West Africa

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…

FILE - Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abshir Omar Jama, at a press briefing in Mogadishu, detailing diplomatic concerns. Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has slammed the attack on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador's home in Khartoum. Calling it a blatant breach of international law, they condemned it as a grave violation of diplomatic norms. This incident raises serious questions about safety in volatile regions. In an official communication, the ministry appealed…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (left) accepts a ceremonial gift from Haluk Bayraktar (right), CEO of Baykar Technologies, in a Mogadishu meet aimed at enhancing Somalia-Turkey defence ties. Mogadishu (AX) — Over the weekend, Haluk Bayraktar, the CEO of Turkey's defence behemoth Baykar and the brain behind the globally acclaimed Bayraktar TB2 drone, touched down in Mogadishu, flagging a renewed vigor in Somalia-Turkey relations. Welcomed by Somalia's Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Bayraktar then had…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Wednesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud kicked off the National Consultative Council (NCC) gathering in Mogadishu, aiming squarely at tackling key political and security concerns. Over the course of two days, this meeting pulls together heavyweights from four regional states - Jubaland, Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Galmudug. The mayor of Mogadishu, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and his deputy are also in attendance. Per the federal government's insights, the agenda is crammed with…

The Minneapolis Police Department bolstered its ranks by welcoming 23 new officers, among whom two made history. Meet Ikran Mohamed, a Somali-American woman and Lesly Vera, who moved from Mexico to the U.S. at the tender age of four and now holds permanent residency. Despite these promising additions, Chief Brian O'Hara expressed his frustration to WCCO’s Adam and Jordana, highlighting the influx of animosity aimed at these trailblazers. "It’s appalling," O'Hara lamented. "I failed to foresee the sheer repulsiveness,…

Mogadishu (AX)— This year, Somali National University witnessed its biggest turnout ever as nearly 4,000 students took part in the National University Admission Test. The historic event was highlighted during the exam's opening ceremony. Minister of Education Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir reminisced about the university's remarkable journey since it was revived a decade ago. He highlighted that the participation of 3,924 students symbolizes a renewed fervor for education and the rising aspirations of Somali youth to attain higher…

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, at the helm of U.S. Africa Command, partakes in a military drill in Agadir, Morocco, May 30, 2024. The Islamic State in Somalia has doubled its strength in the past year, reveals the head of U.S. Africa Command in a chat with VOA. “Northern Somalia is on my radar due to the uptick in ISIS numbers,” AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley mentioned in a candid interview, using the acronym for the terrorist group. Langley refrained from disclosing the U.S.'s exact figures on…

Men gather around candidate Abdi Daisane (right), who's gunning for Minnesota State Representative. Here, he shares his campaign vision at the Waamo Café on Aug. 30 in St. Cloud. Credit: Paul Middlestaedt | MPR News Minnesota’s Somali community has grown significantly, flexing newfound political strength—especially in St. Cloud, where their numbers have surged. More than 20 years after the first Somali refugees arrived in St. Cloud, some are diving into governance and politics. This includes shaking up traditional…