gather

Celebrating Creativity and Resilience in Mogadishu Recently, a vibrant gathering unfolded in Mogadishu, where local Somali artists teamed up with social media influencers to showcase an impressive tapestry of talent. The event was more than just an artistic assembly; it represented a significant leap toward forging a brighter future for Somalia. As I stepped into the venue, the atmosphere buzzed with an infectious energy. Here were artists, creators, and thinkers, all united by a common goal: to amplify the message of…

Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro attended a private wake with the family of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota in his hometown in northern Portugal. This gathering took place following the tragic loss of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who both died in a car accident in Spain. Jota's long-time agent, Jorge Mendes, was also present, joined by his wife, Rute Cardoso, whom he had married just weeks prior. Montenegro spent approximately thirty minutes with the family, though he left without making any statements. The…

Mogadishu (AX) - Each year, as a myriad of souls unite in devotion, a profound spectacle unfolds. Nearly two million Muslim pilgrims converged on the sacred slopes of Mount Arafat in western Saudi Arabia this past Thursday, marking the spiritual zenith of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This moment isn’t just a ritual; it embodies centuries of faith, hope, and the collective ache for divine connection. Clad in simple white garments, symbolizing purity and equality, these pilgrims began to arrive at Arafat under the quiet…

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is navigating tumultuous waters. As jihadist groups proliferate, taking advantage of strained inter-state relations, the specter of violence looms large over countries in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. Recent months have seen a disturbing rise in violent incidents, particularly in nations like Benin and Nigeria. It raises an important question: How can regional organizations effectively combat such escalating security threats amidst political disarray? A…

Somalia's Opposition Leaders Begin Talks in Mogadishu – What’s on the Horizon? MOGADISHU — In a city teeming with historical nuances and contemporary challenges, a cohort of Somali opposition politicians has initiated a pivotal political meeting. Sources confirmed this with Axadle Times, highlighting the significance of these closed-door discussions that commenced on Friday. Slated to unfold over three intensive days, the primary focus is a critical examination of the nation’s electoral process and the larger,…

The cardinals of the Catholic Church recently convened for their ninth meeting in a series of near-daily discussions at the Vatican, all in preparation for the upcoming election of a new pope. These closed-door “general congregations” are vital for addressing the challenges the new pontiff will encounter. After their discussions, they will retreat into the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday to deliberate on their choice. As the “Princes of the Church” navigated through gatherings of pilgrims and reporters en route to their…

A Final Farewell: Pope Francis Lies in State Tens of thousands of mourners have gathered to pay their last respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the beginning of three days of lying in state. The Argentine pontiff, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, has left a profound impact on the lives of many. In a moment of collective gratitude, Portuguese medical student Francisca Antunes, aged 21, reflected on her visit, stating, "We wanted to say thank you to one of the most humble popes." Upon…

Today, history echoes with the somber recollections of Auschwitz survivors as they gather alongside world leaders to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the infamous Nazi German concentration camp. This poignant gathering, taking place at the very site where countless lives were squandered, is likely to be one of the final reunions featuring those who endured unimaginable horrors. Present in Poland for this solemn occasion is Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who stands side by side with fellow dignitaries to…

Jigjiga (AX) – On a bright Thursday morning, amidst the buzz and hum of anticipation in the air, delegations from Somalia's Federal Government and the self-declared independent state of North Western State of Somalia touched down in the bustling town of Jigjiga. Their arrival coincided with the celebrations marking the anniversary of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, a festivity as eagerly awaited as a tickled hangover of nostalgia intertwined with hope.This gathering was no small affair. At the heart of it were…

Hargeisa (AX) — Beneath the watchful gaze of the African sun, on a notable Monday morning, political luminaries and countless mourners converged in Hargeisa. The occasion was solemn yet steeped in a dignified reverence as the community paid their final respects to Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo, a colossus etched into the political tapestry of North Western State of Somalia. As the former President, Silanyo's impact on regional history remains, undeniably, significant. Passing at the venerable age of 86, Silanyo had a…