West Africa

In the vibrant, yet tumultuous heart of Somalia, Mogadishu this week, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stood firm in his denunciation of a grievous incident that has struck at the core of the nation's military establishment. The loss of Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nur Mohamed Gaabow, endearingly remembered as Nur Farey, has sent ripples of sorrow and a steely resolve across the country. An embodiment of dedication, this esteemed commander of the 14th of October Brigade met an untimely death in the serene yet strife-laden…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an ambitious stride towards enhancing regional peace, the African Union alongside the Federal Government of Somalia, has sanctioned the inclusion of 2,500 Ethiopian troops into a redefined peacekeeping mission. This decision underscores a significant endeavor to quash the relentless aggression of Al-Shabaab, a group tethered to the al-Qaida network. The Ethiopian contingent falls under the African Union Support Mission in Somalia, commonly referenced as AUSSOM. Launched at the dawn of this year,…

Somali Government Grapples with Assisting Deported Citizens in Panama Mogadishu (AX) ― The challenges of providing diplomatic support from afar are exacerbated by recent events. The Somali government finds itself in a quandary, navigating the complexities of aiding its citizens reportedly stranded in Panama after deportation from the United States. Is there a viable path forward? And how can it protect its nationals so far from home? The group in question is among the many individuals recently deported from the U.S.,…

Somali Forces Intensify Campaign Against Al-Shabaab In a move that has caught widespread attention, Somali government forces, buttressed by the collaborative efforts of the nation's intelligence agency, have announced the elimination of over 80 Al-Shabaab militants in the course of a meticulously planned weeklong military campaign. This operation, as reported by officials, unfolded across the evocative landscapes of the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions—a territory steeped in history and…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a whirlwind episode amid an already tumultuous expedition, seven players from Somalia's U-17 national football team have returned to their camp following a brief disappearance from their team hotel. This occurred during the ongoing TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, casting a complicated shadow over their campaign. The initial report came from Pan Africa Football, detailing how the players vanished on two separate occasions, with the latest incident unfolding just two days before their…

Mogadishu, a city resonating with the echoes of history and hope, played host to a crucial gathering. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud brought together key leaders from South West, Hirshabelle, and Galmudug states for an extraordinary meeting that many hope will steer Somalia towards a future of unity and peace. This isn't just another meeting; it's a beacon of potential change for a nation yearning for stability. Inside the halls of discussion, President Mohamud and the regional leaders embarked on a…

The expansive world of Africa's palm oil industry is swiftly evolving, with sustainability sitting squarely at the core of its transformative potential. Enter Eur Ing Hong Wai Onn, the innovative mind behind the Research Institute for Sustainable Excellence and Leadership (RISEL). As a chartered chemical engineer and environmentalist, Hong offers a radically inspiring perspective on how the process of biomass valorization might just hold the key to revolutionizing the sector continent-wide. Do we dare to dream big…

North Western State of Somalia Takes Bold Step to Foster Peace in El Afwayn In an earnest endeavor to weave peace into the socio-political fabric of El Afwayn in the Sanaag region, the North Western State of Somalia government has decreed a prohibition on civilians carrying firearms. This decisive measure follows the ominous shadows of violent clashes between rival clans, raising pertinent questions about the path to sustained harmony. The ambiance at a recent community reconciliation…

In many countries, a notable aspect of governance is the presence of senior leaders across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Their experience and knowledge significantly influence the political landscapes they navigate. But can age truly encapsulate wisdom, or does it sometimes hinder progressive governance? There's no denying the pull of executive power—the capacity to make decisions that shape the future. Yet, it's the legislature that transforms…

Ensuring Security on the High Seas: The Role of the Pakistan Navy The oceans are our planet's global highways, vast waterways connecting us all. The term "Sea Lines of Communication" might sound technical, yet it embodies something universally critical: the unhindered flow of global maritime trade. How we ensure their security is vital, and it’s within this context that the Pakistan Navy has made significant strides. "These efforts are vital to protect Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) and ensure the free flow of…