West Africa

Lawmakers Challenge Exclusive Livestock Export Deal In a bold stand, about one hundred members from both chambers of Somalia's Federal Parliament openly criticized a recent government decision favoring Abu-Yasir, a foreign entrepreneur, with exclusive rights to export the country's livestock. In clear-cut words on Monday, the parliamentarians pointed fingers at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of putting a foreigner's interest over those of local Somali traders. These traders have long been pillars in the…

Photo Op - Al-Shabab in Action If you were to hop in a time machine and set the dial to October 21, 2010, you’d witness a scene straight out of an action flick: Al-Shabab fighters strutting their stuff with weapons in northern Mogadishu, Somalia. 10 Militant Casualties Announced by Somalia The Somali government recently spilled the beans on an operation that resulted in the elimination of ten al-Shabab militants. This mission saw a tag-team effort with the United States military, showing some serious teamwork. According to…

Over a bustling weekend, Egypt's Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, found himself deep in conversation with prominent figures like US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. These chats centered around the ever-shifting dynamics of regional happenings and the potential pathways to strengthen bilateral ties. In a dialogue on January 4th, Abdelatty and Blinken honed in on the turmoil in Gaza and the messy quagmire that is the Syrian crisis. Abdelatty did not mince words, asserting…

The recent diplomatic exchange between Somalia and Egypt marks a step forward in their partnership. Highlighting efforts to strengthen Somali governance and boost its economic resilience, this conversation builds on meaningful discussions many moons ago, when Fiqi journeyed to Cairo. Egypt's longstanding role as a steadfast ally in Somalia's rebuilding has been characterized by the provision of training programs and support aimed at empowering state institutions. Foreign Minister Abdelatty emphasized that countering…

Paris (AFP) - Despite his vivid orange beard and distinctive glasses, Abdul Qadir Mumin remains a shadowy figure, difficult to catch, and even harder to understand. This Somalian has likely climbed to the top tier within the Islamic State (IS) ensemble, potentially acting as the de facto big cheese without the official endorsement, according to experts. Some observers are puzzled about the mysterious figure Abou Hafs al-Hachimi al-Qourachi, IS's supposed caliph, speculating if he even exists. Meanwhile, it's plausible that…

In a significant legal development, Ghana's Supreme Court has turned down two attempts aimed at halting the enactment of a contentious piece of legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. This legislation, formally known as the Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, received parliamentary approval in February. Under this bill, individuals from sexual minorities could face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years for engaging in homosexual relations. While the bill boasts substantial backing within Ghana, it has…

Mogadishu (AX) – Over in the rugged terrain of Lower Juba, Somali government forces teamed up with the US military to launch an impactful air raid in the Beerhani region, reportedly taking out ten al-Shabab militants. This daring strike was announced to the world by Somali officials on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Located about 35 kilometers northwest of Kismayo, the raid zeroed in on al-Shabab goons who were supposedly concocting a sinister plot. The Somali Ministry of Information was quick to let everyone know that their…

Military officials from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have boldly reiterated their commitment to exit the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision stands firm despite ECOWAS's proposal for a six-month transitional period, which was put forth during a recent summit in Abuja. The trio had initially signaled their intent to part ways with the bloc back in January 2024, following their respective military takeovers. In a collective statement, the leaders of the junta—who have united under the banner of…

The Senate of Liberia has agreed to the draft budget for 2025 put forth by a faction within the House of Representatives, identifying themselves as the "majority Bloc." However, this move hasn't come without its share of controversy. Analysts, including the beleaguered Speaker Fonati Koffa and a former Supreme Court justice, have raised eyebrows about the legitimacy of this financial document. They point to ongoing tensions between the Speaker's supporters and those seeking to remove him from office. This hefty budget,…

In the bustling town of Galkayo, a significant attempt at peace is unfolding. Leaders from the Northeastern State and Galmudug regional administrations have embarked on a mission to resolve a violent rift among militias from their regions. This skirmish, rooted in a land disagreement in Jiicbor village, Galdadob district, has prompted leaders from both camps to engage in peace talks aiming at reconciliation. Officials on both sides stress the value of continuous dialogue. The game plan? To hold multiple meetings aimed at…