East Africa

**HADSAN MOHAMUD AND THE TROUPE OF DUGSI DAYZ - CESARE DE GIGLIO** British Somalis feel a rush of nostalgia with Dugsi Dayz, a popular play debuting at the Royal Court Theatre this week. Reminiscing about youthful days spent in mosque classrooms, the show highlights the humor and chaos of religious schooling known as dugsi in the Somali community. Children in the UK attend mosque classes, learning about Islam, Arabic, and Quran recitation, uniting with peers from various backgrounds. Writer Sabrina Ali's production…

In Mogadishu, Somalia, a new Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and court building has been unveiled to promote social justice and security. For years, Somalia has struggled to improve transparency in prosecution and justice delivery, lacking proper physical spaces for operations. The CID headquarters, funded by international partners through the Joint Police Programme, signifies a significant step towards police and justice reforms in the country. Authorities emphasized the importance of the new building in…

Islamic nations have rejected Ethiopia's arrangement with North Western of Somalia for a military base and port on the Red Sea, insisting it violates Somalia's sovereignty. The foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation insist on the immediate withdrawal of this agreement, deeming it illegal. They emphasized the need to uphold Somalia's territorial integrity and sovereignty in a country that has been struggling with stability for over 30 years since the overthrow of Siad Barre. The ministers gathered in The…

The World Press Freedom Day Symposium in Mogadishu, Somalia, organized by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and the U.S. Embassy, shed light on journalism’s vital role in combatting the Climate Crisis. The event gathered over 60 key figures from media, civil society, government, and international partners to discuss environmental challenges faced by Somalia. High-profile diplomats attended to show support for press freedom and help Somalia address climate-induced crises. The symposium highlighted the need…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Progress is being made in economic collaboration between Kenya and Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and William Ruto. This shift marks a new development not seen in recent years. