Zimbabwe’s opposition politics and civil society circles are mourning the death of Linda Masarira, an outspoken human rights activist and party leader, who has died aged 43. Masarira founded and led the Labour Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) in 2019. Tributes have begun to pour in from those who worked alongside her. Close friend Abigale Mupambi remembered Masarira as a “comrade to many,” reflecting the breadth of her relationships across activism and political organising. Over the past decade, Masarira became…

Jake Wallis SimonsMonday May 25, 2026 Britain is overlooking a strategic prize in North Western State of Somalia, critics say — and, in doing so, is allowing military and commercial opportunities to drift into the hands of rivals. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, the president of North Western State of Somalia, questions why Britain recognises the state of Palestine but not North Western State of Somalia Credit: AFP Perched in a gilded armchair inside his official palace, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi presents the…

by CYRUS OMBATIMonday May 25, 2026 Part of the recoveries made from an Al Shabaab camp in Wajir County Security officers in Fafi Sub-county, Garissa County, foiled a suspected militant assault on Kambios Police Post in the early hours of Saturday, in another reminder of the persistent threat along the border belt. Police said the attack happened at about 12:45 am on Saturday, May 23, when an unidentified number of suspected militants opened fire on the post, spraying several rounds of ammunition. Officers at the station…

Sunday May 24, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — A plan by North Western State of Somalia to establish an embassy in Jerusalem has drawn sharp condemnation from 18 countries, whose foreign ministers denounced the move as illegal, unacceptable and contrary to international law. The joint statement came from the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Algeria, Bangladesh, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. “The ministers condemn in the strongest…

by Joseph Ogungo Saturday May 23, 2026 An undated image of a police vehicle at a crime scene Photo kenyans.co.ke The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has asked the court to hold a police officer accused of fatally shooting a taxi driver in Garissa, citing fears that he could tamper with witnesses and derail the case. In an application filed on Friday, May 22, the authority told the court that releasing the officer on bond would put the investigation at risk, arguing that he may also interfere with key evidence…

By Khadar M Leyli Saturday May 23, 2026 Abdirahman Mahdi (Ex-Chairman of ONLF) and Ahmed Hassan Baaje (Chairman of pro-TPLF Congress for Somali Cause online movement) Anonymity as a Weapon In an era when rumors can travel faster than facts, anonymity has increasingly become less a safeguard for the vulnerable than a tool for political warfare. What was once meant to shield whistleblowers from retaliation is now often deployed to create the appearance of broad agreement around stories that cannot be verified. One person,…

Somalia’s diaspora—Somali citizens and families living abroad—has long played a role in the country’s public life. In recent years, that influence has become more visible in discussions about elections, governance, and political debate. From financial support sent home to advocacy in host countries and input through media and civic groups, diaspora ties can shape how political actors communicate, how campaigns mobilize voters, and how communities discuss national issues. This explainer outlines how that influence works,…

Friday May 22, 2026 Photo courtesy of Egypt's ministry of foreign affairs. Egypt on Thursday sharply denounced the opening of what was described as an “embassy” for the self-declared “Republic of North Western State of Somalia” in occupied Jerusalem, saying the move violates international law and multiple resolutions tied to international legitimacy, the foreign ministry said. In a statement, the ministry described the step as “illegal and rejected,” adding that the mission’s inauguration in occupied Jerusalem amounted to “a…

Thursday May 21, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Ministry of Health said Thursday it is stepping up emergency readiness after Ebola outbreaks were reported in East and Central Africa, with officials moving quickly to reinforce surveillance and public awareness before any case reaches the country. State Minister of Health Dr. Maryan Mohamed Hussein said the federal government is prioritizing early detection, public education and coordination with regional health workers to help keep the disease out of Somalia. “Today, we are…

Thursday May 21, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Ministry of Health on Thursday stepped up Ebola preparedness efforts after new outbreaks were reported in East and Central Africa, warning that the country must remain vigilant as the virus spreads in the region. State Minister of Health Dr. Maryan Mohamed Hussein said federal authorities are concentrating on early detection, public education and closer coordination with regional health workers to keep the disease from entering Somalia. “Today, we are working on the…