Iqra Ismail, a former Somali national team captain and founder of Hilltop FC, was barred from participating in a recent grassroots football match due to her choice of attire: tracksuit bottoms instead of shorts, worn in adherence to her Muslim faith. The incident unfolded last Sunday when she was prepared to play for the United Dragons FC, a Greater London Women’s Football League team. After warming up and stepping onto the pitch, Ismail was told by the referee that she could only play if she wore shorts—a requirement she has never met in her five-year history playing in the league.

Ismail, who also serves as a coach and advocate for refugee women, has always worn tracksuit bottoms, along with a sports hijab and long-sleeve top, to align with her religious beliefs. “I was very visibly upset,” she recounted. “I know a lot of women who don’t play in these leagues, even though they are capable, because they don’t feel comfortable wearing shorts.”

The incident, she says, reflects a broader issue within the league’s approach to inclusivity. Despite guidelines issued by the Football Association (FA) recommending leniency for players who wear specific attire for religious reasons, the Greater London Women’s Football League maintains that tracksuit bottoms are restricted to goalkeepers only. The league has upheld a strict interpretation of kit rules, which Ismail argues contradicts the FA’s advice on accommodating players’ religious and cultural practices.

Ismail’s journey in advocating for a more inclusive space within the game has been ongoing. “In the past few years, I’ve been advocating for Muslim women to have a safe space in the game,” she explained. This includes organizing women-only, alcohol-free screenings of major football events like the FA Cup final to create an environment where Muslim women feel welcomed. She worries, however, that her efforts are being undermined by instances like her recent experience on the pitch.

The Football Association has responded to the situation, acknowledging the matter and stating that they are working directly with Ismail and the league to find a solution. In a public statement, the FA reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and noted that it had proactively reminded county FAs and match officials of their duty to allow clothing accommodations for religious reasons.

As Ismail waits for a resolution, she remains hopeful and is exploring further steps to encourage lasting changes in the sport, even contemplating collaboration with the International Football Association Board to reform dress codes on a global scale. “Your religious principles and what you’re comfortable with have to take precedence,” she said. For Ismail, this is about more than her own participation; it’s about making football a space where players from all backgrounds can bring their identities to the pitch.

This incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing tradition with inclusivity in sports, illustrating the tension between standardization and respect for diversity—especially as football expands its reach across cultures worldwide.

Fighters from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) unleashed a violent campaign in east-central Sudan, killing over 120 people in Gezira province, according to reports from the United Nations and Sudanese medical groups. The attack, spanning several days from October 20 to 25, involved brutal assaults on civilians, including sexual violence against women and girls, widespread looting, and the forced displacement of more than 4,000 people, particularly in Tambiuk and nearby villages.

This incident underscores the severe toll of a war that has devastated Sudan for nearly 18 months, displacing millions and threatening to plunge the country into famine. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) described the violence as an “appalling human rights violation,” with its director general, Amy Pope, urging international intervention, warning, “Millions of lives are in the balance.” Clementine Nkweta-Salami, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, drew a chilling parallel between these attacks and the atrocities committed during the Darfur genocide in the early 2000s, which also saw widespread sexual violence and mass killings by Janjaweed militias, from which the RSF originates.

The Sudanese Doctors’ Union reported that, in the town of Sariha alone, at least 124 civilians were killed, and 200 were wounded. The group also accused the RSF of detaining around 150 people and called upon the U.N. Security Council to pressure the paramilitary group to open “safe corridors” to allow humanitarian aid to reach the affected areas. Footage circulating on social media, some purportedly shared by RSF fighters, appeared to show them abusing detainees, intensifying the outrage surrounding the attacks.

The RSF’s latest assault comes after significant setbacks in their conflict with the Sudanese military. The military recently launched a successful offensive, reclaiming strategic locations, including parts of Khartoum and the mountainous Jebel Moya in Gezira province. The defection of a key RSF commander in Gezira, Abu Aqlah Keikel, further weakened the paramilitary group and may have sparked retaliatory attacks on villages believed to be loyal to Keikel.

Sudan’s conflict erupted in April 2023, with hostilities breaking out in Khartoum before spreading to other regions. Since then, the RSF has faced accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly in Darfur, where ethnic violence and mass rapes have drawn international condemnation. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project estimates that over 24,000 people have died since the war began, with many more suffering amid restricted humanitarian access and rampant human rights abuses.

