West Africa

In the intense tapestry of Somalia's ongoing struggle against al-Shabab, recent clashes have painted a stark picture of both victories and the persisting threat of this militant group. It's reported that over 20 al-Shabab fighters fell during a skirmish, marking another chapter in this lengthy conflict. A regional official remarked on the encounter, hinting at its pivotal outcomes: "This was a significant blow to the militants." Let's rewind to last year, when Somali forces orchestrated a high-stakes operation in the…

The IPI Global Network stands firm in its denunciation of the tragic killing of Amun Abdullahi Mohamed, a respected Somali-Swedish journalist, on October 18. The attackers have been linked to the Al-Shabab militant group. Sadly, this marks the second journalist's life lost in Somalia this year, following the murder of Somali National Television's Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan on March 13 by a security guard. We are urging authorities to embark on a comprehensive investigation into these tragic events and ensure justice for all…

It’s been a little over two years since the highly publicized reunion of the Nigerian music duo P-Square, made up of twins Peter and Paul Okoye, and now, they’ve hit another snag and decided to part ways once more. Peter Okoye, known in the music world as Mr. P, recently expressed his frustrations in an open letter aimed at his brother Paul, often referred to as Rudeboy. In this candid social media post, Peter highlighted the ongoing tensions that have tainted their relationship, even after their much-lauded reunion. He…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is on the cusp of a historic milestone. Preparing for its first direct elections in over half a century, the nation is inching towards democratic reform. Yet, this noble endeavor risks intensifying the rifts in an already fragile federal framework. Tensions have spiked between the Federal Somali Government (FGS) and the regional administrations of Jubbaland and Northeastern State. Political squabbles could possibly unleash chaos as the country approaches its 2025 elections. In a noteworthy move last…

FILE - At a government assembly in Mogadishu, Somali Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Omar Ali Balcad voices significant national subjects.In a recent announcement, the Somali government cleared the air about the imminent return of a small group of Somali citizens from Germany. These individuals, having been found guilty of severe crimes, are scheduled for repatriation soon, thus sparking conversation about whether this might impact the larger Somali refugee community residing in Germany. Shedding light on the matter, Deputy…

President Nana Akufo-Addo's recent decision to unveil a statue of himself has ignited a fiery discussion across the nation. This revelation is part of a broader initiative to highlight development projects as he approaches the end of his tenure. Many dissenters argue that erecting a statue is misplaced, especially since several vital projects remain incomplete. “The citizens of the Western Region deserve more than these self-indulgent actions,” an MP took to X to voice their discontent. As President Akufo-Addo prepares to…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — "The sorrow of a father knows no bounds when faced with the unthinkable." That's how one could describe the heartache of Abdi Moalin Nur, whose daughter, Deka Abdinoor Qorane, became a victim of a grisly crime. Deka's dismembered remains were heartbreakingly discovered near Nairobi's Langata Cemetery, leaving her family grappling with unimaginable grief. Her suspected killer, a man now associated with a string of savage murders targeting Somali women in Kenya, brings Nur's nightmare into sharp, painful…

The former leader of Senegal, Macky Sall, is at the forefront of the opposition coalition as the nation gears up for its upcoming parliamentary elections. In a candid letter directed to his supporters, Sall laid out the concerning realities facing the country, nearly eight months after he stepped down from the presidency. "In just a few short weeks, our sovereign rating has been lowered not once but twice by separate agencies," he noted, highlighting the worrisome economic climate that Senegal is navigating, as reported by…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an audacious offensive, Somalia's National Security and Intelligence Agency (NISA) unleashed a blistering assault against al-Shabaab, taking down at least 19 of their operatives in the Yaaqle area within Middle Shabelle. They made this announcement on Friday, painting a vivid picture of a strategic victory in their ongoing anti-terrorism campaign. This calculated operation zeroed in on a concealed lair, harboring al-Shabaab fighters plotting under the radar. NISA claims they successfully neutralized key…

Marian Hassan, a passionate educator, has dedicated her career to teaching Minnesotans about the Somali language and capturing oral histories from elderly Somali residents. This enthusiastic endeavor is essential to stopping the impending loss of language in the state. With her insightful work, Marian highlights an issue close to her heart—protecting Somalia's rich cultural legacy. Although Somali ranks as the third most spoken language in Minnesota, following English and Spanish, it's fascinating to realize that it wasn't…