Concerns

MOGADISHU, Somalia - On a Friday evening, beneath the darkening sky, the presidential guards stationed at Villa Somalia found themselves confronting an unexpected mechanical intruder. With a hum resonating overhead, an unauthorized drone zoomed over the president's official residence, casting shadows of uncertainty and potential peril. Two drones were actually sighted; although the security team's keen eyes quickly locked onto and neutralized one, the origins of these rogue devices remain shrouded in mystery. The prompt and…

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is poised to introduce new tariffs targeting key trading partners: Canada, Mexico, and China. This move could disrupt supply chains that span multiple sectors—from energy to automotive—while raising alarms about potential inflation. Specifics of the tariffs are already generating concern. Mr. Trump intends to impose a steep 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, attributing this decision to what he perceives as these nations’ inadequate efforts to curb illegal…

In the sprawling and untamed landscapes of Somalia, livestock isn't just a commodity—it's the lifeblood of the economy. Picture this: a whopping 70% of the country's exports are tied to camels, goats, cattle, and sheep. It's a pastoral symphony harmonized around the rhythm of animal trade. But as serene as it sounds, this melodious arrangement hit a discordant note in 2023, when nearly $1 billion flowed primarily into Saudi Arabia's coffers from Somali livestock exports. However, this paradise of pastoral profits faces a…

MOGADISHU, Somalia— As Somalia embarks on an ambitious journey to bring its identification framework into the digital age, the rollout of the new National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) system is lighting up the proverbial switchboard with public apprehension. The buzz isn’t just white noise; concerns about the safekeeping and longevity of personal data are resonating across the nation like a chorus of warning bells. Imagine the skepticism swirling around the NIRA initiative as a tempestuous cloud, casting…

Witnessed here, a poignant mother-son reunion, Billy Mwangi exudes an air of reticence, a shadow cast by his recent ordeal. In the bustling heart of Kenya, whispers echo through the streets. Over 80 individuals, known for their outspoken criticisms of government policies, have simply vanished over the last half-year. The public's reaction? A tempestuous uproar. With an air of determination, a judge has issued a stern ultimatum to top security brass: face imprisonment for contempt of court unless they present…

Sure, let's breathe some life into this story. --- Mogadishu (AX) – In a fiery broadside against the Somali federal government's current policies, the former President, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, didn't mince words. Emerging from political hibernation, Ahmed, who holds the reins of the Himilo Qaran Party, orchestrated a press conference in Mogadishu on Tuesday that left no stone unturned in its critique. He cut straight to the chase, lambasting the government for its handling of politics, security, constitutional tweaks,…

Pope Francis, who recently celebrated his 88th birthday, has opened up about his health and his future in a new autobiography, and his words are a breath of fresh air. “I am well,” he asserts confidently in a book now available in over 100 countries. Yet, he adds with a hint of humility, “The reality is, quite simply, that I am old.” Despite the challenges he faces daily—often relying on a wheelchair to navigate the Vatican halls due to persistent knee and back pain—the pope insists that age doesn't diminish the vigor of…

Somalia's Rising Tensions Near Kenya KISMAYO, Somalia - In the hustle and bustle of Somali politics, things aren't all sunshine and rainbows, as federal lawmakers from the Jubaland state are ringing alarm bells. They claim that the federal government of Somalia is building up troops along the Kenyan frontier. This, dear reader, could be like lighting a powder keg, all happening a few months after the Somali National Army got a bit of a drubbing in Raskamboni. So, what's cooking? According to these intrepid legislators, the…

The Kenyan Health Ministry has stepped forward to calm public nervousness about the buzz surrounding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) flu outbreak over in China. Despite the chatter, they’re saying, “Stay cool, folks!” while giving the nod to those with gnarly respiratory symptoms—if it hits hard, go see a doc. To clear the air, they mentioned that HMPV is certainly not some brand-new bug. It’s a bug that’s been giving people snotty noses and buggy tubes for quite some time now, even in Kenya. “No spike in the number of…

In a striking turn of events, Elon Musk has thrown his support behind Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as the nation gears up for its general election. This promotion took place during a lively chat he hosted with one of the party's leaders on his social media platform, X, where the atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter. Just a year ago, Musk leveraged his considerable influence on X to aid Republican Donald Trump in his efforts for the U.S. presidency, which culminated on November 5. His political…