faces

The Future of the African Union Mission in Somalia: A Balance of Responsibility In an era where the intricate dynamics of international relations intertwine with pressing security challenges, the future of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) hangs delicately in the balance. As President William Ruto convened with Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri and General Michael Langley, the commander of the U.S. Africa Command, the topic of funding took center stage. On June 2, 2025, during the Africa Chiefs…

Mogadishu: A Call for Unity Amidst Political Tensions Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali political landscape is once again at a crossroads, and the air is thick with tension. On Monday, government ministers squarely pointed fingers at opposition leaders within the Somali Salvation Forum. They accused these leaders of refusing to participate in a national dialogue crucial for addressing the deepening chasm of political conflict. One can almost hear the echo of urgency in their voices, as these ministers seek to pave a path toward…

The Rise and Fall of Wealth: Lessons from Elon Musk's Recent $34 Billion Loss On a rather tumultuous Thursday, Elon Musk witnessed a staggering drop in his net worth—an alarming $34 billion, marking one of the largest single-day losses recorded in his financial history. According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, the fallout wasn’t just about numbers; it was a manifestation of a complex interplay of social media, public perception, and financial realities. This steep decline in wealth followed Musk's controversial…

As the clock ticks down to Somalia’s presidential and parliamentary elections in May 2026, the nation once again finds itself at a significant crossroads. In just twelve months, a myriad of uncertainties hangs precariously over the political landscape. Deepening political divisions threaten to pull us apart, while the rules governing the electoral process remain frustratingly ambiguous. In the shadow of rising insecurity and international partners who are showing signs of fatigue after years of engagement, it’s little wonder…

Seventeen members of Greece's coastguard are facing prosecution in connection with the country’s deadliest migrant shipwreck, a tragedy that claimed hundreds of lives. This news was confirmed by rights groups representing both survivors and victims on Friday. According to survivors, the coastguard's response was alarmingly inadequate when the overwhelmed and aging trawler, known as the Adriana, sank on the night of June 13, 2023, off the coast of Pylos, while en route to Italy. The vessel was reportedly carrying over 750…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia stands at a critical juncture. The country risks losing millions in unspent reform funds unless it accelerates a much-needed governance overhaul supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB). It's a timely reminder of how the window for progress can close faster than we anticipate. Eighteen months into the $13 million Institutional Support for Economic Governance Project (ISEGP), only 15.2% of the funds have been utilized. This dismal pace has left federal finance officials scrambling to triple…

Villa Somalia Under Scrutiny: Allegations of Helicopter Misuse Stir Controversy MOGADISHU, Somalia - The corridors of power in Mogadishu are abuzz with a burgeoning controversy. At the heart of it lies the alleged misuse of helicopters, intended for the Somali National Army's crucial operations against Al-Shabaab, a militant group posing a persistent threat to peace. The details are still emerging, shrouded in a veil of secrecy, but what’s clear is that fingers are pointing towards Villa Somalia—the seat of the…

The primary suspect in the tragic shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington has been formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Elias Rodriguez, 31, stands accused of opening fire on attendees leaving a young professionals and diplomats event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, a group dedicated to combating anti-Semitism and supporting Israel. The chaos unfolded on a Wednesday night, raising immediate concerns within the international community. In a distressing turn, Mr. Rodriguez…

Somalia finds itself at the forefront of the climate crisis, ranking among the nations most vulnerable to its impacts. According to the United Nations, this Horn of Africa nation has faced an unprecedented dual challenge: the worst drought in four decades and catastrophic flooding that has occurred just once every hundred years. The tales of those affected are not just statistics; they are heartfelt stories weaving through the fabric of a population struggling to endure. One such narrative belongs to Mohamed Abdukadir…

In a recent case that has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals, a 92-year-old man with disabilities has reportedly made threatening remarks towards care home staff and then faced a controversial response from law enforcement. This incident was presented in court at Southwark Crown, where the staff's call for assistance unfolded in alarming detail. Donald Burgess, a single-leg amputee who relies on a wheelchair for mobility, allegedly communicated his desire to harm care workers,…