West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – Somalia stands at the threshold of a significant political evolution. The National Electoral Commission, undeterred by dissent from two states and select opposition factions, remains steadfast in its dedication to orchestrate a universal suffrage election in 2026. Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, with commendable zeal, announced on Thursday the strides made towards this monumental election. Could there be a more potent symbol of progress in Somalia's political landscape than this? According to Hassan, the…

Captain Ibrahim Traoré ascended to the helm of Burkina Faso in September 2022, following a significant coup that unseated Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Damiba. Ironically, Damiba had only recently orchestrated his own coup against former president Roch Marc Kaboré earlier that same year. Such a rapid succession of leadership changes paints a vivid picture of the political turbulence enveloping the nation. Since Traoré’s rise, he has garnered considerable admiration for his impassioned anti-colonial declarations. His sharp…

Mogadishu (AX) — On an ordinary Friday night, beneath the somber glow of streetlights, the Somali Police Force made a quiet yet determined announcement. They presented the images and names of two suspects involved in a grim incident that has left many in shock and sorrow. The tragic tale of Somali National Army soldier Aamir Ismail Ali’s untimely death on February 14, 2025, has cast a long shadow over the city. The alleged perpetrators, identified as Sadam Omar Abdisamad and Abdisaaq Ali Mohamed Aflow, might be weaving…

Mogadishu's Strategic Strides Against Insurgency Mogadishu (Axadle Times) - On a day unmistakably marked by tension and resolve, the Somali National Army (SNA), bolstered by support from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), executed precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Bulo Burte district, nestled in the oft-tumultuous Hiiraan region. The date etched in the local memory is February 20, 2025—a day aimed at nullifying an imminent assault by the notorious Al-Shabaab. Unearthing a Tactical Symphony…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the rugged terrain of the Al-Miskaad Mountains, where silence is broken only by whispers of the wind, a dramatic clash unfolded. Over the past week, Northeastern State's security forces, aided by UAE airstrikes, embarked on a meticulously coordinated counterterrorism operation. Their target? Insidious pockets of ISIS militants lurking in these highlands, hidden in plain sight for years. From a bird’s-eye view, the operation might seem like an intense chess game played over harsh landscapes. As…

FILE - Somali National Army soldiers stand vigilant against the notorious al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region of Somalia on Dec. 10, 2012. Fast forward to Feb. 20, 2025, when Somali authorities reported a significant victory. The sobering reality of more than 100 al-Shabab militants losing their lives in the conflict serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle. In a decisive show of resilience, Somali National Army troops thwarted assaults on four strategically crucial military bases on Thursday. The…

In the quiet corners of West Africa, the landscape of military alliances is subtly shifting, as if echoing an unspoken dialogue between the past and the present. France, known for its significant military footprint across the African continent, has chosen a different path in recent months. This transformation, while not definitive, marks a chapter in the intricate narrative of international relations and defense strategies. During a ceremony in the vibrant heart of Côte d'Ivoire's capital, French Defence Minister…

A quiet Tuesday afternoon turned significant when the African Development Bank (AfDB) broke the news that the list of candidates for the presidency had been finalized. The esteemed Steering Committee, after an arduous evaluation process, has endorsed a select group, ushering them closer to the coveted position. Is the race more about continuity or change? The contenders themselves reflect a tapestry of aspirations, visions waiting to be realized. It's a poignant moment for the AfDB. As the sun begins to set on the tenure of…

It's said that history doesn’t repeat, but it often rhymes. Can this phrase apply to Kenya's economic journey? Recently, whispers from unnamed insiders suggest a major shift in financial strategy. Insider sources, who chose to remain anonymous, leaked that the promised loan to Kenya will be delivered in full rather than in stages as originally intended. Such a financial influx at one go is quite unconventional, isn’t it? Not much has been said publicly; neither Kenya's Treasury Secretary John Mbadi nor the UAE…

In the often tumultuous sphere of global security, how do nations prepare for challenges that seem as ceaseless as the tides? Mogadishu, a city at the heart of such inquiries, recently witnessed an intriguing chapter in its journey of resilience and preparation. Here, among the echoes of both hope and conflict, stands an event worth pondering. The U.S. Army paratroopers have taken stride amidst Somali Danab special forces, together engaging in an exercise dubbed Justified Accord 2025 (JA25). Imagine, if you will, the…