West Africa

FILE PHOTO Mogadishu (AX) — In the intricate web of international relations, two neighboring nations, Ethiopia and Somalia, have taken a significant step forward, fostering their military collaboration within the framework of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Imagine a vivid tapestry, each thread representing the nuanced, complex layers of diplomacy and defense strategy. Here, the threads intertwine to form a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), setting the stage for…

Understanding the Diplomatic Tussle: A Close Look at Rooble’s Journey to South Africa Every trip can encounter a few hiccups—delayed flights, missing luggage, or the wrong kind of weather. However, former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble faced a uniquely diplomatic snag when seeking clearance for his travel to South Africa. This particular episode makes one ponder: how often do the bureaucratic wheels turn seamlessly? "In any bureaucratic setting, is it ever as simple as it seems?" This question…

Mogadishu (AX) – A remarkable step has been taken yet again by the Somali National Army’s elite unit known as the Danab Special Forces. They recently participated in an internationally significant event, the Justified Accord military exercise in Kenya, marking their second involvement in this formidable gathering. Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Salah Abdi, the Commanding Officer of the Somali Special Forces, played a prominent role as he attended the closing ceremony held in Kenya. His presence was not only symbolic but…

Imagine a sprawling complex nestled in a strategically vital location—a hub of constant activity. These military bases, scattered across foreign lands, serve multifaceted purposes. Their roles range from counterterrorism painstakingly orchestrated from afar to safeguarding maritime borders. But have you ever wondered about the hidden layers beneath their ostensibly benign existence? Strategic military bases often appear as essential instruments of peace and stability. They’re pivotal for intelligence operations and for…

In the evolving political landscape of Somalia, it's a notable milestone that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has directed his attention towards Northeastern State, a region that has long been both a strategic ally and occasional adversary. Yet, one might ponder: Why has it taken three months for this acknowledgment? Yasin hints at this very question, urging Northeastern State's administration to meet the federal government's overture with open arms and a spirit of collaboration. It’s time for Northeastern State's President…

The serene edifice of the federal courthouse in downtown Minneapolis stands as a silent witness to many tales of justice. On a sultry afternoon of May 5, 2022, this stately structure cradled another narrative—one steeped in shame and regret. As captured by Ben Hovland for the Sahan Journal, it seemed almost surreal that within its chambers, lives were unraveling. Qamar Hassan, co-owner of a Minneapolis catering firm, stood on the stand, shoulders bowed under the weight of a confounding $250 million fraud conspiracy. "Every…

Mogadishu's Commitment: A New Dawn in Northeastern State's Battle Against ISIS The azure skies of Mogadishu carried a weighty announcement from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking a pivotal moment for Northeastern State's relentless fight against the menace of ISIS. The declaration saw the birth of a special committee, a beacon of hope and cooperation, designed to weave federal support into Northeastern State's tenacious tapestry of resistance. As the hustle and bustle of the latest session of…

Mogadishu (AX) – A gentle hum of anticipation filled the air as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed Parliament on Saturday—a collective assembly of minds gathered to mark the opening of its sixth session in Mogadishu. Is there a time more apt for reflection and hope than the dawn of a new parliamentary session? President Mohamud seized this moment, directing the statesmen's attention to the seismic military movements against the entrenched forces of ISIS and Al-Shabaab in the arid expanses of Northeastern State…

Mogadishu (AX) – In an unyielding battle against extremism, the Somali National Army (SNA) has bravely confronted imminent threats, quelling a spree of violence unleashed by Al-Shabaab in the Middle Shabelle region. Who were the faces behind this repelled assault? Five names stand stark on the list of those brought down—gridders of terror no more. Over the past 48 hours, the stage was set in the dust-swept arena of El-Ali Ahmed. The SNA, with staunch resolve, dismantled a lattice of malevolence that sought to unsettle local…

Moore Dagogo-Hart, a luminary in the cryptotechnology world, serves as the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Zap Africa. His visionary leadership has been instrumental in establishing Nigeria’s groundbreaking non-custodial cryptocurrency exchange, Zap, which has rapidly ascended to the forefront of Nigeria's crypto landscape. His story is one of a restless mind given to dreaming, crafting, and ultimately transforming those dreams into reality. The Early Genius Even before launching Zap…