West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — The bicameral legislature of Somalia has greenlit a substantial budget of $1.36 billion for the fiscal year 2025, reflecting a robust increase of 24.4% over the previous year. This decision came during a parliamentary session held on Monday in the capital, Mogadishu. In attendance were 143 Members of Parliament and 32 senators. The First Deputy Speaker of the People's Assembly, Saadiya Yasin Haji Samatar, confirmed that an overwhelming majority of 172 lawmakers backed the budget, with only two MPs voting…

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'oei. Kenya's standing as a sanctuary for refugees has recently come under scrutiny following the controversial deportation of four Turkish citizens previously under asylum protection. This event has prompted serious questions: Can individuals truly find a refuge within Kenya, or is the nation merely a supporter of oppressive regimes? As of now, there remains a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the government's handling of these four men. Were they processed through the…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Sunday, the Somali Deputy Minister of Education, Ahmed Isman Ibrahim Daqare, alongside Abdirashid Jire Qalinle, Minister of State for Planning and International Cooperation, tendered their resignations due to the federal government's intentions to challenge certain regional authorities. Qalinle shared his apprehensions regarding what he perceives as discriminatory actions by the federal government against the regional governments of Jubbaland, Northeastern State, and SSC Khatumo. Daqare, in a similar…

**Kismayo (AX)** — Ahmed Madobe, the President of Jubbaland State, has extended an invitation to the federal lawmakers from Jubbaland for a consultation gathering in Kismayo. This invitation follows a similar summons from the Northeastern State administration for its own federal parliamentary representatives. In a letter dispatched on Sunday from the Office of the Jubbaland President, officials called upon members from both legislative Houses to assemble in Kismayo, the provisional capital, between November 8 and 11. The…

Qatar Charity (QC) has successfully drilled two artesian wells in the bustling villages of Kalyak and Oshoti, nestled in the Warshiekh region of central Somalia. This significant development stands to benefit nearly 10,000 local residents who have grappled with immense challenges in accessing clean water. Prior to the inauguration of these wells, the community in Kalyak trudged 10 kilometers to gather water, while Oshoti's residents journeyed 7 kilometers. These arduous treks not only disrupted daily routines but also…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AX) — As we gear up for the November 5 election, the political scene in St. Cloud is ready for a transformation. A total of six candidates are vying for three at-large seats on the city council. Notably, Hudda Ibrahim and Omar Podi are two Somali-American leaders determined to confront the city’s most pressing challenges while amplifying the voices of its varied residents.Hudda Ibrahim has been a key player in St. Cloud's civic engagements for quite some time. Recognized for her contributions to…

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spoke to Parliament, highlighting the pressing need to implement essential election laws as Somalia gears up for its forthcoming elections. His comments coincide with lawmakers voting to extend their legislative session. CREDIT/ SONNA Mogadishu (AX) — This month, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud successfully persuaded Somalia's parliament to remain in session, thus postponing their planned recess to address vital legislative issues, particularly those related to the upcoming elections. A…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable display of military might, Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced the elimination of 27 al-Shabab insurgents during an extensive 12-hour operation in the Yaaqle region of Middle Shabelle. In a statement issued on Sunday, NISA detailed how this operation zeroed in on al-Shabab militants at a prominent assemblage point, successfully dismantling their vehicles and encampments. Encouragingly, the intelligence agency reported that its own forces suffered no…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a notable development, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced a significant victory in its battle against terrorism. A meticulously executed twelve-hour operation in the Yaaqle region of Middle Shabelle resulted in the eradication of 27 operatives from the notorious Al-Shabaab. Among those neutralized were senior leaders of the militant group.“This focused operation successfully removed militants from the Kharijite faction, who had gathered under the auspices of hostile…