Somalia

SANAA, Yemen — "On Tuesday, Iran's Houthi allies unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones aiming at U.S. navy ships sailing in the Red Sea close to Yemen," stated a Pentagon representative. In a brazen display of force, eight drones, five ballistic missiles, and three cruise missiles homed in on the USS Stockdale and USS Spruance as they journeyed through Bab al-Mandeb strait. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) personnel managed to fend off the onslaught successfully. No damage occurred, and all…

Polling places in North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared republic, swung open wide for a crucial presidential election. This slice of the Horn of Africa is making headlines as residents cast their votes to decide who will steer the ship for the next half-decade. The incumbent boss, President Muse Bihi Abdi from the Kulmiye party, hopes to stick around. However, he's got some serious competition breathing down his neck. There's Abdirahman Irro, frontman for the main opposition crew, Waddani, and not to be outdone,…

North Western State of Somalia Votes: A Crucial Turning Point in Leadership Selection Hargeisa (Axadle) – In a much-talked-about election, citizens of North Western State of Somalia are making their way to the polls today, eager to choose their leader for the next half-decade. The presidential showdown features a trio of heavy hitters: current President Muse Bihi from the Kulmiye Party, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” representing the Waddani Party, and Faisal Ali Warabe of the UCID Party. In tandem with the…

Hargeisa (AX) — A staggering one million-plus voters in the self-proclaimed Republic of North Western State of Somalia turned out early on a Wednesday morning to participate in presidential and parliamentary elections, catching the eye of both local and international onlookers.The current head honcho, President Muse Bihi Abdi of the ruling Kulmiye party, faces competition from Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of the Waddani party and Faisal Ali Warabe from UCID. Bihi, who has been captaining the ship since 2017, recently…

Trump Taps Elon Musk to Spearhead New Efficiency Initiative in Government Washington (AX) – In a surprising move, President-elect Donald Trump unveiled a fresh Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) and tapped entrepreneur Elon Musk, along with conservative leader Vivek Ramaswamy, to spearhead the organization's mission to trim down federal expenses and slash bureaucratic red tape. Aiming to usher in a wave of meaningful transformation across federal bodies, Trump remarked, "This new department is a powerful vehicle…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a shocking incident in Guriel, a town in the Galgaduud region of Somalia, two Ethiopian nationals lost their lives on Monday. It all started with a clash reportedly involving an individual clad in the uniform of the Somali federal forces, which has triggered a wave of fear and prompted many Ethiopian workers to flee the area. Eyewitnesses recounted that one of the Ethiopian men was shot dead on the spot, while the other, severely wounded, succumbed later in the day. This violent episode has stirred…

Facebook Crackdown in Somalia Draws Heat Amid Political Friction MOGADISHU, Somalia — In an eyebrow-raising move, Somalia's political air gets thicker as Facebook suspends accounts of local political mavens and vocal scribes who've been blowing raspberries at the Federal Government. This social media surge coincides with simmering political strains in the country. Word on the street, delivered by Axadle, points to a curious exemption: supporters of the Federal Government, including those yapping for Villa Somalia, didn't…

Hargeisa (AX) — A Critical Vote in the Horn of Africa In the rugged landscape of the Horn of Africa, North Western State of Somalia, a self-styled republic, stands at a crucial point in history. The region is preparing for a momentous event: the dual election scheduled for this Wednesday. Citizens will engage in selecting their leader and defining the political parties that will guide the region's governance over the next decade. Combining a presidential race with a political party ballot, this election is pivotal for North…

BURCO, North Western State of Somalia (AXADLE) - As twilight descended on Burco, a sense of anticipation swelled through the streets. Fadumo Ali, an iconic figure among Burco's women, boldly proclaimed, "Muse Bihi, your time here is up. Tomorrow brings change!" Her fervor was matched only by the enthusiasm of young voters, some already lining up past midnight on Tuesday, eagerly awaiting the dawn of Wednesday’s polls. Journalists, both seasoned and budding, buzzed around these early risers, capturing the palpable energy and…

In the sun-whipped regions of Somalia, where the ground rarely sees rain, date palm trees have become indispensable allies for rural folks. They’re not just green life in the dry, they’re a lifeline, putting food on tables and coins in pockets. It’s been nearly ten years since the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) rolled out its initiative to boost these trusty trees here, and guess what? They’re still standing strong against climate’s curveballs, offering a smidgen of stability where it's needed most. CREDIT/…