota, confessed on Friday to participating in a swindle of grandiose proportions. This scam siphoned $250 million from a federally funded initiative meant to nourish less fortunate children during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oh, the irony of it all – a saga wrought with intrigue and greed! The protagonist of this sordid tale is Ayan Farah Abukar, a 43-year-old who founded the…