conflict

BOSASO, Somalia — In the rugged terrains of Calmiskaad, an intense conflict unfolds between Northeastern State forces and the relentless menace of ISIS. Amidst this turmoil, a story of indomitable courage emerges: Officer Jiib Gurey Bootaan, a stalwart of the military, now etched into history as a symbol of sacrifice. Today, his life was tragically cut short by a mine explosion—a somber twist to his tale of valiant devotion to his homeland. Just days before tragedy struck, Bootaan's dexterous bravery came into remarkable…

This past weekend, regional dignitaries from southern and eastern Africa gathered in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's bustling capital. Their agenda? To address the increasingly perilous situation unfolding in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). There, M23 rebels have rapidly seized control of significant territories in a region blessed with abundant minerals. But can mere discussions truly pave the way for peace amidst such turmoil? Experts observing the proceedings noted a deeply entrenched discord among the leaders,…

In a world rife with tension and conflict, the grasp for peace often seems elusive. Yet, in a surprising turn of events, former US President Donald Trump revealed to The New York Post that he had engaged in a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The subject? An earnest discussion about potential avenues to cease the ongoing turmoil between Moscow and Kyiv.Conversations such as these ignite curiosity. How often do these two powerhouses communicate behind closed doors, weaving through complex global…

In a surprising move that has sent shockwaves through the humanitarian community, the military junta in Niger has issued an expulsion order for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Strikingly, they provided no official rationale for this decisive action, leaving many to speculate about the motivations behind it. The ICRC has been a steadfast presence in Niger since 1990, tirelessly delivering crucial healthcare services to over 120,000 individuals affected by armed conflict. Their commitment to alleviating…

Amid the craggy peaks of the Cal Miskaad mountain range, where terracotta landscapes meet the azure waters of the Gulf of Aden, sits a man—silent and solitary. He's beside the charred remains of military supply vehicles, a sombre testament to a recent skirmish that has left many counting their losses. This tableau of destruction unfolds in Bosaso, Northeastern State, in eastern Somalia, where the echoes of conflict have long resonated. WASHINGTON — Destruction, as old as time. But here, visceral and overwhelming;…

Garowe (AX) – In the rugged terrain of the Al-Midkaad mountains, where shadows of conflict stretch long and deep, Northeastern State's President Said Abdullahi Deni stands at the helm. Leading his people through turbulent times, Deni recently addressed the nation about the fierce military engagements unraveling against IS-affiliated insurgents. Gazing into the faces of both government officials and the staunchly supportive populace of Northeastern State, he expressed heartfelt thanks for their unwavering…

Hargeisa (AX) – In the ever-complex political landscape of North Western State of Somalia, a glimmer of hope appears to be emerging. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro recently acknowledged a peace proposal extended by Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni, aimed at quelling the tumultuous disputes currently unfolding in the Sanaag region. Could this mark the beginning of a new chapter for this embattled region? In an intimate gathering held at the presidential palace on a breezy Wednesday…

In recent years, the plight of children in Mali has escalated, leaving an indelible mark on their lives amid escalating violence and widespread atrocities. The ongoing conflict, fueled by various factions, has created an environment where the most vulnerable—our children—face unimaginable horrors on a day-to-day basis. What does it say about our collective humanity when the innocent are caught in the crossfire of such chaos? Reports suggest that between April 2022 and March 2024, more than 2,000 egregious violations against…

BARDHERE, Somalia - The heart of Bardhere's ancient streets witnessed a storm of violence this Wednesday, painting the town in shades of grief and discord. In the unrested air of Somalia's Gedo region, the stagings of power played out through the decisive crack of rifles and the somber roars of artillery. Did history repeat itself, or did it chart a new course? On this day, it was not the echoes of a chieftain's call, but the clash of Jubaland forces and Somali federal troops that echoed among the dusty lanes. Among…

The long-standing tradition of U.S. airstrikes in Somalia has extended into President Donald Trump’s renewed tenure. During his inaugural address, Trump declared, "My proudest legacy will be that of a peacemaker." Yet, a skeptic might ask, can a leader claim to be a peacemaker when the engines of war continue to hum? On February 3, 2025, President Trump addressed reporters from the Oval Office, the weight of his decisions evident in the furrows of his brow (Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images). Recently, he ordered…