West Africa

Minneapolis, Minn (AX) — A group of over 35 Somali religious figures and thinkers in Minnesota have shown firm support for the Harris-Walz campaign. Their endorsement stems from deep worry about what a second term for Donald Trump might mean for Muslims in America. Announced during an event in St. Cloud, they made a fervent call for Somali-American voters to back the Democrats to safeguard civil liberties and combat the growing tide of Islamophobia.This coalition, representing various segments of Minnesota's Somali-American…

MOGADISHU (Xinhua) -- The International Maritime Bureau (IMB), a global force combating piracy, has expressed the ongoing necessity for alertness. Even with the notable downturn in piracy incidents along the Somali coast during 2024's initial nine months, vigilance remains key. As per the latest dossier shared with Xinhua, the IMB recounted that three ships ended up hijacked, two were commandeered or shot at, and there was an attempt to accost another vessel around the Somali waters and the Gulf of Aden during this period.…

In the spotlight, we see prominent figures like Egypt's el-Sisi, Somalia's Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Eritrea's Isaias Afwerki, accompanied by former Somali leader Farmaajo and Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed. In recent happenings in Mogadishu (AX), a fresh alliance has been brewed between Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt. This unexpected coalition marks a significant turning point in the state of affairs in the Horn of Africa. The pact, unveiled during a gathering in Asmara, brings Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Eritrean leader…

In a significant gathering in Asmara, Eritrea, leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia convened to reaffirm their commitment to upholding sovereignty and ensuring territorial integrity within the Horn of Africa. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia participated in this summit, which took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions throughout the region. During their discussions, the leaders focused on bolstering security measures, enhancing…

In the city of Asmara, Eritrea, leaders converged for a pivotal meeting. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi joined Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki at a trilateral summit. Together, they vowed to fortify security alliances amidst growing regional unrest, with particular focus on Ethiopia's heightened presence in the Horn of Africa.Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia warmly welcomed Egypt’s offer to contribute peacekeeping forces as part of the forthcoming African Union Mission to Support…

The government of Burkina Faso is sharpening its focus on a nationalistic approach to news and information dissemination, as noted by the Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Recently, the Superior Council for Communication (CSC), which oversees media regulations in Burkina Faso, imposed a ban on the rebroadcast of foreign radio programs effective immediately. This decision follows a three-month suspension of the Voice of America (VOA) broadcasts in the country. This move highlights a growing trend in which the government seeks…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has decided to bid farewell to single-use plastic bags, aiming to cut down on pollution and join hands with international environmental crusades. "Plastic bags are no longer welcome here. Anyone caught in the act—using or selling—will be met with the full force of the law," declared the Police Spokesman Abdifitah Adan Hassan. The announcement of this ban in February 2024 marks a turning point. It outlaws the import, creation, sale, and use of these pesky plastics. While fines are still a bit…

A recent diplomatic spat has nudged Somalia towards cosier relations with Egypt and Eritrea, each entangled in longstanding grumbles with Ethiopia. Folks are jittery that rising tensions could tip the scale into outright conflict. “This is a coalition against Addis Ababa," dished out Hassan Khannenje, who steers the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, during a chinwag on the BBC's Focus on Africa. "Seems like they're bundling grievances to crank up the heat on Addis Ababa." A snapshot beamed by Eritrea…

 Simon Manley, the UK's envoy, and Somalia's Ambassador Khadra Ahmed Dualeh engage in a lively discourse at a Geneva gathering of the United Nations Human Rights Council.Mogadishu (AX) — A collaborative proposition has been tabled by the United Kingdom and Somalia during Thursday's United Nations Human Rights Council meet. Their joint initiative seeks to extend technical support for advancing Somalia’s human rights endeavors and to renew the role of the Independent Expert on Somalia.Simon Manley, representing the UK at the…

On October 10, 2024, Presidents Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, gathered in Eritrea’s capital for what turned out to be a remarkable powwow. This exclusive Tripartite Summit, held on a Thursday, aimed to bolster relationships and tackle the hair-raising regional security issues that shadow their nations. The host, President Afwerki, ushered in a fresh chapter of camaraderie between these countries. The Egyptian entourage, led by Abbas Kamel, the mastermind of…