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Puntland State’s “victory” over ISIS-Somalia is tentative — and raises hard questions about what comes next BOSASO, Somalia — After nearly a year of focused operations in the Cal‑Miskaat highlands and the rugged valleys of Bari, Puntland State’s regional president declared this week that Islamic State–Somalia had been broken as a fighting force. Said Abdullahi Deni told members of the regional parliament that the campaign, launched in December 2024 with support from the United States and regional partners, had “destroyed…

Mozambique’s memory of election violence tests trust in courts and rights to protest When former presidential contender Venancio Mondlane publicly disavowed calls for street demonstrations this week, he was trying to steer what has become an anxious ritual in Mozambique away from confrontation and toward commemoration. “I did not call for demonstrations,” he told supporters; “I called for a day of reflection” to honour those killed in the unrest that followed last year’s disputed election — among them his lawyer, slain…

Violence erupts as social-media-fuelled gold rush swamps northwestern Zambia Hundreds of police clashed with thousands of informal miners this week in northwestern Zambia after viral posts claimed gold lay just beneath the surface across a wide rural swathe. The sudden influx — tens of thousands of people by local estimates — overwhelmed local authorities, sparked allegations of bribery and violence, and prompted a delegation of senior ministers to the scene in a bid to restore order. Officials said security forces had…

Somalia airstrike controversy tests U.S. credibility — and a community’s trust On a baked stretch of road outside Ceel Buh, in Somalia’s Sanaag region, a car carrying a well-known clan elder was torn apart by an airstrike on a September afternoon. The U.S. military later said it had targeted an al-Shabab arms dealer in northern Somalia. Local authorities have a starkly different account: the man killed was a peacemaker, a bridge-builder, and their friend. In a place where the title “Caaqil” carries the weight of lineage…

NoViolet Bulawayo honoured with “Best of Caine” as prize marks 25 years of spotlighting African voices NoViolet Bulawayo has been named the recipient of the Caine Prize’s special Best of Caine award, an honorary prize created to mark the 25th anniversary of the prize that has long served as a launchpad for African short fiction. The recognition revives attention on the short story that first brought her wide notice — the six-children caper that captivated judges with its language and daring narrative — and, more broadly, on…

Estonia says Russian jets briefly crossed its airspace, raising NATO fears of spillover Estonia accused three Russian MiG‑31 fighters of violating its airspace near the tiny island of Vaindloo on Thursday, an incursion that lasted roughly 12 minutes and deepened Western worries that Moscow’s war in Ukraine could accidentally — or deliberately — spill beyond the battlefield. Moscow denied the claim, saying the aircraft remained over neutral waters. Quick scramble, sharp words Italian F‑35s operating under NATO’s Baltic Air…

The Tragedy on the Waters: Nigeria’s Ongoing Struggle with Boat Safety The serene waters of Nigeria’s rivers tell stories of life, commerce, and community. Yet, they also harbor shadows of tragedy, as demonstrated by the recent sinking of a passenger boat in Niger State. This harrowing incident, which occurred while carrying an estimated 90 people, has left the nation grappling with yet another stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who traverse its waterways. On an overcast morning, as the boat set sail from Tungan…

Somalia's Jubaland State Raises Alarm: A Call for Unity in Troubling Times KISMAYO, Somalia — In a bold and critical statement that echoes through the tumultuous landscape of Somalia's politics, the Jubaland state has voiced increasing concern regarding what it describes as the federal government's abandonment of pivotal national priorities, namely the fight against al-Shabaab militants and the promotion of national unity. As Somalia grapples with the weight of insecurity, economic struggles, and deepening political…

Analysis: Aid Spat Between Northeastern State and Mogadishu Exposes Fragile Federal Ties In Somalia’s rugged northeast, where the wind-carved ridges of the Cal Miskaad range fall to the sea, a familiar political quarrel is spilling into the humanitarian lane. Northeastern State officials and Somalia’s national disaster agency are trading accusations over who blocked lifesaving support to freshly secured areas — and why. It’s a dispute with real consequences for wounded soldiers, displaced families and the credibility of a…

This morning, a DHL cargo aircraft tragically crashed while attempting to land at Vilnius Airport in Lithuania. The incident resulted in the death of one individual aboard the plane, and some debris from the crash caused damage to a nearby residence. While three other passengers on the flight sustained injuries, thankfully, no one on the ground was hurt during the ordeal. As flames and thick smoke spiraled from the wreckage, firefighting crews rushed in to tackle the blaze. The ill-fated flight, managed by Swiftair for…