East Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — Amid the scenes of bustling markets and vibrant streets in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, whispers of hope rise, echoing with the dreams of young footballers poised to make history. The anticipation is palpable. On February 13, in the heart of Cairo where grand history resides, the next chapter for Somalia’s burgeoning football talent unfolds with the draw for the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, precisely at 13:45 local time. Is this the dawn of a new era for Somali…

U.S. Airstrikes Target Islamic State in Somalia WASHINGTON — In the enigmatic expanse of Somalia's Golis Mountains, a U.S. military operation unfolded earlier this month with precision and strategic acumen. The airstrikes, orchestrated against the ever-elusive Islamic State, have achieved a significant milestone, according to the latest assessment from U.S. military officials. Late Tuesday, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the demise of Ahmed Maeleninine, a notorious architect of terror,…

The recent takeover of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, by the M23 armed group has captured global attention, reigniting discussions about the tumultuous conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. While many media outlets hastily attribute the turmoil to a desire to exploit the area’s abundant mineral resources, an analysis from The New Humanitarian reveals a far more intricate web of causes. The narrative framing the conflict as a mere scramble for minerals paints an oversimplified picture. It’s alluring to…

In a poignant announcement, Somalia's Minister of Finance, Bihi Iman Egeh, heralded a defining achievement: the nation has successfully cleared approximately $4.5 billion in debt. This monumental accomplishment, attained through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative spearheaded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), perhaps turns a promising page in Somalia’s ongoing narrative. Who would have thought that such reformative strides could bring a country closer to financial stability? Egeh spoke…

It's not every day that two nations, bound by geography and shared aspirations, amplify their bonds on the global stage. Yet, the recent signing of a joint communiqué between Uganda and the Federal Republic of Somalia marks such an occasion. This accord, anchored in defence cooperation, is a testament to the burgeoning ties between these East African neighbors.The formal signing unfolded with understated grandeur at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. It was here that Jacob…

Dubai (AX) – Amid the swirling sands and towering skyscrapers that frame the 2025 World Government Summit in Dubai, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of North Western State of Somalia made a striking declaration. With a blend of resolution and hope, he underscored an ambition that echoes from the halls of Hargeisa to the corridors of power in Washington and London: international recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. Why does this aspiration for recognition seem so elusive yet…

It was an ordinary day in Senende, Vihiga County, but the discourse resonating within the local assembly where Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa spoke was far from mundane. "The Somali community from the Northern region are unequivocally Kenyans," he asserted with deep conviction, his voice echoing with historical gravitas and vibrant clarity. But do such declarations suffice to recalibrate the narrative? For those caught in the crossfire of misperception, these words hold an epochal promise. According to Barasa, the time to lump…

This past weekend, regional dignitaries from southern and eastern Africa gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's bustling capital. Their agenda? To address the increasingly perilous situation unfolding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There, M23 rebels have rapidly seized control of significant territories in a region blessed with abundant minerals. But can mere discussions truly pave the way for peace amidst such turmoil? Experts observing the proceedings noted a deeply entrenched discord among the leaders,…

Binti Ali Wardhere’s story begins with a quiet loss: irreparable, yet all too common amid Mogadishu’s wartime tumult. The tragedies she faced on an otherwise unremarkable October day in 1993 echo through her every thought, a reminder of the events tied to the notorious moniker "Black Hawk Down." Surprisingly, this phrase—popularized by a Hollywood blockbuster—synonymizes with the infamous 1993 U.S. military catastrophe in Somalia. On October 3rd, eighteen American soldiers perished, accompanied by the anguished…

Sam Nujoma, the renowned activist and guerrilla leader who cemented his legacy as Namibia’s first democratically elected president, has passed away at the age of 95. His journey through the tumultuous path to independence from apartheid South Africa is marked by determination, vision, and an unwavering commitment to his people's freedom. In the 1960s, Nujoma was instrumental in founding the South West People’s Organization (Swapo), a movement that became synonymous with Namibia’s struggle for liberation. Undertaking immense…