West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – As the sun rises over Baghdad, anticipation is palpable. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is gearing up to attend the esteemed 34th Arab League Summit this Saturday. This summit, taking place in Iraq’s capital for the first time in over a decade, is themed "Dialogue, Solidarity and Development," a phrase that resonates on multiple levels in today’s geopolitical landscape. The importance of this summit cannot be overstated. In a world rife with conflict and uncertainty, the commitment to address…

The commitment of the Trump administration to bolster U.S. exports to Africa is not merely a political statement; it is a clarion call for transformation. “We aim to elevate U.S. exports and investments in Africa, eliminate trade deficits, and foster mutual prosperity,” shared Ambassador Troy Fitrell, currently leading the Africa Bureau at the State Department. His remarks were made during an American Chambers of Commerce gathering in the vibrant city of Abidjan, a place rich with opportunity yet often overlooked. This…

Unrelenting Floods Ravage Mogadishu: A Tale of Resilience In the wake of a tempestuous night, rain-soaked Mogadishu grappled with the aftermath of relentless deluges that left at least seven dead, among them two women and two children. Homes were toppled, residents trapped, and essential roads severed, officials reported on Saturday. The torrents—over 115 millimeters in an eight-hour onslaught—descended Friday night, persisting until dawn. This wall of water unleashed flash floods, paralyzing much of the city,…

Mogadishu (AX) – Last Friday, the calm of Kahda district in Mogadishu was shattered by the deafening sound of a landmine explosion, injuring at least seven people, including two government soldiers. Reports from eyewitnesses and local officials paint a vivid and distressing picture of the aftermath. The blast didn’t just disrupt the moment; it left many civilians with severe injuries—particularly affecting their legs. In isolated instances such as these, one can’t help but reflect on the fragility of life and the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia's turbulent landscape, a disturbing trend unfolds—a relentless crackdown on the press. Since mid-March, security forces have reportedly arrested, harassed, or intimidated at least 41 media workers. This alarming situation has sparked outrage among rights groups, who label it a "war on the truth." The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has described the current period as an "alarming escalation" of hostilities against journalists. Among those raising the alarm are organizations…

Celebrating North Western State of Somalia’s Independence Day: A Melodious Journey of Pride and Unity Hargeisa (AX) — This year, the festive spirit of North Western State of Somalia’s May 18 Independence Day is soaring to unprecedented heights. As each day approaches the anniversary of its self-declared independence from Somalia, the pulse of the region quickens. Top musical groups have taken center stage, staging high-profile concerts that echo the themes of national pride, unity, and resilience. Among the leading…

In a surprising turn of events, a distinguished diplomat has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency ahead of the 2026 elections. Essa Bokarr Sey, a seasoned figure who has represented The Gambia in various capacities—most notably as ambassador to France, Taiwan, and the USA—stands at the forefront of this political endeavor. However, his announcement does not occur in a vacuum. It emerges against a backdrop of significant controversy surrounding the recent revisions to the national constitution. The original…

In a significant turn of events, Richard Koon, the leader of the Majority Bloc, has ascended to the role of Speaker of the House of Representatives. This decision follows a special election prompted by the resignation of his predecessor, Fonati Koffa, who stepped down on May 12. Koffa's resignation was not without controversy; it stemmed from an arduous series of legal disputes with the Majority Bloc that had plagued his tenure. Koffa voiced deep frustrations about the executive branch's alleged "failure" to adhere to a…

The Resilient Camel: A Tale of Adaptation and Hope A camel herder milking his camels. File Photo In the northeastern corner of Somalia, a transformation is taking place—one rooted in resilience and adaptability. Dahir Abdullahi Ali, a 40-year-old camel herder, has found a novel way to sustain his family of nine amidst the harsh realities of life in the Galgadud region. After enduring three long years of relentless drought, Dahir made the pivotal decision to migrate his herd of camels to the outskirts of Adado town, where…

The Conviction of a Former Leader: A Landmark Case for Mauritania and Africa Recently, the Mauritanian appellate court delivered a verdict that has reverberated beyond its borders: the conviction of former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz on charges of corruption. After appeals from both state officials and Abdel Aziz’s defense team, the court increased his sentence from five years to a significant 15-year term. This ruling addresses not just a local scandal but also speaks volumes about accountability on the African…