West Africa

The political climate in Ethiopia's Amhara state has raised eyebrows in the United States, sparking significant concerns about the escalating conflict in the region—concerns expressed by none other than America's chief diplomat late on Monday. The Fano, a militia group part of the Amhara ethnic group, which holds the title of Ethiopia's second-largest ethnicity, is a curious player in this drama. Around April 2023, driven by the government's attempt to disarm regional forces, the Fano picked up their arms, embracing a role…

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has celebrated a significant breakthrough in public health, marking its successful introduction of malaria vaccination into its nationwide immunization framework. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the DRC now stands as the 15th country in Africa to roll out malaria vaccines. Prior to this, 14 other nations—namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Niger, Malawi, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and South…

Mogadishu (AX) — Masterminding a move towards renewed governance, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre unveiled fresh appointments on Monday. A new state minister for the Ministry of Planning and Investment and a deputy for the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education took the stage, replacing their predecessors who recently bowed out of the political scene. Stepping up as the freshly minted state minister for Planning is Ahmed Nor Sheikh Mohamed Loxox, while Abdirashid Mohamed Du'ale slides into the Deputy…

Mogadishu (AX) — A delegation from the Somali government, spearheaded by Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismael Fartaag, is participating in the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly from November 4-7, 2024, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. This annual gathering has attracted over a thousand high-ranking law enforcement professionals from around the globe. They have come together to tackle urgent security challenges and to select new leadership for INTERPOL. “I feel privileged to represent the Federal Government of Somalia…

Hamza Abdi Barre, the Prime Minister of Somalia, recently welcomed Tanja Fajon, Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister, for an important dialogue. During their meeting, they delved into strengthening ties between Somalia and Slovenia, with a keen focus on pivotal issues such as climate change, social welfare, security, and human rights. This dialogue gains significance as Somalia embarks on its new role within the UN Security Council, as highlighted by the Somali National News Agency (SONNA). Prime Minister Hamza took the…

NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman addressed the press, flanked by fellow journalists, during a significant event dedicated to the International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists in Mogadishu. The Somali government, alongside various diplomats stationed in the country, has made a united plea for enhanced safety measures for media professionals. This initiative comes as they vow to create a more secure atmosphere for journalists working within the nation. During the event, Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, the…

Mogadishu (AX) — The bicameral legislature of Somalia has greenlit a substantial budget of $1.36 billion for the fiscal year 2025, reflecting a robust increase of 24.4% over the previous year. This decision came during a parliamentary session held on Monday in the capital, Mogadishu. In attendance were 143 Members of Parliament and 32 senators. The First Deputy Speaker of the People's Assembly, Saadiya Yasin Haji Samatar, confirmed that an overwhelming majority of 172 lawmakers backed the budget, with only two MPs voting…

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing'oei. Kenya's standing as a sanctuary for refugees has recently come under scrutiny following the controversial deportation of four Turkish citizens previously under asylum protection. This event has prompted serious questions: Can individuals truly find a refuge within Kenya, or is the nation merely a supporter of oppressive regimes? As of now, there remains a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the government's handling of these four men. Were they processed through the…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Sunday, the Somali Deputy Minister of Education, Ahmed Isman Ibrahim Daqare, alongside Abdirashid Jire Qalinle, Minister of State for Planning and International Cooperation, tendered their resignations due to the federal government's intentions to challenge certain regional authorities. Qalinle shared his apprehensions regarding what he perceives as discriminatory actions by the federal government against the regional governments of Jubbaland, Northeastern State, and SSC Khatumo. Daqare, in a similar…

**Kismayo (AX)** — Ahmed Madobe, the President of Jubbaland State, has extended an invitation to the federal lawmakers from Jubbaland for a consultation gathering in Kismayo. This invitation follows a similar summons from the Northeastern State administration for its own federal parliamentary representatives. In a letter dispatched on Sunday from the Office of the Jubbaland President, officials called upon members from both legislative Houses to assemble in Kismayo, the provisional capital, between November 8 and 11. The…