West Africa

Underneath the sun-scorched skies of Luuq, a town steeped in both history and hardship, a poignant narrative unfolds—a story of transformation, redemption, and perhaps, hope. Isn't it curious how one decision can forever alter the arc of a life once lost to extremism? In an eerie yet expectant silence, Somali security forces watched as Abuukar Aadan Buulle, a man once entrenched in the militant web of Al-Shabaab, emerged from the shadows to renounce his past. A figure who had navigated through the underbelly of terror,…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture the halls of power veiled in silence, a silence heavy with the weight of political trepidation. Somali lawmaker Abdirashid Hidig offers a stark warning: if the House of the People stays shuttered, legislators might resort to holding their own sessions, parallel and unauthorized. A drastic measure, indeed, but Hidig has pointed fingers at certain political leaders, accusing them of intentionally crippling parliamentary operations. This dialogue invites us to ponder: in a land rife with challenges,…

In a notable stride against extremist encroachment in digital realms, Telegram has put a definitive end to Iclaam, a notorious channel infamous for broadcasting the sinister narratives of the Islamic State (ISIS). This move resonates profoundly in the ongoing endeavor to squelch the potent sway extremists wield via social media channels. Have you ever wondered how platforms designed for connection can also be harnessed as tools of division? If there’s one thing that stands out in this digital age, it’s the role of…

In a world where communication is increasingly dominated by impersonal emails and voicemails, have you ever wondered what it takes to deliver a message with the weight of personal presence? Recently, a delegation composed of some of Somalia's earnest auditors and legal experts chose the path less traveled. When their calls and emails fell into an abyss of silence, they decided to hand-deliver their crucial letters. Venturing into the heart of Somalia's Supreme Court, they sought out someone—anyone—willing to accept their…

Trapped, exploited, and finally freed—these are the stories of over 260 individuals believed to have been ensnared into working within the bowels of online scam centers. They are now on their way home, set to be repatriated after being rescued from Myanmar in a coordinated effort led by Thailand's army, as announced on Thursday. Who would've imagined Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos would become epicenters for such insidious activities? These nations, sharing borders with Thailand, have become…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a typical scorcher of a Saturday, under the merciless sun of El-Hero in the Mahaas district, a noteworthy arrest unfolded. Mohamed Rashid Abdi Hussein, once the chairman of the Ganuribad area in Somalia's Hiiraan region, found himself in handcuffs. The reason for his capture? A damning discovery: receipts from Al-Shabaab, the notorious militant group, left little room for doubt. These were not your ordinary receipts—they were felonious tokens, empowering a regime of illegal taxation on unsuspecting…

How often does a handshake capture the world's attention? When Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met eye-to-eye, during the 38th African Union Summit in bustling Addis Ababa, their handshake was much more than a diplomatic formality. It was laden with the weighty hopes of peace and collaborative future—a substantial step forward since the historical signing of the Ankara Declaration. But let's not put the cart before the horse: what led to this compelling moment and what does it…

Global Shift: Is Abdul Qadir Mumin Leading the Islamic State? Mogadishu (AX) — The quiet hum of intelligence networks across nations is singling out a name with increasing urgency: Abdul Qadir Mumin. Rumblings echo that Mumin, erstwhile leader of IS-Somalia, may have ascended to worldwide command of the Islamic State (IS) network. Could this signify a strategic directional shift for a militant group long anchored in the heart of the Middle East? According to an incisive United Nations Sanctions…

In a scene reminiscent of a movie, an intense raid in Lafo-Gari, Lower Juba, culminated in the arrest of a man known to many as Moalim Mohamed. Advancing quietly yet decisively, the Jubbaland security forces succeeded where others had failed. Capturing the deputy judge of an Al-Shabaab-controlled court, the operation marked a resounding victory for the beleaguered region. Alongside Mohamed's capture, the forces reported the deaths of four Al-Shabaab operatives during the operation. Kismayo (AX) — It was a day of…

North Western State of Somalia's Firm Stance on Refugee Resettlement Discussions Hargeisa (AX) — In the intricate dance of international diplomacy, the ebb and flow of rumors can be as unpredictable as the tides. Recently, the buzz surrounding potential discussions between North Western State of Somalia and the United States about resettling Palestinian refugees has flooded news outlets. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of North Western State of Somalia, however, has categorically denied these claims, stating…