West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – The rhythmic hum of helicopter blades slicing through the air above Mogadishu heralds a new chapter in regional cooperation against the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab. In a remarkable display of unity and purpose, five African nations, each carrying the weight of their own hopes and histories, are contributing a formidable force of 11,900 troops to the African Union's recently unveiled Somalia Mission, aptly named AUSSOM. It's interesting to note that three of Somalia's immediate neighbors—Uganda,…

Libya and Somalia Forge a Path to Collaborative Growth In the vibrant city of Tripoli, a series of strategic agreements were recently inked, casting new light on the burgeoning partnership between Libya and Somalia. These agreements, encapsulated in several Memoranda of Understanding, aim to fortify collaboration across key domains such as investments, educational exchanges, and training opportunities. But what does this mean for the socio-economic fabric of these two nations?…

In an era characterized by fluctuating alliances and high-stakes diplomacy, the role of military forces in stabilizing tumultuous regions like Somalia becomes a complex symphony of negotiations and strategic maneuvering. Consider the intricate dance playing out between African nations and the African Union in crafting a new mission in Somalia—a nation that has, for years, been the battleground for competing interests and ideologies. The backdrop is Mogadishu, a city that has seen its fair share of turmoil, where a soldier…

Addressing Somalia's Overlapping Crises There are times when we find ourselves confronted by crises that weave themselves together, creating challenges that are daunting yet demand immediate action. As we cast our gaze upon Somalia, this narrative of intertwined emergencies unfolds—its fragility laid bare by nature's whims and the pressure of humanitarian needs. A Warning That Cannot Be Ignored "These overlapping crises demand immediate, collective, and well-coordinated action to strengthen Somalia’s resilience and…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal twist of regional dynamics, Burundi has commenced the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia. This move marks the end of an 18-year era of military involvement under the auspices of the African Union's peacekeeping initiatives. But what's driving this significant change? The roots trace back to a contention over troop contributions to the recently minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, which took the baton from the African Union Transition Mission in…

Mogadishu (AX) — Faadumo's journey began when she was just seven. A tragic medical oversight left her partially paralyzed, changing the trajectory of her life forever. Yet, her struggle extends beyond personal physical challenges to battling societal perceptions that deem disability a mark of shame. One of her most profound challenges arose when she discovered love. She found a partner, and their hearts whispered promises of a future together. Yet, societal voices threatened their happiness. "They told him to find…

Russia's Influence in Africa: Deepening Bonds with Guinea-Bissau In a world where international alliances are continuously evolving, a recent meeting at the Kremlin between President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and Russian President Vladimir Putin illustrated Russia’s ongoing interest in forging stronger partnerships with Africa. This meeting marks a chapter in Russia's strategic engagement with West and Central Africa. But what really lies behind this push? Isn’t it fascinating to ponder how global powers…

Reflecting on vehicle safety, one may ask, "What ensures our ride remains a journey of peace?" The answer often lies in the finer details; this time, in an international safety recall that demands our attention. In a move articulated by the Daily Graphic, Honda has embarked on a comprehensive recall. This ambitious undertaking spans the globe, pinpointing particular models crafted between the years 2001 and 2015. But why, you might wonder, is there such urgency? Safety—our foremost priority—forms the bedrock of this…

A Historic Diplomatic Encounter: Bridging Gaps and Building Trust Mogadishu (AX) — On a windswept Thursday morning, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is expected to grace the Somali capital’s horizon, setting the stage for an essential dialogue with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. These meetings, vivid with political undertones and strategic dynamics, capture a pivotal moment in the intricate relationship between these two Horn of Africa neighbors. Their journey, marked by maritime disputes and military…

Uncertain Paths: The Stories Behind Migration Ahmed Abdulqadir Ahmed, better known as Baaba Jeey, sits in a wheelchair, the winter sun casting a bright glow over his hopeful gesture—a thumbs-up. For months now, this Somali asylum seeker has called Germany home, but with recent election results stirring the pot of anti-immigration sentiment, his future teeters on a precipice. Despite the cloudy horizon, Baaba Jeey clings to hope, a lifeline threaded through his challenging journey. Political Shift and Its…