West Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — Like characters in the dynamic theater of geopolitics, nations vie for influence on the African stage, painting the canvas of history with choices and alliances. Recently, Ethiopia emerged as a pivotal protagonist by securing a seat on the African Union's Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for a three-year tenure. But how did this happen? And what significance does this hold for the continent? Ethiopia's triumph at the 46th Executive Council meeting, held under the imposing shadows of Addis Ababa's…

In a bold move to combat corruption in Liberia, President Joseph Boakai has escalated his administration's efforts by suspending over 400 officials who neglected to declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. This significant action encompasses a broad array of individuals, including ministers, heads of state-owned enterprises, and ambassadors. These officials will not only lose a month's salary but are also required to relinquish control of government assets until they fulfill the mandatory declaration…

Certainly, let's delve into the intricate tapestry of this issue with a more nuanced, professional tone. --- As the sun rose over the verdant landscape of central Kenya, painting ethereal hues on the horizon, thoughts weighed heavily on the mind of Jackson Karuiru. A man seasoned by the struggles of agriculture, Karuiru, the chairman of the Kenyan Khat Farmers Association, finds himself at the crossroads between tradition and the unforgiving march of modern economics. “How can we carry on under these circumstances,” he…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a case that seems almost torn from the pages of a modern cautionary tale, a Somali court has sentenced a married couple to two years in prison. Their offense? Creating and distributing sexually explicit videos—a decision that has set off a national dialogue about digital privacy and the evolving landscape of personal security in Somalia. Is it an outcry against modern technology or a wake-up call for digital discretion? The court in question, the Waberi District Court of Mogadishu's bustling Banaadir…

File Photo In a daring operation that embraced the vast, rugged terrain of northern Somalia, over thirty militants from the infamous Daesh/ISIS faction met their demise under a barrage of airstrikes on Wednesday. Located in the Bari province of the semi-autonomous Northeastern State region, these strikes were a concerted effort to dismantle terror networks that have long cast a shadow over the area. The focal point of these airstrikes, the Sheebaab area nestled in the Almiskaad mountains, became an intense arena of…

Since the military coup in Niger in July 2023, former president Mohamed Bazoum and his wife have remained confined in a distressingly precarious situation. Their prolonged detention serves as a grim reminder of how swiftly political fortunes can shift and the consequent havoc it wreaks on lives. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, an independent authority charged with scrutinizing cases of wrongful confinement, has labeled the incarceration of Bazoum and his spouse as arbitrary. Their conclusion…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a fervent appeal, the Northeastern State of Somalia of Somalia has reached out to international allies, urging them to lend critical logistical and technical assistance. Their goal? To fortify ongoing military operations against the entrenched ISIS insurgents within the rugged Bari region. Imagine the scene: General Abdirahman Mohamed Jama, commander of the Northeastern State Maritime Police Force (PMPF), standing stalwart yet weary, discusses the daunting task at hand. "We are devoting everything we…

The once impenetrable bastion of Dinsor, situated in Somalia's southwestern region and close to the frontier with Kenya and Ethiopia, crumbled under the combined efforts of African Union troops. Just days prior, they had seized Bardhere, another strategic location. These captures are significant as both towns represented the remaining strongholds of the Al-Shabaab insurgents. While these victories have offered a flicker of hope, a more complex issue looms over the horizon. U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman,…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant milestone for diplomatic collaboration and strategic alliances, Somalia and Azerbaijan have inked a groundbreaking defense cooperation agreement. This accord represents a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two countries. At the heart of this agreement are Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and his Azerbaijani counterpart, Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov. Together, they formalized this partnership in the vibrant city of Baku on Wednesday. Highlighted by…

In the bustling city of Mogadishu, scenes of tension unfolded as security forces apprehended three individuals during a decisive operation in the Abdiaziz district on a recent Wednesday. This maneuver followed a brazen attack on the local police station chief, who had been diligently enforcing a court order. It was a scene charged with intensity and the unmistakable sting of defiance.The encounter, vividly chaotic, resulted in the confiscation of two AK-47 rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher from the…