War and Drought in Puntland State Worsen Hardship for Displaced Families in Bari

In the harsh light of midday in Hariro, a settlement carved into the rock and dust of Somalia’s Bari region, Mahado Cilmi Matan tightens the cloth walls of a shelter stitched from branches and tin. The hut barely holds her and her 11 children. Shade is thin, cold seeps in at night, and the wind picks at the seams. A year after war began in the Almiskad mountains above them, the family is still displaced and living without income, pushed to the edge by conflict and a relentless drought. “There is no food available,” Mahado…

Is the African Union Ready to Be the Institution Africa Needs?

The African Union is facing a legitimacy test. Across social media and public forums, Africans are asking whether the AU has moved beyond symbolism to deliver the integration and security it promises. The recurring questions are blunt: If the AU cannot advance a single currency, a unified military or a common passport, what, exactly, is the union for? Those questions may sound harsh, but they capture a growing frustration. In one widely shared post, commenters joked that the AU should be rebranded “Western Union,” a jab at…

Somalia’s Conflict: A Family Feud in a Homogeneous Nation Lacking Peace

Analysis: How Somalia’s “family feud” shows sameness alone can’t secure peace Somalia appears, on paper, like a country built for cohesion. Nearly everyone is ethnically Somali, speaks Somali and practices Sunni Islam. Yet three decades after the state collapsed in 1991, the country remains trapped in fractious, often intimate violence. The paradox is instructive far beyond the Horn of Africa: shared identity does not guarantee stability. When institutions fail and rules disappear, homogeneity can magnify rivalries instead…

Somalia’s New Army Chief Takes Command in Mogadishu Handover

MOGADISHU — Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud formally assumed command of the Somali National Army on Wednesday in a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Defence, as Somalia’s government pledged to accelerate military reforms and intensify operations against al-Shabab. Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Raage, the outgoing chief of the army, transferred authority in the presence of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, senior security chiefs and foreign diplomats, including Turkey’s ambassador. The…

North Western State of Somalia Moves to Forge Israel Trade Deal After Diplomatic Recognition

North Western State of Somalia eyes trade deal with Israel after recognition HARGEISA, Somalia — North Western State of Somalia expects to sign a trade partnership with Israel after receiving formal recognition from the Middle Eastern nation and is prepared to offer access to key natural resources as part of the pact, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi told Reuters. Israel recognized North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared independent region in northern Somalia, in late December. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu…

Maryam Qasim Ahmed Elected to Chair Somalia’s Independent Human Rights Commission

MOGADISHU — Dr. Maryam Qasim Ahmed was elected chairperson of Somalia’s Independent Human Rights Commission on Wednesday after a closely contested leadership vote in the capital, officials said. Dr. Maryam secured five of the nine votes cast by commissioners, narrowly defeating fellow candidate Dr. Omar Abdulle Ulusow, who received four. A third contender, Farhan Mohamed Jimale, had registered for the race but withdrew before the ballot was held. “This is a heavy responsibility that has been entrusted to me, and I ask God to…

5 Individuals Who Should Avoid Fasting for Their Health

Format Selection: Healthy Eating Rationale The source text discusses the implications of intermittent fasting, particularly highlighting which individuals should avoid this method based on health conditions and nutritional needs. It emphasizes scientific information regarding diet, nutrition, and the potential risks associated with fasting, fitting well within the framework of healthy eating. Understanding the Risks of Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting (IF) has attracted attention as a popular weight loss strategy,…

5 Energizing Breakfast Foods to Boost Your Energy Faster Than Coffee After 60

The best format for the source text provided is Healthy Eating. The content focuses on nutrition, specifically on food choices that can boost energy levels for older adults. It includes science-informed advice, practical tips, and culturally relevant examples related to meals and health, aligning perfectly with the Healthy Eating format. Here’s a structured version based on that format: 5 Morning Foods That Boost Energy Faster Than Coffee After 60 As we age, maintaining energy levels becomes increasingly important. While…

Turkey Sends F-16s to Bolster Somali Army, Defense Minister Says

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey has deployed F-16 fighter jets to support the Somali National Army, Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said Wednesday, describing the move as a significant step in strengthening the country’s air capabilities and counterterrorism operations. Announcing the deployment during a handover ceremony for the new army chief at the defense ministry in Mogadishu, Fiqi said the aircraft will provide strategic backing for ongoing security campaigns. “The arrival of Turkey’s F-16s marks a significant…

Somalia executes woman convicted of child murder after public outrage

GALKAYO, Somalia — Authorities in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland State region on Tuesday executed a woman convicted of murdering a 14-year-old domestic worker, a rare use of the death penalty against a woman that has reignited nationwide debate over child protection and household labor. Hodan Mohamud Diiriye, 34, was shot by firing squad in the central city of Galkayo after a court found she beat to death teenager Saabirin Saylaan late last year. Officials said the sentence was carried out under qisas, an Islamic legal…