West Africa

A Delicate Dance: Ethiopia and Somalia's Diplomatic Dialogue ANKARA, Turkey — In a development bristling with diplomatic intrigue, Ethiopia and Somalia initiated pivotal discussions on Tuesday, maneuvering through a maze of complex geopolitical tensions. These technical talks between high-ranking diplomats marked a significant moment, emerging from a contentious pact involving Ethiopia and the self-proclaimed autonomous region of North Western State of Somalia. A situation reminiscent of a chess match…

On a somber afternoon that seemed no different from the rest, a chilling event unfolded that changed the uneasy rhythm of life in the quiet precinct of Maxamed Mooge. Captain Cabdi Cali Nuur, a devoted leader and the commander who many said had a heroic sense of duty, met a tragic end. He was mercilessly slain under circumstances that continue to baffle both the mind and the heart. Serving his community with an unwavering spirit, Captain Nuur was a figure of strength, embodying unwavering loyalty to the law. But today, the…

In the heart of Mogadishu, amid the orchestrated chaos that often defines Somali politics, a fresh chapter for the nation's parliamentary journey is about to unfold. On a seemingly ordinary Monday, the serene yet somber atmosphere was punctuated by an announcement destined to shape the political landscape in the coming months. The esteemed Speakers of both houses of the 11th Somali Parliament declared, with a hint of anticipation in their voices, that the 6th session would commence on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Some might…

Mogadishu (AX) – A restless night unfolded in El-Bur, nestled within Somalia's Galgadud region, as a local militia known as Ma'awisley undertook a daring raid on the abode of an Al-Shabaab leader. The night air was tense with anticipation as the militia launched their surprise attack under the cloak of darkness, targeting none other than Yahye Laba Madax. Can you picture the furtive glances and the whispered strategies as these determined individuals, driven by a mix of courage and fear, plotted against a formidable…

Ma’awisley’s Tactical Strike on Al-Shabaab: An Evolving Conflict in Somalia’s Heartland Mogadishu (AX)—Under the cloak of night, an enigmatic group of local militia fighters, known as the Ma’awisley, orchestrated a masterstroke against the notorious Al-Shabaab. Their target was an embedded Al-Shabaab stronghold in El Buur, a district nestled deep in the heart of Galgaduud, central Somalia. Has there ever been a struggle fraught with such tension and resilience? According to both security…

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AX) — In a landmark decision, a Swedish court handed down prison sentences to four men accused of engagement with the Islamic State (IS). The charges involved recruitment, weapons training, and spreading propaganda, though the court acquitted three of a purported plan for domestic violence. This resonates with a sentiment once shared by the philosopher Karl Popper: "Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance." And thus, the law acts to preserve society's peace. The Nacka District…

The military junta, under the leadership of Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, has once again faltered, neglecting another deadline for restoring democracy in Guinea. This delay in the transition to civilian governance was outlined in an agreement forged in 2022 with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), concluding a long, tumultuous year of discussions. The long-awaited process intended to initiate preparations for the 2025 elections had been scheduled to commence on New Year's Day. Yet, instead of rallying the…

When tragedy hits home, it echoes painfully through the lives of those left behind. Leyla Mahmud Ahmed was no exception to this heartache, as she grappled with indescribable anguish over the execution of her brother, Mohamed Nur Hussein, in Saudi Arabia. The ruling, she emphatically claims, was unjust and devastatingly felt by her family. (Credit: Supplied via BBC) Mogadishu (AX) — The grim news was delivered with chilling finality: Mohamed Nur Hussein, a Somali man detained for seven long years in Saudi Arabia, had been…

In an unexpected turn, Ethiopia and Somalia managed to mend their diplomatic rift this January by signing an agreement that grants Addis Ababa access to port facilities in Somalia. But Ethiopia isn't the only player on the field. Last year, Mogadishu struck a deal with Turkey, where Ankara agreed to fortify Somalia's maritime security via a mix of capacity building, training, and collaborative patrols. The fruits of these agreements could be bountiful, potentially presenting economic and investment avenues while uplifting…

Have you ever wondered about the lengths some will go to in the pursuit of profit, even as it risks public health? In a startling incident in Hargeisa, four Yemeni nationals stand accused of engaging in such nefarious activities. On a sunny Monday morning, the calm of this bustling city was disrupted when the North Western State of Somalia police detained these individuals. Their alleged crime? Repackaging expired medicine with fabricated expiration dates, apparantly aiming to sell them in local markets. The drama unfolded…