West Africa

In any nation embracing a federal structure, splitting power among branches isn't just a formality—it's the backbone of savvy governance. Each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—operates in isolation, with its own unique responsibilities. This division stops any one branch from hogging all that tasty authority and encourages checks and balances, which keeps everyone accountable. In a federal institution like Somalia, where regional bodies hold serious sway, a clear-cut division of power is critical for maintaining…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a rapid move to counter Ethiopia’s grand naval dreams and territorial aspirations, Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia are stepping up their military armor like they mean business.These three nations shook hands on this alliance during an October 10 summit in Asmara, quickly transforming diplomatic chitchat into robust military maneuvers. Egypt's already tossing military hardware Somalia's way, and whispers are swirling about Egyptian boots on the ground—up to 10,000 soldiers by the dawn of 2025 under a…

The Capitol Building, the heart of Liberia's legislative activities, became a hotspot for political unrest recently. This past Thursday, a faction within the Lower House attempted to unseat Speaker Fonati Koffa. However, their scheme unraveled when Koffa's loyal supporters, despite his absence abroad, intervened spectacularly, closing the Chamber doors and halting the coup attempt. Reportedly, those lawmakers who endorsed the resolution to oust the Speaker believed they were promised a hefty payday of U.S. $25,000 each.…

Sugaal Cabdulle Cumar shines brightly as a Somali poetry icon, making waves in arts, tunes, and stagecraft over the years. Credit/ SNTV Mogadishu (AX) — Sugaal Abdulle's tragic demise in a suicide bombing at a buzzing tea spot by Mogadishu Police Academy has been confirmed by authorities. An unforgettable voice in Somali arts, he wove magic with Heegan Police's cultural ensemble. Stretching three decades and more, Abdulle fueled Somali culture with his art. Beyond penning verses, he was a talented songwriter and actor,…

Kawu Sumaila has stepped into the role of Chairman for the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) and is already raising crucial questions about Nigeria's level of transparency in the oil sector. Taking over this position after the untimely passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Sumaila shared his vision for combating the pervasive secrecy that seems to cloak the industry like a heavy fog. Historically, Nigeria’s oil industry has faced harsh scrutiny due to its lack of transparency. This sector is not just vital;…

Nigeria has taken a significant leap forward in the battle against malaria, receiving a remarkable shipment of one million doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, courtesy of the Gavi Alliance. This marks a pivotal moment in the nation's ongoing struggle against this deadly disease. The vaccination campaign is slated to kick off in November, focusing on the states of Kebbi and Bayelsa, both of which suffer from high rates of malaria. With this move, Nigeria finds itself among the pioneering countries globally to embrace…

Mogadishu (AX) — Sarah Mohamed Khalif, a Belgian with Somali roots, has once again secured a spot on Leuven's city council. Her election marks a continued path-breaking journey in the European political scene. Notably, she remains the first Somali, Muslim, and immigrant woman to achieve this milestone, winning a second term after a tenacious campaign. During her inaugural term, Sarah allied with the Vooruit party, aiming to cultivate a more inclusive Leuven. Her focus centered on enhancing social services for the…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a sunny Wednesday, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) passed the baton of the Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) to Somali forces. It's a significant leap in the third phase of ATMIS's troop drawdown, highlighting Somalia’s budding prowess in managing its security landscape all by itself. Since 2015, this base, which sits snugly near the strategic port town of Kismayo, has been helmed by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) under ATMIS's wing. As an essential defensive anchor, it has…

FILE PHOTO Mogadishu (AX) — On Wednesday evening, a fierce skirmish erupted between the Somali military and al-Shabab insurgents near Lukugoraw, roughly 20 kilometers from Hudur in the Bakol region. Local folks shared insights, highlighting the clash erupted when al-Shabab launched a daring assault with car bombs on a military outpost, triggering relentless combat for about an hour. In a government broadcast, it was shared that their forces repelled the attack and obliterated a car bomb attempted by the rebels. “The…

**MOGADISHU (Xinhua)** -- In an update shared Thursday, a UN relief group noted a drop in humanitarian access issues, falling by 18.6% from the second to the third quarter, landing at 57 compared to the previous count of 70. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) added that three aid workers lost their lives during this timeframe. Interestingly, while these unfortunate deaths coincided with their humanitarian roles, they were not directly tied to their work but were rather outcomes of broader…