Progress

Somalia's Road to Democracy: A Complex Vision The echo of "conducting free and fair direct elections" has been a familiar refrain among Somali officials since 2009. Along with ambitious ventures like "completing the constitution" and "eliminating terrorism," these aspirations have been part of national discourse. Yet, over a decade and a half later, these goals remain elusive. One can't help but wonder: Why are these dreams still unrealized? The answer might lie in their intricate interdependencies and the unique…

Imagine waking up a sleeping giant. That's the task that lies at the heart of transforming Africa's energy potential. Rich in resources yet starved of investments, Africa has remained on the sidelines of global energy discussions for far too long. You might wonder how a continent brimming with untapped reserves finds itself in such a predicament. Chronic underfunding over the decades has stymied progress, shackling a land that could fuel not only its own growth but…

Pope Francis is currently stable in the hospital, with a recent chest scan indicating improvements in his condition, according to the Vatican. This marks a positive development as he continues to combat double pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection that required evolving treatment protocols. The latest medical update from the Vatican reassured the public that "the Pope's clinical condition is stable," which is certainly welcomed news.…

Fifth Quadrennial Congress of FESTU Concludes with Resolve to Defend Workers' Rights How does one begin to measure the pulse of a movement? The air was thick with determination as the Fifth Quadrennial Congress of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) reached its conclusion in Mogadishu on February 12, 2025. It was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the Somali labour movement. With 328 delegates—53% men and 47% women—hailing from both the bustling regions of the five…

The leadership of former President Donald Trump has reportedly narrowed the gap in golf’s ongoing civil strife, as the PGA Tour suggests. In a significant development, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and player representative Adam Scott engaged in discussions with Trump on Tuesday, seeking a pathway toward a resolution involving the US-based circuit, the DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the financial powerhouse behind LIV Golf. Discussions have been in progress since a framework agreement was…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Where does real acknowledgment come from? In the shadowed corners of Somalia's turbulent political landscape, this question takes on a fresh relevance. Amidst whispers of criticism, the cabinet of this nation, often seen as languid and disconnected, has at last tipped its hat to the relentless efforts of Northeastern State in the daunting war against ISIS. Picture this: a determined northeastern Federal State courageously liberating strategic frontlines in the Bari region, with little to no tangible…

What do a leader of a North African nation and the foreign affairs minister of a small East African country have in common? Quite a lot, it seems. On a recent Sunday in the bustling heart of Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, convened to deliberate on the pressing issues facing Somalia and the collective endeavors required to restore tranquility and stability in the Horn of Africa. A communiqué from the Egyptian presidency underscored the…

Amidst an unforgiving inferno that has turned parts of Los Angeles into a smoldering battlefield, firefighters are slowly but surely making headway in their fight against the flames ravaging the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. As they scramble to contain the blaze, nearly 16 lives have been lost, and countless families are grappling with unimaginable loss. With the skies painted in angry shades of orange and black, aircraft have been soaring overhead, dropping water and fire retardant on the charred hillsides in a desperate…

Somalia: Northeastern State’s Troops Carve Out New Territories in Thrilling Clash with ISIS AXADLE, Somalia - In the rugged terrain of the Al-Miskaat mountains, echoes of a daring offensive resonate. The valiant security forces of Northeastern State have landed a knockout punch on ISIS, obliterating five of their strategic nerve centers, leaving their plans in tatters, as announced by officials with pride on a rather eventful Saturday. You know, in a world where many…

The menace of climate change, civil strife, and growing resistance to conventional insecticides is paving the way for a concerning rise in disease cases. An entomologist is on the job, gathering mosquitoes along Butuji River in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, thanks to Tiksa Negeri from The New York Times for the visuals. Ethiopia is witnessing a dramatic spike in malaria infections, escalated by armed conflicts, climate change, and mosquitoes developing resistance to medications and insecticides — a setback for a nation that was…