West Africa

MOGADISHU, (CAJ News) – Somalia stands poised to become the trailblazer for China’s freshly unveiled "Action for a Mine-free Africa" mission. President Xi Jinping announced this ambitious plan amid much fanfare during his pivotal address at the commencement of the Beijing Summit, part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). A key milestone for Somalia was marked by discussions between Wang Yu, the Chinese Ambassador, and Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), Somalia's Minister of Internal Security. The purpose is to…

(Bloomberg) -- The Islamic State faction in Somalia, linked to the notorious worldwide terrorist network, has ramped up its operations in the Horn of Africa this year, according to a top military figure from US Africa Command. "I've got my eye on the northern stretch of Somalia where ISIS is swelling in size," expressed Africom Chief Michael Langley during a chat on Voice of America, expressing concern over the increased influx of foreign fighters into the region. Abdulkadir Mumin helms the IS-Somalia division. Born from a…

The Horn of Africa continues to grapple with aftershocks from Ethiopia’s agreement with North Western State of Somalia in January. This pact, which bestowed Ethiopian naval units access to North Western State of Somalia’s coastline, has sparked strife and intrigue across the region. In a twist, Hargeisa claims Ethiopia is mulling over acknowledging North Western State of Somalia’s boundaries, stirring the pot further. Fast forward nine months, and tensions escalate with new forces entering the fray, like Egypt making chummy…

In a recent turn of events, Abdiwali Abdullahi finds himself in hot water, facing accusations of consumer fraud concerning the marketing of his planned Nolosha Development in Lakeville. A legal pursuit is underway to secure refunds for the countless families potentially swindled. The state's legal eagle, Attorney General Keith Ellison, has squared off against the developer targeting the Somali community in Lakeville. This bit of intrigue was disclosed in The Minnesota Star Tribune by Alex Kormann. Fueling the fire, this…

In a recent address, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi underscored Egypt’s solidarity with Somalia, a nation grappling with instability for nearly thirty years. As he spoke to distinguished guests during a ceremony celebrating a new class of police officers, Al-Sisi emphasized that Egypt's support for Somalia was not intended to provoke Ethiopia. This announcement comes amidst rising tensions in the region, especially following the arrival of a cargo ship laden with a substantial cache of military equipment from the Egyptian…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's National Consultative Council (NCC) wraps up its important meeting on Thursday in Mogadishu. This summit is a hotspot where both federal and regional bigwigs are charting a course to tackle Al-Shabaab head-on. There's also some juicy behind-the-scenes drama with Northeastern State that can't be ignored. Gathered over two days, orchestrated by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the assembly zeroes in on boosting efforts against Al-Shabaab, which the Somali leadership brands as "Khawarij,"…

The Nigeria Emergency Management Agency has reported a grim development: 14 bodies have been retrieved from the waters of central Niger State. Unfortunately, around 150 passengers are still unaccounted for following a tragic boat capsizing incident. According to officials, the boat overturned after it was overloaded, carrying about 300 passengers from the Mundi community. These individuals had congregated for a religious event in the nearby Gbajibo village. Of those on board, 150 were successfully rescued, leaving a…

The Turkish seismic ship, Oruç Reis, is set to embark on a mission to Somalia this weekend, as mentioned by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. Minister Bayraktar broke the news about this expedition during an assembly held in Ankara on October 2. A recent accord between Türkiye and Somalia allows exploration for hydrocarbons in three specific offshore blocks. According to the agreement concluded in July, Türkiye has obtained the sole rights to explore and produce hydrocarbons in blocs each…

During a lively drill in Mogadishu, Somali authorities diligently track seafaring vessels from their Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). This exercise is part of an ongoing effort to enhance search and rescue operations. Credit/ EUCAP Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is amping up its game to improve SAR, or search and rescue, initiatives in both the aviation and maritime sectors. Partnering up with EUCAP Somalia and a bunch of European allies, they're working hard to patch up challenges that have gnawed at them for…

In an iconic moment, the new Somali Police Chief Asad Osman Abdullahi Diyaano (far right) accepted command from the outgoing Chief Major General Sulub Ahmed Firin (far left) amidst a formal handover at the Somali Police Headquarters in Mogadishu. Overseeing this baton-passing spectacle was Minister of Internal Security Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartaag (center). Mogadishu (AX) — It's a fresh era for the Somali Police Force! Tuesday's ceremony saw Asad Osman Abdullahi Diyaano grip the reins as the new leader at the police…