West Africa

Kenya has once again expressed its steadfast respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Somalia, even as it actively engages in diplomatic and commercial relationships with Somalia’s sub-national regions—Jubaland and North Western State of Somalia. This nuanced position represents a delicate balancing act, one that demands careful consideration and strategic engagement. In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs made it clear that Kenya recognizes…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a day that will be etched in the annals of Somali football history, three of Africa’s football legends—Samuel Eto’o, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Emmanuel Adebayor—touched down in Mogadishu on Tuesday. Their arrival was no mere visit; it signified a monumental shift, heralding Somalia’s aspiration to host international football matches on its own turf for the first time in over three decades. This initiative, aptly dubbed the “Legendary Peace Tour,” reflects the renewed ambitions of a nation…

Reviving Somali Sport: A Moment of Hope In a remarkable testament to resilience and unity, Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, graced a pivotal event recently, describing the match as “a defining moment in our efforts to restore Somali sport.” His words resonate deeply, as they encapsulate not just an event on the field, but a profound shift in global perception of Somalia. “The presence of these global icons shows the world is beginning to believe in Somalia again,” he added, emphasizing the symbolic…

The Alarming Funding Crisis in Somalia: A Call to Action In a landscape where immediate humanitarian assistance is akin to a lifeline, the recent funding crisis poses a dire threat to vulnerable communities, particularly in regions like Somalia. It's a sobering reality; major donors, notably the United States, have momentarily halted portions of their foreign aid budgets, figuring prominently among the affected programs are those spearheaded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The…

The Future of U.S. Military Command in Africa: A Calling for Dialogue In an era marked by continual shifts in geopolitical dynamics, the United States is taking a closer look at its military oversight in Africa. General Michael Langley, the commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), recently emphasized the importance of including African nations in these discussions. This statement resonates deeply, as it highlights the critical need for collaboration and understanding between the U.S. and African governments.…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AX) — The courtroom buzzed with anticipation as the trial of Derrick John Thompson commenced on Tuesday. The stakes couldn’t be higher in this case, which claims a significant place in the annals of recent Minnesota history. Thompson is accused of causing the tragic deaths of five Somali American women in a high-speed collision that, for many, has shaken the very fabric of the state’s Somali community, drawing not just local but national scrutiny. At just 29 years old, Thompson faces an uphill battle…

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Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia stands at a critical juncture. The country risks losing millions in unspent reform funds unless it accelerates a much-needed governance overhaul supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB). It's a timely reminder of how the window for progress can close faster than we anticipate. Eighteen months into the $13 million Institutional Support for Economic Governance Project (ISEGP), only 15.2% of the funds have been utilized. This dismal pace has left federal finance officials scrambling to triple…

Critical Humanitarian Mission to Moqokori: An Overview On May 24, a collaborative effort unfolded as officials from the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) joined forces with representatives from the Hirshabelle Ministry of Disaster Management to address urgent needs in Moqokori. Their mission was twofold: to deliver much-needed medical aid and to assess the increasingly dire humanitarian situation in the town, which has been suffering from prolonged neglect and resource shortages. The details of this operation…

Strengthening Security in Somalia: A Milestone Handover of IFVs In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a pivotal ceremony unfolded as the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) chief transport officer, Manon Richard, presided over the handover of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) to the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). With a tone of gratitude, Richard lauded the professionalism and discipline exhibited by the UPDF contingent. “We appreciate the unit’s excellent training and collaboration. These vehicles will enhance…