Sparks

In the sprawling and untamed landscapes of Somalia, livestock isn't just a commodity—it's the lifeblood of the economy. Picture this: a whopping 70% of the country's exports are tied to camels, goats, cattle, and sheep. It's a pastoral symphony harmonized around the rhythm of animal trade. But as serene as it sounds, this melodious arrangement hit a discordant note in 2023, when nearly $1 billion flowed primarily into Saudi Arabia's coffers from Somali livestock exports. However, this paradise of pastoral profits faces a…

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur known for his bold ventures and controversial antics, recently found himself at the epicenter of a media storm. At an event celebrating the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Musk made a gesture that many observers hastily condemned as reminiscent of a "Nazi" or "fascist" salute. Talk about a Friday night frenzy! Though the web exploded with allegations, a well-respected monitor of anti-Semitism suggested that what transpired was more about unfiltered enthusiasm than…

NAIROBI, Kenya - In the swirling political landscape of the Horn of Africa, a recent development has been stirring the pot. Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, the head honcho of Jubaland, took a rather bold and unannounced trip to Kenya. This little escapade has caused quite the stir within Villa Somalia, the political heart of the country, and now there's a storm a-brewing. Word on the street is that Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has found himself in a bit of a pickle with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They can't seem to see…

The much-anticipated meeting between President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump at the White House offered a fleeting glimpse into their interaction. A handful of sentences exchanged during the "room spray"—the brief moment when photographers and journalists are usually allowed into the Oval Office as a meeting kicks off—were all we got. Biden's most memorable remark? A warm, "Welcome back." As Trump departed, he slipped past reporters gathered at the West Wing portico, who had expected a few sound bites from one…

The European Union (EU) is feeling a renewed sense of urgency regarding its competitiveness, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s election victory. According to Mario Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank, concerns are growing that the EU may struggle to keep pace with major players like the United States and China. Before his election, Trump made it clear that the EU would face severe consequences for not purchasing enough American goods—specifically, he threatened tariffs as high as 10% on all imports…

Mogadishu (AX) — Donald Trump's return to the presidency has sent shivers through immigrant groups across America, especially among Somali communities now wrestling with fresh anxieties over deportation. His campaign emphasized a stringent approach toward undocumented migrants, pledging historic levels of deportation. This has stirred alarm particularly among Somali families who view North America as a sanctuary and now fear their settled lives might face upheaval. Many are considering the possibility of relocating to…

Athens, Greece (AX) — A young Somali, who landed in Greece all by his lonesome as a minor seeking asylum, has just been given a clean slate by the Juvenile Court of Kos on October 24, 2024. This judgment wipes away serious accusations against him—such as being involved in a sketchy criminal crew and sneaking in illegally—while shining a light on the thorny issue of how Greece treats folks in search of sanctuary. Imagine this: M.A., the young man in question, found himself in hot water after simply sharing his cell phone with…

Mogadishu (AX) — The resurgence of pirate activity in the Indian Ocean alongside a surge of armed robberies in the Singapore Strait has reignited international apprehension regarding maritime safety. These notorious acts now pose a renewed threat to crucial global shipping avenues. Alerts from the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP ISC) have startled ship operators. They advised boosting ship defenses in these…

In a significant gathering at the United Nations Human Rights Council on February 26, 2024, in Geneva, delegates from various nations convened to deliberate on pressing global human rights dilemmas. Amidst this backdrop, Kenya's election to the council for the 2025–2027 tenure stirred the pot, faced with heavy criticisms from civil society groups due to alleged human rights transgressions. Photo by Janine Schmitz/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — Kenya's leap onto the United Nations Human Rights Council…

Somalia: Dahabshiil's Walk Back on 'North Western State of Somalia' Spurs Outrage — Dahabshiil, a major player in Somali money transfers, has acquiesced to a directive from Somalia's Federal Government, removing any mention of "North Western State of Somalia" from its platforms. This decision has sparked considerable backlash in the self-declared independent region of North Western State of Somalia. To many in North Western State of Somalia, this decision feels like a deep betrayal. It follows the path taken by…