advance

JAMAME, Somalia — Jubaland regional forces, backed by the Somali National Army’s Danab commandos, have advanced on Jamaame in Lower Jubba, tightening pressure on al-Shabaab and opening corridors for civilians after days of coordinated operations outside Kismayo, according to security officials. Officials and security sources said troops have pushed through a string of settlements surrounding the town — including Araare, Muusa Xaaji, Koban and Bangeeni — establishing safe routes for aid and deploying police and…

Airstrikes Reported on Al-Shabaab-Held Jamame as Somali Forces Advance KISMAYO, Somalia — Multiple airstrikes struck the Al-Shabaab-held town of Jamame in Lower Jubba on Friday, local sources and witnesses said, coming during a coordinated operation that included ground actions by the Somali National Army (SNA) and allied regional forces. What happened Residents and local media reported a series of precision strikes on positions in Jamame. Some accounts identified the strikes as being carried out with support from the US…

Somalia to Honor Soldier Who Blocked Al‑Shabaab Advance on Villa Somalia After Jilicow Prison Assault What happened Somalia’s federal government says it will formally honor a soldier credited with stopping Al‑Shabaab militants from advancing toward the presidential palace during a brazen raid on the Jilicow detention center in Mogadishu on Saturday. The attack, claimed by the al‑Qaida‑linked group, triggered hours of gunfire as security forces fought to regain control of the fortified National Intelligence and Security…

Chad's Constitutional Shift: A Step Toward Authoritarianism? In a move many are interpreting as a step away from democracy, lawmakers in Chad have swiftly approved a proposal enabling the president to serve indefinitely. The recent vote, which alters the country's constitution, extends the presidential term from five to seven years, with the possibility of unlimited renewals. Critics view this as a serious threat, echoing fears of increasing authoritarianism in a region already grappling with governance challenges. A…

In Mogadishu, work is bustling on the blueprint and bankroll strategies for the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, set to replace ATMIS a mere three months down the line. The word on the street, according to an ATMIS announcement, is that talks sparked on September 24 when a combined crew from the AU/UN touched down in Mogadishu. With a hand from the Somali Federal Government, troop donors, and international pals, they're hustling to whip up a thorough report on the…

The High Court of Botswana has officially ruled that four out of five presidential hopefuls possess the necessary backing to vie for the nation's highest office, as stipulated by law. Among these contenders is Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is eyeing a second term in the presidency. Joining Masisi in this political contest are Duma Boko, the head of the opposition coalition known as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC); Dumelang Saleshando, representing the Botswana Congress Party (BCP); and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana…

Aida Diarra, the bigwig behind Visa’s Sub-Saharan Africa division, couldn’t contain her excitement about the business tie-up. “Teaming up with UNDP Somalia lights us up as we aim to bring the digital age and financial services to every nook and cranny of the region. With our smarts in digital payments, we want to give Somali small business folks and underserved communities a real shot at economic strength and sustainable living," Diarra shared with palpable enthusiasm. Lionel Laurens, the go-to persona at UNDP Somalia, shed…

Ethiopian Forces Intensify Presence Near Somalia Border Amid Rising Strain MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recent reports reveal that Ethiopia has shifted additional troops to its frontier with Somalia, a development that many fear could exacerbate the already fragile situation in the Horn of Africa, a region grappling with significant instability and international concern. For nearly eight months, the Ethiopian and Somali governments have been at an impasse. Somalia accuses Ethiopia of violating its territorial integrity and…

Ten years ago, the national electricity company SNEL experimented with an advance payment system for network subscribers. This system was intended to solve the problems of consumer fraud and to replenish the corporate coffers. Is the experiment crucial? From our correspondent in Lubumbashi, In the Katuba municipality of Lubumbashi, the subscribers of the national electricity company SNEL have been consuming electrical energy in advance for one year. Before this period, invoicing was monthly and fixed, ie. almost $ 20.…

This Sunday, April 11, Chad will vote in the presidential election. Seven candidates are running, including President Idriss Déby, who has been in power for 30 years and is seeking a sixth term. Some polling stations have already opened this Saturday for soldiers and nomads who vote in advance. With our special correspondent…