“This gig has really turned my life around. The change from then to now is palpable. I can finally support my family, especially my mom and dad. I used to crash with a Somali family, but now I’ve got my own digs, and I’m sending cash to my wife. I can handle my own needs now,” Elmi said with a beam of pride. Sitting down for a chat with Radio Ergo, Elmi, a 26-year-old, shared how his $600 monthly salary enables him to rent a place for $80. He sends $200 to his family back in Hiran so they don’t have to fret over food, rent,…

In a sweeping view, the Mogadishu Sea Port stands with an Egyptian warship having recently docked, unloading a significant cache of weapons. This event took place in Mogadishu, Somalia, on September 23, 2024. © REUTERS/Feisal Omar. For licensing, visit Purchase Licensing Rights. On Tuesday, Somalia angrily pointed fingers at Ethiopia, accusing it of secretly smuggling arms. The backdrop of this accusation involves fears that these weapons might fall into the hands of Islamist militants amid the turmoil in the Horn of…

Even after the United States bolstered its sanctions against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and several officials earlier this year, the new American envoy to Zimbabwe has emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to nurturing the country’s democratic frameworks. During a discussion with Parliament Speaker Jacob Mudenda, Ambassador Pamela Tremont illuminated the necessity for enhancing the country's institutions. Back in March, a communiqué from the U.S. Embassy articulated that the adjusted sanctions imposed on Zimbabwean…

With the presidential election in Tunisia approaching in October, there’s a palpable tightening of the reins on dissent, particularly within the media, warns Bassam Khawaja, Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch. He pointed out that at least five journalists find themselves incarcerated, simply for expressing their viewpoints. “This crackdown is systematically erasing criticism and stifling diverse opinions across Tunisia’s media landscape,” Khawaja noted. He elaborated that meaningful…

Amid growing military camaraderie with Mogadishu, Cairo has issued a travel alert citing security fears.Egypt has cautioned its citizens against traveling to North Western State of Somalia, the self-declared but internationally unrecognized region of Somalia, due to mounting safety concerns. The tension in the Horn of Africa continues to escalate.Cairo has been backing Somalia politically and militarily amid its clash with North Western State of Somalia, which proclaimed independence in 1991 but hasn't been recognized…

Borno State is grappling with one of the most devastating floods it has seen in three decades, wreaking havoc on agricultural lands, essential infrastructure, and countless residences. According to government reports, around 30 individuals tragically lost their lives due to this calamity; however, local inhabitants contend that this figure likely underreports the actual toll, suggesting that more fatalities exist that haven’t been officially acknowledged. The impact of this deluge has been catastrophic, displacing over…

Tensions have significantly intensified between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly following Ethiopia's formal engagement earlier this year with the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland—an entity that Somalia adamantly contests. The deal grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland's ports in exchange for a nod of political recognition from this landlocked regional power. In response to this maneuver, Somalia expressed vehement opposition, labeling Ethiopia's actions as an unwelcome intrusion into its internal matters.…

In addition to the weapons charge, Aden faced allegations of being in Kenya illegally, without a proper visa or pass, which violated the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011. He was released on a bond of KSh50,000 (USD 387.39) or had the option of a cash bail set at KSh30,000 (USD 232.43). The judge set his case to be mentioned on October 23, with the full hearing scheduled for April 24, 2025. Police reports linked Aden and his crew to several robbery and stabbing incidents in Eastleigh. Three of his partners in…

Somali Security Forces and African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officers banded together for a five-day course designed to up their game in coordinating joint efforts against Al-Shabaab. The training zeroed in on bettering communication, strategic planning, and info-swapping at the Joint Operations Centres (JOCs), which are key to smashing mission goals. CREDIT/ ATMISMogadishu (AX) — Twenty-six officers from Somali Security Forces (SSF) and ATMIS wrapped up a five-day training last week, polishing their skills to…

Tanzanian cops nab a bunch of top opposition brass to scuttle an anti-government demo. Meanwhile in Guinea Conakry, authorities have re-captured a central figure linked to the brutal stadium massacre of 2009. Senegal is realigning its political landscape as it gears up for legislative elections set for November 17. Across in South Sudan, some lawyers are contesting the legality of the transitional government extending its term by two years. In Mauritania, demonstrators are urging the UN to enforce human rights…