The Coordination of Civilian Democratic Forces, a pro-democracy alliance, held the RSF responsible for the “massive violations” in Gezira and has called for accountability. International observers, meanwhile, continue to press for a resolution to the conflict, with hopes of restoring stability in a nation already beset by economic turmoil and social fragmentation.

The unfolding crisis highlights Sudan’s tenuous path forward. While the military has managed to reclaim significant territories, the RSF’s brutal response suggests that a peaceful resolution remains elusive. Observers worry that without substantial international intervention, the violence will only continue, amplifying the suffering of a civilian population already bearing the brunt of this protracted conflict.

The city of Nairobi mourned a devastating loss on Saturday as three Somali women, victims of a horrific attack that has gripped Kenya, were laid to rest amid calls for justice and improved security in the Eastleigh neighborhood. Hundreds gathered at Lang’ata Cemetery to bid farewell to Waris Daud, her daughter Amina Abdi Mohammed, and her niece, 13-year-old Nuseyba Abdirashid, whose violent deaths have brought attention to rising safety concerns in Eastleigh.

According to Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, autopsies revealed the brutal nature of their murders. Waris suffered severe neck injuries, with her hands also mutilated, suggesting torture. Amina, her daughter, died from a stab wound that pierced her heart, while young Nuseyba was smothered, her body showing indications of sexual assault. The harrowing details have fueled an outpouring of public outrage, intensifying the demand for swift justice.

The tragic sequence of events began on October 21 when Waris left her home in Eastleigh for a routine skincare appointment but did not return. Her daughter Amina and niece Nuseyba, concerned by her prolonged absence, went out later that evening to search for her. CCTV footage captured the two young women making a phone call near a taxi—their last known location before their disappearance. The following day, the three women’s bodies were found across different locations in Nairobi and Machakos County, laying bare the brutal end to a seemingly ordinary day.

A suspect, believed to have participated in ransom negotiations, is now in police custody. The individual was arrested while attempting to escape and is reportedly linked to the extortion of Sh1 million from another woman’s family. This fourth woman, who was also held with the three victims, managed to escape and informed authorities of the captors’ plans. According to her, the abductors intended to eliminate the women once they realized their identities were known. A vehicle suspected to be involved in the kidnappings has also been recovered by police.

The sorrowful burial ceremony was a moment of reflection and anger as community leaders, government officials, and family members gathered to honor the women’s lives. Sheikh Mohamud Shibli, an esteemed Islamic scholar, led the prayers, while Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, stood in solidarity with the grieving family. Waris’s husband was seen silently mourning, his grief palpable among the mourners.

MP Hassan, in an impassioned speech, called on the government to expedite its investigation and to enhance security measures across Kamukunji, a constituency frequently impacted by gang violence. “Our community will not rest until we see justice served for these innocent lives,” he stated. Ambassador Abdulle echoed these sentiments, thanking Kenyan authorities for their efforts and emphasizing the necessity for justice.

The triple homicide has not only unsettled the Eastleigh community but has also underscored the growing urgency for security reforms in Nairobi’s neighborhoods, where crime rates continue to alarm residents. Leaders of the Somali community have urged unity and restraint, asking the public to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) the necessary space to complete its work. “Let us give the DCI the space to complete their work. This is a painful time for us, and we need support, not speculation,” said a relative.

Community advocates and human rights groups have also seized the moment to urge authorities to address the alarming rise in gang activity in Eastleigh. While safety concerns have plagued the area for some time, the sheer brutality of this incident has amplified calls for reform. Rights groups are pressing for immediate and sustained action to ensure that residents, particularly vulnerable groups like women and children, can live in their communities without fear.

As Nairobi confronts the tragedy of these killings, the city’s attention turns to accountability and healing. For Eastleigh, the loss of Waris, Amina, and Nuseyba is a call to action—a collective plea to make public safety a priority, so that such horrors may never be repeated.

The American Swedish Institute (ASI) in Minneapolis will host Somali-born Swedish artist Salad Hilowle’s first U.S. solo exhibition in 2025, giving audiences an introspective glimpse into the complexities of Afro-Swedish and Somali identities in Sweden. Running from June 21 to October 26, the exhibition will use video, photography, sculpture, and performance to explore themes of resilience, cultural memory, and belonging within the Somali diaspora.

