North Africa

In the heart of Mogadishu, a hotspot of brewing strategies, the Somali Council of Ministers recently convened in a swift and decisive meeting held on Sunday night, a meeting that led to reshuffling some top military brass. Their resolution? Welcome back General Odowa Yusuf Raage as the head honcho of the Somali Armed Forces, sending General Ibrahim Muhyiddin to the sidelines. Straight from the chambers of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre's office came the announcement, stamping the ministry's approval for General Raage's…

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bids Welcome to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Doha(Source: AFP) Qatar is under a bit of pressure from Uncle Sam, who wants the country to evict Hamas's political bigwigs by the end of the next month. This inside scoop comes from two insiders who spilled the beans to The National over the weekend. Qatar has acted as a cozy haven for these Palestinian leaders since 2012 after Khaled Meshaal moved there from Syria. Meshaal had been the head honcho of Hamas for over 20 years until 2017. It's…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant move, the Somali government recently declared that Ethiopian forces would be sidelined from the forthcoming African Union mission, which is set to replace the existing African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, ATIMS, by January 2025.Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama shared this pivotal decision during a chat with Somali National Television, highlighting Ethiopia's purported breach of Somalia’s sovereignty as a key reason for their exclusion."Ethiopian forces have been…

The bustling city of Mogadishu recently witnessed a significant diplomatic rendezvous at its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On Thursday, Somali Foreign Minister Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi sat down with his Egyptian counterpart, Ambassador Mohamed El-Baz, to explore opportunities to enhance the bonds between their nations. This gathering wasn't just a run-of-the-mill diplomatic meeting, but rather, a crucial dialogue to fortify the ties that have such rich, historical roots. Within the hushed conference room, shaded by the…

This past Sunday, a mortar attack rocked a military base in central Mogadishu, frequented by officials from the African Union (AU), United Nations, and various international entities, tragically ending the lives of at least two individuals and injuring several others. The terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, immediately claimed responsibility for the assault, highlighting their unyielding aggression in destabilizing Somalia’s government and infrastructure. Despite some headway in the federal government’s offensive to subdue…

The diplomatic climate between Somalia and Ethiopia has turned icy since early 2024. This fracas, largely driven by each nation’s jostling for power in the turbulent Horn of Africa, has created quite a stir across the political landscape. Tensions soared back in January when Ethiopia signed an eyebrow-raising agreement—famously known as a memorandum of understanding (MoU)—with North Western State of Somalia. For those out of the loop, North Western State of Somalia is a self-declared, breakaway region in northern Somalia,…

At the 12th World Urban Forum held in the vibrant city of Cairo, Egypt, an important step towards a fairer transportation future was unveiled. During this event, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat, and the World Health Organization (WHO) introduced the Pan African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM). In crafting this action plan, over 1,300 diverse stakeholders from across Africa provided invaluable insights. This strategic framework emphasizes the urgent need to invest in alternatives to…

Somalia's U-17 football squad squared off against Algeria in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations match, their performance a testament to their determination on the field. Wearing their distinctive blue kits, the young Somali players worked tirelessly to thwart Algeria’s aggressive advances, showcasing remarkable tenacity and skill. Mogadishu (AX) — In Uganda, the stage is set for the U-17 CECAFA qualifiers. Here, East and Central Africa's burgeoning football maestros will strive to claim their spots in the prestigious 2025…

In the bustling heart of Salt Lake City, tucked away at 1578 West and 1700 South, there's a vibrant hub for Somali refugees trying to find their footing in a new world—a place that offers more than just services, it's a lifeline. "The Somali Community Self-Management Agency is here to help African refugees transition smoothly into their new communities," says Abdirizak Ibrahim, the inspired mind and executive director guiding this initiative. Ibrahim describes this haven as more than an agency: "We’ve carved out a…

Captured on a screen in Seoul, South Korea, the image of Donald Trump, once again the Republican presidential nominee and former President, graced Wednesday’s news programs on November 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) LONDON (AP) — The voice of American voters resounded louder and clearer than anticipated by many experts. As the world waits, a cloud of unease gathers over Donald Trump's re-election as President, stirring apprehensions among his allies about potential global instability. With a commanding lead beyond the…