WATCH: Somali Community Feels ‘Betrayed’ After Wiretap Involving 5 Black Officers

The sentiment in Ottawa’s Somali community is one of profound betrayal and alarm after learning that five Black officers were secretly monitored by the city’s police force, a situation they've described as deeply unsettling.Gathering at the Somali Centre for Family Services (SCFS) on Thursday, community elders, mothers, the youth, and their allies voiced their outrage towards the Ottawa Police Service (OPS). "We’re utterly appalled and disturbed by these allegations of discriminatory surveillance against Somali

The 79th General Assembly: From Criticisms to Concrete Measures – Opinion Editorial

By: H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Ahmed In the last ten years, the United Nations General Assembly has frequently grappled with critical global issues, from sustainable development to conflicts between states. Traditionally, the Assembly has delivered strong condemnations. Yet, today's urgent challenges call for a leap from mere words to decisive, concrete actions. With the 79th session on the horizon, hopes are pinned on finding tangible solutions to the crises that plague regions and affect millions worldwide. Global…

Djibouti’s President Guelleh Extends New Year Congratulations to Ethiopia

DJIBOUTI, Djibouti (AXADLE) - Extending heartfelt congratulations to Ethiopia, Djibouti's long-time ruler, President Ismail Omar Guelleh, marked the advent of Ethiopia's new year 2017 on September 11, per the Ethiopian calendar. "Big congrats to Ethiopia on ringing in 2017! Wishing y'all prosperity and growth. Here's to deepening our nations' cooperation and solidarity," Guelleh shared on his official X account. "Big congrats to Ethiopia on ringing in 2017! Wishing y'all prosperity and growth. Here's to deepening our…

Sweden to Provide $34,000 Incentives for Refugees, Including Somali Nationals, to Return to Their Home Countries

The financial aid for returning refugees is now at 10,000 kronor per adult, 5,000 kronor per child, and 40,000 kronor per family. This increase hopes to jazz up an underutilized program, which saw just one taker last year, per the Swedish government.Ludvig Aspling from the Sweden Democrats mentioned that the assistance, around since 1984, hasn't hit the radar too much, owing to its low-key presence. "If more folks know about it, and with the extra dough, we expect more to go back," he noted. Aspling is optimistic this might…

Niger Secures Additional Funding Agreements to Boost Food Security and Resilience

NIAMEY, Niger (AXADLE) – Niger's Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have inked supplementary financing pacts to amplify the Family Farming Development Programme across crucial regions like Maradi, Tahoua, Zinder (ProDAF MTZ), and Diffa (ProDAF Diffa). Inking the deal for Niger was Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine. On IFAD's behalf, Bernard Hien, the Regional Director for West and Central Africa, took the pen. This fresh injection of funds is…

Opinion Piece: The Fissures in Somalia’s Political Scene

By Axadle Editorial Board Folks, it's been a heck of a week in Somalia’s political scene. The Southwest State is heating up, and tensions are bubbling right under the surface. Everyone's pointing at Ethiopia, but let’s be real; the actual drama is unfolding much closer to home. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sent a top-tier team to Baidoa—fronted by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and featuring NISA boss Abdullahi Mohamed Ali . Unfortunately, they returned to Mogadishu dragging two hefty political losses that have…

The Gulf States’ Growing Influence in Africa

How are the Gulf states flexing their muscles in Africa? Hassan Hassan, who founded and leads New Lines magazine, and Rana Mamdouh, a commissioning editor for Alpheratz (New Lines' Arabic sister publication), shine a light on this intricate web. Rather than clashing over ideologies, they honed in on gobbling up resources, further fragmenting nations already swimming in turmoil. It's complicated, to say the least.

Kenyan Court Confirms Freeze on Somali Embassy’s Accounts Due to Unsettled Renovation Debt

NAIROBI, Kenya (AXADLE) - The gears are turning for a Kenyan construction firm, as Kingsley Construction Limited pushes forward with plans to auction off the Somali Embassy in Nairobi. The reason behind this dramatic move? An unpaid renovation bill that has been gathering dust since 2016, amounting to KSh 25.6 million (roughly $174,080 USD). Last Thursday, with anticipation palpable in the courtroom, Somalia's plea to unfreeze the embassy's bank accounts at Premier Bank Limited was turned down by a Kenyan judge. High Court…

South Africa Resists Pressure, Commits to Continuing Pursuit

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that Pretoria will steadfastly pursue its genocide case against Israel for alleged atrocities in Gaza. He announced that fresh evidence will be submitted to the World Court next month. This case, lodged by South Africa in December, accuses Israel of violating the 1948 U.N. Genocide Convention through attacks in Gaza. These attacks are claimed to indiscriminately hit schools, refugee shelters, hospitals, soup kitchens, aid workers, and designated safe zones. "We are…

Somali FM Asserts No Ethiopian Intrusion into Somalia Amid Egypt Tensions

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) - In a candid chat with Universal TV, Somalia's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Fiqi, squashed rumors that Ethiopia had trodden on Somalia’s sovereignty. "No Ethiopian incursions on our turf," he stated firmly.Yet, he left the door open, adding, "But if it happens, we'll be ready." This stance challenges the narrative spun by Somalia’s Ambassador to the United Nations, who had warned the UN Security Council multiple times about Ethiopia’s alleged sovereignty breaches. President Hassan Sheikh