West Africa

From left to right: Former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, once-Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and Opposition Leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame have formed a united front against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They're strongly opposing what they claim are his actions to prolong his presidency—a move they argue would breach the constitution and jeopardize the nation's political steadiness. Mogadishu (AX) — Three prominent Somali opposition leaders are ringing alarm bells against President Hassan Sheikh…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Turkish research vessel, Oruc Reis, is embarking on a groundbreaking voyage to explore oil off Somalia's coast. This mission heralds a significant step forward in Somalia's quest for economic revolution. This expedition follows deals inked earlier this year, handing Turkish Petroleum the keys to explore three vast offshore blocks. Stretching across roughly 5,000 square kilometers each, this endeavor ranks as one of the most massive energy explorations in the area.The Oruc Reis is poised to reach Somali…

Mogadishu (AX) — Tragedy struck as a two-year-old Somali boy was counted among four migrants who perished while daring to traverse the English Channel from France to the UK last Saturday, reported French officials. The overcrowded boat, jam-packed with nearly 90 souls, became a suffocating trap for the little boy, underscoring the perilous nature of human smuggling in these waterways. The boat, carrying the young child, experienced engine trouble, sparking chaos aboard. French rescue teams acted swiftly, responding to the…

Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur announced during a press gathering in Mogadishu that ongoing military efforts are utilizing both ground forces and air strikes to dismantle the infrastructure of the militant group. “On a national scale, the Somali National Army is executing strategic operations aiming to further undermine Al-Shabaab's positions and leadership,” he stated. Regarding the African Union mission in Somalia, he revealed that next year a revamped initiative "will kick off to succeed ATMIS, with Ethiopian…

Mogadishu (AX) – The Acting Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, James Swan, has voiced his worries about the simmering unrest between Somalia and Ethiopia. This follows a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia, a region claiming autonomy, on the first day of 2024.This agreement, granting Ethiopia access to the sea and permitting a military base in North Western State of Somalia, faced strong objections from Somalia. On Friday,…

Back when Somalia first dipped its toes into federalism, there was real hope in the air—an honest chance to stitch our country back together after endless chaos and strife. The idea of empowering regions, sharing power wisely, and acknowledging local priorities seemed a promising path. Yet, here we are, more fragmented than united. If we're to grasp why federalism collapsed, we've got to see Somalia for what it is, not just some textbook example of a system that works great in places like Germany or the USA. We ain't those…

Somalia's young'uns, especially those who sprouted just as the Siad Barre regime fizzled out, know naught but turmoil. Drama and chaos have been their babysitters. We’ve hung on for yonks, looking for some government worth its salt, but just when we think there might be some glimmer of silver linings, doubt crashes the party. Is change just a pipe dream? A smidgen of impatience ain't outlandish given that every step forward seems to come with a hop back. Walking amidst shattered pledges and dislocation, our enthusiasm…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a twist of fate, Dahabshiil, a heavyweight in international financial services, decided to scrub any mention of 'North Western State of Somalia' from its platform. This decision follows strict orders from the government of Somalia. This compliance sparked a wave of negativity in North Western State of Somalia, where folks see it as a breach of their self-governance. Dahabshiil is navigating the choppy waters faced by global enterprises under similar governmental pressure. Recently, even airlines like…

A quartet of young chaps was nabbed by Somali police at Eng. Yariisow stadium on accounts of kicking up a ruckus at a local football match in Mogadishu. This grab was part of a sweeping effort to keep the peace at sports gatherings across the city. CREDIT/ Somali PoliceMogadishu (AX) — On a bustling Sunday, the Somali Police Force rounded up 24 youngsters after some hubbub broke out during a district footy showdown at Eng. Yariisow Stadium. Matches between Karaan and Wadajir districts, just a slice of the Banadir region's…

Mogadishu (AX) – Mohamed Hassan Hiis, the Communication Director for Jubbaland Regional State, has thrown some bold accusations at Somalia's presidency. He alleges they're bankrolling a negative campaign on social media aimed squarely at Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe.Hiis pointed his finger at Abdiqadir Ali Dige, Villa Somalia's communications chief, claiming he's the mastermind behind this orchestrated social media blitz to tarnish Madobe's reputation. "Mr. President, can you really bank on these delegations to…