leader

The Situation in SSC-Khaatumo: A Call for Inclusiveness and Transparency Las Anod (AX) — Underneath the surface of political proceedings in the SSC-Khaatumo state, tensions have begun to simmer, raising questions that echo through the hearts of the community. As the region gears up for an important conference aimed at finalizing its governmental structure, several presidential hopefuls have publicly voiced their discontent. On Wednesday, they accused the interim leader of potentially derailing what could be a…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy display of camaraderie and military solidarity, Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, the Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), visited Ugandan troops deployed under the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in the Lower Shabelle region last Friday. This visit carried with it a significant message of appreciation for the pivotal role of these troops in recent military victories—specifically, the liberation of Sabiid and Anole towns from the clutches of Al-Shabaab militants.…

Reflections on Nigeria's Refinery Saga: Insights from Aliko Dangote In a recent assessment of Nigeria's refining challenges, Aliko Dangote, the distinguished CEO of the Dangote Group, pointedly questioned the operational viability of the state-owned refineries located in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. His remarks were not made in a vacuum; the context was a tour of his own oil refinery with members of the Global CEO Africa program from the Lagos Business School, where he highlighted the staggering sums already expended…

Concerns Raised by Former Hirshabelle President on Al-Shabab's Resurgence Mogadishu (AX) — In a thought-provoking post shared earlier this week, former Hirshabelle President Mohamed Abdi Ware voiced urgent concerns about the current state of Somalia’s struggle against al-Shabab. As he noted, the focus of both the federal government and certain regional states seems to be drifting away, allowing the militant group to reclaim ground lost in the past few years. Are we losing sight of the bigger picture?…

Jubaland President Honors U.S. Forces for Support in Anti-Shabaab Operations KISMAYO, Somalia, July 8 – A poignant moment unfolded in southern Somalia as Jubaland’s president, Ahmed Madobe, extended heartfelt appreciation to U.S. forces stationed under U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). This visit wasn't just a routine diplomatic gesture; it was a powerful acknowledgment of the ongoing battle against the al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group, al-Shabaab, and the enduring quest for stability in the region. Can you…

Electoral Reform in Somalia: A Tenuous Narrative MOGADISHU (AX) — In a revealing turn of events, Ali Omar Balcad, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, has publicly reprimanded Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe for allegedly contravening a pivotal national agreement surrounding electoral reforms. This accusation centers around an indirect vote conducted recently in the Balcad district of Middle Shabelle, a move that, according to Balcad, completely disregards the established electoral timeline. It’s worth noting…

Somali Minister Raises Concerns Over HirShabelle Leader's Electoral Actions Mogadishu, Somalia, July 6 In an increasingly complex web of politics, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs has stepped into the spotlight with a contentious accusation. The minister, Ali Omar—known more familiarly as Ali Balcad— has taken a firm stand against an indirect election recently conducted in the district of Balcad, located in the HirShabelle State. With a tone of…

Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba: A Call for Change in Haiti’s Security Mission On July 1, 2025, images of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, flooded social media. Although photographs often capture the visage of authority—a silent strength emanating from his posture—words are his true instrument of influence. Recently, he wielded that weapon with particular fervor, taking aim at Kenya’s involvement in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission…

Ethiopia's Pursuit of Red Sea Access: A Vision of Peaceful Coexistence Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring ADDIS ABABA - In the bustling heart of Ethiopia's capital, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has drawn attention once again to a vital piece of his vision for the nation—access to the Red Sea. As a country engaged in a complex dance to shed its landlocked constraints, the stakes couldn't be higher. Yet, Abiy's message is clear: the road to the sea must be paved with…

The recent peace agreement facilitated by the United States between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo unfolded against the backdrop of a less explored narrative. As noted by Edward DeMarco, a strategist and commentator on African affairs, “Behind last week's U.S-brokered peace deal between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo is a hidden storyline: Togo's quest to become West Africa's Rwanda.” This intriguing comparison draws attention to the ambitions of this small West African nation. How did Togo, a…