West Africa

Victory in Ba’adweyne: A Turning Point in the Fight Against Al-Shabaab It was a day of tension and triumph in Ba’adweyne, a district wearing the scars of conflict yet daring to hope for peace. On a decisive Friday, with eyes set firmly on liberation, Somali security forces made a bold advance into this heart of southern Mudug, apprehending it from the stern grip of Al-Shabaab militants. This wasn't just another operation; it was a potent symbol of resilience and a testament to collaboration, ambition, and the…

FILE PHOTO The somber reality of conflict in Somalia unfolded once more on a seemingly ordinary Thursday, as a stark reminder of the relentless struggle against insurgency. In a poignant scene, at least five brave government soldiers tragically lost their lives in a devastating landmine explosion. This heart-wrenching incident occurred in the Madooda area, situated just south of Hudur, the administrative nucleus of the Bakool region. Military sources relay these harrowing details, painting a picture of the perilous…

Life has a peculiar way of teaching lessons, often through stories more intricate than any fiction. One intriguing saga unfolded in Minneapolis, a city where dreams are etched in the horizon just as firmly as truth. The Feeding Our Future trial stands as a testament to humanity's complexities, rife with ambition’s grip and morals shadowed by greed. Heading the spotlight, Feeding Our Future's founder, Aimee Bock, faces allegations that penetrate deep. With a staggering 250 million dollars allegedly swindled from pandemic…

In a world where international dynamics shift like sands in the desert, the pursuit of stronger partnerships is a journey not for the faint-hearted. On a bustling Tuesday in the historic capital of Tripoli, this pursuit took a significant step forward. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on an official visit to Libya, an encounter filled with promising intentions and a refreshingly candid dialogue. Mohamed al-Menfi, the pragmatic chairman of the Libyan Presidential Council, echoed a sentiment that seemed…

Africa, while home to a vast spectrum of cultures and landscapes, encounters a unique geographical challenge—being landlocked. Surprisingly, one-third of the continent's countries do not have direct access to the sea. Yet, the presence of seaports on the African coastline is a beacon of economic hope and utility, facilitating access to international markets for even the most inland businesses. These maritime gateways are not just crucial for those positioned at the water’s edge, but they extend their opportunity-laden arms…

Diplomatic Overtones: Ethiopia and Somalia's Renewed Bond In a gesture of renewed camaraderie, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met on Thursday in the bustling heart of Mogadishu. As their nations work towards mending a relationship frayed by Ethiopia's recent sea access arrangement with North Western State of Somalia—an autonomous region Somalia still emphatically claims—a path toward cooperation cautiously unfolds. Arriving robustly on a sunny Thursday, Prime…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a world where energy drives economies and fuels innovation, two nations have set the stage for a significant journey of collaboration. On a brisk morning in Baku, Azerbaijan’s skyline shimmering in the early light, an agreement was signed that could transform the energy landscape of a nation. Azerbaijan and Somalia have embarked on an ambitious path to strengthen their energy ties by endorsing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) centered on the development of oil, gas, and, significantly, renewable…

The Triumphs and Trials of Resilience “I find myself in a difficult position,” shared Maryan, as the evening darkness enveloped the settlement. “Tonight, it was a neighbor who had the kindness to give us a bowl of rice and sugar. I cooked it for the children. Raising seven children without a father is not easy—some are older, others younger—but too often, we go to bed with empty stomachs.” Maryan's eyes reflected a mixture of weariness and quiet fortitude. Maryan's journey has been arduous. For nearly four…

On a pivotal Wednesday in Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar took center stage at the First Quarter Meeting to address Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, and Commanders. With an earnestness that captured everyone's attention, he broached the pressing matter of security challenges following the recent withdrawal of several countries from the newly established Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This shift, according to the Air Chief, isn't just a procedural hiccup but a monumental disruption to…

Embracing a New Era: Somalia's Security Transition In the bustling atmosphere of Addis Ababa, African defense ministers recently convened to take a pivotal step forward for Somalia's future. They meticulously crafted a blueprint for the deployment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), marking a momentous phase in Somalia’s journey towards self-reliance. But what does this transition mean for Somalia, a nation that has weathered turbulent storms over the last two decades?…