youth

Mogadishu (AX) — Under the vibrant political canopy of Somalia, a noteworthy moment unfolded in the Somali Parliament on Monday. It was a day that saw the approval of two pivotal legislative acts: the Youth Justice Bill and the Income Tax Bill. These are not mere legislative formality; they are emblematic of a nation striving to break free from its past shackles and move towards a horizon marked by prosperity and fairness. Bihi Iman Igeh, the Minister of Finance, stood tall amid his peers as he commended the…

Recently, the Global Mind Project unveiled its extensive report on mental health, drawing from over a million responses collected online from participants in 76 different countries. The data revealed a rather unsettling truth: in wealthier countries, the mental well-being of those aged 18 to 34 is on a downward trend with little sign of recovery in sight. However, there's a silver lining. In parts of Africa, youth are demonstrating a remarkable resilience that stands out globally. Who would've thought? Tanzania,…

Somali Football's Grassroots Revolution: New Beginnings in Kismayo The sprawling beaches and bustling markets of Kismayo serve not just as the city’s identity but as a backdrop to its ever-budding football culture. Now, the heartbeat of this culture has found a renewed rhythm with the Somali Football Federation’s (SFF) inauguration of its second youth development centre. This latest initiative stands as a testament to the federation’s ambition of sowing the seeds of a…

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a piece of exciting news has recently emerged. Somali-Canadian actress Sabrina Dhowre Elba, a name already illuminated by its silver-screen glow, steps into a new frontier. She's set to star in "Nuur," an eagerly anticipated feature film. Helming this cinematic voyage is Lula Ali Ismaïl, a brilliant director with roots as diverse as her narrative threads, merging Canadian and Djiboutian influences. Her oeuvre is punctuated by the groundbreaking film "Dhalinyaro," a tale that resonated…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an exhilarating stride toward bolstering the nation's football prowess, Somalia has unveiled its inaugural Youth Football Development Center in Baidoa this week. This initiative underscores a momentous chapter in the country's grassroots infrastructure, a dream long nurtured by the Somali Football Federation (SFF). Can this be the dawn of a new era for Somali football, one wonders? Baidoa, nestled 246 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, has become the canvas for this ambitious football project. Here,…

The ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern regions such as Goma, is reaching critical levels. Civilians, especially children, are bearing the brunt of this turmoil. According to UNICEF, the situation grows increasingly dire with each passing day. The refugee agency estimates that hundreds of thousands have been uprooted by the relentless fighting. Imagine for a moment the sheer chaos—a family that once shared laughter and meals finds itself scrambling for safety, with little to no…

In recent years, the plight of children in Mali has escalated, leaving an indelible mark on their lives amid escalating violence and widespread atrocities. The ongoing conflict, fueled by various factions, has created an environment where the most vulnerable—our children—face unimaginable horrors on a day-to-day basis. What does it say about our collective humanity when the innocent are caught in the crossfire of such chaos? Reports suggest that between April 2022 and March 2024, more than 2,000 egregious violations against…

Mogadishu (AX) – Pageantry of possibilities unfurls in the dusty alleys and bustling markets of Mogadishu, where hope seems like a fragile whisper amidst the cacophony of conflict. In this peculiar dance, the Somali State Minister for Religious Affairs, Abukar Sheikh, serves a compelling invitation to the youth ensnared in the grip of Al-Shabaab. Picture this: a political olive branch tendered on a Sunday, laced with promises of amnesty, redemption, and a ticket back to a more harmonious life, adorned with the creativity…

As the ceasefire extends into its seventh day, the residents of Gaza are grappling with the grim aftermath of a staggering 15 months drenched in tragedy and chaos. This week, the health ministry—operating under Hamas—reported a staggering death toll of 47,283, a figure that is grimly expected to climb higher as the debris is sifted and more bodies are discovered beneath the ruins. The erasure of Gaza's infrastructure is nothing short of catastrophic: approximately two-thirds of buildings that once stood have either…

As the curtain lifted on his second term, US President Donald Trump found himself in the spotlight not just as a politician, but as a leader called to exercise compassion. On a chilly day in Washington, leading a diverse congregation at the National Cathedral, one voice rose above the clamor of politics. Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, a figure of grace and influence, took the podium with a heartfelt message, beseeching Trump to "have mercy" on a nation fraught with fear and uncertainty. "In the name of our God," she implored,…