West Africa

If you ever find yourself wandering the bustling streets of Beledweyne, Hiiraan, you might just catch a whisper about a vital movement afoot - a concerted effort to face the relentless threat posed by the notorious Al-Shabaab militant group. At the heart of this operation is none other than the Director of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, currently steeping in the bustling milieu of Buula Burte. Sanbaloolshe hasn't merely been skimming the surface in Buula…

In a surprising twist that’s stirred the political waters in Liberia, the leadership of the Liberian National Police has identified several lawmakers, including the embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, as "persons of interest" in the troubling investigation surrounding the recent fire at the Capitol Building—home to the nation’s legislative activities. The Capitol, once a proud symbol of democracy, now bears the scars of controversy that threaten to engulf its inhabitants. In a formal communication directed to the House of…

With a characteristic vigor, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia, envisaging a future ripe with collaborative triumphs. He emphasized, often with a flourish, that Somalia's security isn't just a distant concern but a vital piece of Egypt's own national security puzzle. In moments like these, can anyone really overstate the power of friendship between nations? During a lively joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sisi eloquently…

In a bold move that’s sending ripples across the political landscape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially enacted the much-debated Expropriation Bill. The controversial law paves the way for government entities to seize land in the public interest, but it comes with a set of stringent guidelines aimed at ensuring fair compensation for those affected. With this step, the new legislation effectively dismantles the archaic Expropriation Act of 1975—a remnant of the apartheid era that many saw as outdated and unjust.…

Mogadishu (AX) – Picture this: a moonlit night in central Somalia, where the rhythmic pulse of an impending showdown echoed through the El-Garas village. A bold campaign led by the Somali National Army (SNA), backed by courageous local clans, delivered a significant jab to the notorious al-Shabaab on Wednesday. They came for a clenched-teeth confrontation, and they left a mark—six militants, including notorious leaders, left nursing their wounds. Some might say it was a masterstroke, others might call it sheer grit.In the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the early hours of a frigid Tuesday morning, a towering hotel in the heart of Turkey's picturesque Koroglu mountains met a fiery fate, leaving an aching void in the lives of many. As flames ravaged the 12-story structure of the Grand Kartal Hotel situated at a ski resort, tragedy tightened its grip, claiming at least 76 lives and casting a shroud of sorrow over what should have been joyous winter holidays. The vibrant tales of snowy escapades turned into chilling whispers of despair, gripping the…

In the heart of bustling Mogadishu, cobbled together in a meeting room buzzing with ideas and caffeine chatter, a significant decision was stitched into the fabric of Somalia’s forward-looking initiatives. The weekly conclave of the Somali Council of Ministers—a gathering often flavored with a dash of formality and purpose—saw the spotlight fall squarely on the National Disability Agency Board. This esteemed body, tasked with championing the rights and inclusivity of the nation’s diverse community of individuals with…

Bosaso (AX) – Picture the serene coastline of Northeastern State, Somalia, where an unforeseen drama unfolded. A bizarre scene stretched along the sands between Bosaso and Mareero, with nearly 140 dolphins inexplicably washed ashore last Thursday. It was a sight that disturbed the tranquil beauty with its tragic emergence. For those locals accustomed to the ocean’s regular rhythm, witnessing this many dolphins in distress was enough to unsettle any sailor’s nerve. Some dolphins lay lifeless, their shimmering bodies marking…

Somalis displaced by the relentless drought gather at the Ladan camp in Dolow, a scene painted with stark reality as of May 1, 2023. (AFP file) UNITED NATIONS: This year, the United Nations has rung the alarm bells for Somalia, revealing that almost six million souls, roughly one-third of the country’s population, are in dire straits and require humanitarian assistance. In a bid to alleviate this plight, they've put forth a funding call, seeking a staggering $1.43 billion. Spare some sympathy for Somalia, a land locked in…

Mogadishu (AX) – Change is afoot in Somalia's livestock sector, and it's not just the grass that's greener. On a bright Thursday morning, the Somali government teamed up with the World Bank under the HoA DRIVE Project to unveil the $10 million Livestock Value Chain Fund (LVCF). This initiative is set to steer the livestock industry onto a lucrative path of transformation. Against the backdrop of the elegant Jazeera Palace in Mogadishu, Gargaara Company Limited hosted this momentous signing ceremony. It was more than just…