West Africa

At the helm: Former Somali Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Issa Awad, didn't mince his words while criticizing Somalia’s freshly minted alliance with Egypt and Eritrea, calling it a reckless shot in the dark. Below: Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea's leaders clasp hands during a diplomatic rendezvous. Ahmed Issa Awad has thrown caution to the wind, cautioning that Somalia's new alliance with Egypt and Eritrea was hasty and destined to be short-lived. He pointed out the vast chasm in their governing styles and clashing…

In Kismayo, United Nations envoy James Swan and Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), shook hands and dove into Somalia's political big picture. They chewed over state-building, the quagmire with Al-Shabaab, and the prep work for the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) hoo-ha.Mogadishu (AX) — On a Sunday powwow, James Swan, the UN's point person, nudged Jubbaland's President Ahmed Madobe back into Somalia's National Consultative Council. They focused their chat on building an effective state and…

Across the African continent, a multitude of national squads are engaged in a thrilling round of qualifying matches, all vying for a coveted spot at the continent's premier soccer showcase, the African Cup of Nations, set to unfold in vibrant Morocco. This Tuesday promises a crucial clash as Nigeria's renowned Super Eagles aim for early qualification from Group D, facing off against the formidable Mediterranean Knights, Libya. Yet, not all’s smooth for the Nigerian team; certain officials have hinted at a potential boycott…

A DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise drone is buzzing in the air. It's just like those now banned from flying within five nautical miles of Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport due to new safety rules from the Somali Civil Aviation Authority.Mogadishu (AX) — In light of heightened security troubles, Somalia's Civil Aviation Authority has grounded all drones within a five-nautical-mile circle around Mogadishu's Aden Abdulle International Airport. This move aims to secure the area and smooth out flight operations at the nation's…

President Joseph Boakai has officially accepted the resignation of Commerce Minister Amin Modad. This decision came in the wake of significant public backlash regarding Modad's acquisition of a vehicle that surpassed the established price ceiling. "His actions demonstrate a serious lapse in judgment and an insensitivity to the prevailing economic circumstances in our nation," Boakai remarked, emphasizing the need for accountability in leadership. The former Minister of Commerce defended his choice, explaining that the…

Picture this: a computer screen flashing a cyberattack warning. A group of cyber bandits swiped a whopping $350,000 from a Somali solar energy company by rerouting their funds. Mogadishu (AX) — In a daring cyber-heist revealing alarming flaws, hackers drained over $350,000 slated for a Somali solar venture. The hit spotlighted gaps in security at India-based International Solar Alliance (ISA). The intended recipients, Hayle Barise Energy Solutions, are paving the way for solar development in Somalia. Instead, the cash…

The vibes in Mogadishu (AX) were electric as Somali security operatives in Jubbaland fended off Al-Shabab's attempted raid on Buulo Haji, a key locale near Kismayo, recently freed from the clutches of militants.Major Mohamed Farah Dahir, who speaks for the regional forces in Jubbaland, announced that the militant group struck fiercely at army strongholds near Buulo Haji, only to face a resounding defeat with significant losses. They claimed victory, stating they seized the village and downed six soldiers, but Dahir painted a…

In South Africa, the battle for women's rights has reached a new crescendo, with dedicated activists rallying against the anticipated performance of the controversial U.S. artist, Chris Brown. The advocacy group, Women For Change, has initiated a petition aimed at urging both the government and concert promoters to reevaluate the decision to host him in December. The petition articulates a clear demand: the Department of Home Affairs should revoke Brown's visa, thereby preventing him from entering the country altogether.…

FILE - Inside the Parliament House in Mogadishu, Somali Federal Parliament members gather. Parliament plays a pivotal role in promoting good governance, accountability, and democratic ideals in Somalia.  Introduction When envisioning good governance, images of democracy, the rule of law, and visionary leadership come to mind. The term “governance” takes its roots from ancient Greek ideas, picked up from Latin origins meaning “to steer,” and passed along by the French. John Locke, back in the 17th century, dished out…

Mogadishu (AX) — A groundbreaking partnership was forged between North Western State of Somalia's Ministry of Minerals and Energy and Emirates Industrial Laboratory, a hub from the UAE, aiming to transform the mineral testing landscape in Dahabshiil’s neck of the woods.Ink dried on the agreement in Dubai, where Mohamed Osman Said, the heavyweight at North Western State of Somalia's Ministry, gave Emirates Industrial Laboratory the green light. With this deal, North Western State of Somalia shuns the hefty task of outsourcing…