violence

The Genocide Remembrance Day serves as a solemn reminder of a dark chapter in history—one that reveals the depths of human cruelty and the resilience of the human spirit. It commemorates the tragic events between 1904 and 1908, when colonial German forces mercilessly slaughtered tens of thousands of indigenous Herero and Nama people who dared to rise against oppressive colonial rule in what is now Namibia. This brutal conflict didn’t merely disrupt lives; it decimated a culture, uprooting entire communities and leaving…

Three out of four teenagers today express genuine concerns about the specter of gun violence in schools. In a world where safety should be a given, what can one individual do to illuminate a path toward change? Enter Anud Hashi, a senior at Highland High School in Salt Lake City, whose passion for her community exemplifies hope in adversity. Hashi, a dynamic young leader, proudly poses with the Somali flag, symbolizing her roots and her commitment to her community. Having migrated from Ethiopia in 2011, she understands the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a tumultuous scene that echoed through the halls of Somalia's parliament, prominent opposition figures including former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame have spoken out vehemently against the violent altercation that unfolded during Wednesday’s session of the House of the People. Their unified stance not only highlights the gravity of the situation but also emphasizes the urgent need for integrity within Somalia’s political…

On a recent Monday, the BBC made a striking announcement: a scheduled screening in Nairobi of a documentary detailing the intense scrutiny of security forces accused of brutal actions against protesters was abruptly canceled due to pressure from the Kenyan government. This revelation has sparked renewed discussions about freedom of the press and the ongoing struggle for justice in the country. Last year, Kenya witnessed a fierce clampdown on youth-led protests initiated in response to increasing tax rates. Heavy-handed…

Hargeisa (AX) — In recent days, the North Western State of Somalia government has leveled serious allegations against the Federal Government of Somalia, accusing it of playing an active role in the violent clashes that erupted between North Western State of Somalia forces and the SSC-Khaatumo administration in the Dhuumadare area of the Sanaag region. This accusation, which emerged through an official press statement from North Western State of Somalia's Ministry of Defense on Friday, paints a dire picture of the region's…

In a matter of weeks, the north-central Nigerian states of Plateau and Benue have witnessed a chilling spike in violence, with at least 144 lives lost at the hands of herdsmen. The toll, as catastrophic as it is, reveals a deeper malaise—an ongoing conflict that has not only injured scores but also left over 50 homes in ruins. What drives such brutality, and how much longer can communities endure this torment? The violence reached new levels of horror recently in Benue, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State to…

Recently, hundreds of Palestinians took to the streets in northern Gaza, demonstrating against the ongoing war and vocally demanding an end to Hamas's control. As social media posts captured the moment, protesters were heard chanting, “Hamas out.” This remarkable display of dissent comes after the militant group's October 7, 2023, raid on Israel, which ignited the current conflict. Northern Gaza has suffered immensely, with much of its infrastructure reduced to debris. This densely populated region has seen countless…

In the heart of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the realities of life for civilians in Ituri province have become grim. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has recently reported an alarming surge in violence, leaving its medical teams to confront the aftermath of egregious human suffering. Imagine a landscape plagued by conflict, where injuries tell stories of despair. In their latest report, titled "Risking Their Lives to Survive," MSF highlights the extreme healthcare needs affecting numerous communities. The…

Recently, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan characterized the protests ignited by the detention of Istanbul's mayor as a "movement of violence." He asserted that the main opposition party would bear responsibility for the injuries sustained by police officers and the resulting property damage. The arrest of Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu last Wednesday, who is regarded as Mr. Erdoğan's principal political rival, has catalyzed the largest street demonstrations in Turkey in over a decade. A court sentenced İmamoğlu to jail pending…

Forced Evictions and Clan Conflicts Amplifying Somalia's Humanitarian Crisis Mogadishu (AX) — They say no one ever steps in the same river twice. This holds particularly true for Somalia, where fluid dynamics of forced evictions and entrenched clan conflicts continually worsen the humanitarian crisis. Who suffers most in this turmoil? The vulnerable, naturally. A recent report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)…