initiative

In a significant move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to draft 160,000 servicemen by July 15, a figure that surpasses previous conscription efforts as Moscow aims to expand its military capabilities. Under the current regulations, Russian men are eligible for mandatory military service through bi-annual call-ups, a system that has been long-standing in the country. While the Kremlin and the Ministry of Defense maintain that these call-ups do not lead to deployment in conflict zones and are unrelated…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a profound moment of consensus, former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, along with ex-Prime Ministers Abdi Farah Shirdon and Mohamed Hussein Roble, came forward to endorse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent plea for peace dialogues. Their shared vision paints these discussions as essential steps towards reinforcing Somalia’s federal governance and the shared struggle against terrorism. Farmaajo, a vivid figure in the country's political tapestry, released a heartening statement on Sunday,…

Mogadishu (AX) – In recent developments that underscore a potential shift towards greater political harmony in Somalia, former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, alongside ex-Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and opposition legislator Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, have collectively endorsed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's invitation for a consultation forum. This initiative, they assert, is a commendable stride toward fostering political consensus and reinforcing national cohesion. But what does this mean for…

The Power of Unity - FCMB Group's Inspiring Campaign Imagine this: You're watching a 90-second TV commercial that invites you to reconsider the essence of strength. Is it found in a solitary moment, a single achievement, or is it something far greater? The commercial dancing before your eyes vividly contrasts individual efforts with the monumental power of collective action. It poses profound questions: What truly defines strength? Is it merely one humble bounce, the sound of a ball connecting with the ground, or is…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable narrative of international military diplomacy, Ethiopia and Russia stand at a juncture, exploring new horizons in maritime collaboration, despite Ethiopia's landlocked status. Picture a scene of strategic dialogue, where visions are shaped beyond geographical constraints. In an intriguing meeting in Addis Ababa, Russian Deputy Navy Commander Admiral Vladimir Vorobiev sat across from Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Naval Operations Commodore Jemal Tufisa. As these leaders gathered around…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable step towards future-proofing its key agricultural sector, Somalia has announced a $79.7 million climate resilience project designed to ease the harsh impacts of climate change on its communities. This ambitious seven-year endeavor, aptly called Ugbaad, aims to breathe new life into the land by transforming degraded farms into productive spaces, securing precious water supplies, and enhancing the systems that deliver crucial climate data. The name 'Ugbaad' resonates with hope—a…

In a significant development regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional support for a ceasefire proposed by the United States. While acknowledging the U.S. initiative, he underscored the need for further clarifications and conditions, indicating that a swift resolution to the fighting remains unlikely. The conflict, which erupted with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with hundreds of thousands dead or injured,…

Somalia's AUSSOM Peace Mission Deployment Reaches Completion MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a dedicated assembly of African Union defense ministers recently gathered to address a matter of profound importance: the stabilization of Somalia. Their conversations echo through the bustling streets of Mogadishu, as they finalize the details of deploying an 11,900-strong force for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Launched at the dawn of 2025, this peacekeeping…

In an era characterized by fluctuating alliances and high-stakes diplomacy, the role of military forces in stabilizing tumultuous regions like Somalia becomes a complex symphony of negotiations and strategic maneuvering. Consider the intricate dance playing out between African nations and the African Union in crafting a new mission in Somalia—a nation that has, for years, been the battleground for competing interests and ideologies. The backdrop is Mogadishu, a city that has seen its fair share of turmoil, where a soldier…

In the modern era of rapid development and technological advancement, electricity remains one of the fundamental elements that profoundly impacts human lives. This story all began with an ambitious project, the Power Africa initiative. Overseeing it was the once-operational arm of the U.S. government, the Agency for International Development (USAID). But what made this program so significant resonates beyond the mere wattage.…