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Mogadishu (AX) — In a deeply concerning turn of events, Al-Shabaab militants have successfully seized control of the strategic town of Aadan Yabaal, located in the Middle Shabelle region of Somalia. This takeover followed a dawn assault that involved alarming explosions and hours of intense combat, according to local sources relayed by AX. The assault, which commenced early on Wednesday morning, spanned more than five grueling hours and featured the deployment of heavy weaponry from both Al-Shabaab and Somali…

Nigerian officials have imposed a ban on a provocative song that dares to criticize President Bola Tinubu and his administration's economic strategies. The track in question, "Tell Your Papa," crafted by renowned artist Eedris Abdulkareem, expresses a piercing discontent with the president’s two-year tenure, which has already been marred by significant unrest fueled by escalating inflation and soaring fuel costs. Interestingly, this Afrobeats anthem is directed at none other than Seyi Tinubu, the president's son, who has…

Gabon: An Election Under the Spotlight Politics in Gabon is taking a defining turn. The date etched in the minds of many? Saturday, April 12, 2025. This day holds the promise of transformation for this resource-rich yet politically tumultuous country set in the heart of Africa. It's an election that has become a focal point not just locally but internationally, signifying Gabon's earnest navigation towards democratic governance. But one might ask, what series of events led to this significant moment?…

Somalia’s Political Turmoil: A Call for Unity As President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud endeavors to rally federal member states, seeking to forge a unified front against Somalia’s myriad political challenges and the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab militants, the situation remains complex and fraught with tension. How can leaders navigate the delicate balance of power and cooperation? Indeed, the breakdown in relations has escalated into an outright conflict. In a…

Fierce Fighting in Central Somalia: Chaos and Resolve in Aboorey ABOOREY, Somalia - As the arid dust settles over Aboorey, a palpable tension and resolve linger in the air. The town finds itself at the crossroads of conflict. Just this week, federal troops found themselves locking horns once more with the ever-elusive al-Shabaab militants. Their presence was sudden and assertive, reminiscent of seasoned chess players swooping in during the last quarter of a game. Stories from the ground whisper of ferocious…

Somali Government's National ID Card Initiative Faces Opposition MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a bold move that is stirring more than just government halls, the Somali government has rolled out a mandate that requires every citizen to obtain a National Identity Card, known as NIRA, to gain access to essential services like passports, birth certificates, and educational documents. Announced on Tuesday, this directive is hitting a wall of opposition, particularly in Northeastern State and Jubaland, the self-governing…

In the wake of numerous unmet deadlines for reinstating civilian governance, the military junta, led by General Mamadi Doumbouya, has announced a new timeline: a referendum on a proposed constitution is now slated for September 2025. This announcement follows the junta’s seizure of power in 2021—a time filled with hope for some, yet frustration for others. For many, these developments raise a pertinent question: what does the future hold for a nation striving for democratic restoration? As the junta continues to consolidate…

Ex-Military Chief: Al-Shabaab's Subtle Infiltration in Somali Government Troops Nairobi, Kenya - In a world where shadows often hide unsettling truths, the Somali National Army (SNA) may find itself traversing a landscape riddled with unseen allegiances. Former Chief of Defence Forces, General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin, recently sounded the alarm, suggesting the depths of Al-Shabaab infiltration within the military's ranks are perhaps more profound—and more troubling—than previously acknowledged. The general’s…

In a region that has seen its fair share of tumult, the impending peace meeting scheduled for April 9 between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the Rwanda-supported M23 rebels stands as more than just a glimmer of hope. Rather, it's a potential turning point in what has proven to be one of Central Africa's most entrenched conflicts. The anticipation is palpable, as stakeholders from various quarters converge with baited breath. It brings to mind the words of Desmond Tutu: “If you want…

Somalia at a Crossroads: Navigating Challenges and Unveiling Opportunities Imagine a nation greatly endowed with untapped oil reserves and fertile lands, bordered by the longest coastline in mainland Africa. A country with strategic positioning that could redefine its regional power dynamics—the foundation for a thriving economy and a beacon of stability. Yet, Somalia's reality starkly contrasts this potential, mired in conflict and uncertainty for nearly four decades. The journey towards peace and prosperity…