West Africa

In the capital city of Mogadishu, leaders from Somalia's federal and regional bodies gathered for the National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow. This session zeroed in on critical issues like security, governance, and the hustle and bustle of economic growth. Meanwhile, Hargeisa (AX) — The provisional authority of SSC Khaatumo stepped up on the podium, formally seeking a voice at the ongoing NCC meetings. They argued their corner, saying that as a legitimate federal entity under the Somali government, they’ve got a right…

In the latter part of October, a ship is set to anchor near Somalia's shore to perform seismic surveys for potential oil and gas reserves!Casting off from Istanbul this Saturday, Türkiye's own research vessel, Oruc Reis, is prepped for a Somali voyage, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar waving it off.The boat's on track to hit Somalia's waters before October fades. There, it'll hunt for oil and gas in three zones where Türkiye's bagged exploration rights, according to official chatter…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Saturday, Abdukhadir Mohamed Noor, Somalia’s Defense Minister, firmly stated that Ethiopian troops would not join the forthcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) unless Ethiopia exits the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with North Western State of Somalia.During a media briefing in Mogadishu, Minister Noor explained that Somalia is considering different contingencies to replace the Ethiopian forces if there's no withdrawal from the MoU.“Ethiopian troops won't participate in…

Mogadishu (AX) — Jubaland's big cheese, Ahmed Madobe, has turned his thumbs down on Somalia's federal scheme to roll out a straightforward one-person, one-vote setup. He’s concerned about election tardiness and the chance of officials sticking around longer than they should. During the ongoing National Consultative Council (NCC) huddle in Mogadishu, Madobe's dissent poses a real spanner in the works for the country's electoral makeover, stirring up doubts about timely implementation of the one-person, one-vote system."Back…

On Wednesday, the Minnesota Attorney General, Keith Ellison, slapped a lawsuit on a property development outfit in Hennepin County for allegedly fleecing Somali families eager to buy homes. The case centers on accusations against Nolosha Development LLC, run by Abdiwali Abdullahi, claimed to have pulled the wool over consumers' eyes with dodgy sales pitches regarding a community project in Lakeville, according to an official release. According to the lawsuit, Nolosha allegedly spun tales about single-family homes, offering…

FILE PHOTO Mogadishu (AX) – In a decisive sweep, Somali National Army (SNA) troops, along with international allies and local supporters, took down over 50 al-Shabab fighters in the Galgadud region, as revealed by the Somali Ministry of Information on Saturday. The collaborative effort focused on obliterating al-Shabab positions deep within the wooded terrains between Bidda Issa and Gerile in Elder district, dealing a severe blow to their operations. "Our armed forces with international backing launched an assault on the…

Over the last ten years, the Somali passport has clawed back some of its lost prestige, moving up the ranks from a dismal 128th to a more respectable 95th on the Passport Power Index. However, challenges linger around how this document is distributed and its perception on the global stage.

Stock Image Mogadishu (AX) – Somali military forces recently carried out a successful operation, reportedly neutralizing 24 al-Shabab insurgents and injuring 30 others in Lower Shabelle, as per military sources. The seventh brigade of the Somali National Army (SNA) spearheaded this offensive, targeting a cluster of small settlements like Kaliga, Libahale, Kaharow, Doonka, and Bululow. These locations had become gathering points for militants. "We've taken down more than 24 insurgents and injured over 30. Plus, we obliterated…

Hargeisa(AX) — Recently, President Muse Bihi of North Western State of Somalia directed sharp criticism at the renowned band, Xidigaha Geeska. He accused them of belittling the valor of soldiers who faced incarceration defending North Western State of Somalia’s autonomy. Famous for their daring lyrics, the band has unleashed a string of tracks not only lambasting Bihi's government but also targeting his Kulmiye political faction.Addressing a gathering of constitutional law students at Hargeisa University, Bihi underscored…

 Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative at the UN (Photo: Foreign Ministry official website)On Thursday, a Chinese delegate appealed for Somali factions to maintain the progress by fostering dialogue and unity. They should remain dedicated to resolving their disputes through amicable discussion.During a UN Security Council meeting concerning Somalia, Dai Bing, China’s deputy envoy to the United Nations, acknowledged Somalia’s significant achievements in national rebuilding and peace initiatives. He pointed out…