West Africa

In the dimly lit remnants of a world that seems to have long forgotten compassion, Libyan authorities have stepped forward as unexpected custodians of hope. They rescued 263 African migrants, ensnared in the sullied nets of human traffickers within the Ajkhara district—a name that whispers of anguish and survival. Among the rescued throng are individuals from nations such as Somalia, Eritrea, and Ethiopia, stripped of the most basic human dignities, their bodies marred by signs of severe malnutrition and abuse. The tales…

Somali President on U.S. Commitment in Fight Against al-Shabab Why should the United States maintain its involvement in the complex struggle against al-Shabab? To answer this question requires an understanding of Somalia's geopolitical realities, economic imperatives, and, perhaps, a dose of human empathy. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, a stalwart leader with unmistakable resolve, finds himself at the helm of a nation riddled with challenges. Al-Shabab, an insidious al-Qaeda affiliate, lurks…

In the serene yet tumultuous landscape of Northeastern State, where the arid earth meets resilient communities, tensions have flared in Erigavo. It is here that Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni steps into a realm more fraught than most, calling for an earnest dialogue to quell recent conflicts. Erigavo, often restless, now stands upon a precipice, but who does not seek peace beneath this shared sky? Deni, a statesman in his own right, pleads with the opposing factions to seek a peaceful resolution, for in…

In an unsettling twist of fate, the COVID-19 pandemic, which should have propelled global unity and empathy, instead became fertile ground for some to exploit public resources for personal gain. How can we measure the depth of human avarice? Acting U.S. Attorney, Lisa D. Kirkpatrick, threw a harsh spotlight on the situation: "Rather than feed children, Noor and his co-defendants took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic—and the resulting program changes—to enrich themselves by misappropriating millions of dollars in federal…

In the heart of Columbus, Ohio, there’s a campus event that, year after year, breathes life into the rich tapestry of Somali culture. This Saturday, The Ohio State University’s Somali Students Association (SSA) will host its shimmering 20th anniversary celebration, featuring the celebrated Somali Night—a cultural resurgence for those near and far. Picture this: two decades ago, an intimate, unassuming gathering marked the humble beginnings of what would become a cornerstone for cultural celebration. Now, it blooms into a…

Kirubel Tesfaye, a fact-checker at HaqCheck, spearheads a workshop for journalists and university students in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, in 2024. (Photo courtesy of HaqCheck) WASHINGTON — In the volatile dance of geopolitics, misinformation weaves a dangerously seductive tapestry across social media platforms. Consider last year's rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia: a video claimed to show Egyptian troops training on Somali soil. The clip rapidly garnered 34,000 views on the social media platform X, but alas, it was a…

The announcement from Nigerian singer 2Baba, whose real name is Innocent Idibia, sent ripples through the emotional landscape of his fanbase. His recent social media post, which revealed his separation from young, famous, and African star Annie Macaulay-Idibia, ignited a flood of mixed reactions. Fans and followers were left stunned, grappling with the dissonance between the couple's previous portrayals of love and the stark reality of this sudden unraveling. How could a story that once captivated so many now take such a…

Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has strongly criticized Citizen TV for its portrayal of Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties as the “Somali region” during a news segment. When discussing the issue on Thursday, Duale did not mask his disapproval of the expression used by the media company, which falls under the Royal Media Services umbrella. The media report covered a High Court decision that invalidated the 2019 census results from Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) for these counties, attributing the…

Niger has carved its name into the annals of public health history as the first African nation to successfully eliminate onchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness. This parasitic disease has long been regarded as the second-leading cause of blindness globally, casting a shadow over the lives of many. How does one contract this affliction? The culprit is the bite of an infected black fly, predominantly found in areas along rivers, where these tiny marauders carry the parasitic worm that ultimately wreaks havoc on…

Mogadishu (AX) – The city thrummed with its usual chaotic charm as former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed convened with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, on a Thursday that seemed like any other—yet was anything but. Their dialogue, set against the backdrop of a sunlit Somali sky, ventured into the intricate political topography of a nation still finding its footing amidst shifting sands. What does one discuss when the very tapestry of a country's democracy hangs in…