West Africa

Dear Esteemed Senators and Honorable Members of the House, Here’s the scoop: America's sway in Africa is on a slippery slope. Years of policy hiccups from the United States have whittled away its influence, leaving a wide-open avenue for China to stroll through with its infamous Belt and Road Initiative. While Uncle Sam focused largely on social changes and security blues, Beijing busied itself ringing Africa with shiny new infrastructure—roads, railways, and ports galore. It's like lending a fancy toolkit but with the…

Witnessed here, a poignant mother-son reunion, Billy Mwangi exudes an air of reticence, a shadow cast by his recent ordeal. In the bustling heart of Kenya, whispers echo through the streets. Over 80 individuals, known for their outspoken criticisms of government policies, have simply vanished over the last half-year. The public's reaction? A tempestuous uproar. With an air of determination, a judge has issued a stern ultimatum to top security brass: face imprisonment for contempt of court unless they present…

Garowe (AX) — In a dramatic twist unfolding under the shadows of the Ali-Miskat Mountains, Fu’aad Xanano, a valiant officer with the Northeastern State army, found himself in a dire predicament after a landmine detonation took him by surprise on a seemingly routine Friday. This incident, steeped in a storm of dust and chaos, altered the course of events and left Xanano gravely injured. It was during an operation with a fellow soldier that this unforeseeable calamity occurred — an operation initially embarked upon with the…

If you ever find yourself wandering the bustling streets of Beledweyne, Hiiraan, you might just catch a whisper about a vital movement afoot - a concerted effort to face the relentless threat posed by the notorious Al-Shabaab militant group. At the heart of this operation is none other than the Director of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, currently steeping in the bustling milieu of Buula Burte. Sanbaloolshe hasn't merely been skimming the surface in Buula…

In a surprising twist that’s stirred the political waters in Liberia, the leadership of the Liberian National Police has identified several lawmakers, including the embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, as "persons of interest" in the troubling investigation surrounding the recent fire at the Capitol Building—home to the nation’s legislative activities. The Capitol, once a proud symbol of democracy, now bears the scars of controversy that threaten to engulf its inhabitants. In a formal communication directed to the House of…

With a characteristic vigor, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia, envisaging a future ripe with collaborative triumphs. He emphasized, often with a flourish, that Somalia's security isn't just a distant concern but a vital piece of Egypt's own national security puzzle. In moments like these, can anyone really overstate the power of friendship between nations? During a lively joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sisi eloquently…

In a bold move that’s sending ripples across the political landscape, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially enacted the much-debated Expropriation Bill. The controversial law paves the way for government entities to seize land in the public interest, but it comes with a set of stringent guidelines aimed at ensuring fair compensation for those affected. With this step, the new legislation effectively dismantles the archaic Expropriation Act of 1975—a remnant of the apartheid era that many saw as outdated and unjust.…

Mogadishu (AX) – Picture this: a moonlit night in central Somalia, where the rhythmic pulse of an impending showdown echoed through the El-Garas village. A bold campaign led by the Somali National Army (SNA), backed by courageous local clans, delivered a significant jab to the notorious al-Shabaab on Wednesday. They came for a clenched-teeth confrontation, and they left a mark—six militants, including notorious leaders, left nursing their wounds. Some might say it was a masterstroke, others might call it sheer grit.In the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the early hours of a frigid Tuesday morning, a towering hotel in the heart of Turkey's picturesque Koroglu mountains met a fiery fate, leaving an aching void in the lives of many. As flames ravaged the 12-story structure of the Grand Kartal Hotel situated at a ski resort, tragedy tightened its grip, claiming at least 76 lives and casting a shroud of sorrow over what should have been joyous winter holidays. The vibrant tales of snowy escapades turned into chilling whispers of despair, gripping the…

In the heart of bustling Mogadishu, cobbled together in a meeting room buzzing with ideas and caffeine chatter, a significant decision was stitched into the fabric of Somalia’s forward-looking initiatives. The weekly conclave of the Somali Council of Ministers—a gathering often flavored with a dash of formality and purpose—saw the spotlight fall squarely on the National Disability Agency Board. This esteemed body, tasked with championing the rights and inclusivity of the nation’s diverse community of individuals with…