for

By Dulmar MaalimWednesday April 1, 2026 President William Ruto’s announcement that the Somalia–Kenya border will reopen in April 2026 marks a notable turn in the Horn of Africa’s security and economic outlook. Beyond the symbolism, the move speaks to a broader regional recalibration — one that places trade, connectivity, and cooperation at the center of the East African Community’s integration drive. The significance of the decision fits squarely within the broader argument I have made about regional blocs and…

Faisal Ali - Tuesday March 31, 2026 The Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Photograph: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images A wave of misleading coverage has falsely suggested that North Western State of Somalia’s government was seeking the extradition of Ilhan Omar, after several outlets leaned on a social media post from an account that is not an official state channel. Fox News, the New York Post, Sinclair Broadcast Group’s the National News Desk and the Independent all published stories focused on the US…

Saturday March 28, 2026 Baidoa (AX) — Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has won re-election for a further five-year term after voters went to the polls on Saturday in Baidoa, the interim administrative capital of the region. Under the supervision of the electoral commission, Laftagareen received 66 votes, narrowly but decisively beating his challenger, Abdullahi Haji Hassan, who secured 13 votes. The vote takes place as political tensions continue to mount between the Southwest administration and…

by Frankline Oduor Thursday March 26, 2026 Kenya Navy officers conducting a joint maritime operation in the Western Indian Ocean, March 18, 2025. Photo KDF As fighting in the Middle East continues to unsettle major sea lanes, the government is weighing a tougher response: using military-supported maritime security to protect Kenyan exports bound for the region. Industry Principal Secretary Juma Mukhwana said in an interview on NTV on Tuesday that the State is considering special escort arrangements for cargo vessels…

Wednesday March 25, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — A Somali military court has handed down a 10-year prison sentence in a case prosecutors say involved plans to track and potentially target one of the country’s most recognizable athletes, boxer Ramla Ali, during her visit to Mogadishu. On Tuesday, the court convicted Abdisalaam Mohamed Hassan, widely known as “Aamusane,” of membership in al-Shabab and sentenced him to a decade behind bars. Prosecutors told the court he had been part of the group since 2014 and accused him of…

Tuesday March 24, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — A dispute over who can move where has erupted into a fresh flashpoint in Somalia’s broader political standoff, as former National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe urged federal authorities on Monday to stop blocking lawmakers and politicians from traveling to Baidoa. Sanbaloolshe called on the government to lift restrictions affecting federal lawmakers, naming MP Murjaan and his delegation among those reportedly prevented from flying…

Sunday March 22, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — With their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) dream on the line, Somalia’s national football team, the Ocean Stars, left Mogadishu on Saturday for Mozambique ahead of a decisive preliminary-round meeting with Mauritius. The fixture represents a pivotal moment in Somalia’s push to move deeper into Africa’s flagship international tournament. Both Somalia and Mauritius head into the contest chasing the kind of result that can keep qualification ambitions intact and set the tone for the…

Thursday March 19, 2026 - Baidoa (AX) — Southwest State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen on Wednesday accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of stalling regional elections since 2022, sharpening an increasingly public split between Baidoa and Mogadishu. At a press conference in Baidoa, Laftagareen said leaders of federal member states had made repeated attempts to organize their own ballots but were blocked by the federal leadership. “In September 2022, all the regional state leaders were present…

Thursday March 19, 2026 Baidoa (AX) — Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen on Wednesday reaffirmed a break in relations with Somalia’s federal government, accusing Mogadishu of undercutting federalism and destabilizing his region. “Starting today, there will be no contact between us and the federal government until something Somalis agree on is brought,” Laftagareen told reporters at a press conference in Baidoa. The regional leader said cooperation with the central government will not resume until…

By STEVE DOUGLAS Wednesday March 18, 2026 What once sounded fanciful now feels within reach: Arsenal’s push for a quadruple of major trophies is very much alive this season. The players scarcely have a moment to dwell on it. Arsenal booked a place in the Champions League quarterfinals by defeating Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 on Tuesday, clinching a 3-1 aggregate win. Mikel Arteta’s side also sits nine points clear at the top of the Premier League, meets Manchester City in Sunday’s English League Cup final, and has already…