Wednesday May 27, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s National Independent Human Rights Commission has launched a preliminary probe into reports that civilians were killed in the Lower Juba region. In a statement issued Tuesday, the commission said the incident occurred on May 20 in the Diigta Margoos area of Kamjiroon, where armed men were reported to have killed civilians. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. “The commission is gathering information on what happened and the circumstances surrounding the…

With tensions simmering in South Africa and protesters demanding tougher action on immigration, Ghana has started flying home its nationals in a move aimed at heading off the threat of xenophobic violence. Ghanaian authorities began repatriating the first group of citizens from South Africa as fears grew over anti-immigrant demonstrations and the possibility of attacks on foreigners. Around 300 people were expected to depart from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport, and 800 Ghanaians have registered to return…

Wednesday May 27, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s top leadership joined worshippers in the capital Wednesday morning as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre attended Eid al-Adha prayers alongside government officials and hundreds of others at the Mosque of Islamic Solidarity in Mogadishu. After the prayers, Mohamud extended holiday greetings to Somalis and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and lasting development in every part of the country. “We will never forget to remind ourselves of…

In a groundbreaking move for regional connectivity, the Republic of Congo has declared that, starting January 1, 2027, all African citizens will enjoy visa-free entry into the country. This initiative aims to simplify cross-border travel and enhance regional integration across the continent. This new policy is set to facilitate travel for various purposes, including business, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges. It embodies the Republic of Congo's commitment to the African Union's broader integration agenda and…

Wednesday May 27, 2026 Bosaso (AX) — Grief and anger swept through Buruc in Somalia’s Bari region on Tuesday as residents gathered for the mass burial of a pregnant woman and her three children, who were killed in an airstrike in the Haysimo mountains of Qandala district, according to officials and local residents. Puntland State military officials said the strike struck a rural family in the area. Local accounts said the mother and two of her children died at the scene, while a third child later succumbed to wounds. The…

Tuesday May 26, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Supreme Court has upheld the results of Southwest State’s House of Representatives election, endorsing the figures released by the electoral commission after reviewing complaints and supporting documents tied to the vote. In a ruling issued Monday, the court said it had considered objections to the electoral process, written submissions and reports from the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission before determining that the outcome was consistent with Somali…

Tuesday May 26, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s attorney general said Monday that detained bajaj driver and activist Sadia Moallim Ali Hassan will soon appear in court, declaring that her case has now moved into the final phase of investigation and prosecution. Attorney General Suleyman Mohamed Mahmoud said the proceedings have followed legal procedures and dismissed criticism of the justice system as misinformation. He said Ali was taken into custody on April 21 and presented before a court within 48 hours, in line with…

In a surprising turn of events, Senegal's Parliament has appointed Ousmane Sonko as Speaker, just a few days following his dismissal from the government by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This decision marks a significant escalation in the ongoing political rift between the two former allies and comes after months of escalating tensions within the administration.

Tuesday May 26, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has stepped up its public health defenses and finalized a national Ebola prevention plan as reports of the virus emerge in parts of Africa, officials said Monday. The Ministry of Health said Somalia has not confirmed a single Ebola case. Still, authorities have tightened readiness, citing the steady flow of travelers and flights from nearby countries, particularly Uganda and Kenya. “The Ministry of Health confirms that no case of Ebola has been registered in the country so far.…

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…