West Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — A regional appeals court on Monday cleared Somalia’s representatives to take their seats in the East African Legislative Assembly, overturning earlier rulings that had blocked their participation and ending a months-long legal dispute over the country’s nomination process. The decision paves the way for Somalia’s full engagement in the East African Community’s legislative body and removes a significant obstacle to Mogadishu’s regional integration efforts since joining the bloc. Somalia’s ambassador to…

In a dramatic twist during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal's national football team briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a contentious refereeing decision. The match against hosts Morocco, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, quickly escalated beyond the realm of sport, drawing sharp rebukes from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who condemned the actions of "some Senegal players." The atmosphere was electric as Senegal faced Morocco, a match charged with national pride and the…

TRIPOLI, Libya — Libyan security forces have rescued more than 200 migrants from a clandestine underground prison in the southeastern town of Kufra, exposing what authorities described as brutal and degrading detention conditions along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Officials said the detainees — including women and children from sub-Saharan Africa, primarily Somalia and Eritrea — were found in multiple cells nearly three meters below ground. Some had been held for up to two years. The suspected trafficker…

Libya rescues more than 200 migrants from underground prison in Kufra as abuse allegations mount TRIPOLI, Libya — Libyan security forces have rescued more than 200 migrants from a clandestine underground detention site in the southeastern town of Kufra, where authorities say victims were held in brutal, degrading conditions for months and, in some cases, years. Security officials said the migrants were discovered in an improvised prison nearly three meters (about 10 feet) below ground, allegedly run by a Libyan trafficker.…

Senegal conquered Africa again on Sunday night, defeating host Morocco 1-0 after extra time in Rabat to win the Africa Cup of Nations and ignite raucous celebrations from the Atlantic shore to the Sahel. Fireworks crackled above Dakar, horns blared and flags waved as the Teranga Lions claimed their second continental crown in four years behind a dramatic winner from Pape Gueye and a performance that withstood a chaotic finish. What to know: Score: Senegal 1, Morocco 0 (after extra time) Match-winner: Pape Gueye for Senegal…

MINNEAPOLIS — The corridors of Karmel Mall, usually a hive of bargaining and chatter, were hushed on a recent afternoon. Steel shutters rolled down over rows of storefronts. A bakery still perfumed the air with fried dough, the central heating hummed, and low recitations from the Quran drifted from a few open doorways. Mostly, though, vendors waited alone. “It’s been like this for three weeks now,” said Abdi Wahid, who works at his mother’s convenience store inside the sprawling Somali business complex in south Minneapolis.…

Nigeria beat Egypt on penalties to claim AFCON bronze as Nwabali denies Salah Nigeria edged Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win the Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal on Saturday after a scoreless 90 minutes, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saving spot kicks from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Ademola Lookman converted the winning penalty to seal a cathartic finish to the Super Eagles’ campaign. The third-place playoff in Rabat did not go to extra time under tournament rules, placing immediate pressure on the kickers.…

Somalia’s development bank taps Deloitte for first-ever audit as it pivots from aid to investment The Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank has hired Deloitte for its first external audit, a landmark step for the state-owned lender as it seeks to cement transparency, strengthen governance and attract global investor confidence. SDRB said the independent audit began in December and will culminate in a published report in early 2026. The engagement with Deloitte covers not only financial statements but also internal…

LAS ANOD, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged North Western State of Somalia’s leaders to return to talks with Mogadishu during a landmark visit Sunday to Las Anod, offering compromise on “everything” except Somalia’s unity, which he declared nonnegotiable. “I am open to dialogue and compromise on everything,” Hassan Sheikh said, “except the unity of the country.” He framed national unity as a red line even as he pledged flexibility on political and administrative questions that have long strained relations with…

Somali forces repel al-Shabab attack in Middle Shabelle after pre-dawn blast, ministry says JOWHAR, Somalia — Somali government forces repelled an al-Shabab attack on military positions in the Jabad Godane area of Middle Shabelle early Sunday after a pre-dawn explosion triggered hours of heavy fighting, the Defense Ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said the Somali National Army (SNA) “successfully foiled the assault” and now has full control of the area. Officials said the attack began with an explosion believed to…