West Africa

On Monday, January 27, the Supreme Court of Liberia found itself noticeably absent from a pivotal moment in the political arena: President Joseph Boakai's constitutionally mandated annual address. As he spoke, the seats reserved for the five justices sat barren, a striking tableau that raised eyebrows and sparked a whirlwind of speculation. Did they choose to stay away to avoid giving a nod of legitimacy to the executive branch's recognition of Richard Nagbe Koon, the ruling Unity Party's pick for Speaker of the House of…

On the inaugural day of 2025, a momentous peacekeeping initiative took its first steps. This mission, designed to unfold over a five-year span, heralds a significant shift: Uganda's military will now command the helm in two strategic sectors within Somalia, sectors previously overseen by forces from Burundi.The Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) are stepping into a pivotal role with the inception of the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This move signals an invigorated chapter in Uganda’s…

Mogadishu (AX) – As the sun cast its warm rays over Mogadishu, a significant development unfolded in the ongoing battle against terrorism on the African continent. The Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, announced on Monday a remarkable stride in enhancing security within Somalia. Through a dual channel of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and a bilateral pact, Egypt is set to deploy troops on Somali soil—a strategic move aimed…

The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), a passionate advocate for human rights, has taken a bold stand, urging President Bola Tinubu to immediately halt the legal proceedings against a group of 11 activists linked to the #EndBadGovernance movement. Among them is Michael Lenin, who finds himself facing grave charges of treason and mutiny—serious allegations that could change lives forever. In a powerful statement, the YRC emphasized that this trial seems more like a heavy-handed maneuver to stifle dissent and quash opposition,…

Garowe (AX) – In an era where the historic and the contemporary constantly intertwine, Northeastern State authorities have sounded a stern warning: mistreating foreigners will incur serious consequences. This declaration is part of an intensified campaign in the Bari region aimed at decimating the stubborn presence of ISIS, often compared to an unwanted guest who has overstayed their welcome. Under the searing Garowe sun on what seemed like an ordinary Monday, the ever-energetic Northeastern State's Minister of…

In the merry month of May, a tempest brewed in local news circles over a demanding missive from kidnappers, requesting a hefty ransom—$1.5 million no less!—for two missing Cuban medics. The Kenyan government, cool as a cucumber, refused to cough it up, and mum was the word from Cuba about whether they were even acknowledging this audacious claim. Months have trickled by like sand through an hourglass, leaving folks high and dry when it comes to updates on the Cubans' whereabouts. Occasionally, whispers from the island…

Beledweyne (AX) –  Against a backdrop of dust and determination, Somali National Army (SNA) forces, hand in hand with local clan militias, valiantly reclaimed the Beera Yabaal area on Monday after a fierce tango with Al-Shabaab militants that lasted for hours. This reclaimed territory sits snug between Buula Burte and Halgan districts, standpoints lately rumored to be Al-Shabaab's cozy rendezvous spots. Cheers echo for these triumphs, yet linger questions like shadows – what's next? Nestled in the heart of Hiiraan, Beera…

In a fascinating twist of fate, heartbeats in Somalia have found a new rhythm, thanks to the intrepid Italian medical team. They've crafted history, surgically speaking, in the sands of Mogadishu. Imagine a scene that's less 'ER' and more 'Gladiator'—but with scalpels instead of swords—where pediatric heart surgeons have wielded their skills to patch little lives. This isn't just any hospital tale; it's a bona fide miracle that echoes a new dawn for pediatric healthcare in the Horn of Africa. Painting this masterpiece…

Somalia's Democratic Leap: The Road to One-Person, One-Vote Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling corridors of Somalia's political heart, the visionary journey toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system is unfurling with vibrant ambition. On a crisp Monday morning, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the steely chairperson of Somalia’s Electoral Commission, engaged in earnest dialogue with the European Union Ambassador, Karin Johansson. Their tête-à-tête was a symphony of democratic dreams and international solidarity.…

In the sprawling and untamed landscapes of Somalia, livestock isn't just a commodity—it's the lifeblood of the economy. Picture this: a whopping 70% of the country's exports are tied to camels, goats, cattle, and sheep. It's a pastoral symphony harmonized around the rhythm of animal trade. But as serene as it sounds, this melodious arrangement hit a discordant note in 2023, when nearly $1 billion flowed primarily into Saudi Arabia's coffers from Somali livestock exports. However, this paradise of pastoral profits faces a…