Raised in Gävle, Sweden after emigrating from Somalia as a child, Hilowle has emerged as one of Scandinavia’s leading voices on Afro-Swedish perspectives. Through his art, he sheds light on often-overlooked narratives within Swedish cultural history, resonating deeply with both Somali and African communities. ASI President and CEO Molly Steenson noted, “Hilowle’s work doesn’t just add visibility to Afro-Swedes—it invites us to consider their experiences and contributions in new, profound ways.”

Curated by Berlin-based Sagal Farah and co-hosted by the Somali Museum of Minnesota, the exhibition will feature key pieces from Hilowle’s previous work, including Passion of Remembrance (2020). This video installation uses a blend of archival footage and staged scenes to present a nuanced view of Black identity in Sweden, reinterpreting classic Swedish cultural symbols from an Afro-Swedish perspective. By bridging his Somali heritage with Swedish culture, Hilowle invites viewers to engage deeply with themes of home, migration, and the complexities of identity.

Holding an MFA from the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm, Hilowle has shown his work across prominent Swedish venues, such as Kulturhuset, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, and Gävle Konstcentrum. His acclaimed 2022 novel, Halima om de sina, a nominee for the Swedish Photo Book Award, further investigates the diaspora experience and adds dimension to his artistic exploration of identity. Recognized with awards like Sweden’s Rettig’s Artist Scholarship, his works now belong to significant collections at Moderna Museet and Västerås Art Museum.

Hilowle’s exhibition will join ASI’s 2025 program, which will feature prominent Swedish artists, including Lars Tunbjörk and Ann Wolff. Yet, Hilowle’s contribution is uniquely impactful for Somali and Afro-Swedish communities in the U.S., offering a rare, culturally rich perspective on the diaspora experience. Curator Sagal Farah remarked, “Hilowle’s work creates space for overlooked voices, blending personal stories with universal themes of migration and cultural memory.”

For ASI, this exhibition represents an opportunity to foster cross-cultural dialogue, allowing Somali viewers to see aspects of their own journey reflected in Scandinavian art. For other audiences, Hilowle’s work will stand as a moving reminder of migration’s complexities and the multifaceted nature of belonging, urging reflection on the many ways one might find a sense of home across borders and generations.

Marian Hassan, a Minnesota educator and author, is harnessing the power of storytelling to preserve Somali culture and language through a new children’s book project, thanks to a grant from the Minnesota Humanities Center. Hassan’s initiative, called the Sing-Again Lullaby and Oral History Project, received $121,394 through the Minnesota Legacy Cultural Heritage Grant, which will primarily fund the book’s publishing. The project is dedicated to capturing Somali oral traditions—songs, poems, and stories handed down for generations—and transforming them into a written collection, thus safeguarding these cultural narratives for the future.

By interviewing Somali elders, Hassan aims to record the vibrant oral heritage that traditionally thrived without a written script until Somali gained a formal alphabet in the 1970s. “If the Somali language is lost, the culture and all of the depth of this rich oral history will go away,” Hassan emphasized. “This story is not grim displacement and becoming a refugee. That’s not the story that we want to constantly be surrounded with.” Instead, the project offers an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and beauty of Somali culture.

While much of the funding will go toward producing the book, a portion will cover videography for recording traditional songs to create an audio companion, enhancing the project’s reach. This additional component aims to give voice to lullabies and other oral traditions, creating an immersive experience for families and young readers. Hassan envisions expanding Sing-Again beyond the Twin Cities, potentially reaching other regions in Minnesota with Somali populations, such as St. Cloud.

Preserving the Somali language remains challenging, especially for displaced communities where survival often takes precedence over cultural conservation. In Minnesota, where Somali is the second most commonly spoken non-English language, generational language barriers are increasingly evident. Hassan’s project seeks to bridge this gap, fostering communication and connection among families by creating a shared cultural touchstone in schools and homes alike.

“It’s important to expose (children) to the stories of others,” Hassan explained, noting that such exposure helps foster empathy and connection. “This project is an opportunity for the larger community to experience Somali culture and our efforts to belong but also not lose who we are in that process.”

