takes

Dhusamareb (AX) – In the moonlit tranquillity of a Thursday night, the Somali army, in concert with vigilant local clan militias, set the stage for a deliberate military operation in Dabagalo—a haven nestled within the Harardhere district of the Mudug region. Their mission? To dismantle an Al-Shabaab stronghold that, until then, had been an insidious blight on the community's path. Six militants met their fate, taken down as if they were extensions of the very shadows they sought to exploit. What makes a group of people…

In recent years, the landscape of global funding has been tumultuous, prompting African nations to grapple with the consequences of dwindling foreign aid. The ripple effects of changes in American policy, particularly under the Trump administration, pose a grave threat to essential health, education, and economic stability initiatives crucial for various countries on the continent. A notable example is President Donald Trump's executive order, which quelled new government spending on foreign assistance for a staggering 90…

In the heart of Addis Ababa, the bustling capital of Ethiopia, the African Union convened its annual summit. This gathering, straddled between the echoes of prior conflicts and the anticipations of future peace, witnessed a pivotal leadership transition. Among the dappled sunlight that filtered through the grand assembly hall, an air of quiet anticipation settled in—a new chief was to be chosen for the African Union Commission, a role vital for steering the organization through its intricate daily operations. The merits of…

In a bold move to combat corruption in Liberia, President Joseph Boakai has escalated his administration's efforts by suspending over 400 officials who neglected to declare their assets to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission. This significant action encompasses a broad array of individuals, including ministers, heads of state-owned enterprises, and ambassadors. These officials will not only lose a month's salary but are also required to relinquish control of government assets until they fulfill the mandatory declaration…

BOSASO, Somalia - Nestled in the rough-hewn heart of northern Somalia, the Cal Miskaad mountains echo with the sound of conflict. The Washington Post recently shed light on these echoes, delving into a strenuous struggle that pits Northeastern State forces against resolute ISIS militants—a clash both fierce and relentless. But what truly unfolds in these arid landscapes, where the mountain air whispers tales of valor and hardship? These mountains, their terrains rugged and unforgiving, have long acted as refuges…

In a harrowing recount of events, jurors have begun to piece together the chaotic moments surrounding the knife attack on celebrated novelist Salman Rushdie during a 2022 lecture in New York. Prosecutor Jason Schmidt vividly illustrated how swiftly the incident transpired and the perilous situation Mr. Rushdie found himself in. The incident unfolded under rather grim circumstances. A poet, whose task was to introduce the talk on the importance of safeguarding writers, had scarcely delivered a few words when defendant Hadi…

In a surprising twist that’s stirred the political waters in Liberia, the leadership of the Liberian National Police has identified several lawmakers, including the embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, as "persons of interest" in the troubling investigation surrounding the recent fire at the Capitol Building—home to the nation’s legislative activities. The Capitol, once a proud symbol of democracy, now bears the scars of controversy that threaten to engulf its inhabitants. In a formal communication directed to the House of…

In a historic leap forward, Thailand has emerged as the pioneer in Southeast Asia for legalizing same-sex marriages. With LGBTQ+ organizations rallying together, the nation aims to celebrate this groundbreaking moment by facilitating over 1,000 marriage registrations in a single day. After a relentless pursuit that spanned decades, Thailand joins the ranks of only two other Asian territories—Taiwan and Nepal—that have embraced marriage equality. The new law, which formally takes effect today, marks not just a shift in…

As President-elect John Mahama prepares to assume the highest office in Ghana on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, he faces a monumental task—leading a nation overwhelmed by its most severe economic crisis in decades. Mahama isn’t new to the political arena; he served as president from 2012 to 2017. His recent triumph over the ruling party's candidate, outgoing Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, marks a noteworthy comeback that has captured national attention. "The economic landscape is challenging," Mahama expressed shortly after…

Nearly two decades after the last execution, Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty. This significant shift comes from a country where such a fate was all too real not long ago. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who himself was once on the perilous edge of facing the death penalty during the War of Independence in the 1960s, recently put his signature on legislation paving the way for this landmark change. The final execution took place via hanging back in 2005, largely because no one wanted to take on the grim…