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An Emerging Hope for Governance: The National ID System in Somalia Imagine a world where accessing government services is as smooth as a gentle breeze, where identity verification is but a scan away. In Somalia, this vision is rapidly becoming a reality under the determined guidance of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. "A platform for development—politically, economically, and in terms of governance," Barre calls it, recognizing the national ID system as the cornerstone for modernizing governance, bolstering…

The Pentagon's inspector general's office is set to launch an investigation into the use of the commercial messaging app Signal by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for discussions related to air strikes in Yemen. This inquiry stems from a memo highlighting concerns regarding compliance with established policies regarding communication channels. Recently, the Trump administration has found itself enmeshed in controversy following the accidental leak of a group chat featuring senior security officials discussing air strikes…

In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has announced the dissolution of the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). This sweeping change includes the removal of Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari and board chairperson Pius Akinyelure, signaling a significant shift in Nigeria's approach to its vital petroleum sector. According to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s actions affect all board members appointed alongside Akinyelure and Kyari back in November 2023. This board overhaul can be…

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a crucial safety recommendation aimed at reducing the risk of mid-air collisions involving helicopters near Washington Reagan National Airport. This move comes in the wake of a tragic incident in January that resulted in the loss of 67 lives. In a letter addressed to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the NTSB articulated its concerns, stating there is a "risk of mid-air collisions between helicopters," as reported by Reuters. To mitigate this risk, the…

Unveiling Nigeria’s Battle Against Corruption The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has unveiled an impressive feat in its ongoing quest to eradicate corruption. Imagine this: $500 million in diverted funds was successfully retrieved last year. As we delve deeper, one might wonder, what does such a substantial recovery mean for a nation with formidable challenges? "Corruption is Africa’s greatest problem. Not poverty. Not HIV. But…

Certainly, the global stage seems to be witnessing yet another chess move, as Russia anchors its media ship on African shores. Specifically, Ethiopia sets the stage for this audacious debut, marking a significant tectonic shift in media landscapes across the continent. But what does this mean? Does Russia’s sudden media presence spell a new era for Ethiopia and Africa at large, or is it a strategic ploy woven into geopolitical ambitions? Introducing a new media center, strategically stationed in Ethiopia,…

Mogadishu (AX) — It started as a regular Monday in Burao, with Mahmoud Mohamed Yusuf performing his daily rounds for the Burao Water Agency. Equipped with meticulous records and a resolve to ensure accurate billing assessments for household water consumption, Yusuf had no inkling that this routine task would be his last. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was shot and killed, a chilling incident that has left the community in shock and disbelief. Yusuf was simply doing his job, armed with nothing more than data…

In a significant and somewhat unprecedented move, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that its staff, both domestically and internationally, will be placed on administrative leave. This decision comes while the agency prepares to recall employees stationed overseas, a shift that many are interpreting as a response to mounting pressures and an evolving political landscape. In a statement uploaded to its resurrected website—which had mysteriously gone offline for a brief period over…

In the heart of bustling Mogadishu, cobbled together in a meeting room buzzing with ideas and caffeine chatter, a significant decision was stitched into the fabric of Somalia’s forward-looking initiatives. The weekly conclave of the Somali Council of Ministers—a gathering often flavored with a dash of formality and purpose—saw the spotlight fall squarely on the National Disability Agency Board. This esteemed body, tasked with championing the rights and inclusivity of the nation’s diverse community of individuals with…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a stern message that's as clear as a bell, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has sounded the clarion call, warning businesses, brokers, and drivers not to dance to the tune of extortion payments to Al-Shabaab. Think they're bluffing? Think again. NISA is ready to crack the whip of legal repercussions on those bankrolling this notorious militant outfit. The agency, with a vigilance sharp enough to cut diamonds, made this…