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MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab, the relentless insurgent group tied to Al-Qaeda and notorious for its long-standing threat in East Africa, has faced substantial setbacks in central Somalia. State media have been buzzing with reports of these recent developments. This comes at a pivotal moment as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud makes his inspiring visit to the troops stationed on the frontlines of this embattled nation.Visitors to the town of Adan Yabaal in central Somalia might have been surprised to find the country's…

Netanyahu Indicates Ongoing Strikes in Gaza are 'Just the Beginning' In a significant escalation of violence, Israel has initiated extensive airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of hundreds. This marked operation underscores the complex and volatile situation currently unfolding in the Middle East. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "What we are witnessing is just the beginning." This statement resonates amid the tension rising in the region, emphasizing that further military actions may lie…

In a recent meeting, US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron took center stage, revealing a nuanced divergence in their perspectives concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This encounter provided a vivid lens into the growing divide between American and European approaches toward achieving peace, particularly in light of Trump’s proposal for a swift ceasefire with Russia. The day was filled with friendly exchanges, reflective of their longstanding diplomatic ties. Both leaders shared a…

The Africa Court on Human and People's Rights recently wrapped up a pivotal two-day hearing concerning serious allegations made by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Rwanda. At the heart of this complex situation are accusations of human rights violations stemming from the ongoing turmoil in eastern DRC, a region grappling with decades of instability. During the proceedings, the representatives for Rwanda raised significant questions about the court's jurisdiction. They argued that the DRC had notably failed to…

With the emergence of Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf as the new leader of the African Union Commission (AUC), a pivotal question arises: how will this new stewardship navigate the escalating continental and global crises? Often overshadowed by global news headlines, the recent African Union (AU) summit in Addis Ababa marked a significant turning point for Africa's foremost multilateral institution. A tectonic shift, if you will, was felt as Youssouf, an esteemed diplomat, was ushered in to replace Chad's Moussa…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the rugged terrain of the Al-Miskaad Mountains, where silence is broken only by whispers of the wind, a dramatic clash unfolded. Over the past week, Northeastern State's security forces, aided by UAE airstrikes, embarked on a meticulously coordinated counterterrorism operation. Their target? Insidious pockets of ISIS militants lurking in these highlands, hidden in plain sight for years. From a bird’s-eye view, the operation might seem like an intense chess game played over harsh landscapes. As…

The world's prosperity gap, a measure of the disparity between average incomes and a target of $25 per person per day, has stagnated ever since the pandemic began. Why, you might ask? The culprit seems to be a dual assault of dwindling economic growth and an uneven income distribution among countries. While it’s easy to blame this on external shocks, could it be a call for introspection on how intertwined our economies really are? Achievements are not made overnight. Here's a compelling statistic: between 1990…

BOSASO, Somalia - The crackle of gunfire and the echo of strategic commands reverberated through the eastern stretches of the Cal-Miskaad mountains as the Northeastern State Defense Forces, fueled by a steadfast resolve, made a landmark advance. What’s unfolding here, you might ask? It is an audacious campaign against the entrenched forces of ISIS. These formidable terrains, once bastions of militant fortification, are now being reclaimed at a pace the world cannot ignore. What drives these forces, often operating with…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — In a move aimed at breathing new life into Mogadishu's arterial roads, Somalia has inked contracts with four top-tier construction firms. These agreements, part of an ambitious infrastructural facelift, underscore a pivotal step in the nation's quest for economic vitality and development. The bustling Banadir Regional Administration headquarters hosted the signing ceremony on Tuesday. It was here that the intricacies of the Nagaad Project were brought into the limelight, courtesy of the Ministry of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant stride towards bolstering national security, Somalia’s federal government recently dispatched elite units from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) to invigorate ongoing military operations against the looming threats of Al-Shabaab and ISIS. This move, brimming with both hope and resolve, marks a new chapter in Somalia’s long-standing struggle against insurgency. The day was Tuesday, when the ceremonial drums beat in Mogadishu as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stood before…