West Africa

**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…

Tragedy Strikes in Orebro: Unanswered Questions and Immigrant Concerns Stockholm (AFP) - When tragedy strikes without a clear motive, the air is thick with uncertainty and unspoken fears. The mass shooting at Campus Risbergska in Orebro is Sweden's deadliest to date, leaving a community—and a nation—grappling with questions that may remain unanswered. Is it possible to explain the unexplainable? The haunting reality is that most of the victims came from foreign backgrounds, stirring ongoing debates and…

Amidst a seemingly endless undercurrent of geopolitical tension, a group of Somali special forces captains stood stoically against the backdrop of 2022. They were part of a specialized commando unit, their faces stern as they engaged with their U.S. Army trainers. The photograph, captured by Luis Tato for The Washington Post, is a vivid reminder of the complex tapestry of military alliances woven across Africa and the Middle East. In Nairobi, recent developments have thrown a wrench into these delicate dynamics. An…

In an unequivocal declaration, Somalia's opposition coalition has castigated President Mohamud's government, accusing it of forsaking the nation's federal architecture and diminishing vital constitutional checks and balances. To those familiar with Somalia's intricate political landscape, might this be the rubicon we had hoped to avoid? "The president has reduced the constitutional framework to mere window dressing," the coalition’s statement proclaimed. It continues, "Such actions flagrantly breach…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, the African Union convened its annual summit. This gathering, straddled between the echoes of prior conflicts and the anticipations of future peace, witnessed a pivotal leadership transition. Among the dappled sunlight that filtered through the grand assembly hall, an air of quiet anticipation settled in—a new chief was to be chosen for the African Union Commission, a role vital for steering the organization through its intricate daily operations. The merits of…

Jess Hallett remarked pointedly, "If you've been there and feel no empathy, there’s likely a deeper issue at play." Once a vocal opponent of UK immigration, a transformative journey from Somalia to the UK altered Jess Hallett's views. This journey recalibrated her perspective profoundly. Originating from Llanelli, Jess was among six assertive Brits chosen for Channel 4's compelling series, Go Back To Where You Came From. Traversing the perilous people smuggling routes, she experienced the dread of precarious boat…