West

Human Rights Watch says Israel’s expulsions from West Bank refugee camps amount to war crimes Human Rights Watch released a 105-page report alleging that about 32,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced from the Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps during Israeli "Operation Iron Wall" in January and February. The rights group says the expulsions, destruction of homes and denial of return meet the thresholds for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report, titled "All My Dreams Have Been Erased," documents…

A Rising Tide of Terror: The West African Coast in Crisis As the sun rises over the sprawling landscapes of West Africa, a dark undercurrent looms. The once-thriving coastal regions are now grappling with an alarming surge in violence, driven by terror groups operating from the heart of the Sahel. In an effort to stem this tide of chaos, many African nations have fortified their borders, standing as a bulwark against the growing menace. The Sahel: A Hotbed for Terrorism The Sahel region, nestled between the Sahara Desert…

At Least 70 Dead in West Africa Migrant Boat Disaster; Dozens More Feared Missing Off Mauritania A migrant boat attempting the Atlantic crossing from West Africa to Europe capsized off Mauritania, killing at least 70 people and leaving many more missing, Gambia’s foreign affairs ministry said late Friday. The vessel, believed to have departed the Gambia and carrying mostly Gambian and Senegalese nationals, sank early Wednesday. Mauritanian authorities recovered 70 bodies by Thursday, and only 16 survivors were pulled from…

Baidoa (AX) — On Monday, Ambassador James Swan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, sat down with South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ and his team. Their chat revolved around some big-ticket items like security, election prep, and the pressing humanitarian concerns. Regional bigwigs filled in the UN envoy on safety measures being beefed up across South West State. They particularly pointed out the recent wins in Sabiid and Bariire in the Lower Shabelle region.…

Mogadishu (AX) — Things are heating up in Yaqbariweyne as the South West State troops gear up to take on local militias, stirring worries of a fresh conflict over who calls the shots and collects taxes in the area.Folks in Yaqbariweyne have mentioned that both factions are on high alert, causing the local populace to brace for what might come. Eyes and ears on the ground hint that the South West forces are keen on tightening their grip on the town, which has, for the past few months, been pretty much under the thumb of armed…

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, Federal MP Abdullahi Adan Ahmed, known by all as Black, sounded the alarm on the South West State's administration's alleged ploy to oust Hudur's mayor. He voiced concerns that this move could stir the pot of serenity in Hudur, a district lauded for its peace compared to other restless parts of the region. According to Black, a pair of important state ministers—one from the Interior Ministry, the other from Security—recently graced Hudur with a visit, sparking whispers of a mayoral…

The Palestinian health ministry has reported a grievous loss of life in the Tulkarm refugee camp situated in the West Bank, where at least 18 individuals were tragically killed due to an Israeli airstrike. This attack was purportedly aimed at eliminating a Hamas commander, whose presence was significant in the region. A representative from the Palestinian security services described this air raid as the most catastrophic event in the West Bank since the year 2000, highlighting the escalation of violence in recent times.…

Baidoa (AX) — The Somali Federal Government and the South West State have struck a tentative deal to cool down the intensifying friction regarding Ethiopian troops' presence. The conflict has been heating up, causing fears of greater instability. Both parties have vowed to dial down the heated remarks and will reconvene for more talks at the National Consultative Council meeting in Mogadishu later this month. General Mahad Abdirahman Adan, who heads the Somali Correctional Forces, traveled to Baidoa to spearhead the peace…

In a bold move, three West African nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—governed by military juntas, are set to unveil new biometric passports as they distance themselves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Inundating rains have unleashed a wave of flooding and destruction across various cities and towns in West and Central Africa, affecting millions of lives. This deluge has ignited humanitarian emergencies in countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad, Mali, Ghana, and Liberia, with a staggering estimate of four million individuals, most of whom are children, caught in the turmoil.