Backlash Follows Trump Rally Speaker’s Mockery of Puerto Rico

Donald Trump, the Republican hopeful for the presidency, took center stage at Madison Square Garden in New York, an iconic venue renowned for hosting everything from Knicks games to legendary concerts by Billy Joel. The rally kicked off with a barrage of charged comments from Trump’s supporters, setting a combative tone for the evening. As a New Yorker who has been in the spotlight for decades, Mr. Trump aimed to leverage the prestige of this historic location to deliver a compelling critique of his Democratic rival, Kamala…

Somalia’s Energy Minister Calls Oil and Gas Exploration a Transformative Development

Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye's Energy Minister, shared his thoughts on the nation’s significant oil and gas exploration ventures in Somalia. He labeled the efforts as transformative and hinted that global corporations might want to jump on board with these ventures moving forward. Recently, the Turkish research vessel, Oruç Reis, made its way to Somalia. It's geared up to conduct in-depth seismic explorations to uncover potential reserves of oil and natural gas. During the vessel's reception at the bustling Port of…

The Uncertain Future of the AU Mission in Somalia

What's Next for AU Mission in Somalia? MOGADISHU, Somalia - The destiny of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) hangs like a storm cloud, largely due to anxieties over transferring power, Ethiopia-related friction, and a lack of financial support from donors who've backed this initiative for quite a spell. Monetary shortfalls persist, leading to an unfortunate predicament where soldiers haven't seen paychecks in many moons. Meanwhile, Ethiopia's alleged territorial ambitions stir the pot, causing…

Efforts to Reform in Somalia Escalate Tensions Amidst the Persistent Threat of Al-Shabaab

In Mogadishu (AX), the Somali federal government's ambition to transition from a clan-based election process to a universal suffrage by 2026 has stirred the political pot, all while the nation faces a pesky al-Shabaab resurgence. On October 2, during a National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow, Somali bigwigs mapped out a reform strategy, eyeing extended terms for state presidents. This plan, however, pulled back the curtain on deep-seated rifts among regional honchos, as tensions simmer amid rising insurgency woes.…

The Federal Map of Somalia Fuels Tensions with Northeastern State and Hirshabelle Over Contested Regions

Mogadishu (AX) — During a lively event in Mogadishu, Somalia's federal government rolled out a new map that has ruffled some feathers, especially in the territories of Northeastern State and Hirshabelle. The focus of the gathering was to welcome a Turkish oil exploration vessel, but the map showcasing various areas as "disputed" areas quickly took center stage. Leaders from Northeastern State and Hirshabelle took issue, arguing it undermines the self-governance and clearly established borders of their lands. Northeastern…

Hormuud Salaam Foundation Collaborates with SomaliREN and Tabaarak ICT to Boost Technology Skills Among Somali Students

Hormuud Salaam Foundation Joins Forces with SomaliREN and Tabaarak ICT to Boost Tech Skills for Somali Youth MOGADISHU, Somalia - On October 27, 2024, at Mogadishu’s Jazeera Hotel, Hormuud Salaam Foundation teamed up with SomaliREN and Tabaarak ICT Solutions to kick off the "Bile Initiative." This program focuses on final-year Computer Science scholars, giving them specialized training, guidance, and job prospects. With an ambition to bolster 150 students, this initiative dives deep into intensive courses…

Israeli Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon Result in a Death Toll of at Least 11

In a recent escalation, Israeli airstrikes on Sidon, a coastal city in southern Lebanon, resulted in the tragic loss of at least eight lives, with 25 others suffering various injuries, as reported by the nation’s health ministry. Meanwhile, a separate strike in Zawtar al-Sharkiya claimed the lives of three individuals. Remarkably, a bomb dropped on Marjayoun yesterday tragically resulted in five fatalities. In the midst of these aggressions, Israel confirmed that four of its soldiers lost their lives while engaged in…

Questions of safety arise following the drowning of a young boy with autism in Eden Prairie

Hassan recounted discovering the boy’s mother near the front pond, where Mohamed often ran. "She kept insisting her son was in the pond, and I tried to comfort her by saying, 'Let's stay hopeful; maybe he just wandered off, and someone will spot him,'" Hassan remembered vividly. By half-past nine in the evening, authorities notified the family they had found something in the water. Confirmation of Mohamed’s recovery came at around 10 p.m. This heartbreaking event echoes another sorrowful incident from June, when 4-year-old…

Intense Discussions on Electoral Reform Surge in Somalia Amid Persistent Al-Shabaab Challenges

Clash Over Voting Reforms Intensifies in Somalia Against Evolving Al-Shabaab Danger MOGADISHU, Somalia — With al-Shabaab continuing its menacing activities, the conversation around voting reforms in Somalia is turning into quite the wildfire. The heart of the matter? Whether the country should stick to indirect elections or make a bold shift to letting every citizen cast their vote in the 2026 elections. The political bigwigs gathered again at the presidential palace, their heads bent over talks on national security and…

Somalia and Turkey Ink Financial Deal for Defense Collaboration

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant move towards bolstering Somalia's defense potential, Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur shook hands on a financial defense pact with Turkey's Defense Minister, Yaşar Güler.The ceremonious event held in Turkey on Monday saw representatives from both Mogadishu and Ankara converge, underscoring the agreement's potential to both enhance Somalia’s defense infrastructure and elevate the two nations’ partnership.According to reports from Somali state-owned outlets, this fresh accord…