Somalia

Jess Hallett remarked pointedly, "If you've been there and feel no empathy, there’s likely a deeper issue at play." Once a vocal opponent of UK immigration, a transformative journey from Somalia to the UK altered Jess Hallett's views. This journey recalibrated her perspective profoundly. Originating from Llanelli, Jess was among six assertive Brits chosen for Channel 4's compelling series, Go Back To Where You Came From. Traversing the perilous people smuggling routes, she experienced the dread of precarious boat…

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The bustling city of Addis Ababa recently played host to a momentous encounter. Under the grand arches of the African Union Summit, which welcomed its 38th iteration, two pivotal figures of the Horn of Africa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, found themselves engrossed in earnest conversation. It wasn't mere politeness driving their dialogue, but the pressing tapestry of shared challenges and mutual hopes. Can a single meeting alter the course…

Mogadishu (AX) – It's a sunny Saturday, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has a reason to beam with pride. This afternoon, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who recently achieved the notable milestone of being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. An occasion worth celebrating, no doubt. Imagine, for a moment, the intricate dance of diplomacy that played out at the bustling AU summit in Addis Ababa. Underneath the grandeur of the…

Mogadishu (AX) – Lives shattered and futures stolen; the tranquility of Galo, a quiet expanse merely 40 kilometers from Dhusamareb, was brutally disrupted on Saturday night. Where once herders tended to livestock beneath the expansive skies, the air was stained with fear and tragedy. The quiet rustle of grasses gave way to the stark reality of conflict, as two young men lost their lives, and another was left clinging to life, all targeted by armed militias whose origins lie rooted in the entangled web of clan disputes.…

The face of American immigration policy has been transformed with proposals that have set off a chain reaction of debates and consternation. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has stepped into the spotlight, touting the infamous Guantánamo Bay as a fitting detention location. "It's a perfect place," Hegseth stated, fortifying his support with assurances of practicality. Yet, the dispatch of additional U.S. troops to the site has signaled a disquieting preparation for what many anticipate as an unprecedented influx. "Sending…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture the halls of power veiled in silence, a silence heavy with the weight of political trepidation. Somali lawmaker Abdirashid Hidig offers a stark warning: if the House of the People stays shuttered, legislators might resort to holding their own sessions, parallel and unauthorized. A drastic measure, indeed, but Hidig has pointed fingers at certain political leaders, accusing them of intentionally crippling parliamentary operations. This dialogue invites us to ponder: in a land rife with challenges,…

In a notable stride against extremist encroachment in digital realms, Telegram has put a definitive end to Iclaam, a notorious channel infamous for broadcasting the sinister narratives of the Islamic State (ISIS). This move resonates profoundly in the ongoing endeavor to squelch the potent sway extremists wield via social media channels. Have you ever wondered how platforms designed for connection can also be harnessed as tools of division? If there’s one thing that stands out in this digital age, it’s the role of…

Somalia's Parliamentary Turmoil: A Waiting Game MOGADISHU, Somalia — The echoes of a legislative chamber devoid of the usual fervor speak volumes. For more than two weeks, Somalia's parliament, a beacon of the nation’s democratic aspirations, has stood silent. Why, you ask? The anticipated resumption of sessions has come and gone, yet the doors remain firmly shut. The chambers of government, normally bustling with debate, have been on hiatus since December. Lawmakers, decked out in suits and…

Djibouti’s long-serving Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was elected Saturday as head of the African Union Commission, securing the backing of regional leaders in Addis Ababa. Youssouf vowed to prioritise peace and security as Africa faces conflicts and major aid cuts.

Catalyzing Change: The African Vaccine Manufacturing Revolution Is it not remarkable how one initiative can set off a cascade of transformation? Such is the story of the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA), launched in the bustling month of June 2024. In less than a year, it has already drawn the contours of potential, marking profound shifts in Africa's vaccine manufacturing landscape. This February, under Cairo’s sunlit skies, two groundbreaking alliances have…