West Africa

At the Mandera border post, a tense yet hopeful scene plays out between Kenya and Somalia. The border symbolizes more than just a geographical demarcation; it reflects the complex ties and tumultuous past shared by these two nations. Recently, in an unexpected twist of events, Kenya dispatched a multi-agency delegation, championed by wise community elders, to Somalia. Why, one might ask? Their mission is clear yet perilous: to negotiate the safe return of five local chiefs who were abducted under mysterious and troubling…

In Beledweyne, a dawn of uncertainty painted the skies on Friday, cloaked in the echoes of heavy artillery. Somber yet resolute, Somali government forces, in a coalition with the spirited Ma'awisleey clan militias, engaged in a fierce confrontation with al-Shabaab fighters. The Hiiraan region was the theater of this formidable clash, its outcome pivotal in shaping local dynamics. The operation did not emerge from thin air; rather, it was a meticulously planned offensive aimed at dismantling the fortified positions of…

In an unexpected twist on the global political stage, Israel is contemplating a plan that could potentially see Gazans relocated to Northeastern State, an autonomous region nestled within Somalia. This controversial proposal arose from Donald Trump’s rather bold initiative, promising to resettle Gazans in areas he depicted as “far safer and more beautiful.” Interestingly enough, last Thursday saw Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, instruct the Israel Defense Forces to gear up for the "voluntary" relocation of…

Kampala (AX) — Against the backdrop of an overcast Kampala sky, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down on Ugandan soil this past Friday. His visit marks a pivotal moment, one intended to weave tighter threads of diplomacy and cooperation between Somalia and Uganda, especially in realms such as security, commerce, and socio-economic development. An anecdotal account from President Mohamud’s entourage whispered that when you pause to think, diplomacy really is an art; an intricate dance between nations, played…

In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the humanitarian community, the military junta in Niger has issued an expulsion order for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Strikingly, they provided no official rationale for this decisive action, leaving many to speculate about the motivations behind it. The ICRC has been a steadfast presence in Niger since 1990, tirelessly delivering crucial healthcare services to over 120,000 individuals affected by armed conflict. Their commitment to alleviating…

The elusive quest to dismantle the Islamic State network threaded through the rugged terrain of north-eastern Somalia requires resilience and acute caution. Yet, such an assignment must negotiate the subtlety of mountainous hideouts against an adversary thriving in shadows. Unyielding and stoic, these militants persist, shaping the narrative of extremism in Africa's complex tapestry. In an audacious move, former U.S. President Donald Trump struck with characteristic bravado—a hallmark reminiscent of his tenure. Following an…

Mogadishu (AX) – What does it mean to transform a grassroots movement into an integral arm of national defense? This intriguing process unfolds in Somalia as Macawisley militia forces are woven into the fabric of the Somali National Army (SNA). The state’s beacon of defense, Omar Ali Abdi, has cast light on this transitional phase, revealing that volunteer fighters have already embarked on their journey of integration. In a conversation with Somali National Television on a sun-drenched Thursday, State Minister Abdi shared,…

Stepping into the sunlit corridors of international diplomacy, a Joint Communiqué was inked on February 5th in New York, ushering in a new chapter between Uzbekistan and Somalia. One might ask, why does this matter? In a world persistently striving for unity, each diplomatic handshake carries the weight of countless possibilities. Ulugbek Lapasov and Abukar Dahir Osman—names perhaps foreign to many—served as the ambassadors of hope on that day. Representing their nations, Uzbekistan and Somalia…

Amid the craggy peaks of the Cal Miskaad mountain range, where terracotta landscapes meet the azure waters of the Gulf of Aden, sits a man—silent and solitary. He's beside the charred remains of military supply vehicles, a sombre testament to a recent skirmish that has left many counting their losses. This tableau of destruction unfolds in Bosaso, Northeastern State, in eastern Somalia, where the echoes of conflict have long resonated. WASHINGTON — Destruction, as old as time. But here, visceral and overwhelming;…

A delegation led by Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Yalchin Rafiyev, recently set foot in the vibrant land of Somalia. The mission? To unlock the doors to a deeper partnership, one that promises to intertwine political, economic, and humanitarian threads between the two nations. But when nations sit at the table, isn't it more than just policy and protocol? It defies mere diplomacy; it dances on the edge of genuine camaraderie, seeking to weave a tapestry of shared aspirations. During this diplomatic quest, the…