West Africa

At the NLMK Indiana steel mill, a scene unfolds that is almost mesmerizing; a brilliant dance of light and metal as workers keep a vigilant eye on the steel, melting in an electric arc furnace at a scorching 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,649°C). It's an industrial ballet, unfolding quietly but with relentless fervor. Yet, how will the international trading stage change with the US steel narrative shifting so dramatically? In his bold stride to reconfigure a purportedly inequitable global trade system, President…

It was an ordinary day in Senende, Vihiga County, but the discourse resonating within the local assembly where Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa spoke was far from mundane. "The Somali community from the Northern region are unequivocally Kenyans," he asserted with deep conviction, his voice echoing with historical gravitas and vibrant clarity. But do such declarations suffice to recalibrate the narrative? For those caught in the crossfire of misperception, these words hold an epochal promise. According to Barasa, the time to lump…

Somalia Stands Firm Against Relocation of Gaza Refugees In recent days, whispers and murmurs have filled the airwaves, with talk of Somalia playing host to displaced Palestinians from Gaza—a notion reported by both Israeli and British media. Yet, Somalia has promptly drawn a line in the sand, firmly refusing to be swayed by such proposals. Was it audacity or merely political theatre? Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump unveiled a plan that many found hard to digest. The plan suggested…

Garowe (AX) – In the heart of Northeastern State, religious leaders are raising a resonant call for unity among communities, urging them to rally behind the military efforts against ISIS insurgents entrenched in the rugged Al-Miskaat Mountains of the Bari region. The clerics passionately advocate for both financial and moral backing to fortify the Northeastern State of Somalia Army's resolve and bolster their strength against an elusive adversary. Reflecting on a recent sermon, Sheikh Mohamud Haji Yusuf spoke fervently…

Mogadishu—In a fervent declaration of hope and determination, Somali Lower House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe articulated a vision this Monday. The vision was for a Somalia where every voice counts—a nation transitioning to an electoral system where one person equals one vote. Imagine a democratic renaissance, where each Somali citizen can directly elect their leaders; it's not just reform—it’s a transformation of a nation's soul. Isn’t it time for such a progression? During a spirited gathering in…

Binti Ali Wardhere’s story begins with a quiet loss: irreparable, yet all too common amid Mogadishu’s wartime tumult. The tragedies she faced on an otherwise unremarkable October day in 1993 echo through her every thought, a reminder of the events tied to the notorious moniker "Black Hawk Down." Surprisingly, this phrase—popularized by a Hollywood blockbuster—synonymizes with the infamous 1993 U.S. military catastrophe in Somalia. On October 3rd, eighteen American soldiers perished, accompanied by the anguished…

Saudi Arabia Rebukes Netanyahu's Proposal on Palestinian State In an intensifying geopolitical landscape, the ever-complex dynamics between Israel and its neighbors have experienced yet another ripple, courtesy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks that have sparked controversy. On a somber Sunday morning, the Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a firm response to Netanyahu's suggestion, accusing him of attempting to “divert attention” from what they describe as Israel's ongoing "crimes" in Gaza,…

Beledweyne (AX) – In the often tumultuous chessboard of Somalia, where tactics and survival mingle intricately, the ebb and flow of conflict has confounded yet again. Al-Shabaab militants, those elusive insurgents with their unslakable thirst for turmoil, have found a new haunt—nestled by the murmuring banks of the Shabelle River in the Mahaday district, they plan their next move. Local inhabitants mutter about seeing swarms of militants sweeping into the area, battered from recent fierce skirmishes in Hiiraan. It’s as if…

Just two days have passed since President William Ruto faced an unexpected chorus of boos during his recent four-day tour of the Northeastern region. In response, leaders from the Somali community have reached out with heartfelt apologies, seeking to mend any rift. It's often said that words have power, and it's evident that this community recognizes this timeless truth.Taking center stage at a press conference in Isiolo on a quiet Sunday afternoon, the elders, led by Abdulkadir Shariff—who wears the mantle of the…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the complex tapestry of international diplomacy, words can weigh heavily, sometimes stirring ripples across distant shores. Recently, an assertion by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has done just that, leaving political waves in its wake. Netanyahu mused about potentially creating a Palestinian state within Saudi territory—a notion that was not met with silence or acquiescence but with a firm reprimand from the Somali government. For those familiar with diplomatic exchanges, was this…