West Africa

"A Warm Salute to North Western State of Somalia's New Leader" In a statement brimming with diplomatic warmth, Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended heartfelt congratulations to North Western State of Somalia's freshly elected leader, Abdirahman Mohammed Abdullahi, this Tuesday. By underscoring the dignified transition between President Muse Bihi Abdi and President-elect Abdullahi, the ministry paid homage to the commendable democratic strides being taken in the region. "On behalf of Ethiopia's people and its…

PORTLAND, Oregon (AX) — In a historic turn of events, Senator Kayse Jama has ascended to the role of Majority Leader in the Oregon State Senate. This remarkable achievement marks the first time a Somali-American and Black Muslim has held such a position in the state. Representing the 24th District and chosen by fellow Democrats who dominate the legislative body, Jama’s appointment is a landmark in the ongoing push for inclusive representation for both immigrant communities and communities of color.Jama secured this…

With political shifts shaking the landscape worldwide, North Western State of Somalia stands at a critical juncture in 2024. The election of Donald Trump in the U.S. and the mediation of a maritime agreement with Ethiopia converge as this self-declared republic advocates for recognition as Africa's freshest state. Nestled at Somalia's northwestern tip, North Western State of Somalia declared its independence back in 1991. This went unsupported by Mogadishu and lacked international acknowledgment. Despite the complexities,…

"Irro has clinched the election with a massive victory," announced Muse Hassan Yusuf, the helmsman of North Western State of Somalia's National Electoral Commission during the results event in Hargeisa. In 1991, North Western State of Somalia broke away from Somalia, declaring its independence. Despite this bold move, many global powers have yet to acknowledge it formally as a nation. An intriguing accord was unveiled on January 1. Under its terms, North Western State of Somalia allowed Addis Ababa to set up a military…

In a recent dialogue, Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterated the nation’s unwavering dedication to facilitating an immediate ceasefire, political reconciliation, and enduring peace in Sudan, while also ensuring that humanitarian assistance is promptly and effectively provided. This dialogue occurred during Minister Abdelatty’s engagement with Annette Weber, the EU's Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, on the fringes of the Sir Bani Yas Forum held in the United Arab Emirates. The core…

In the crisp fall of 2022, Waris Mohamed was brimming with joy. She had just signed her three children up for what seemed to be a complimentary after-school tutoring program. Living in Savage, the 44-year-old had been nudged into enrolling by a considerate teacher at her children's weekend school, known as dugsi, where they honed their grasp on Islamic teachings. Assured her eligibility for free tutoring due to her household's income under $35,000, Waris took the plunge. Waris quipped, "What mom isn't gonna jump at the…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AX) — Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota has strongly criticized ex-President Donald Trump's idea of deploying the U.S. military for large-scale deportations, branding the plan as "xenophobic, inhumane, and un-American."In a recent social media post, Trump confirmed his intentions to declare a national emergency in order to initiate what could be the most extensive deportation operation in U.S. history. This plan aims to eject millions of undocumented immigrants starting on his first day back in…

Jubaland's Minister of Information, Abdifatah Mohamed Mukhtar, didn't mince words when responding to recent allegations. Speaking to the BBC, Mukhtar stood his ground, "Our constitution grants us the freedom to hold our own elections," he asserted. "The Prime Minister's accusations stray from his past endorsements of Jubaland's electoral independence." The heart of this conflict highlights the persistent friction between Somalia's central government and its regional administrations. The federal government places a premium…

Today, an intriguing diplomatic exchange unfolded as Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, sat down for a chat with Vincent D. Spera, the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Africa, Sudan, and South Sudan. From the onset, Ambassador Mesganu didn't mince words. He drove home the point that Ethiopia and the U.S. need to crank up their relationship, especially where peace and security are concerned. For Mesganu, the magic word is "economic." He passionately delved into Ethiopia’s…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the realm of uplifting news, the United States tipped its hat to Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro for snagging the coveted presidential seat in North Western State of Somalia. They threw kudos at the region for its tip-top democratic practices, something many can look up to.The US Embassy in Mogadishu gave a shoutout, via X (the platform yesteryear folks knew as Twitter). "Big ups to North Western State of Somalia's citizens for showing up to the polls and a hearty congratulations to President-elect…