Somalia

Back in January 2012, German-American journalist Michael Scott Moore found himself in dire straits when he was kidnapped in Galkayo, Somalia. That's quite a ways, roughly 400 miles, northeast of the capital, Mogadishu, huh? It's a wild world we live in. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Fast forward to today, two Somali fellows—prosecutor lingo for pirates—got slapped with 30-year prison sentences. Who are these dudes, you ask? Well, they played starring roles in the dramatic 2012 abduction of Moore, and he…

"As a voter gaze at a ballot in hand, poised to make a mark, he gets ready to participate in a pivotal moment for North Western State of Somalia," reports Luis Tato from AFP.The presidential election is afoot in Somalia's aspirant state of North Western State of Somalia, attracting a wave of civic energy and political ambition.Anticipating a turnout of over a million, voters will flock to upwards of 2,000 polling stations on this significant Wednesday.Candidates carry hopes of navigating North Western State of Somalia to…

North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared state seeking to carve its own niche in the African political landscape, recently headed to the polls under a cloud of intrigue stemming from a contentious Ethiopia-Somalia port agreement. This developing situation has quickly garnered attention, not just within the region but also on the international stage. The stakes are high, adding a thick layer of tension to what would otherwise be a straightforward exercise in democracy. "Elections are a pivotal moment for any…

Hargeisa (AX) — On a bright Tuesday morning, the buzz in North Western State of Somalia was palpable as voters gathered for an election that has the potential to fundamentally transform their political landscape. Incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi from the leading Kulmiye Party is seeking another term, facing off against Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro of Waddani and Faisal Ali Warabe from UCID. This election isn't just about picking a leader; it's a critical moment that will define which three parties gain official status…

KHARTOUM - The United States Treasury Department recently slapped sanctions on a Sudanese paramilitary leader for allegedly perpetrating egregious human rights violations in West Darfur. Abdel Rahman Juma Barkalla, commander of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is pointed out in a Treasury statement for spearheading activities rooted in ethnic violence, reportedly involving civilian targeting and conflict-related sexual assault. Just days prior, the United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions on Barkalla amid the…

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Following Donald Trump's election, African leaders expressed enthusiasm about forging stronger partnerships with the United States. However, many remain skeptical that his presidency will significantly impact the continent's 1.4 billion-strong population. After Trump clinched victory, Kenya's William Ruto affirmed readiness to enhance relations with Washington, while Nigeria's Bola Tinubu looked forward to "earnest and mutually rewarding" collaborations. Despite these greetings, whispers abound that…

Sure, here's a revised version of your text with varied sentence lengths, conversational tone, and additional background and context where applicable: --- On a bustling Monday, the stage was set for some serious talks. Badr Abdel Aty, Egypt's bigwig in foreign affairs and immigration, had a pow-wow with Ahmed Moalem Feki, Somalia’s Foreign Minister. They were hashing out the progress on agreements from two crucial summits— one bilateral, another bringing Eritrea into the mix— held back in the scenic Asmara on October 10.…

HARGEISA, Somalia - Voters turned out in droves across the self-governing region of North Western State of Somalia, with over a million residents eager to choose their leader, in what could be a nail-biting race due to its competitive nature. The ruling Kulmiye party's candidate, Muse Bihi, alongside his main opponent, Abdirahman Irro, made their way to the polls on Wednesday morning, each radiating hope that they would emerge victorious when the electoral officials announce the final tallies. Bihi, who's been at the helm…

North Western State of Somalia's President, Muse Bihi Abdi, recently touched down in Addis Ababa for a pivotal moment—the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia. This agreement potentially unlocks access to a North Western State of Somalia port for Ethiopia. REUTERS/Tiksa Neger/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights On Wednesday, the voters of North Western State of Somalia were out in full force, participating actively in a presidential election. This political event carries significant weight as the…

Somalia's Jubaland Tightens Security in Kismayo Amid Mogadishu Tensions KISMAYO, Somalia - As Axadle reports, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, is ramping up watchful eyes at Kismayo Airport following rattlesnake-like threats from the federal bigwigs who want to squash the state’s indirect election shindig. Whispers have it that Mogadishu dispatched a gaggle of security personnel toward Kismayo, allegedly prepping the runway for Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to swoop in and steer the electoral ship. Yet, Madobe, as…