Somalia

Nigeria's Plateau State Under Siege: A Heedless Cycle of Violence Amidst the fertile tapestry of Nigeria's Plateau State, an unsettling narrative unfolds—one of perennial conflict and anguish. In the quietude of six villages located in the heart of Bokkos district, a tempest erupted, leaving in its wake a grim tally of 52 lost lives and nearly 2,000 people driven from their homes. A tragic echo resounds through the community as they grapple with this latest spate of violence, reminiscent of the December 2023 ordeal, where…

At the heart of Majengo, a bustling informal settlement in Nanyuki, Kenya, sits Rose Wanyua Wanjiku. On this particular Thursday, November 4, 2021, she clutches photographs of her beloved younger sister, Agnes Wanjiru. Agnes, just 20 years old at the time, disappeared under circumstances that remain as troubling today as they were then. Flashback to 2012, a fraught year for Agnes’s family. She was seen alive for the last time in the company of British soldiers visiting Kenya for training operations. A young mother then,…

Chiefs Set for Homecoming As Negotiations Yield Release "They will be arriving home any time soon," announced Murkomen to the gathered members of the press. A wave of relief swept through the statement hall as this development came after intense collaboration between national authorities, the Mandera county administration, and respected local community elders. Queries surrounding the identity of the captors remain unanswered, as Murkomen declined to specify if al-Shabaab, the notorious Somalia-based militant…

In an increasingly interconnected world, the call for unity resonates with even greater urgency. This sentiment was echoed profoundly when President Museveni met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They issued a compelling plea to the international community, rallying support for the Somali Security Development Plan. Why does this appeal hold significant weight? Let’s dive into the dialogue and unravel the nuances. Imagine a future where Somalia stands resilient, safeguarded by its own dedicated security forces.…

Somalia Embarks on Historic National Identification Journey "For more than 34 years, Somali citizens have lived without formal identification. This initiative will change that and contribute significantly to stabilizing and securing the country." These words from Prime Minister Barre echo not merely as a declaration but almost as a promise of transformation for a nation longing for stability and progress. Imagine living without any formal document that verifies who you are. For over three decades, this has been…

Al-Shabaab's Growing Influence and Somalia’s Path Forward MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) — Recent developments in Somalia paint a precarious picture. The notorious Al-Shabaab militants have made distressing advancements, claiming control over the critical Afgoye-Mogadishu and Mogadishu-Balcad corridors. In doing so, they have clasped a tighter hold around the capital’s outskirts, a place many call home, while embedding an omnipresent sense of unease among the residents. The insurgency has not confined its…

Imagine stepping into a room in Minneapolis, where the air is thick with anticipation and cultural melodies. A group of Somali musicians, bonded by shared heritage, encircles a trove of instruments. Among them is Ahmed Ismail Yusuf, their passionate leader. They play tunes steeped in emotions as deep as the Indian Ocean, a rhythm echoing the nostalgic cafes of Mogadishu. This is "Somali blues," a sound as soulful as it is historic. "The lyrics are just showing you what it means," Ahmed muses, his voice a tapestry…

Al-Shabaab Releases Kenyan Chiefs Abducted in Mandera NAIROBI, Kenya - In a dramatic and much-awaited resolution, the Al-Shabaab militants have, at last, freed five Kenyan chiefs who were forcefully taken in February. This resolution comes after an unnerving pursuit, one that gripped the entire country's security apparatus due to the unsettling events surrounding their capture. These five local leaders, more commonly known as chiefs, were abducted on their way to meet President William Ruto at a planned…

Support Builds for Somalia's Unified Strategy Mogadishu (AX) — A significant coalition of international allies has stepped forward to endorse Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's recent initiative for a comprehensive political dialogue. This comes at a crucial time as the nation seeks to unify its efforts against the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab and to bolster the federal governance structure. Isn't it intriguing how global interests converge, even from diverse corners of our planet? On Monday, a joint…

Mogadishu (AX) — Imagine a door as more than just wood and nails; imagine it as a fragile barrier between life and death. The film "Aano Qabiil," or "Clan Revenge," opens with a haunting scene: a man stands at this threshold, desperate, imploring for mercy—and yet, on the other side, waits a fate he might not survive. It's fiction. A story brought to life by Somali filmmakers about the tragic cycle of vendettas that plague their homeland. Yet, like so many dark tales inspired by reality, the lines between art and life…