Expected to conclude in May 2025, Sing-Again will feature a bilingual, illustrated volume of lullabies and stories. Additionally, a website will house further resources and recordings, making the project accessible for generations to come and providing an invaluable archive of Somali cultural heritage.

The discovery of Yusuf Hussein Ahmed’s mutilated body, 40 days after his brazen abduction in Nairobi, has ignited public outrage and deepened concerns over Kenya’s worsening crisis of enforced disappearances. Ahmed, a Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Della Anole Ward in Wajir County and the Minority Leader in the Wajir County Assembly, was abducted on September 13 by unknown assailants. His severely tortured body was found in Lake Yahud, sending shockwaves across the country.

Ahmed’s family, who had desperately searched for him, identified his body despite its horrific condition. His eyes had been gouged out, his hands and nose severed, and his face doused in acid—a brutal attempt to obscure his identity. However, a birth defect—a missing finger—allowed the family to confirm it was him.

“The condition of the body is beyond horrific—it’s almost impossible to recognize,” said MCA Aden Keynan Wehliye, a senior political figure in Wajir. “It’s inhuman, something no one should go through.”

Ahmed’s abduction occurred while he was traveling in a taxi along Enterprise Road in Nairobi. According to his driver, two black Land Cruiser Prados blocked their vehicle, and armed men dragged Ahmed from the car. Despite some leads, including the recovery of the driver’s stolen phone, the investigation has faltered due to delays in obtaining CCTV footage and call data. Authorities, including Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), have described the case as complex, but frustrations are mounting among Ahmed’s family and supporters, who feel that little is being done to seek justice.

In an attempt to compel action, Ahmed’s family petitioned the High Court, demanding that the Inspector General of Police and the DCI produce Ahmed, dead or alive. They argue that his disappearance violated constitutional rights, including habeas corpus. The family and community are increasingly suspicious that state elements may have orchestrated Ahmed’s abduction. “If Yusuf had committed any offence, he should have been arrested and charged, not abducted and tortured,” said his cousin, Abdikadir Abdulahi Ahmed.

Ahmed’s case has drawn attention to the broader issue of forced disappearances in Kenya. Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned this growing trend, with many cases allegedly linked to state security agencies. Protests have erupted across Wajir and other regions, with citizens demanding accountability. “This isn’t just about Yusuf; it’s about all of us,” said Adan Issack, a community leader in Wajir. “If an elected official can be taken like this, what hope do ordinary citizens have?”

The outrage has put pressure on President William Ruto’s government, which had promised to end forced disappearances. Despite these assurances, Ahmed’s case adds to the list of unresolved disappearances, with dozens of Kenyans still missing. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has acknowledged the rising number of complaints but has struggled to address the majority of cases.

Ahmed’s legal team has criticized law enforcement for their slow response, accusing the police of failing to take the investigation seriously. Lawyers have demanded better protection for key witnesses, fearing further intimidation or violence. Meanwhile, forensic testing is underway, delaying Ahmed’s burial until a thorough investigation can be completed.

For Ahmed’s family, the discovery of his body, while offering a grim form of closure, has done little to ease their suffering. “We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” Abdikadir said. “Yusuf was more than just a politician—he was a father, a brother, a leader to his community. His loss is a loss for all of us.”

Ahmed’s brutal murder has not only shaken the Somali-Kenyan community but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing impunity surrounding enforced disappearances in Kenya. As public anger continues to grow, the case underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and reform within the country’s security apparatus. The chilling message is clear: until justice is served, no one is safe.

The tragic death of 11-year-old Mohamed Mohamed, a nonverbal boy with autism, whose body was recovered from a pond near his home in Eden Prairie, has left his family and community grappling with grief and unanswered questions. His death has also reignited concerns within the Somali community in the Twin Cities, where a similar tragedy occurred just a few months earlier.

Mohamed disappeared late Sunday afternoon, last seen around 5:45 p.m. near his home on Cardiff Lane. As soon as his absence was noticed, an urgent search operation was launched, involving local authorities and a rallying community effort. Eden Prairie police, assisted by K-9 units, drones, and a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter, scoured the area, while neighbors joined in, lighting their homes and combing their yards in hopes of finding him. The search took a devastating turn when authorities pulled a body from a nearby pond around 9:30 p.m., matching the description of the young boy.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Mohamed’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” the Eden Prairie Police Department said in a statement. Authorities, including the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol and the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mohamed’s death.

