West Africa

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AX) — Picture this. A courtroom in Minneapolis bustling with intense emotion and dramatic declarations. This week, the trial of Aimee Bock, the alleged architect behind one of the most audacious fraud schemes of the pandemic era, captivated the city — and the nation. Dubbed a scam of monumental proportions, her case is tangled in claims, counterclaims, and a ponderous $250 million scandal. At the heart of this unfolding legal drama lies Feeding Our Future, a nonprofit intended to nourish low-income…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a striking gesture of solidarity and commitment, Somali legislator Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has dedicated his entire monthly remuneration to bolster Northeastern State's security forces. But what drives a man to part with his earnings in such a fashion? Is it sheer patriotism, a call of duty, or something deeper in the heart of Somalia's political labyrinth? Whatever the motive, Warsame has set the gauntlet before his peers and the populace, encouraging both citizens and fellow parliamentarians to…

On a seemingly typical Monday, the United Nations relief agency issued a fervent plea for bolstered resources to combat the worsening drought crisis ravaging several regions in Somalia. To some, a drought might evoke images of a sun-baked desert, but here it embodies a looming catastrophe jeopardizing countless lives. But how did we reach this critical juncture? The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) sounded an alarm about persistently extreme dry conditions worsening the already precarious…

Dubai (AX) – Amid the swirling sands and towering skyscrapers that frame the 2025 World Government Summit in Dubai, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of North Western State of Somalia made a striking declaration. With a blend of resolution and hope, he underscored an ambition that echoes from the halls of Hargeisa to the corridors of power in Washington and London: international recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. Why does this aspiration for recognition seem so elusive yet…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a breezy Monday in Mogadishu, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in a crucial dialogue with a distinguished Turkish delegation, graced by the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Prof. Burhanettin Duran. The discourse centered around fortifying the multifaceted ties binding Somalia and Türkiye, with the arcane melodies of anticipation in the air—a palpable rhythm of potentiality. One might ask, where does the soul of diplomatic relations lie? Perhaps, in moments like these. During their…

In a disquieting resurrection of maritime insecurity, the vessel Al-Meraj 1 was apprehended in November 2023, marking a fresh surge of piracy in the perilous waters off Somalia. The European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Atalanta, a vigilant maritime initiative operating in the Middle East, confirmed the hijacking late on Monday. But what lies beneath these waters? A tale fraught with peril and the unending struggle for control. An anecdote comes to mind. Years ago, a seasoned mariner recounted encountering a dhow—its billowing…

In a striking turn of events, security forces in the semi-autonomous region of Northeastern State, Somalia, reported on Monday the death of over 13 Daesh/ISIS fighters following a strategic air assault in the Bari region. These militant operatives, foreign to the land they sought to infiltrate, were neutralized as part of an intense 24-hour counterterrorism campaign. What compels a nation to persistently struggle for peace amidst chaos? As regional security officials have stated, this airstrike forms a crucial thread in an…

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…