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Top Brass Shake-up: Israeli Military Chief Steps Down Amid October 7 Crisis In a dramatic turn of events, the Israeli military high command saw an unexpected resignation on Tuesday, as the seasoned Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi decided to bow out. This significant move stems from the weight of responsibility he feels for what has been labeled a monumental "failure" during the unforeseen assault orchestrated by Hamas on that fateful October 7, 2023. Now, if you're thinking, "What's cooking in…

Police headquarters in the lively Italian city of Crotone | Photo: ARCHIVE/ANSA/GIUSEPPE PIPITA Deep in the heart of southern Italy, the police in Crotone scored a significant victory, clamping down on a sinister underworld network. They nabbed the alleged kingpin of a notorious human trafficking syndicate, the footprint of which has left French authorities reeling. The story reads almost like a crime thriller. A 42-year-old Nigerian, cloaked in mystery and infamy, was brought in by the Italian police. Known by the…

NAIROBI, Kenya – A Diplomatic Dance Across East Africa by Ethiopia’s Intelligence Head With a diplomatic flair that could rival even the most seasoned politicians, Ethiopia's intelligence chief, Redwan Hussien, has navigated the swirling currents of East African politics during his recent sojourn. Picture a chess match played out across the punctuated landscapes of three nations. The journey ended last weekend, marked by tête-à-têtes with Kenya’s President, William Ruto, and Uganda’s iconic leader, Yoweri…

In the hustle and bustle of Hargeisa, under the golden rays of a Sunday morning sun, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro took to the stage, radiating optimism and determination. With a fervor that could light up a room, he announced his ambitious blueprint to revitalize diplomatic and economic bridges with Ethiopia and Djibouti, envisioning a future of prosperity and collaboration—and perhaps, a little bit of brotherly love. In his florid proclamation, President Irro hailed Ethiopia not just as a neighbor, but as a…

Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has thrown down the gauntlet with an audacious promise: to forge an elite military force that's as cutting-edge as they come. Picture this—troops armed to the teeth with futuristic weaponry, ready to defend every inch of North Western State of Somalia's territory, from the sun-baked desert borders to the rippling expanse of its seas. Now, isn't that a thrilling vision?Over the weekend, nestled amidst the distinct vibes of Hargeisa,…

KISMAYO, Somalia - In a series of moves reminiscent of a political chess game, Jubaland's President, Ahmed Madobe, boarded a private jet to Kenya this past Saturday. It's an eventful debut abroad since his re-election—a victory that Mogadishu's powers-that-be seemingly view through a skeptical lens. Upon touching down in Nairobi, Madobe rolled up his sleeves, ready to mull over political hot potatoes with diplomats from a medley of countries and international bodies. Chalice in one hand, olive branch in…

Mogadishu (AX) – With a voice as commanding as a ship's captain braving a storm, former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed issued a stern warning to the federal government this past Friday. At the heart of his concern? A looming political quagmire: unilateral elections. Picture this: a nation split at the seams, fraying edges evident unless sanity prevails through dialogue, something sorely lacking in today's discourse. Once upon a headline, Sheikh Sharif, now helming the Himilo Qaran Party, stepped into the fray…

Kismayo (AX) – Jubaland's spirited leader, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, boarded a private jet on Saturday morning, setting his sights on Kenya. It's his first cross-border jaunt since he snagged the presidency of Jubaland once again—a victory that the Somali federal government has dished out cold shoulders and a tight-lipped refusal to acknowledge. A swathe of diplomats awaits him in Kenya, where whispers in government corridors suggest that talks will orbit around the thorny political landscape of Somalia. High on the…

U.S. Slaps Sanctions on Sudan’s Army Head Over Atrocities KHARTOUM – Rising tensions aren’t uncommon in Sudan's political theater, yet the recent US sanctions against General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the nation’s top military figure, adds a dramatic twist. Mincing no words, Washington has put its foot down, accusing Burhan, the de facto leader pulling the strings from the military perch, of exacerbating a civil conflict that’s dragged on for 21 arduous months. Burhan, etched into the saga of this bloodstained conflict,…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a spirited push towards financial transparency and accountability, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro of North Western State of Somalia has laid down the gauntlet, urging all government ministries and agencies to channel accrued revenues directly to the Ministry of Finance. It's a move designed to tighten the screws on financial operations and sniff out any fiscal hide-and-seek played in dark corners. At a cabinet gathering this Thursday, against the backdrop of Hargeisa's bustling…