West Africa

In the vibrant world of academia, the ambassador shone a light on the need to strengthen bonds between International Islamic University (IIU) and Somali educational establishments. The ambassador observed that this could open doors aplenty for young Somali minds. "IIU’s initiatives with international students are a benchmark for global academic outreach," he said with admiration, a sentiment that resonates with many in the educational sphere. Dr. Syed, with his usual verve, underscored IIU's unwavering pledge to embrace…

Celebrating Heritage: Language, Identity, and New Beginnings Before indulging in a traditional Karen porridge prepared by their instructor, Ehtalow Zar, a question lingered in the air. Why exactly is this dish emblematic of Karen culture?” she inquired, engaging her students. One eager participant ventured the guess that its origins traced back to a time when jungles were home. "Absolutely," Zar confirmed with a knowing nod. Back then, food choices like rice, meat, or vegetables weren’t bountiful. “Therefore, our…

Here's the requested rewrite, with a focus on conversational language, varied sentence length, and clear messaging: --- Word from Mogadishu reveals Egypt's gearing up to play host this Saturday for a high-stakes meeting with Somalia and Eritrea. Their mission? Bolster regional ties and step up security efforts across the Horn of Africa, as relayed by local Egyptian outlets. Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt's Foreign Minister, is set to lead this tri-nation powwow. Joining him around the table will be Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and Osman…

Galkayo (AX) — Early Friday morning witnessed a dramatic turn of events in Galkayo when armed clan vigilantes forcefully breached the central prison, focusing their assault on the area under Northeastern State's control. Their mission? To liberate inmates facing execution. This bold move exemplifies the ongoing escalation of clan-related hostilities that continue to shake the fragile peace in Somalia's Mudug region. The resultant chaos saw a firefight break out between the invaders and prison guards, leading to one…

In a whirlwind of political intrigue, Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, the head honcho of North Western State of Somalia's Waddani party, flat-out denied any hush-hush chitchats with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his jaunt to Djibouti. Setting the record straight, Hirsi was crystal clear about his party's dedication to openness and transparency. "I didn't have a pow-wow with President Hassan Sheikh while I was in Djibouti," he stated. "Heck, if there were talks to be had, they would stick to our party's principles—open…

The Nigerian government has firmly stated that it will not permit the presence of foreign military forces within its borders as it navigates ongoing security challenges from insurgents and bandits. Nonetheless, it has expressed a willingness to collaborate internationally to "domesticate" military equipment production, aiming to sidestep delays often associated with procurement processes. President Bola Tinubu made these remarks during a recent meeting in Abuja with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Furthermore, President…

Mogadishu (AX) — "The wind of change is blowing through Somalia," as the region witnesses ISS's intricate web of terror tighten its grip. On the brink of the new year, December 31 saw the Islamic State Somalia Province (ISS) launching a major assault on Northeastern State's security apparatus, illuminating the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by extremist factions. Through precision and coordination, attackers unleashed suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs) and suicide vests (SVESTs) on a…

Mogadishu (AX) - Making headlines once more, entrepreneur Mohamed Abdi Afweyne, known for his infamous involvement in piracy, has finally returned to Mogadishu. After enduring over ten years behind bars in Belgium, following piracy-related charges brought by Belgium's government, his homecoming was monumental. Described as the 'mastermind' behind Somali piracy, Afweyne was caught up in a high-profile arrest in 2013. Belgian authorities orchestrated a cunning sting operation, enticing him under the guise of a documentary…

Mogadishu (AX) — In Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, the Dhagahyo Addo area has recently been stirred with anxiety owing to feral encounters that left two young boys injured by hyena attacks. These incidents illuminate the thin line rural communities walk when typified by wildlife encroachments. The first unfortunate encounter involved Bashir Mohamed Ismail Harir, a 16-year-old who faced a harrowing episode while catching some z’s near a camel corral. His father painted a vivid picture of the scary incident: "The hyena…

In a notable twist of events out of Kismayo, tensions have flared between the Jubbaland State cabinet and Somalia’s federal government over serious allegations involving international humanitarian aid. Jubbaland authorities are pointing fingers, saying that aid meant to support their vulnerable communities is being rerouted to bankroll regional conflicts. The unsettling claims were aired during a gathering in Kismayo last Thursday, where it was asserted that instead of reaching those in need, these crucial resources have…