West Africa

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…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a verbal tiff unfurled recently, akin to a tempest brewing in a teapot. Somalia's Health Minister, Ali Haji Hassan, took center stage, wielding words with the precision of a maestro conducting a symphony. His subject of critique? Presidential Envoy Ali Jeyte’s remarks, which he compared to a loose cannon on deck—a tad reckless and potentially as disruptive to efforts against Al-Shabaab as a bull in a china shop. Jeyte, the face of the community's grassroots defense…

When it comes to Middle Eastern diplomacy, every suggestion is like a pebble tossed into a lake—ripples ensue that no one can control. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump fired off one of his trademark verbal grenades, proposing that Egypt and Jordan consider giving sanctuary to Palestinians displaced by the relentless cycle of conflict in Gaza. As expected, Arab nations rolled their eyes and replied with a resolute "Not happening," throwing the idea out with both hands. Trump casually pitched this bullish notion on…

Picture this scene: in Mogadishu, under the shimmering African sun, the prime minister of Somalia and Finland's Minister of the Interior pose together, their meeting a testament to international collaboration. Their gathering, captured in a photograph that tells a thousand stories, was steeped in diplomatic discussions that resonated with far-reaching implications. The image speaks volumes of hope, yet a hint of the underlying tensions lingers, like smoke on a calm breeze. Photo: Finland in Somalia On January 21, Finnish…

Mogadishu (AX) – Pageantry of possibilities unfurls in the dusty alleys and bustling markets of Mogadishu, where hope seems like a fragile whisper amidst the cacophony of conflict. In this peculiar dance, the Somali State Minister for Religious Affairs, Abukar Sheikh, serves a compelling invitation to the youth ensnared in the grip of Al-Shabaab. Picture this: a political olive branch tendered on a Sunday, laced with promises of amnesty, redemption, and a ticket back to a more harmonious life, adorned with the creativity…

Dhusamareb (AX) – Under the blazing Somali sun, NISA agents sprang into action on a mission worthy of a blockbuster thriller. In Bahdo district, within the heart of Galgadud region, two vehicles were intercepted, stirring up more intrigue than a pirate treasure map. These vehicles, reportedly full to the brim with critical provisions, were allegedly headed straight to the notorious Al-Shabaab—a group known far and wide for giving even seasoned security forces a run for their money. The buzz in the neighborhood was palpable,…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent crackdown on swirling rumors, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) made it crystal clear that the freshly-minted national ID cards have absolutely zilch to do with Somalia's forthcoming nationwide elections using the one-person, one-vote principle. In a direct tête-à-tête with BBC Somali on a sun-drenched Sunday, NIRA’s head honcho, Abdiwali Ali Abdulle Timacade, set the record straight, emphasizing that this ambitious ID card initiative is all about offering a timeless…

In the ever-turbulent Horn of Africa, a new chapter unfolds as Somalia and Egypt ink cooperation to tackle a mutual adversary: the formidable al-Shabaab. It’s a partnership seasoned with more than just agreements on paper; it’s a blend of strategic foresight and a dash of cairo-esque optimism. Let’s take a moment to delve into this intriguing alliance. As the sun set on an eventful Sunday, both nations laid their cards on the table, announcing their resolve to unite against the specter of terrorism. The details were…