West Africa

Nairobi (AX) – In a move demonstrating both urgency and tradition, the Kenyan government is gearing up to dispatch a group of Somali elders. Their mission? To negotiate the release of five local chiefs, who vanished on Monday near the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera County. The abductions have sparked a sober realization—the intricate dance between diplomacy and danger that governs this troubled region. Why involve elders, you might wonder? They possess the nuanced understanding of local customs, an essential element for…

In a tense region where borders are more than just imaginary lines on a map, Djibouti’s security forces recently launched a drone strike that ended with the deaths of eight individuals identified as members of a so-called terrorist organization. This operation, near the Ethiopian border, also resulted in injuries to an unspecified number of civilians. The news came to light on a quiet Sunday, stirring conversations far beyond Djibouti's borders. The defense ministry of Djibouti issued a statement explaining the operation:…

Mogadishu (AX) – Whispers of ambition echoed through the grand halls of Riyadh as Somali government officials met with delegates from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this past Monday. Their agenda? To chart a new course for Somalia’s burgeoning economy, while unlocking the potential of its untapped resources. Leading this quest was Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, at the helm of a comprehensive team comprising members from crucial sectors: the offices of both the President and Prime Minister, Ministry of Finance,…

Kismayo (AX) – On a warm Monday in Dolow, the sweet aroma of brewing tea filled the air as Jubbaland's First Vice President, Mahmoud Sayid Adan, convened with a delegation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). This meeting, nestled in the scenic Gedo region, was not merely about pleasantries; pressing matters laid on the table, crying out for nuanced discussion. Among the lively delegates were members of the Jubbaland cabinet, along with Gedo…

In Mayotte—an archipelago encumbered by its dreams yet stung by reality—a haunting scenario unfolds for hundreds of Somali migrants who embarked on what seemed like a journey to a European El Dorado. Coaxing promises from shifty smugglers turned to ash as these voyagers landed not in prosperity but in destitution, with shadows of deportation threats looming ominously. Is hope that elusive mirage they dare chase across harsh terrains and unforgiving seas? Our tale begins with human traffickers weaving dreams in the minds of…

The intricacies of maritime operations in the Red Sea are taking a pivotal turn, reframing international collaborations like never before. Picture a vast ocean where towering commercial vessels navigate their journeys, shielded under the vigilant watch of an elite operation. Enter the scene: Operation Aspides, a guardian of these mighty ships, quietly ensuring safe passage through one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The Maritime Security Centre Horn of Africa, a linchpin in these naval undertakings, stands on the…

Senior Islamic State Somalia Commander Captured in Northeastern State In the rugged landscape of the Cal Miskaad mountains, a shocking event unfolded; Abdirahman Shirwac Aw-Saciid, a senior commander within the Islamic State's Somalia faction, chose to lay down arms and surrender. His insurgent legacy was most notorious for two reasons: ruthless assassinations and coercive extraction of wealth from local businesses. As the local headlines buzz with this arrest, who exactly was "Laahoor,"…

In an era when global partnerships are not just pivotal but necessary, Somalia cast an eager eye towards Egypt, hoping to forge stronger ties in vital arenas like agriculture. One might wonder: why focus on Egypt? The answer is as profound as it is elementary. Egypt stands as a beacon, with reservoirs of expertise begging to be tapped, particularly within its Ministry of Supply. The promise of sharing this prowess with Somalia lights a path towards a revolutionized food sector. During an engaging dialogue, the shared…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the sunlit halls of the Balidoogle military base, where the air crackled with the energy of anticipation, Somalia's Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, took the podium. His voice resonated with a mixture of gravitas and hopefulness as he addressed a group of newly trained Danab Commandos. His words were a testament to the intricate dance of struggle and cooperation in the ongoing battle against extremism in Somalia. "What do these mountains hide?" one might wonder. Not just rocks and shadows, but…

Mogadishu (AX) — Reflecting on the turbulent year of 1998, Ahmed Moalim Hirsi embarked on a daunting mission: to battle the pervasive threat of polio in a nation beleaguered by conflict and chaos. Imagine navigating a landscape where health systems were mere shadows of what they ought to be. Yet, amid the cacophony and confusion, Ahmed had a singular focus: safeguard the future of Somali youth from a morbid affliction that had gripped communities in terror for decades. At 65, Ahmed now stands at the precipice of a new…