West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) – In a city where the past often seems to echo into the present, security and peace hang by fragile threads. This reality endures in Mogadishu, where the pursuit of one man's shadow characterizes the urgency of an unending struggle. The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has set its sights on Abdullahi Hassan Abdi, a man alleged to have exploited fear and suffering to line his pockets. For the residents of the Banadir region, life takes on a particular rhythm. One part hope, one part…

Mogadishu (AX) – Under the sweltering rays of the Mogadishu sun, a group of anguished families protested on Wednesday. Their loved ones—Somali citizens—face death sentences in Saudi Arabia. With pleas that tug at the heart, these families called upon the Somali government to intercede on behalf of their imprisoned kin. The protesters, a tapestry of pain and resolve, claimed that 45 Somali nationals languish on death row in Saudi prisons. Their cry is simple yet profound: they demand negotiations with Saudi authorities to…

Mogadishu (AX) – The brisk air of anticipation electrified Mogadishu on Wednesday as the Somali government embarked on an ambitious journey to battle the increasing cancer burden gripping the nation. Cancer, an insidious foe, has steadily made its presence felt across the country, impacting lives and challenging the healthcare system. But is it not time we drew a line in the sand?At the heart of this significant initiative was an inaugural event, a gathering of minds and spirits, held in the bustling capital city. It drew a…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a seemingly tranquil February day off Somalia's economically ragged coast, under the shadow of the region's turbulent maritime history, another chapter unfolded. The circumstances forebode a familiar narrative, one that's as unsettling as the early-morning chill on Garmaal's coastline: a Yemeni-flagged fishing boat suspected of romantic yet perilous piracy. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) under Operation ATALANTA, engaged tirelessly in the complex chess game of maritime security, recorded this…

“As long as this system remains unchanged, our expectations from the federal government remain nonexistent. We do not recognize it as a true national administration serving Somalia's collective interests,” Madobe emphatically declared. Intriguingly, he likened it to "an enterprise operating in Mogadishu." His words were neither mere rhetoric nor isolated discontent; they reverberated the escalating discord between Somalia’s regional states and the central government. Consider Jubaland—a region…

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki (L) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (R) appear together during a past diplomatic sojourn. CREDIT / EPC Mogadishu (AX) — In recent developments, Eritrea has firmly rebutted allegations by former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, who suggested that Eritrea is preparing for military conflict against Ethiopia. Eritrea swiftly labeled these claims as unfounded, attributing them to an attempt to deflect from Ethiopia's internal challenges. Teshome, speaking through Al Jazeera, pointed…

The national emblems flutter in the breeze, the vibrant colors of Somalia and China weaving symbolic narratives. It was against this backdrop that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi engaged in a dialogue with his Somali counterpart, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, on a recent Tuesday. Their conversation, a delicate ballet of diplomacy and mutual interests, revolved around the ever-evolving ties between their two nations. What does it mean for China to stand poised, ready to extend its metaphorical hand to Somalia? Minister Wang, who also…

The Netherlands has recently made a significant commitment by agreeing to repatriate a collection of culturally important artifacts to Nigeria. In a landmark decision, the Dutch government pledged to return 113 Benin bronzes, emblematic remnants of a rich African heritage, that were taken during colonial times. This momentous agreement emerged through a formal signing between the Dutch Minister for Education, Eppo Bruins, and representatives from Nigeria's National Commission for Museums and Monuments. The artifacts,…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a brisk morning in the Ba’adweyne district of southern Mudug, the sense of anticipation was palpable. The Somali army forces, together with Galmudug Dervish forces and vigilant local militias, embarked on a meticulously planned security operation. Their mission? To dismantle the lurking menace of Al-Shabaab that had embedded itself in this heartland, exploiting innocent civilians through extortion and fear. One might wonder: how does a community…

In a decisive and candid address, President John Mahama recently emphasized a critical message to his administration: the stringent expectation to declare assets by the end of March, as mandated by Ghanaian law. He warns that failure to comply will result in "severe sanctions." This directive underscores his unwavering commitment to combatting corruption, an issue that has plagued many nations, including Ghana. On February 19, during a public asset declaration alongside Ghana's Auditor General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu,…