West Africa

Mohamed Firin (top), Faisal Hassan (bottom left), and Sarah Jama (bottom right) – key Somali-Canadian candidates in the 2025 Ontario provincial election, reflecting both gains and setbacks in their respective races. The Dynamic Landscape of Somali-Canadian Influences in Ontario Politics The 2025 Ontario provincial election wasn't just another political event—it was a revealing portrait of the evolving identity and influence of the Somali-Canadian community within the province's political fabric. As tensions…

Security Council's Bold Steps in Somalia's Security Landscape Mogadishu (AX) — On a reflective Friday, the United Nations Security Council gathered with a unified resolve that echoed their commitment to peace and stability in Somalia. The Council has not only renewed but also bolstered its maritime interdiction strategies, aiming to dismantle the networks facilitating the smuggling of weapons, which have long empowered Al-Shabaab in maintaining its grip through illegal trade.…

In the stirring landscapes of Somalia's Bari region, a fierce and deadly encounter unfolded on a quintessential Sunday. Northeastern State security forces found themselves in a heated gunfight with ISIS militants, a conflict that culminated in the demise of multiple insurgents. Among the fallen were two foreign fighters, as confirmed by military officials. The drama began to unravel in the remote village of Xabley, situated in the Ufayn district. Picture this: the tranquility of a seemingly unassuming village…

For over a decade, the narrative of Somalia has been marked by the shadows of an insurgency led by Al-Shabaab. This group, notorious for its relentless grip, has proven to be a challenging adversary to the Somali government, despite the latter's determined efforts to reclaim peace. Imagine the persistent dread of a storm that, though it calms momentarily, resurfaces with unexpected fury. This analogy captures the dynamic between Al-Shabaab and the forces combating them. The latest military endeavors…

In a poignant gathering at Mogadishu, officials from the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and the Somali government assembled for a handover ceremony that transpired as a beacon of hope amid a sea of challenges. With life-saving equipment being transferred to Somali security forces, the event underscored a critical leap towards fortifying the nation's counter-IED operations. The atmosphere was one of solemn determination and cautious optimism, reflecting the daunting yet surmountable challenges ahead.…

The ONLF and Ethiopia: Unfulfilled Promises and Waning Trust Mogadishu (AX) — In a highly charged statement, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has made waves by accusing the Ethiopian government of reneging on the promises of the 2018 peace agreement. This has brought a potent mix of disappointment and frustration to a head. They allege that under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, there has been systematic suppression of Somali political participation. Could this friction spell the end of a fragile…

In a noteworthy turn of events, the current administration has rolled back a system inaugurated during the Biden era. This regime required high-level authorization for specific drone strikes and commando raids, marking a significant shift by embracing a more relaxed framework. It’s intriguing to consider how such policy shifts ripple through military operations and international relations. Let's take a step back to 2004, at the Balad Air Base in Iraq, where the emergence of armed drone technology began to reshape the…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. TORONTO, Canada (AX) — In a city bustling with diversity and stories, Toronto is poised to turn a page that many in its vibrant Somali community have long awaited. The federal government's recent pledge of $20 million to bring the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation (SCCR) to life in the Rexdale neighborhood represents not just financial support but a recognition of decades of advocacy by Black and Muslim communities within Canada's most populous city. This…

Diplomatic Developments: An Intricate Dance Between Ethiopia and Somalia As the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa continues to evolve, two nations find themselves entangled in a delicate diplomatic dance. This complex interplay involves Somalia and Ethiopia, two countries with rich histories and interwoven futures. Yet, amid this intricate ballet, silence prevails. Unfortunately, direct comments are missing. Billene Seyoum, the pragmatic press secretary for Ethiopia's Office of the Prime…

Somalia's election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) offers unparalleled insights into peacebuilding and global challenges There's an air of transformation hanging over Somalia, a land once drowning in the murk of conflict and now finding its place on the global stage. Elected to serve as a non-permanent member on the UNSC as of January 1, 2025, Somalia takes its seat among nations like Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama. This isn't just a diplomatic rite of passage; it's a chance for Somalia to…