West Africa

Sure, let's dive into reworking this passage with some pizzazz. --- In a recent display of diplomatic camaraderie, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud were snapped shaking hands post-discussions in Berlin. This meeting, captured in a photo by Hannes P. Albert/dpa, heralded an important announcement: both nations agreed to intensify efforts to return certain Somali migrants from Germany back to their homeland. After their tête-à-tête, Chancellor Scholz shared that the dialogue revolved…

The Nigerian presidency has made a somber announcement regarding the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff. President Bola Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the general's family and the entire military community. This tragic news comes just a year after the 56-year-old officer took on the prestigious role, and it is reported that he passed away in Lagos. The gravity of this loss resonates deeply not just within the military, but also throughout the nation. “His life was a testament to…

In a bold statement, Vice President Teodoro Obiang Mangue made it clear that any government official found engaging in sexual activities on the job will face suspension, labeling such behavior as a "blatant breach of conduct guidelines." He promised that those involved would encounter "serious repercussions." This pronouncement comes in the wake of shocking revelations involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a senior civil servant. Allegations allege that Engonga was involved in sexual liaisons with multiple women right in his…

Mogadishu (AX) - In a surprising political twist, Sadam Mohamud Abdi, the Deputy Minister of Ports and Marine Transport in Somalia, decided to part ways with his post on a Tuesday night, marking him as the third minister to have done so in a matter of days. What’s cooking behind these ministerial resignations?Abdi, who finds dual roles as a federal parliament member from Northeastern State, now stands with Abdirashid Jire Qalinle and Ahmed Isman Ibrahim Daqare of Jubbaland fame. Both had already thrown in their resignation…

The Champions League served up some dramatic surprises this week as two European titans, Real Madrid and Manchester City, were humbled on Tuesday.Real Madrid, last year's champions, took a beating on home turf with a 3-1 loss to AC Milan. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland missed a crucial penalty as Manchester City, after initially securing a lead four minutes in, crumbled to a 4-1 defeat against Sporting Lisbon. Adding an interesting twist, Lisbon's coach is set to switch allegiance to City’s neighbors soon.Liverpool, on the other…

Renowned for her personal history and commitment to progressive values, Ilhan Omar has consistently been a beacon for change. Born in Somalia, Omar's journey to becoming a member of Congress reflects a deep personal engagement with issues affecting immigrants and minorities. Her candidacy and eventual victories in elections have been testaments to her influential persona and unwavering beliefs. Omar's re-election campaign faced fierce competition from Dalia Al-Aqidi, an Iraqi-born secular Muslim and former journalist.…

In the bustling city of Mogadishu, there's a breath of fresh air as the U.S. has lifted a heavy burden off Somalia's shoulders. A staggering $1.14 billion in debt has been forgiven, setting the stage for the nation to rebuild its economy and strengthen vital public services. During a spirited announcement, U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard Riley, highlighted this decision as a testament to America’s solid dedication to Somalia's promising future. "With this debt forgiveness, we're showing our steadfast support for the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a monumental financial shift, Somalia has seen $1.14 billion in debt forgiven by the United States, signaling a significant stride towards achieving economic stability and revitalizing fundamental public sectors. Richard Riley, the US Ambassador to Somalia, shared this news in Mogadishu, emphasizing America’s strong dedication to bolstering Somalia’s future. Emboldened by this support, Riley stated, "This debt cancellation underlines our unwavering commitment to aid the Somali people in their pursuit…

Athens, Greece (AX) — A young Somali, who landed in Greece all by his lonesome as a minor seeking asylum, has just been given a clean slate by the Juvenile Court of Kos on October 24, 2024. This judgment wipes away serious accusations against him—such as being involved in a sketchy criminal crew and sneaking in illegally—while shining a light on the thorny issue of how Greece treats folks in search of sanctuary. Imagine this: M.A., the young man in question, found himself in hot water after simply sharing his cell phone with…

In a shift that has stirred some buzz, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has revealed plans to shift the Ethiopian Embassy away from the presidential compound. This announcement marks a significant response to public disapproval over the embassy's notable location. Speaking to reporters on November 4, Fiqi stated, “The move comes as a reaction to the public’s dissatisfaction with having a foreign embassy within our presidential grounds.” Recognizing the legitimate unease, he further added, “The concerns…