The accord inked in August between the Somali and Egyptian governments, involving the deployment of ten Egyptian soldiers to Mogadishu, is coming to fruition. Half of these forces will be integrated into joint defense strategies, while the remaining troops will join the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), set to succeed the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by January 31, 2025. According to the Somali Guardian, Egyptian military advisors have already landed in Somalia to assist…
RSF Alleges Egypt’s Support for Sudanese Military, While Cairo Denies Claims
In the current geopolitical landscape, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemetti, who spearheads Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi are the key figures amidst escalating tensions. Hemetti recently accused Egypt of arming Sudanese Armed Forces, an allegation that Cairo has staunchly repudiated. CAIRO, Egypt (AX) — In a firm rebuttal, Egypt dismissed accusations by Sudan's RSF that Cairo is supplying military aid to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), amidst Sudan's intensifying internal…
Ethiopia Commits to Maintaining Military Presence in Somalia for AU Mission Amid Sea Access Dispute
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia has underscored its plan to maintain its soldiers in Somalia as a part of the forthcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). But there’s a hefty roadblock: Somalia demands the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops unless Ethiopia cancels its controversial sea access deal with North Western State of Somalia, hinged on mutual recognition. This agreement strives to offer Ethiopia a path to the Red Sea if it acknowledges North Western State of Somalia’s autonomy,…
President Mohamud and Museveni convene to deliberate on the security transition under ATMIS
Upon touching down in Uganda, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was treated to a lavish welcome at Entebbe International Airport, courtesy of Uganda’s Foreign Affairs head honcho, General Jeje Odongo. CREDIT Villa SomaliaMogadishu (AX) — Intent on bolstering key alliances, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on a mission to Uganda this past Saturday. This trip signifies Somalia's resolve to forge deeper connections with regional pals as it inches towards taking the reins of its security from African Union…
The UN Commits to Strengthening Support for Somalia’s Peace and State-Building Efforts
"We're absolutely ready to partner with Somalia's Federal Government to make this happen," she emphasized in a statement from Mogadishu, Somalia's vibrant capital. While in Somalia, the UN representative had in-depth discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his key advisors, along with engaging civil society leaders. During her conversation with the president, DiCarlo acknowledged Somalia's significant milestones, such as achieving debt relief through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, joining the…
Intense Battles in Central Somalia Result in the Deaths of Over 30 Al-Shabaab Militants
Fierce Skirmishes in Somalia End with More Than 30 Al-Shabaab Fighters Down MOGADISHU, Somalia - On a bright Saturday morning, over 30 Al-Shabaab members met their end in a fierce showdown with the Somali National Army (SNA). Word from the inside is that many more were left staggering, owing to severe injuries from the confrontation. The SNA, side by side with local warriors and militia allies, pulled off this mission. They zeroed in on Qay’ad village in Mudug, nestled in the heart of Somalia’s Galmudug state. "This…
Texas Supreme Court Halts Man’s Execution at the Eleventh Hour
The Texas Supreme Court has delivered a last-minute halt to the execution of Robert Roberson, a man on the autism spectrum, whose conviction for murder stems from what his attorneys argue was a grave misdiagnosis related to "shaken baby syndrome." This 57-year-old man faced lethal injection at the state prison in Huntsville after being sentenced for the tragic death of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki, in February 2002. However, in a dramatic twist, the state's highest court intervened, granting a temporary stay following…
Abdullahi Abdalla focuses on championing educators and mental health in his campaign for the Alexandria school board.
Aspiring Alexandria School Board member, Abdullahi Abdalla, campaigns under the vast city skyline hoping to secure his inaugural term. Abdalla champions his cause with a fervent focus on championing educators, safeguarding students, and fostering robust community ties. CREDIT/ SUPPLIED Mogadishu (AX) — Abdullahi Abdalla, a key player on the School Board Budget Advisory Committee, is vying for a seat on the Alexandria School Board. His campaign swings heavily towards empowering teachers, invigorating community…
Somalia Unveils $1.34 Billion Budget for FY2025, Announces First International Loan in Over Three Decades
The Somali administration has greenlit a federal budget of $1.34 billion for 2025. This represents a hefty 24.4% uptick from last year’s allocation of $1.079 billion. This financial boost stems from an uptick in local earnings and the need to tackle ongoing expenses, with homegrown revenue expected to hit $429.4 million, up 24% from $346.2 million in 2024.Taking a gander at the 2025 budgets of East African Community (EAC) nations:Kenya: $31.9 billion (up by 3.1% from 2024/25) Uganda: $19.61 billion (a whopping 36% increase)…
Wisconsin Voter Engagement is Crucial in a Race Where Every Single Vote Matters
Back in 2020, Joe Biden clinched victory in Wisconsin by a slender margin of just 22,000 votes. This razor-thin margin is precisely why the Republican Party chose this battleground for its convention in July, aiming to leverage the limelight that such a large-scale national event brings to a city that’s about the size of Dublin. Interestingly, the Fiserv Centre, where the RNC was held, has a capacity roughly identical to the tight vote margin in that pivotal election—22,000—in a state where an impressive 3.2 million people…
