West Africa

Imagine bustling streets, the aroma of fresh samosas in the air, and the echo of evening prayers—a quintessential scene during the holy month of Ramadan. However, in Mogadishu, as the sun casts long shadows, a different kind of vigilance emerges. On a crucial Sunday morning, amidst all the hustle and bustle, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre convened a high-level security meeting. His mission? To fortify Mogadishu and its surroundings against lurking threats that loom ominously, especially as the sacred month…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an unfolding narrative that intertwines the complex realms of free speech and national security, the Somali police have detained a figure well-known for igniting discussions with his incisive commentary—Ali Adan Mumin. This political blogger and social media commentator, reputed for his bold and, at times, controversial statements, now stands accused of endangering national security and sullying the reputations of government officials. Mumin's arrest on March 1 was executed by the vigilant officers of…

In the heart of Somalia's Middle Shabelle, a region that has long stood as a theatre of conflict, the air was thick with tension this Sunday. A substantial maneuver unfolded as Somali government troops, supported by local militias, embarked on a determined military operation. Their mission? To dismantle the entrenched grip of Al-Shabaab in and around Biyo Adde. Let's step back to Saturday, a day when tranquility was shattered by the cacophony of battle. Al-Shabaab militants, well-known for their audacity and…

Mohamed Firin (top), Faisal Hassan (bottom left), and Sarah Jama (bottom right) – key Somali-Canadian candidates in the 2025 Ontario provincial election, reflecting both gains and setbacks in their respective races. The Dynamic Landscape of Somali-Canadian Influences in Ontario Politics The 2025 Ontario provincial election wasn't just another political event—it was a revealing portrait of the evolving identity and influence of the Somali-Canadian community within the province's political fabric. As tensions…

Security Council's Bold Steps in Somalia's Security Landscape Mogadishu (AX) — On a reflective Friday, the United Nations Security Council gathered with a unified resolve that echoed their commitment to peace and stability in Somalia. The Council has not only renewed but also bolstered its maritime interdiction strategies, aiming to dismantle the networks facilitating the smuggling of weapons, which have long empowered Al-Shabaab in maintaining its grip through illegal trade.…

In the stirring landscapes of Somalia's Bari region, a fierce and deadly encounter unfolded on a quintessential Sunday. Northeastern State security forces found themselves in a heated gunfight with ISIS militants, a conflict that culminated in the demise of multiple insurgents. Among the fallen were two foreign fighters, as confirmed by military officials. The drama began to unravel in the remote village of Xabley, situated in the Ufayn district. Picture this: the tranquility of a seemingly unassuming village…

For over a decade, the narrative of Somalia has been marked by the shadows of an insurgency led by Al-Shabaab. This group, notorious for its relentless grip, has proven to be a challenging adversary to the Somali government, despite the latter's determined efforts to reclaim peace. Imagine the persistent dread of a storm that, though it calms momentarily, resurfaces with unexpected fury. This analogy captures the dynamic between Al-Shabaab and the forces combating them. The latest military endeavors…

In a poignant gathering at Mogadishu, officials from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Somali government assembled for a handover ceremony that transpired as a beacon of hope amid a sea of challenges. With life-saving equipment being transferred to Somali security forces, the event underscored a critical leap towards fortifying the nation's counter-IED operations. The atmosphere was one of solemn determination and cautious optimism, reflecting the daunting yet surmountable challenges ahead.…

The ONLF and Ethiopia: Unfulfilled Promises and Waning Trust Mogadishu (AX) — In a highly charged statement, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has made waves by accusing the Ethiopian government of reneging on the promises of the 2018 peace agreement. This has brought a potent mix of disappointment and frustration to a head. They allege that under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, there has been systematic suppression of Somali political participation. Could this friction spell the end of a fragile…

In a noteworthy turn of events, the current administration has rolled back a system inaugurated during the Biden era. This regime required high-level authorization for specific drone strikes and commando raids, marking a significant shift by embracing a more relaxed framework. It’s intriguing to consider how such policy shifts ripple through military operations and international relations. Let's take a step back to 2004, at the Balad Air Base in Iraq, where the emergence of armed drone technology began to reshape the…