West Africa

Struggle and Resilience in the Face of Conflict Amidst the relentless sun and vast stretches of barren land, the quest for survival becomes an art of its own. For many displaced families, each day begins with the search for something as simple yet elusive as shade. It’s a daily journey in which finding shelter from the sun can be just as challenging as securing the next meal. “When we were in our own area, life was different,” Ubax recalls, her eyes reflecting both the nostalgia and pain of what’s been lost. “The…

A New Chapter in Somalia's Fight Against Al-Shabaab In a significant development in the relentless struggle against extremism in Somalia, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has reported a highly successful airstrike. The operation specifically targeted the newly constructed bridge in the village of Aw-baalle, a location strategically critical and infamous as a notorious transit point for Al-Shabaab fighters and the weaponry they transport. But what does this mean for Somalia and its wider,…

If you listen closely to the quiet whispers of Garowe, there is a transformative energy stirring—a palpable shift etched in the bold directives of Northeastern State’s President, Said Abdullahi Deni. It is not often that leaders meet the crossroads of security and diplomacy with such determined resolve, but, as history unfolds, it seems President Deni is crafting a narrative infused with both rigor and reconciliation. Imagine sitting among the sable-clad traditional elders of Bari, each line on their faces a testament to…

Flight from Erigavo: A Delicate Balance of Conflict and Peace In a landscape as complex and vibrant as North Western State of Somalia’s, the winds of change are swift and often unforgiving. At the heart of this transformation lies Erigavo, a city that recently witnessed the exodus of over 45,000 families. The underlying cause? A looming fear of potential conflict in the Sanaag region, despite a burgeoning peace initiative helmed by the North Western State of Somalia government. Minor skirmishes have erupted…

A Tale of Silence and Mystery in Wajir “He was taken by unknown men in September. Last night, they simply left him in the dark,” recounted Adam Keynan Wehliye, a fellow legislator from Wajir County. Those words echo a community's unrest, a family's anguish, and a government's inexplicable silence. The gravity of these events found Ahmed, a man spirited away unexpectedly, now thrust into the arms of urgency. In the quiet sterility of a medical facility, doctors found him malnourished, worn by sleep deprivation,…

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Resilience Amidst Challenges FILE - In this poignant snapshot of survival and hope, Somali women find refuge near Mogadishu, erecting shelters to protect themselves from the cruelty of displacement. We find ourselves on the cusp of another International Women's Day, coming up on March 8, 2025. This year, the world celebrates women across the globe for their unwavering strength amidst relentless struggles, championing a theme that echoes the…

Connectivity Woes in Somalia: A Tale of the Deep Sea and Fragile Networks In the vibrant yet challenging tapestry of East African connectivity, a rupture isn't just a word; it’s a call to action. On a bright Sunday, residents of Somalia and nearby regions of East Africa found themselves wrestling with sluggish internet speeds and choppy video streams. The usual seamless journey of data through the intricate web beneath our oceans grounded to a halt, leaving a palpable void in the digital experience. This turbulence…

Introduction In the heart of the Horn of Africa, Somalia stands at a precipice, caught in the tumult of political and constitutional crises. These challenges are not mere bumps in the road; they are profound dilemmas teetering on the brink of institutional failure. Imagine a car careening uncontrollably, an apt metaphor for Somalia's halted constitutional review, stymied by political spatters that have rendered the federal system dysfunctional. With the mandates of the current Federal Government and Parliament nearing…

Mogadishu (AX) — With a blend of confidence and caution, Somali Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Mukhtar Robow Ali, firmly assures his nation that Al-Shabaab's capacity to menace Mogadishu is on the wane. Speaking at a somber press conference in the heart of Somalia’s capital, Robow delineated the situation with a conviction born from firsthand experience—a narrative rich in complexity and hope. Hosting the press on a sunny Sunday afternoon, Robow…

In southeastern Mudug, central Somalia, the relentless conflict between government forces and Al-Shabaab has unleashed a wave of despair, displacing countless civilians. Over the last two months, hundreds have sought refuge in makeshift camps woefully devoid of fundamental amenities. Since January 5, 2025, more than 230 families have poured into the Somaliweyn camp in Harhar, forced to abandon what little they had as the strife intensified. Among them is Ubax Salad Sabriye and her family of seven, who once thrived through…