West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant development for Somalia's ongoing battle against extremism, Northeastern State security forces have reported the elimination of more than 40 ISIS fighters while reclaiming a pivotal stronghold in the northeastern Bari region. This decisive encounter unfolded during a 24-hour offensive and is seen as a landmark achievement in their campaign against the militant group. The operation, which commenced late Friday night in the rugged Togga Miiraale valley, is part of the third and final phase of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an important meeting at Villa Somalia, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon convened to discuss pressing national security issues and the ongoing efforts to bolster state institutions. Their dialogue underscores the paramount importance of stability in a region that has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. The atmosphere of the meeting was charged with urgency, as both leaders recognized the critical need to enhance the Somali National Army's…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant stride towards enhancing civil registration and accessibility to governmental services, Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has inaugurated a new service center in the vibrant Boondheere District of Mogadishu. This pivotal development, launched on a brisk Saturday morning by NIRA Deputy Director-General Abdirahman Said alongside District Commissioner Abdullahi Hasan, signals a renewed commitment to enabling efficient service delivery for the residents of…

Coal has, for decades, served as the backbone of industrial progress in Africa, particularly in the southern regions where some of the globe’s richest coal deposits are nestled. It's a story of energy fueled by black rock, the kind of energy that has shaped economies and transformed lives. People often overlook the complexities of this story, focusing instead on the pressing need for renewable alternatives. But let’s pause and reflect: can we navigate the transition without acknowledging the role coal has played and…

Mogadishu (AX) — The recent decision by the United States to abstain from a pivotal UN Security Council resolution has raised significant concerns regarding the future of the African Union’s Security Operations in Somalia (AUSSOM). As we approach a crucial vote in May concerning the mission’s funding, a sense of uncertainty permeates discussions surrounding the support, effectiveness, and overall strategy of AUSSOM in its mission to stabilize Somalia. At the heart of the U.S. abstention are serious reservations about the…

A New Political Landscape in Somalia: Sultan Abdirahman Qani Qorane Launches the Gobonnimo Party Mogadishu (AX) — In an impressive demonstration of resilience and hope, Sultan Abdirahman Qani Qorane, a former Islamic cleric renowned for his staunch opposition to extremist ideologies, has introduced the Gobonnimo (Sovereignty) Party this week in the heart of Mogadishu. This initiative marks a significant moment in Somalia's political tapestry as Qorane positions his party as a much-needed reformist alternative to the…

A Glance at Nigeria’s Migration Dilemma In recent events, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) flagged a group of 62 individuals—comprised of 51 men and 11 women—who were detained for illegal entry and subsequently deported through proper channels. This incident sheds light on the pressing issue of irregular migration across West Africa’s vulnerable borders, underscoring the heightened scrutiny of regional movements. Mr. Tony Akuneme, the Controller of the command, shared the details in a statement issued on a Sunday in…

The Resounding Echoes of Hope: Restoration of Hearing for Somali Children Mogadishu (AX) — This past Saturday marked a transformative moment for 15 young children in Somalia as they arrived in Mogadishu, newly equipped with the gift of sound. Thanks to specialized surgeries performed overseas, these children, aged between three and six, are now able to hear — a profound change facilitated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center. Earlier this month, in the bustling capital of Nairobi, Kenya, these brave little…

The Importance of Accurate Reporting: A Statement from Al-Zendani In a recent interview, Al-Zendani addressed the pressing issue surrounding rumors of Yemeni diplomatic property sales in Somalia. His office has been inundated with inquiries from the media, leading him to clarify that no plans exist to sell or lease any diplomatic assets in the country. He described these rampant rumors as “propaganda with no basis in fact.” In times like these, it’s vital to reflect on the responsibilities of both journalists and news…

Al-Shabaab's Ominous Return: Farmers in Fear in Somalia's Bay Region Mogadishu (AX) — In a troubling development that has stirred anxiety among local communities, heavily armed al-Shabaab militants are asserting their presence once again in rural areas surrounding Baidoa, located in Somalia's Bay region. A growing number of residents reported on Saturday that these militants have taken to the fields, explicitly warning farmers to abandon their livelihoods. “You cannot visit or go to work on your farm,”…