Community

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant show of support for the ongoing military efforts against al-Shabab, Dr. Hassan Mohamed Hussein, known as Muungaab, the Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, has recently delivered an essential shipment of medical supplies to the brave Community Defense Forces. These valorous men and women stand shoulder to shoulder with the Somali National Army, engaged in critical operations in the Hiiraan region. During a heartfelt handover ceremony in Mogadishu on Tuesday, Mayor Muungaab…

On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump reintroduced a significant element of his first-term agenda, announcing a travel ban that will affect citizens from 12 countries while imposing restrictions on another seven. This move, which takes effect on Monday at 12:01 a.m., appears to be a strategic attempt to sidestep the chaos that erupted at airports during a similar ban in 2017, which caught travelers off guard. As Trump hinted at the possibility of a new ban following his inauguration in January, it seems he now has…

Community Concerns Over New Travel Ban: A Somali Perspective Twin Cities, MN (AX) – The Somali community in Minnesota is grappling with a wave of emotions following the announcement of a renewed travel ban by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This latest directive targets citizens from 12 countries, including Somalia, and is set to restrict their entry into the United States starting next month. The list of affected nations is unsettlingly familiar to many: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea,…

Empowering Communities through Sustainable Development The "Power to Change" (PTC) initiative stands as a beacon of Corporate & Social Responsibility (CSR) at Azura Power West Africa Limited. This program is founded on the principle of addressing the essential needs of the local community. But what does it truly mean to empower a community? It’s not just about providing resources; it’s about fostering a genuine connection and creating a sustainable impact. Recently, the Governor of Edo State, Senator…

For over two decades, advocates have been waging a determined battle against misinformation, particularly within the Somali community where this misinformation has contributed to a troubling uptick in measles cases. Amid this persistent struggle, one question lingers: can more research help bridge the gap between myth and reality? Leading the charge is Mahdi Warsama, the Chief Executive Officer of the Somali Parents Autism Network (SPAN). In a recent interview, he reflects on their mission—not just to provide support for…

The Call for Continued Support in Somalia’s Fight Against Terrorism Mogadishu (AX) — The plight of Somalia has reached a point where the international community's attention is paramount. Recently, a United Nations expert vociferously urged global partners not to turn their backs on Somalia, as the nation grapples with persistent and intricate challenges in its battle against terrorism. During a detailed visit that concluded on Wednesday, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, Ben Saul, took a…

In Ghana, the contentious anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, formally known as the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, has resurfaced with renewed vigor. Originally passed by Parliament in February 2024, the bill has yet to be enacted, but its implications loom large. It stipulates severe penalties, proposing prison terms of up to three years for engaging in same-sex relations and five years for promoting LGBTQ+ rights. The nation's Supreme Court recently dismissed attempts to block this legislation. Their ruling underscored…

The EAC: A Beacon of Economic Growth in a Turbulent World In an era marked by numerous global challenges—from soaring inflation to supply chain disruptions—the East African Community (EAC) stands out as a remarkable example of resilience and growth. This regional bloc, encompassing seven partner nations—Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—has achieved a substantial growth rate of 5.4%. This impressive figure is not merely a statistic; it is a reflection of…

Cardinal Robert Prevost has made a surprising but historic leap to leadership within the Catholic Church, adopting the name Leo XIV to mark a significant moment as the first Pope from the United States. Just 70 minutes after the iconic white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating the selection of a new pope by the 133 cardinal electors, Pope Leo XIV made his debut on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. "Peace be with you all," he greeted the ecstatic crowd gathered below. The announcement was made…

As of March 2025, the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat has disclosed a troubling figure: member states collectively owe a staggering $58 million in contributions. This financial shortfall has sparked significant challenges for the bloc, leaving many to ponder the future of regional cooperation in East Africa. The pressing financial situation was the focal point of a recent meeting held by the EAC Council of Ministers in Arusha, Tanzania. There, leaders gathered to confront the crisis laid bare by a…