West Africa

Renowned for her personal history and commitment to progressive values, Ilhan Omar has consistently been a beacon for change. Born in Somalia, Omar's journey to becoming a member of Congress reflects a deep personal engagement with issues affecting immigrants and minorities. Her candidacy and eventual victories in elections have been testaments to her influential persona and unwavering beliefs. Omar's re-election campaign faced fierce competition from Dalia Al-Aqidi, an Iraqi-born secular Muslim and former journalist.…

In the bustling city of Mogadishu, there's a breath of fresh air as the U.S. has lifted a heavy burden off Somalia's shoulders. A staggering $1.14 billion in debt has been forgiven, setting the stage for the nation to rebuild its economy and strengthen vital public services. During a spirited announcement, U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Richard Riley, highlighted this decision as a testament to America’s solid dedication to Somalia's promising future. "With this debt forgiveness, we're showing our steadfast support for the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a monumental financial shift, Somalia has seen $1.14 billion in debt forgiven by the United States, signaling a significant stride towards achieving economic stability and revitalizing fundamental public sectors. Richard Riley, the US Ambassador to Somalia, shared this news in Mogadishu, emphasizing America’s strong dedication to bolstering Somalia’s future. Emboldened by this support, Riley stated, "This debt cancellation underlines our unwavering commitment to aid the Somali people in their pursuit…

Athens, Greece (AX) — A young Somali, who landed in Greece all by his lonesome as a minor seeking asylum, has just been given a clean slate by the Juvenile Court of Kos on October 24, 2024. This judgment wipes away serious accusations against him—such as being involved in a sketchy criminal crew and sneaking in illegally—while shining a light on the thorny issue of how Greece treats folks in search of sanctuary. Imagine this: M.A., the young man in question, found himself in hot water after simply sharing his cell phone with…

In a shift that has stirred some buzz, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has revealed plans to shift the Ethiopian Embassy away from the presidential compound. This announcement marks a significant response to public disapproval over the embassy's notable location. Speaking to reporters on November 4, Fiqi stated, “The move comes as a reaction to the public’s dissatisfaction with having a foreign embassy within our presidential grounds.” Recognizing the legitimate unease, he further added, “The concerns…

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, a significant verdict unfolded that speaks volumes about global security threats. A 34-year-old Kenyan named Cholo Abdi Abdullah, tethered to the infamous Somali militant cadre Al Shabaab, was handed a conviction for orchestrating a catastrophic plot echoing the dark shadows of the September 11 attacks. Abdullah's journey entwined intrigue and menace. Captured in the Philippines back in July 2019, his next chapter unfolded in the U.S. by December 2020, facing justice in a foreign…

A federal court has dismissed treason charges against numerous minors who were apprehended amid recent nationwide protests fueled by escalating living costs and discontent with the government. President Bola Tinubu had previously mandated their release after several young demonstrators collapsed during their court proceedings, a situation that drew sharp criticism from human rights organizations such as Amnesty International. In Nigeria, treason carries severe penalties, potentially culminating in the death penalty. "Any…

FILE - Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin (right) and Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Ghedi (left) proudly hoist the Ethiopian flag during the opening ceremony of the revamped Ethiopian Embassy in Mogadishu, dated May 27, 2007. Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia plans to shift the Ethiopian Embassy from its hallowed presidential precinct, signaling a widening chasm in diplomatic relations, primarily triggered by Ethiopia's contentious port arrangement with North Western State of Somalia—a deal Somalia perceives as an affront…

The Supreme Court of Liberia has made it clear that lawmakers attempting to oust House Speaker Fonati Koffa must respect the legal procedures in place. This ruling came in response to a petition urging the court to intervene and stop the various factions of legislators who have been conducting their own sessions aimed at unseating the Speaker. In the midst of this political frenzy, Speaker Koffa remains steadfast, declaring that he has no intention of stepping down, despite calls for his resignation. Instead, he has called…

Understanding what's at play, let's take the core message of a Kenyan delegation trying to ease the political friction between Somali leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, over the looming election. There's some backstory involving some heavy hitters like former bigwigs from IGAD—Mahbub Moalim and Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey. We've even got Wajir County's own Senator Abdirahman Ali Hassan Olow in the mix. Their mission? Play peacemaker and sort out this kerfuffle over inclusion or lack…