West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — In a robust appeal to national stability, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday called out opposition leaders, accusing them of sowing seeds of discord instead of championing the nation’s developmental strides. At the inauguration of a state-of-the-art hospital in Mogadishu, President Mohamud pushed back against his critics' claims, dismissing them as deceptive and detrimental. "Politicians claiming the apocalypse is upon us, that Dante’s inferno is our destiny, are delusional and need help," he…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the ever-beating heart of Somalia, a passionate fervor echoed through the grand hall last week as the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) wrapped up its Fifth Quadrennial Congress in Mogadishu. This assembly wasn't just a meeting; it was a clarion call, a seminal gathering aimed at fortifying the nation's labor movement for the coming years. With a captivating theme—"Empowering Workers' Voice for Justice"—the two-day congress attracted 328 delegates. These included fervent representatives…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the labyrinthine alleys of Jamaame district, nestled within Somalia's storied Lower Juba region, a quiet storm was brewing. It was a subtle chaos orchestrated with the precision of a maestro by the elite Danab commandos of the Somali National Army. But they were not alone in this symphony of military strategy. Alongside them, adding their own fierce cadence, were Jubbaland’s revered Dervish forces. Consider the complexity of such operations. How does one synchronize movements across such challenging…

Mogadishu: A Prelude to Political Discord? In the midst of Mogadishu's bustling environment, an air of apprehension seems to linger. Imagine the scene: a dimly lit conference room, the hum of whispered conversations punctuating the tension in the air. Here, at the convergence of deliberate political dialogues, a somewhat unsettling proclamation was made. Allegations Against the President At the Himilo Qaran political party's recent gathering, a spirited opposition figure, Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan,…

Baidoa (AX) — In a turn of events that can only be described as harrowing yet hopeful, the security forces in Somalia's South West State have succeeded in rescuing four children, much to the relief of their anguished families. These children—each tender and impressionable—found themselves in the clutches of the notorious Al-Shabaab, a scourge force bent on enlisting them into their militant ranks as child soldiers. Can one truly grasp the enormity of such a violation? Local authorities announced this heartening news on…

**Mogadishu (AX) –** A dramatic airstrike executed by the United States unfolded over the weekend, commandeering attention in the dry, sandy expanses of northeastern Somalia. Two members of the ISIS faction met their demise, as disclosed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) on a sleepy Monday morning. Why does this matter? The strike paints a wider picture of the second strategic assault within the month against ISIS enclaves nestled in Somalia's rugged Northeastern State region. These efforts underline Africa Command's…

In recent years, the landscape of global funding has been tumultuous, prompting African nations to grapple with the consequences of dwindling foreign aid. The ripple effects of changes in American policy, particularly under the Trump administration, pose a grave threat to essential health, education, and economic stability initiatives crucial for various countries on the continent. A notable example is President Donald Trump's executive order, which quelled new government spending on foreign assistance for a staggering 90…

The bustling streets of Mogadishu had barely settled down from the recent diplomatic fanfare when officials from Somalia and Ethiopia quietly jetted off to Ankara. Here, beneath the expansive Turkish skies, a new chapter in East African diplomacy was set to unfold. Could an age-old quest for maritime access merge with modern realpolitik to reshape the Horn of Africa? In a world where global alliances shift as easily as the dunes in the Somali desert, hopes and anxieties collide. It's interesting how, in the realm of…

Execution of Somali National Unveils Complexities in Legal Systems In a sobering revelation of the harsh global punitive measures, Saudi authorities executed Mohamed Nur Hussein Ja'al, a Somali national, for drug smuggling on Sunday. Alongside him, a Saudi citizen found guilty of murder faced the same unforgiving fate. These recent events were announced by the Ministry of Interior, underscoring the nation's stringent criminal justice approach. Imagine a person caught in a web of intrigue and peril, Mohamed…

In the lively embrace of a bustling Hargeisa evening, Somali singer Haboon Nuura beamed with an illustrious glow, reflective of the impassioned welcome she received. The scene unfolded at Egal International Airport, where a symphony of cheers, warm smiles, and waving North Western State of Somalia flags greeted her arrival. Wasn't it just a vivid testimony to her significant place in the hearts of the people? Nuura found herself at the center of attention, not always a comfortable place to be, particularly when…