West Africa

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…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. TORONTO, Canada (AX) — In a city bustling with diversity and stories, Toronto is poised to turn a page that many in its vibrant Somali community have long awaited. The federal government's recent pledge of $20 million to bring the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation (SCCR) to life in the Rexdale neighborhood represents not just financial support but a recognition of decades of advocacy by Black and Muslim communities within Canada's most populous city. This…

Diplomatic Developments: An Intricate Dance Between Ethiopia and Somalia As the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa continues to evolve, two nations find themselves entangled in a delicate diplomatic dance. This complex interplay involves Somalia and Ethiopia, two countries with rich histories and interwoven futures. Yet, amid this intricate ballet, silence prevails. Unfortunately, direct comments are missing. Billene Seyoum, the pragmatic press secretary for Ethiopia's Office of the Prime…

Somalia's election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) offers unparalleled insights into peacebuilding and global challenges There's an air of transformation hanging over Somalia, a land once drowning in the murk of conflict and now finding its place on the global stage. Elected to serve as a non-permanent member on the UNSC as of January 1, 2025, Somalia takes its seat among nations like Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama. This isn't just a diplomatic rite of passage; it's a chance for Somalia to…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a move that signals yet another important moment for Somalia's democratic journey, the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) announced on Saturday the dates set for the by-elections to fill two significant vacancies in the Lower House of Parliament. As change sweeps through the corridors of power, these vacancies stem from pivotal appointments. Saadaq Omar Hassan, widely recognized by his moniker Saadaq Joon, recently ascended to the role of Deputy Director at the National…

Deepening Bonds: Ethiopia and Somalia's Renewed Diplomatic Engagement In a remarkable display of diplomatic initiative, Ethiopia and Somalia have been actively revitalizing their bilateral relationship. This renewed vigor has been fueled by exchanges of high-level visits between officials from both nations — truly a testament to the growing closeness between these neighbors. Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, a seasoned spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shed light on these developments during…

Senate Speaker Blocks Motion for Senator's Release in Somalia The intricate dynamics of political life in Somalia took a dramatic turn recently, as the Senate Speaker, Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, made a controversial move that has left many pondering the complexities of power and allegiance. Taking center stage in Mogadishu, Speaker Hashi took decisive action by blocking a motion that could have had significant ramifications for both the federal and regional political landscapes. This motion wasn't…

In the heart of the Middle Shabelle region lies a town named Biyo Adde, a seemingly quiet place that suddenly became the epicenter of an intense battle on a sun-baked Saturday. The tranquility of the town was shattered when al-Shabaab militants launched a daring assault on government positions. This attack set off a fierce exchange of fire with Somali government forces—a confrontation emblematic of the ongoing struggle for control in this troubled region. The conflict in Biyo Adde is not an isolated incident. It reflects a…

Picture this: A colossal refinery standing tall in Nigeria, not just a symbol of industrial progress but an emblem of a nation's ambition to be a giant in the petrochemical industry. The Dangote Refinery, brainchild of Africa's renowned business magnate Aliko Dangote, is making strategic and daring moves in the global oil market. Their latest venture? A million-barrel crude oil shipment expected from Algeria in mid-March, marking an essential pivot in their crude sourcing philosophy. In the…

Dr. Mohamed Yusuf Hassan: A Legacy of Courage and Compassion Mogadishu (AX) — In a sun-drenched corner of Mogadishu, beneath a sky that seemed to hold its breath in reverence, friends, family, and colleagues gathered to bid farewell to a man whose unyielding dedication etched his name into the very fabric of Somali history. Dr. Mohamed Yusuf Hassan, a distinguished surgeon, was laid to rest—a man whose life intertwined intimately with the tumultuous narrative of his country. Dr.…