Minnesota Teacher Awarded Grant for Somali Oral History Initiative

“If the Somali language were to vanish, we would lose its vibrant culture and profound oral history," she remarked earnestly. "The initiative, Sing-Again, represents my hope for relishing and rejoicing in the language. The narrative isn't solely about somber displacement or becoming a refugee; that’s not a tale we wish to dwell on constantly." Hassan secured a notable Minnesota Legacy Cultural Heritage Grant amounting to $121,394. She mentioned that a significant portion will fuel the book's publication, while some funds…

Hutch Faces Spanish Court Regarding Allegations of Money Laundering

This evening, in a Spanish courtroom, Gerard Hutch, infamously dubbed 'the Monk,' found himself embroiled in serious legal troubles connected to suspected money laundering activities. At a bustling judicial facility in Lanzarote, the 61-year-old Hutch was one of nine individuals summoned before a judge by Spanish law enforcement officials. Among this group, two individuals have been denied bail and will remain behind bars, while the remaining seven have been granted provisional release under stringent conditions.…

WATCH: Somali Americans Submit Absentee Ballots for the U.S. Election

WATCH: American Somalis Vote Early by Mail in U.S. Election On Africa 54: Somali-based Americans send their absentee votes while keeping a close watch on the presidential race back home. Meanwhile, Mozambique's electoral board announced Daniel Chapo from the ruling party as the victor of their presidential election. Over in Sierra Leone, hip-hop artist Kao Denero sat down with VOA's Jackson Mvunganyi to chat about his tunes. Tune in for these stories and more on today's Africa 54.

Commonwealth Leaders Convene as Africa Readies for Leadership Role

This week, leaders from the Commonwealth, a global organization primarily comprised of former British colonies, have convened in the picturesque Pacific island nation of Samoa. After two decades of waiting, it’s Africa’s turn to fill the Secretary-General role. However, the agenda is igniting debate, particularly regarding the contentious topic of reparations. In the spotlight are three contenders fiercely competing for the esteemed position: Ghana's Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey; the erstwhile trade and…

Turkey and Somalia Ink Onshore Exploration Agreement, Deepening Their Energy Collaboration

CREDIT / SONNA Mogadishu Celebrates Turkish Partnership In a show of camaraderie, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, alongside military brass, greets an honor guard in Mogadishu. This ceremony shines a spotlight on Turkey's steadfast partnership with Somalia, particularly with recent strides in defense and energy collaboration. Agreement Spurs Energy Exploration Mogadishu (AX) - In a leap towards bolstering economic partnership, Turkey and Somalia ink a landmark agreement targeting onshore oil and gas pursuits,…

Liberian President Boakai Revokes Diplomatic Appointments

The government of Liberia has unveiled plans to revoke multiple diplomatic appointments at its overseas missions. Minister of Information Jerolinmek Piah revealed that President Joseph Boakai made this decision to "synchronize the roles with the governance demands and diplomatic strategy of the nation." This move is seen as a strategic alignment with the prevailing needs of the country, steering clear of prior engagements that no longer resonate with Liberia's evolving foreign policy. Piah emphasized that the process of…

Somali President Advocates for Increased German Assistance in Vocational Education

Mogadishu (AX) — Underneath the bright Mogadishu skies, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warmly welcomed German Ambassador Sebastian Groth to the Presidential Palace on a Thursday that promised progress as they delved into dialogues on enhancing their bilateral ties.President Mohamud ardently called for amplifying Germany’s backing for Somalia’s quest to rebuild and progress, with a clear spotlight on revitalizing vocational training schemes. The President passionately expressed how these moves are crucial for fostering…

Somalia’s President Seeks International Mediation as Jubaland Leader Heads to Kenya for Talks

Somalia's Leadership Looks Beyond Borders for Resolution Kenya Hosts Jubaland Leader Amid Political Crosswinds NAIROBI, Oct 27 (Axadle) – On a brisk Friday morning, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Mohamed Islam—more affectionately dubbed Ahmed Madobe—touched down in Nairobi. He was whisked away courtesy of a plane dispatched by good neighbor Kenya, Axadle confirmed through trusted grapevine. Madobe's agenda was an exclusive,…

Somali Journalist Released After Abduction, Under Gag Order from NISA

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) - In a tense situation brimming with suspense and fear, Somali journalist Abduqadir Mohamed Nur, famously called Jakarta, found himself yanked from his home in Mogadishu's Boondheere district. On the early morning of October 18, agents from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) executed a forceful abduction. Following this ordeal, Jakarta was let go but with a gag order knotting his right to talk with the media. It's like a scene ripped from a mystery novel, as Jakarta, engaged…

Three Reporters Lose Lives in Israeli Airstrike in Southern Lebanon

Vehicles marked with 'Press' insignia were stationed outside the location devastated by the airstrike. Photo: Mohammad Zaatari/AP In the early hours of Friday, a tragic event unfolded as an Israeli airstrike targeted a press station in Hasbaya, southern Lebanon, resulting in the loss of life among three journalists from Hezbollah-linked TV channels Al Mayadeen and Al-Manar. Additionally, several others sustained injuries. The assault impacted a series of modest cabins where 18 journalists from diverse media organizations —…