North Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In an ambitious stride towards enhancing regional peace, the African Union alongside the Federal Government of Somalia, has sanctioned the inclusion of 2,500 Ethiopian troops into a redefined peacekeeping mission. This decision underscores a significant endeavor to quash the relentless aggression of Al-Shabaab, a group tethered to the al-Qaida network. The Ethiopian contingent falls under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia, commonly referenced as AUSSOM. Launched at the dawn of this year,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a whirlwind episode amid an already tumultuous expedition, seven players from Somalia's U-17 national football team have returned to their camp following a brief disappearance from their team hotel. This occurred during the ongoing TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, casting a complicated shadow over their campaign. The initial report came from Pan Africa Football, detailing how the players vanished on two separate occasions, with the latest incident unfolding just two days before their…

In many countries, a notable aspect of governance is the presence of senior leaders across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Their experience and knowledge significantly influence the political landscapes they navigate. But can age truly encapsulate wisdom, or does it sometimes hinder progressive governance? There's no denying the pull of executive power—the capacity to make decisions that shape the future. Yet, it's the legislature that transforms…

Sweden's Engagement with Somalia: A Chapter Closed, A Story Continued Since 2022, a committed advocate for humanitarian and developmental efforts, Högberg, carried the torch for Sweden’s engagement in Somalia. Her mission, a formidable undertaking, focused on weaving a stronger fabric of aid and cooperation between these two diverse, yet interconnected nations. Before her endeavors in Somalia, she had carved a significant path in Sudan, laying the groundwork for what would become key strategies in international aid. But…

The Future Beckons: Somalia’s U-17 AFCON Journey Mogadishu (AX) — For Somalia's U-17 squad, the journey to the Africa Cup of Nations concluded in disappointment sooner than they had hoped. On a fateful Friday at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi, Gambia delivered a decisive 5-1 victory, eliminating the Ocean Stars from the quest for glory. Earlier, Tunisia had handed them a 3-0 defeat, leaving Somalia with no points and firmly at the bottom of Group C. The harsh scoreline paints a picture of a team outmatched, yet it was…

Africa, a continent rich in diversity and potential, has long been a focal point for global superpowers aiming to broaden their spheres of influence. Could this vibrant landscape, brimming with untapped resources and burgeoning markets, be the contemporary chessboard for international politics? Historically, Africa has captivated the interest of nations far beyond its own borders. From its vast reserves of natural wealth to its strategic geographic position, it presents a multitude of opportunities for those…

"The picture of diplomacy is constantly evolving," these words echo a sentiment that has stood the test of time. But today, they might ring particularly true as we witness some notable shifts in international alliances. At the forefront of this conversation is Russia, a nation that has taken decisive steps towards strengthening its presence in Africa. Last year, Sergey Lavrov, Russia's formidable Minister of Foreign Affairs, made an intriguing announcement. He…

Somalia's Proactive Stance on Curbing Irregular Migration Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu - In the heart of Somalia, a vital front has opened in the ongoing battle against human smuggling and illegal migration. The country’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency reported the prevention of 124 young men and women from leaving Somalia through unauthorized routes within the first quarter of 2025—a staggering number that reveals both a challenge and a hopeful direction for the nation’s future.…

Gather around, for an event that promises to illuminate not just the night, but the entire continent of Africa. On April 12th, the illustrious Savoy Hotel in Marrakesh will open its doors to a pan-African celebration. This comes after the well-received gatherings in Kigali, Rwanda, and Lagos, Nigeria, during the years 2023 and 2024, respectively. These prior events were not just successful; they were a testament to Africa's potential and the spirit of innovation. What makes the pan-African…

The Restoration of Russia's Diplomatic Footprint in Niger Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently announced Russia's intent to rejuvenate its diplomatic presence in Niger by 2025. It raises a question: what motivates such significant international moves? "In the very near future, with your help, we will complete all the organizational work for the return of our embassy. We will definitely do this in 2025," Lavrov stated, as reported by Sputnik. An imagination…