Somalia: How Much Longer Can Ahmed Madobe Weather the Political Turmoil?

EDITORIAL |In the intricate labyrinth of Somali politics, both national and local leaders have a hand in the nation's upheavals. A prominent figure in this landscape is Ahmed Mohamed Islam, commonly known as Ahmed Madobe, the President of Jubaland—a pivotal Federal Member State in southern Somalia. As the end of his tenure approaches, Madobe's absence from the political arena has not gone unnoticed, prompting widespread speculation. Official channels attribute his absence to health issues abroad, but his vanishing act has…

Six Individuals, Including Five Relatives, Lose Their Lives in an Assault on Ethiopian Mosque

Jigjiga (AX) – In a horrific incident on Tuesday night, armed assailants gunned down six men, including five from the same family, within a mosque in Ethiopia's Somali Regional State. Residents believe the tragedy was a result of a vendetta between competing clans. The slain men—Bishar Baalul, Omar Aw Ahmed, Mahad Mohamud Abdullahi Waanis, Mahdi Sheikh Adan Wali, and Mohamed Dheere—were all devout Muslims, deeply committed to their faith and community. So far, no faction has stepped forward to claim responsibility for this…

10 Evidence-Backed Advantages of Drinking Green Tea

Green tea has earned a reputation as one of the healthiest beverages on the planet. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins and metabolism-boosting compounds, this ancient drink has been celebrated for centuries. From weight management to lowering cholesterol, green tea has been hailed for its various benefits to promote health and well-being. Although green tea offers several proven benefits, not all of its claims are supported by solid research. Green tea certainly deserves a place in your diet, but to really reap the benefits,…

Somalia’s President Seeks Turkey’s Help to Resolve Dispute with Regional State

MOGADISHU, Somalia - After weeks of gridlock between Somalia's federal government and the Southwest regional authority, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called upon Turkey to step in as a mediator. This gesture underscores the strong rapport between Mogadishu and Ankara, particularly their collaborations on security and development fronts. According to multiple insiders speaking to news Outlet, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has specifically asked Turkey's ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktas, to mediate. The…

Somali Army Eliminates 12 Al-Shabab Militants, Including Foreign Combatants, in Bay Region

Baidoa (AX) – Military officials reported a deadly skirmish in Somalia's Qansah Dhere district, resulting in the deaths of at least a dozen al-Shabab militants, including some foreign fighters. Southwest Darwish authorities confirmed the presence of foreign combatants among the dead but kept the specifics under wraps. Regional and federal troops, joined by local militias, have ramped up their efforts to reclaim territories still held by al-Shabab in the Bay and Bakol regions. In a similar operation back in April, Somali…

Somalia’s Top Court Confirms Death Penalty for Man Who Set Pregnant Wife on Fire

Sayid Ali Moalim Daoud faces the bench during his hearing on September 18, 2024, as the Somali Supreme Court reaffirms his death penalty for the murder of his pregnant spouse, Luul Sheikh Abdiaziz. CREDIT/ SNTVMogadishu (AX) — The Somali Supreme Court has ratified the death sentence of Sayid Ali Moalim Daoud for the brutal slaying of his expectant wife, Luul Sheikh Abdiaziz, dismissing his appeal and validating the judgments from the lower courts. Chief Justice Bashe Ahmed Yusuf delivered the definitive verdict, declaring…

Somali Troops Reclaim Key Al-Shabaab Stronghold in Central Region

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) has successfully retaken a pivotal Al-Shabaab bastion, emphasizing their growing capability to combat violent extremism. They are also progressively assuming security duties once managed by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The departing ATMIS team will be substituted next year by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), under Egyptian leadership, yet with heightened responsibilities shifted to local forces. Military…

Surge in Minnesota’s Muslim Population Leads to Overabundance of Aged Qurans in Mosques

For 16 years, retired tailor Mukhtar Isse has been diligently rebinding Qurans with tape and glue, ensuring these sacred texts remain accessible to local Muslims. He's joined by two other Somali men who volunteer as bookbinders in the mosques, yet they struggle to meet the increasing demand.Minnesota imams report that strict protocols for disposing of the Muslim holy book, coupled with state environmental regulations, have created a backlog of old and damaged Qurans at mosques.The shortage of suitable facilities for…

Turkish Citizen Arrested in Somalia Due to Improper Conduct

Turkish National Held for Misconduct in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - A Banadir regional court in Mogadishu has detained a Turkish citizen following allegations of mistreatment towards Somali workers employed by his family's enterprise, according to official reports. Ertugrul Karaferiyeli faces charges from the Attorney General's office for misusing his authority within a company abroad, blatantly disregarding labor laws that ensure humane treatment of employees. The individual is affiliated with Favori LLC and…

Westerville School Board Set to Appoint First Somali Muslim Woman to Fill Vacant Seat

Liban remarked, "Our school board members invest countless hours to deliver top-notch education for our students. As a mother and leader in central Ohio’s immigrant community, I'm eager to back this mission and address the needs of every student, particularly those underserved and part of our growing population." Liban helms Somali Community Link, a nonprofit in Columbus aimed at aiding immigrants and refugees. She's also a consultant at Immigro Consulting, a board member for Our Helpers, and a POWER commissioner with the…