West Africa

In a key move for Somalia's financial future, Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh inked a pivotal debt relief deal with Denmark's representative, Ambassador Steen Sonne Aderson, in the bustling city of Mogadishu on a vibrant Monday. This latest agreement reflects the positive outcomes from the notable discussions held by the Paris Club back in March 2024, another feather in the cap of Somalia’s ongoing economic reform crusade. The ministry enthusiastically declared, "The national reform efforts and debt forgiveness successes…

North Western State of Somalia Elects New Leader: A New Chapter Unfolds In a surprising political shake-up, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro is set to take the reins as North Western State of Somalia's new president, as proclaimed by early results from the electoral commission on Tuesday. His leadership spells a fresh start for the disputed region. Irro, the figurehead of the Waddani party, secured a whopping 64% of the votes, prevailing over his opponent, Bihi, who garnered just 35% according to the figures released by…

Picture this: a lively Friday where the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, fondly known as KSrelief, rolls up its sleeves and steps into action. They make their way to the Banadir region, nestled within the Federal Republic of Somalia, armed with a treasure trove of relief supplies. Their mission? Deliver much-needed aid to those who’ve had to flee their homes. What's in this humanitarian goodie bag, you ask? Exactly 1,000 sturdy shelter kits to provide a semblance of warmth and a little pocket of security…

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has extended its heartfelt condolences to the folks over in North Western State of Somalia following the demise of Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud, affectionately known as Siilaanyo, their former president. Siilaanyo was more than just a leader; he was a true ally to Ethiopia, having played an instrumental role in fortifying the deep ties shared by our nations. The Ministry remarked on his enduring friendship with Ethiopia and acknowledged his pivotal…

Hargeisa (AX) — Beneath the watchful gaze of the African sun, on a notable Monday morning, political luminaries and countless mourners converged in Hargeisa. The occasion was solemn yet steeped in a dignified reverence as the community paid their final respects to Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo, a colossus etched into the political tapestry of North Western State of Somalia. As the former President, Silanyo's impact on regional history remains, undeniably, significant. Passing at the venerable age of 86, Silanyo had a…

World Toilet Day serves as a critical reminder of the pressing need for clean and safe toilets, particularly within Africa. The United Nations highlights a concerning reality— progress is lagging significantly behind in the race to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of providing "safe toilets for all by 2030." Currently, around 3.5 billion individuals across the globe are without access to basic sanitation. In various African nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and…

Hawo Salad Cali, a resilient woman living on the fringes of Baidoa, transforms hardship into a lifeline by selling bones she gathers in the Buur camp. With determination etched into her daily routine, she turns what many might overlook into sustenance for her family. Let’s meet Maydigo Omar Yarow, a 60-year-old widowed mother of six, whose day begins long before sunrise. She embarks on a journey to a livestock slaughterhouse on the outskirts of Baidoa. Her mission: to gather discarded bones and hides, which she sells to…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a tragic incident on Sunday afternoon, a landmine explosion claimed the lives of at least four individuals and left two others injured. The explosion targeted a civilian vehicle navigating the path between Afgoye and Wanlaweyn districts, nestled in Somalia's tumultuous Lower Shabelle region. Locals within the Doonka vicinity recounted the harrowing moment when the devastating blast punctuated the peaceful air, striking a vehicle headed toward Afgoye. Swiftly, the injured were transported to a local…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a bold announcement, Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre announced that Jubbaland's leader, Ahmed Madobe, cannot stand for another term. Barre referenced Article 70 of the Jubbaland Constitution, which sets a two-term limit for the presidency. This declaration comes amidst a growing tension in the region, as Madobe seeks to hold onto power. On Monday in Mogadishu, Barre pulled no punches, accusing Madobe of prioritizing his own interests above the national agenda of Somalia. Barre alleges that Madobe…

There's growing concern in Somali society about how online displays of bravado might teeter dangerously close to hate speech, stirring up long-standing clan rivalries. In Somalia, "The Big Tribal Game" isn't just a pastime—it's practically a cultural phenomenon. This so-called game draws in massive audiences without linking its participants to any form of clan violence. Everywhere you look, thousands of phones light up with this spectacle, not just in Somalia, but across the globe. The typical participants? Enthusiastic…