West Africa

On the serene streets of Beledweyne, a palpable tension hangs in the air. This, a city not unfamiliar with hardship, was struck with tragedy yet again on Wednesday night. Mohamed Hassan Barow, a cherished member of the Somali National Army, met an untimely and violent end. The location? Kooshin neighborhood; the time? Under the cloak of night, as shadows melded with the bloodied dust of Nuur Hawaad Street. One might ask, who is responsible for snuffing out this vibrant life? Fingers point towards the notorious Al-Shabaab, a…

Hargeisa (Axadle Times) – North Western State of Somalia’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, stepped off the plane in Hargeisa on a crisp Thursday morning, concluding a whirlwind three-day official journey to the United Arab Emirates. His mission? To cultivate investment opportunities that promise to breathe life into North Western State of Somalia’s natural resources, invigorate agriculture, and most crucially, carve out promising new pathways for its burgeoning youth. It begs the question: Can this small,…

In a world often divided by strife and uncertainty, the rare moments of harmony and shared purpose become all the more significant. Such was the atmosphere at the press briefing on Wednesday, as President William Ruto of Kenya stood side by side with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. A simple encounter, yet layered with much deeper resonances. It is said that real leaders are defined not just by their vision but by their ability to foster peace in turbulent seas. Is there a more turbulent region than the Middle…

In a shocking turn of events, President John Mahama has launched a thorough investigation following a deadly clash between illegal miners and Ghanaian soldiers that tragically resulted in nine fatalities. According to an army spokesperson, the chaos erupted when miners, armed to the teeth with locally crafted rifles, pump-action shotguns, knives, and even axes, opened fire on military personnel who were simply doing their job. The soldiers, acting in self-defense, returned fire, and the consequences were catastrophic. This…

The border between Somalia and Kenya, often a tense line in the sand, witnessed an unexpected turn of events recently. On a seemingly ordinary Sunday evening, 11 soldiers from the Somali National Army made their way to the Hulugho border, not to patrol or at the call of duty but to seek refuge. Armed, yet vulnerable, they surrendered, rifles shouldered and more than 1,000 bullets in tow. Their decision to cross over into unfamiliar territory did not go unnoticed. As they inched towards Garabey, a small enclave near the…

Garowe (AX) – With undeniable intensity, Northeastern State’s regional government has emphatically refuted claims circulated by Ethiopian media, asserting that three Ethiopian citizens met their demise in the towns of Bosaso and Garowe. Is it a misunderstanding, or a deliberate misrepresentation? On Thursday, with an air of resolute authority, the Northeastern State Police issued a press release dismissing these allegations as unfounded and misleading. Their message was clear: "Dismiss these claims," they urged the public,…

In a remarkable stride for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially applauded Guinea for its success in eradicating human African trypanosomiasis, more commonly known as sleeping sickness. This milestone is more than just a line on the achievement chart; it marks the first time a neglected tropical disease has been wiped out in the country, shining brightly as a beacon of hope amidst ongoing global health challenges. Coincidentally, this announcement was made on World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day,…

Baidoa (AX) – In the shadowed corners of the Bakool region, where rust-red earth meets dusty skies, the Somali National Army (SNA) embarked on a crucial mission. It was a Wednesday laden with the anticipation of conflict, as troops moved through this sparse landscape, eyes keenly scanning for movement. Their objective? To rid Southwest State of the pervasive Al-Shabaab strongholds in an escalation of military efforts that have become a repetitive rhythm in the national strategy against militant forces. What were the minds…

Mogadishu (AX) – Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, orchestrated a pivotal assembly on Wednesday, drawing together an impressive tapestry of talent that included roughly 60 officials and experts. These participants hailed from various corners of the Federal Government, the United Nations Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), and multiple UN agencies dedicated to Somalia's future. This mosaic of minds congregated with a purpose—to forge a strategic path for the gradual handover of duties from the UNTMIS…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a remarkable step towards fostering bilateral ties, Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, inked a trio of pivotal agreements with Tanzanian counterparts on Wednesday. The accords, focusing on enhancing security, cultural enrichment, and prisoner exchange, underscore a deliberate stride towards regional collaboration. The signing ceremony unfolded with distinct formality in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Fiqi was joined by Tanzanian officials,…