WASHINGTON – The United States has blocked entry to a high-profile Somali referee chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, intensifying concerns that Washington’s travel rules could complicate the build-up to football’s biggest event. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Omar Artan was refused admission even though he held a valid visa. Artan landed at Miami International Airport in South Florida on Saturday, only to be stopped after security screening and turned away from the country. A DHS spokesperson said…

Thursday April 9, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somali international referee Omar Abdulqadir Artan has broken new ground for his country, earning a place on the officiating roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and becoming the first Somali referee ever named to the tournament. His selection for FIFA’s official list of match officials, ahead of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is being hailed as a defining moment for Somali football and a rare global spotlight for the nation’s sporting ambitions. The…

Look back on a year of entrepreneurship in Africa with this nugget worth being listed in this year’s startup, according to Africa Economy. It's called KKiaPay, and it's a Beninese FinTech that has established itself as a key player in integrated payment with mobile money. "We are fortunate to be one of the fastest growing…

More than 120 Libyan deputies vowed in Morocco on Saturday to "lift the divisions" that undermine their country, and begin by convening the elected parliament as soon as they return home. At the end of five days of talks in Tangier, Morocco, 123 of its 180 members promised to put an end to "hate speech" and "divisions" that undermine Libyan institutions. They promised to hold "parliamentary elections and to complete the transition as soon as possible" and that all members of the House of…

In Guinea, the Electoral Commission has just given the preliminary overall results of the presidential election. She declared outgoing President Alpha Condé elected in the first round with 59.49% of the vote. Opponent Cellou Dalein Diallo, who declared himself the winner of the presidential election before the results were announced, obtained 33.5% of the vote, according to the committee.…