West Africa

Libya, an unwitting waypoint for countless migrants and refugees hoping to navigate the perilous Mediterranean crossing to Europe, has again emerged as a focal point of tragedy and despair. The recent discovery of mass graves, punctuated by grim gunshot wounds on some bodies, paints a harrowing portrait of the dangers faced on these treacherous journeys. How did we come to this? The United Nations, in its latest report, has confirmed the alarming revelations about these graves, further intensifying the urgency with which…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a world that often seems frenetic and disconnected, an unexpected phone conversation can provide a reassuring sense of solidarity. Such was the case on Monday when Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in a telephone dialogue with Qatar's Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. This exchange, far more than a mere diplomatic nicety, sought to deepen the intricate tapestry of their nations' longstanding bilateral ties. Could words exchanged over a crackling line really influence the fates of…

Garowe (AX) – The moon shone faintly over the rugged peaks of the Al-Miskaat Mountains as an unforeseen confrontation unfolded beneath the stubborn stars late Monday night. In a region often untouched by tourism's gentle touch, the jagged terrain of the Haraya area within the Toga-Jeceel became the stage for a dramatic clash. Here, in Northeastern State—a semi-autonomous state bearing the scars of history—security forces outmaneuvered a plot as sinister as it was audacious, orchestrated by ISIS militants who had perhaps…

At the NLMK Indiana steel mill, a scene unfolds that is almost mesmerizing; a brilliant dance of light and metal as workers keep a vigilant eye on the steel, melting in an electric arc furnace at a scorching 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,649°C). It's an industrial ballet, unfolding quietly but with relentless fervor. Yet, how will the international trading stage change with the US steel narrative shifting so dramatically? In his bold stride to reconfigure a purportedly inequitable global trade system, President…

It was an ordinary day in Senende, Vihiga County, but the discourse resonating within the local assembly where Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa spoke was far from mundane. "The Somali community from the Northern region are unequivocally Kenyans," he asserted with deep conviction, his voice echoing with historical gravitas and vibrant clarity. But do such declarations suffice to recalibrate the narrative? For those caught in the crossfire of misperception, these words hold an epochal promise. According to Barasa, the time to lump…

Somalia Stands Firm Against Relocation of Gaza Refugees In recent days, whispers and murmurs have filled the airwaves, with talk of Somalia playing host to displaced Palestinians from Gaza—a notion reported by both Israeli and British media. Yet, Somalia has promptly drawn a line in the sand, firmly refusing to be swayed by such proposals. Was it audacity or merely political theatre? Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump unveiled a plan that many found hard to digest. The plan suggested…

Garowe (AX) – In the heart of Northeastern State, religious leaders are raising a resonant call for unity among communities, urging them to rally behind the military efforts against ISIS insurgents entrenched in the rugged Al-Miskaat Mountains of the Bari region. The clerics passionately advocate for both financial and moral backing to fortify the Northeastern State of Somalia Army's resolve and bolster their strength against an elusive adversary. Reflecting on a recent sermon, Sheikh Mohamud Haji Yusuf spoke fervently…

Mogadishu—In a fervent declaration of hope and determination, Somali Lower House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe articulated a vision this Monday. The vision was for a Somalia where every voice counts—a nation transitioning to an electoral system where one person equals one vote. Imagine a democratic renaissance, where each Somali citizen can directly elect their leaders; it's not just reform—it’s a transformation of a nation's soul. Isn’t it time for such a progression? During a spirited gathering in…

Binti Ali Wardhere’s story begins with a quiet loss: irreparable, yet all too common amid Mogadishu’s wartime tumult. The tragedies she faced on an otherwise unremarkable October day in 1993 echo through her every thought, a reminder of the events tied to the notorious moniker "Black Hawk Down." Surprisingly, this phrase—popularized by a Hollywood blockbuster—synonymizes with the infamous 1993 U.S. military catastrophe in Somalia. On October 3rd, eighteen American soldiers perished, accompanied by the anguished…

Saudi Arabia Rebukes Netanyahu's Proposal on Palestinian State In an intensifying geopolitical landscape, the ever-complex dynamics between Israel and its neighbors have experienced yet another ripple, courtesy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks that have sparked controversy. On a somber Sunday morning, the Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a firm response to Netanyahu's suggestion, accusing him of attempting to “divert attention” from what they describe as Israel's ongoing "crimes" in Gaza,…