West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In the spirited heart of Somalia's capital, the call to arms grows louder, reverberating through city streets. It's a call issued not from a distant palace but candidly from the trenches, amplified by Ali Jeyte Osman. Once the governor of Hiiraan, Ali Jeyte is now renowned as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's Special Envoy for Community Defense Forces, a title as powerful as it sounds. Amidst the dust and determination, Ali Jeyte stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the spirited…

Beledweyne (AX) — Picture this: a determined army, a patchwork of local militias, the clattering heartbeat of helicopters overhead, and a call to arms led by impassioned generals front and center. This is the scene in the Hiiraan region as the Somali Federal Government embarks on what they’ve boldly trademarked as their "most ambitious" strike on the militant group Al-Shabaab. Gearing up with a veritable smorgasbord of resources, they’re aiming to uproot these long-standing adversaries from their fortified nests. It’s not…

In the heart of Mogadishu, the bustling capital of Somalia, reverberations of a great loss echoed on Sunday. The city mourned the passing of Farah Abdi Waare, a venerable sage in the tapestry of Somali tradition, who took his leave at the seasoned age of 77. "A guardian of our roots and a shepherd of peace," is how President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud chose to encapsulate Waare's legacy in his heartfelt tribute. The President's words painted a picture not just of a leader but of a man whose life's mission was mending what was…

In a heartwarming narrative of compassion and international teamwork, a groundbreaking union formed between Somali and Italian medical maestros has transformed lives beyond borders, unveiling a remarkable tale that glimmers with hope and humanity. Like a masterful symphony, this collaboration orchestrated by the Milan-based Ameb Association and the spirited social activist Edna Moallin Abdirahman, in concert with the Hormuud Salaam Foundation, has struck a harmonious chord, creating powerful ripples through the realms of…

Bosaso (AX) — In the vibrant, bustling port city of Bosaso, an electrifying drama unfolded as Northeastern State's security forces netted a group of eight individuals. Among them were six foreign nationals, allegedly the brain behind bomb-making activities linked to none other than the notorious ISIS. According to officials, these arrests were part of a strategic crackdown over the weekend, sending shockwaves through the underbellies of terror networks. No stone was left unturned in these meticulous…

In a vibrant and meaningful ceremony, Somalia's Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, cut the proverbial ribbon on a state-of-the-art emergency hub at De Martino Hospital in Mogadishu. Qatar Charity (QC) rolled up their sleeves to see this project through, equipping the centre with cutting-edge facilities. The grand occasion attracted dignitaries like Somali Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Haji Adam, and the ever-enthusiastic Dr. Abdullah bin Salem al-Nuaimi, Qatar's ambassador. Joining them were several Somali ministers and health…

Baidoa (AX) — On a bright Sunday, as the sun painted Baidoa with golden hues, a delegation from Somalia's National Electoral Commission and Boundaries made its entrance, heralding a new chapter in the nation’s electoral journey. They carried with them not just paperwork and plans, but a vision to breathe life into a cornerstone of democracy—a one-person, one-vote electoral system. Yusuf Abdulqadir Mohamed, a seasoned member of the commission with a passion for political revitalization, addressed the press with a determined…

Hargeisa (AX) – Fresh into his presidency, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro flew the coop from Hargeisa to the glittering sands of the United Arab Emirates early Sunday morning, marking his inaugural venture abroad since he was handed the presidential baton back in the chilly month of November 2024. A special aircraft courtesy of the Emiratis themselves was the chariot for President Irro and his entourage, a lavish gesture that speaks volumes about the heartening rapport between North Western State of Somalia and the…

Jigjiga (AX) – In an event bubbling with vibrant cultural hues, a Somali government delegation graced Dire Dawa in Ethiopia's Somali Regional State on a crisp Saturday morning to honor a monumental recognition. The gathering was an eclectic mix of cultural exuberance and official prestige, marking UNESCO's acknowledgment of Xeer Ciise as earmarked for the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The lemonade was particularly tangy that day, with the theme "The Xeer Ciise is the Foundation of Equality, Justice, and Unity"…

Bosaso (AX) — As doom would have it, Abdifatah Nur Mataan, second in command on matters of politics and safeguarding in Beled-Hawo, was swept away after grappling with grievous injuries from a landmine explosion. The town's officious adventurers confirmed his departure. “We were cruising back from Beled-Hawo’s landing strip, minding our own business,” recalled an official who wished to remain nameless, similar to a garden gnome caught in unwarranted chaos. A dire fate unfolded as Mataan's convoy, fresh from airport…