West Africa

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…

Friday, February 14, 2025 (FILE) A solitary figure today is seated amidst the charred remains of military vehicles. Once tools of warfare, these twisted hunks of metal stand testament to the brutal passage of suspected Islamic State militants through Somalia's rugged Northeastern State territory on January 25, 2025. In the tapestry of global terrorism, the Middle East and Central Asia have long been the focal points of concern. However, recent developments challenge this narrative—Africa, most notably the Sub-Saharan…

In the parched expanses of the Mudug region, Somali government forces and local militias join hands in a seemingly perpetual struggle against Al-Shabaab militants. What drives these valiant efforts to reclaim peace in central Somalia? Their unified offensive endeavors to dismantle entrenched insurgent strongholds while restoring stability in an area besieged by conflict. Mogadishu (AX) – With a mix of strategic prowess and sheer determination, Somali government troops, assisted by local militia, executed a daring raid in…

Feeding Our Future: Unraveling the Strings of the Largest Fraud Investigation in Minnesota's History The tale of Feeding Our Future is not just about numbers, albeit staggering ones. The statistical anomalies told a story all their own. When daily meal counts across various sites remained eerily flat, the prosecution pointed to these as breadcrumbs leading straight to fraud. Anomalies, oddities, outliers—they were the loud whispers that something was amiss. "You'd never see such consistent numbers in…

Mogadishu (AX) — Imagine a tranquil fishing voyage on the azure waves near Northeastern State's rugged coast, suddenly turned into a harrowing tale of piracy. The European Union's naval forces, vigilant as ever, have recently orchestrated a commendable rescue of a Yemeni fishing vessel named Al Najma, which fell prey to piracy off Somalia's restless coastline. What does this mean for a world striving for safer seas? This latest chapter unfolded on February 8, 2025, when the Al Najma, proudly flying Yemen's flag, found…

Friday, February 14, 2025 FILE - Speaker of SSC-Khaatumo Parliament, Jama Yasin Warsame Mogadishu (AX) — Change is often the subtle heartbeat of progress. The SSC-Khaatumo Parliament has embarked on a noteworthy venture by initiating a constitutional drafting committee, a move aimed at sculpting the region’s governance structure. The journey is anything but pedestrian. What challenges lie ahead as they chart a course towards legislative autonomy? Speaker Jama Yasin Warsame addressing the Parliament The…

Addis Ababa (AX) – Unfurling under the expansive African sky, the bustling city of Addis Ababa welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud this past Friday afternoon. His arrival marked a significant engagement in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) Summit, poised to commence on Saturday. What do African leaders yearn for in these annual gatherings? Perhaps it is the hope of sowing seeds for a more harmonious continent. As President Mohamud's plane touched…

In the tale of a sunset confrontation between regional determination and insurgent defiance, Northeastern State officials have shared a glimpse into their ongoing effort to dislodge ISIS militants from their diminishing foothold. Against the craggy backdrop of the Al Miskaad mountains, the regional government’s resolve shines through as they make strides in restricting these militants to a mere 15-kilometre mountainous enclave. "There was a time," recounts Northeastern State’s Minister of Information, Mohamud Aydid Dirir,…

Beledweyne (AX) – There are days in Beledweyne when the air hums with the kind of tension you cannot quite articulate. This Thursday was such a day. Muse Salad Wehliye, the esteemed Governor of Hiiraan, took a momentous step forward, as he examined the newly marshalled ranks of the Ma'awisleey local forces. These troops gathered under the morning sun, preparing for an impending campaign aimed at dislodging the entrenched al-Shabaab sanctuaries in western Hiiraan. These Ma'awisleey fighters, hailing proudly from the…