West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In a stern message that's as clear as a bell, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has sounded the clarion call, warning businesses, brokers, and drivers not to dance to the tune of extortion payments to Al-Shabaab. Think they're bluffing? Think again. NISA is ready to crack the whip of legal repercussions on those bankrolling this notorious militant outfit. The agency, with a vigilance sharp enough to cut diamonds, made this…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture this: A sprawling, vibrant city buzzing with the latest political drama. Set the scene: the Union for Peace and Development (UPD) party, led by the charismatic and sometimes controversial Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is stepping boldly into the ring to back a fresh and promising registration process for new political organizations. Their endorsement comes quicker than a cat on a caffeine boost, sparking a heated debate and ruffling feathers, particularly in the rocky terrains of…

In an unexpected twist better fitted to the pages of a suspense novel, a suspect along with a vehicle harboring no less than 50 bags of illicit sugar was apprehended in the once quiet town of Garissa. The escapade unfolded like a classic cat-and-mouse chase, with the suspect initially outsmarting local authorities but eventually running out of luck. Rumors danced through the air long before law enforcement made their move. Whispers of contraband crept across the city—like shadows in the wind, elusive yet palpable. The…

Mogadishu (AX) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia has once again taken center stage, highlighting its resolve for international diplomacy. At the helm of this diplomatic journey is Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, who praised the newfound ceasefire orchestrated by an unlikely coalition—Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. During an impassioned speech given at UN Headquarters, there's more than just routine platitudes; there's a nation standing firm on its principles. At the Security Council’s 9841st…

The return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office has cast a long shadow of uncertainty over Africa. As the 47th President of the United States, Trump’s policies could either build bridges or deepen divides, and the continent is bracing for what lies ahead. On one hand, there’s a flicker of hope illuminating the darker corners of apprehension. Trump's meteoric rise back to power signals a potential shake-up of the status quo, not just domestically but internationally as well. As he gears up for the 2024 election, he touts a…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a charged statement that echoes a stormy sea of political discontent, former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has thrown down the gauntlet to the current leadership. He lambasts their decision to plough ahead with constitutional modifications and an electoral process that seemingly snubs Northeastern State, Jubaland, and other pivotal political players. If the national unity of Somalia were likened to a patchwork quilt, these actions, according to Farmaajo, threaten to rip it asunder,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a city buzzing with political anticipation and the scent of change on the breeze, Somalia's National Electoral Commission and Boundaries dropped a significant bombshell on Monday. They've flung open the doors for political groups to sign up for the much-anticipated one-person, one-vote election coming down the pike. Seated at the helm of this pivotal announcement, Commission Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan took the stage in Mogadishu, laying down the law amid camera flashes. "Political organizations,…

In a kaleidoscope of global diplomacy, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty navigated the corridors of power as he conferred with European Council President Antonio Costa in the cosmopolitan heart of Europe, Brussels. They engaged in a tête-à-tête underscoring the instrumental role President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi has played in sculpting the Gaza ceasefire while orchestrating the symphony of peace and stability across the Middle East. Adams' son was quick to recognize Egypt as an indispensable confidant in…

In an era where every magnifying glass is trained on global security, President William Ruto is striking the chord for greater unity among Horn of Africa nations to square up against shared woes like terrorism and organized crime. Seems like a tall order, doesn’t it? After a tête-à-tête with Ethiopia's intelligence czar, Ambassador Redwan Hussien, at the prestigious State House, Nairobi, Ruto pulled out all the stops to reinforce Kenya's promise of working hand in glove with both regional and worldwide partners. His…

Mogadishu (AX) – Imagine a flight that stirs up more buzz than a beehive in springtime. The Somali government recently found itself swatting away reports faster than a short-order cook during breakfast rush. It quashed rumors that its ambassador to Kenya, Jibril Ibrahim Abdulle, had been called back home posthaste because of a kerfuffle involving a plane. This wasn’t just any old plane but a Kenya-registered one, which apparently waltzed into Somali airspace on January 18 without giving so much as a courtesy nod. The alleged…