This tragedy marks the second time in recent months that a Somali child with autism has drowned in the Twin Cities. In June, 4-year-old Waeys Ali Mohamed, another nonverbal child with autism, wandered away from his family and drowned in Minnehaha Creek. The eerie similarity between the two cases has stirred deep concern among the Somali community about the vulnerability of autistic children and the recurring nature of such accidents.

Experts point to a heightened risk factor: children with autism are often drawn to water due to its sensory appeal. Ellie Wilson, executive director of the Autism Society of Minnesota, noted, “The movement of water and the pressure it creates can be calming for autistic children. But this same attraction can lead to tragic outcomes, as drowning remains the leading cause of death for children with autism.”

For the Somali community, these drownings represent a much larger issue—how to protect vulnerable children while addressing the unique challenges faced by immigrant families with autistic children. Mahdi Warsama, CEO of the Somali Parents Autism Network (SPAN), spoke of the ongoing struggles, emphasizing that these tragedies leave families in constant fear. “It makes you worry who’s next and what more can be done to prevent these tragedies,” Warsama said. His organization has been pushing for more awareness around safety measures, such as door and window alarms, specialized swimming lessons, and GPS tracking devices for children with autism.

The loss of Mohamed Mohamed has sparked a collective call to action within the Somali and wider Twin Cities communities. Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN), reflected on the pattern of these tragic events. “If you had told me a few months ago, when we were looking for the young child in Hopkins, that we would be doing the same thing three months later, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Hussein said. “Now, I think we have to take this matter seriously.”

Hussein’s remarks underscore the growing sense of urgency around the issue of safeguarding children with autism. In light of these recent events, advocates are calling for more robust safety protocols and preventive measures to ensure that another child does not suffer the same fate.

As the Somali community mourns another devastating loss, there is a profound sense that more must be done. “We cannot afford to lose another child,” Warsama emphasized. “The time for awareness and safety is now.”

Amun Abdullahi, a former journalist and human rights advocate, was tragically killed by masked gunmen in Somalia, marking a violent end to a life dedicated to uncovering hard truths. Abdullahi, aged 49, was ambushed in Afgooye, a town northwest of Mogadishu, in an area frequently targeted by the al-Shabaab militant group. The attackers fled the scene, and Somali authorities have yet to apprehend any suspects or identify a clear motive. However, given the region’s history of insurgent violence, the attack is likely linked to her prior investigative work or ongoing threats from extremist groups.

Abdullahi had a storied career that straddled two continents. Originally from Somalia, she sought asylum in Sweden in 1992, eventually working for Radio Sweden’s Somali language department. In 2009, she rose to prominence through a bold and controversial exposé on al-Shabaab’s recruitment activities in Stockholm’s Rinkeby suburb. Her investigation, broadcast on Sweden’s leading news program Ekot, revealed that young people in the area were being recruited by a local youth leader linked to al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based militant group. The report sparked a national debate on extremism, but also led to severe personal and professional backlash.

Despite exposing a clear threat, Abdullahi was ostracized by parts of her community, facing accusations of betrayal and disloyalty. Her findings were initially dismissed by some media outlets, and she endured threats and isolation. However, her reporting was later corroborated by Sweden’s Security Service (Säpo), confirming that al-Shabaab recruitment had indeed taken place in Rinkeby.

Fleeing the hostility she faced in Sweden, Abdullahi returned to Somalia over a decade ago, shifting her focus to community development. She led projects aimed at empowering women and promoting local agriculture, determined to contribute to her homeland despite the constant danger posed by al-Shabaab’s insurgency.

Throughout her career, Abdullahi was widely respected for her fearless commitment to uncovering the truth, particularly on issues related to extremism and radicalization. In 2010, she was honored with the Publicist Club’s Freedom of Speech Award, given in memory of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, and was nominated for Sweden’s prestigious Guldspaden journalism award.

Her death represents a grave loss to both journalism and her community development efforts in Somalia. Somali authorities have opened an investigation into the killing, though no arrests have yet been made. The assassination underscores the persistent threats faced by journalists and activists working in conflict zones and hostile environments.