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Mogadishu (AX) – Rolling into Ethiopia's bustling capital this Saturday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is set for some weighty tête-à-têtes in Addis Ababa. This trip is all about giving a jolt of energy to the often rocky friendship between these East African neighbors. When President Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sit down, they ain't just gonna chat about the weather. Their main agenda? Breathing new life into the Ankara Agreement and hashing out Ethiopia's hand in Somalia's latest peacekeeping mission.…

In the vibrant world of academia, the ambassador shone a light on the need to strengthen bonds between International Islamic University (IIU) and Somali educational establishments. The ambassador observed that this could open doors aplenty for young Somali minds. "IIU’s initiatives with international students are a benchmark for global academic outreach," he said with admiration, a sentiment that resonates with many in the educational sphere. Dr. Syed, with his usual verve, underscored IIU's unwavering pledge to embrace…

In a whirlwind of political intrigue, Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, the head honcho of North Western State of Somalia's Waddani party, flat-out denied any hush-hush chitchats with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his jaunt to Djibouti. Setting the record straight, Hirsi was crystal clear about his party's dedication to openness and transparency. "I didn't have a pow-wow with President Hassan Sheikh while I was in Djibouti," he stated. "Heck, if there were talks to be had, they would stick to our party's principles—open…

Mogadishu (AX) - Making headlines once more, entrepreneur Mohamed Abdi Afweyne, known for his infamous involvement in piracy, has finally returned to Mogadishu. After enduring over ten years behind bars in Belgium, following piracy-related charges brought by Belgium's government, his homecoming was monumental. Described as the 'mastermind' behind Somali piracy, Afweyne was caught up in a high-profile arrest in 2013. Belgian authorities orchestrated a cunning sting operation, enticing him under the guise of a documentary…

The appointment of Lebanon’s army chief, General Joseph Aoun, as the nation’s president has finally filled a significant leadership void of over two years. Securing a decisive 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes in a second round of ballots marks the end of a prolonged stalemate. This election follows a fragile truce that paused 14 months of tension between Israel and Hezbollah, reflecting Lebanon's urgent need for reconstruction aid. “A fresh chapter begins for Lebanon's history today,” declared the 60-year-old Aoun as he…

NAIROBI, Kenya - American Sanctions Spark Controversy with RSF The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are bristling against Uncle Sam's decision to slap sanctions on their head honcho, saying the move reeks of favoritism. They're demanding a rethink pronto. This past Tuesday, the U.S. wielded its sanction hammer on General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, aka Hemedti, accusing him of leading a ruthless campaign that’s left a blood-soaked trail and millions on the run in Sudan over the last year and a half. With the RSF aiming to expand…

NAIROBI, Kenya — In an alliance with Somalia’s authorities, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) declared that it executed a precision airstrike on December 24. This strike claimed the life of Mohamed Mire, also recognized as Abu Abdirahman, a prominent Al-Shabaab figure, along with another insurgent, per AFRICOM’s statement on Monday. The operation unfolded about 10 kilometers southwest of Kunyo Barrow, located in Lower Shabelle, close to Mogadishu, the bustling capital. For a whopping 15 years, Mire had been a central figure…

It’s painfully clear that this Christmas is shaping up to be one of the darkest for countless Nigerians. This isn’t due to a lack of enthusiasm or spirit; far from it! The issue at hand is a stark economic reality that makes the notion of celebration seem almost impossible. Ikechukwu Amaechi articulates this sentiment in The Vanguard, stating that the prevailing conditions are dampening the joys of the season. He highlights that this year's festivities feel more like a distant dream. Families are grappling with financial…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his commitment to reform the country's electoral system, aiming for universal suffrage by 2026. During a celebration of King Charles III's birthday in Mogadishu, President Mohamud stressed the significance of democratic elections in bolstering government effectiveness and fueling national growth. Quoting the President, "Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, built on the Somali people's will. Our government is committed to ensuring Somalis take an…