West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – The sounds of bustling city life in Mogadishu blend with a unique sense of hope as the recent initiative by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud captures attention across Somalia. The president's call for national peace talks signifies a step towards unity, one that resonates deeply within the heart of Somalia’s Southwest region. In particular, the Maanshiil Forum—a coalition of opposition figures—has raised its voice in a welcoming chorus. Their optimism mirrors the sentiment of countless Somali…

Imagine a scenario where you're promised a better future abroad, investing not just your hopes but your hard-earned money. It's a familiar tale for those who, in pursuit of job opportunities in the UK, found themselves caught in a web of deceit. Several individuals, aspiring to secure placements through the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) system, sadly reported losing tens of thousands of pounds. They later discovered, to their dismay, that the documents they received were nothing more than clever forgeries—replicas…

Somalia's Journey: A New Chapter in Youth Football In the heartwarming backdrop of the 2023 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations in Algeria, Somalia carved an indelible mark on the tournament's history. By securing a 1-1 draw against Congo, they not only gained their first-ever point but also won the hearts of many who have been eagerly watching their progress. With such memories serving as a cornerstone, the Somali team's confidence is palpable as they prepare to face another challenging opponent. Reflecting on their…

In the rugged terrains skirting Qansahdheere town, within Somalia’s Bay region, a decisive military operation unfolded this past Tuesday. Southwest Darwish forces, renowned for their valiant efforts against insurrectionist factions, marked a noteworthy victory by neutralizing a high-ranking Al-Shabaab operative. This operation also led to the capture of a motorcycle laden with supplies, purportedly expropriated from local residents. The identity of the fallen militant remains cloaked in…

Bosaso (AX) – In a resolute sweep, Northeastern State security forces have made a significant breakthrough. After a decisive U.S. airstrike, more than ten remains of ISIS militants were unearthed, along with an arsenal of weapons and pivotal documents. This revelation came to light on a recent Monday, according to military insiders. The U.S. Africa Command (commonly known as AFRICOM), collaborated intricately with the Somali federal government. Their target? Extremist operatives nestled in the Togga Miraale sector of the…

Al-Shabaab's Evolving Tactics Amidst Intensifying Pressures Recently, an intriguing development has emerged in the complex narrative of Al-Shabaab, a group that has cast a long shadow over Somalia's peace efforts. Notably absent this year are the public displays that once were a cornerstone of Al-Shabaab's propaganda machinery. It's a subtle yet profound shift, raising pressing questions about the group's current state and its capacity to project power. "In the face of tumultuous times, even the mighty must…

From the sun-drenched dunes of North Africa to the opulent skylines of the Gulf, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has woven an intricate tapestry of influence stretching across the Arab world and beyond. This ambitious choreography of power unfolded in the wake of the Arab Spring, which served as a stirring catalyst for such a significant shift. Earlier this month, tensions heightened as Sudan's government launched legal proceedings against the UAE, alleging “complicity in genocide” amidst the Sudanese civil…

There’s an intriguing intersection where the realms of art and politics collide, and it's right there that Yusuf Abdullahi Muse steps into the spotlight. Better known by audiences as Yusuf Ceegaag, the acclaimed Somali actor has now declared his intent to transition from the fabric of fictional narratives to the tangible world of political service. For those familiar with Ceegaag’s screen work, this new development is both fascinating and perplexing. After years of interpreting the role of a fictional legislator, the…

Nigerian health officials have issued alarming reports of thousands of suspected Lassa fever cases emerging across 33 states from January to March 2025. The gravity of the situation is underscored by the somber reality that over a hundred individuals have lost their lives to this virulent disease. As this outbreak unfolds, one cannot help but ponder, how many more lives hang in the balance? In response to this escalating crisis, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has swiftly activated the Lassa…

Mogadishu (AX) – It's fascinating how diverse the celebrations of Islamic culture can be, even within a single country. On the sunlit morning of Monday, a unique event unfolded as Somalia's moderate Islamist organization, Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama'a (ASWJ), marked the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr. This observance came a day later than the majority of Somalia, echoing the rhythms of individual tradition and belief. Amidst the vibrant tapestry of the Muslim world, these variations in marking the end of Ramadan add layers of…