West Africa

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa and Somalia have vehemently denounced Israel's recent assault on Iran, asserting that it endangers regional stability. In a late Saturday statement, the South African Foreign Ministry remarked, "This strike is an intolerable breach of Iran's sovereignty." The ministry added that alongside the atrocities in Gaza, Israel’s relentless attacks on Lebanon and its ongoing annexation of the West Bank have cultivated a dire humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East. The call for an immediate…

A Glimpse of the National Dialogue Commission Gathering in Ethiopia's Somali Region (Photo: public domain) On Sunday, the National Dialogue Commission embarked on a pivotal gathering in Ethiopia's Somali region, as detailed by BBC Amharic. A myriad of issues came under the spotlight during this session—everything from the structural composition of the government and possible constitutional revisions to the symbolism of the country's flag. Language officialdom and the interpretation of Ethiopia’s rich history were also up…

Mogadishu (AX) — Abdirisaaq Omar Mohamed, Somalia's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, accused Northeastern State of Somalia President Said Abdullahi Deni of putting roadblocks in the path of oil exploration within Northeastern State. During a media briefing in Mogadishu on Saturday, Minister Mohamed mentioned that President Deni tried to introduce a company of his own choosing for oil exploration, a move spurned by the federal government."President Deni seems keen to politicize the government's oil ambitions,"…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali government has strongly criticized Israel's nocturnal strikes on Iran, branding them an infringement upon Iran's sovereignty and an affront to established global laws and norms. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Somalia issued a statement on Saturday reaffirming its resistance to any further intensification of hostilities in the Middle East. "Such expansion of conflict jeopardizes both regional tranquility and security," the ministry warned. "Somalia emphatically calls upon the global community…

In Nairobi, Lang’ata Cemetery saw a gathering of people to pay homage as three Somali women, victims of a harrowing murder, found their final resting place. This solemn ceremony has underscored the pressing need for justice and security reforms. CREDIT Ahmed Shafat NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — On a somber Saturday, three Somali women who were kidnapped and brutally murdered in a shocking act that left Kenya reeling, were laid to rest in Nairobi. Waris Daud, along with her daughter Nuseyba Abdi Mohammed and niece Amina Abdirashid,…

In a surprising turn of events, Somalia’s football organization has decided to bow out of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 qualifiers, citing financial woes as the chief reason. Somalia Football Federation (SFF) General Secretary Yusuf Ahmed shared this development, highlighting the persistent obstacles facing Somali football. “Financial constraints led us to this decision,” Ahmed divulged to Cecafaonline.com, noting the inability of the federation to rally the necessary funds for a national squad ahead of the…

Emerging Somali-Swedish artist Salad Hilowle captivates the art scene with his vibrant examination of Afro-Swedish identity and diaspora, weaving together the realms of video, sculpture, and photography. His anticipated showcase at the American Swedish Institute explores profound themes of identity and resilience. / Photo courtesy of Göteborgs KonsthallMINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — Salad Hilowle, an artist of Somali origin nurtured in Sweden, is poised to unveil his first U.S. solo exhibit at the American Swedish Institute (ASI)…

The African School of Governance (ASG), a visionary initiative spearheaded by H.E. Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda, alongside H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, the former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, has officially opened its doors in the vibrant city of Kigali. This remarkable undertaking is bolstered by a partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which aligns with its Young Africa Works Strategy. At the helm of ASG is Professor Kingsley Moghalu, who serves as its inaugural president. He is supported by a diverse and…

Türkiye is gearing up to kick off oil and natural gas exploration in Somali land areas, thanks to a brand-new agreement inked between Turkish Petroleum and the Somali Petroleum Authority, announced Türkiye's energy and natural resources minister on the delightful day of Friday.Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, speaking at the bustling Port of Mogadishu where the Oruc Reis ship triumphantly docked after a 20-day voyage from Istanbul, revealed that the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and the Somali Petroleum Authority have sealed a…

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) is steadfastly extending its helping hands to those in dire need across Yemen, Chad, and Somalia.KSrelief brought together 1,039 families in Yemen’s Al-Dhale Governorate by handing out an equal number of food boxes, as reported by SPA.Meanwhile, in Chad, the Guera Region received 600 food parcels, part of KSrelief’s mission this year to bolster food security and support struggling communities.In Somalia, a range of health and environmental initiatives…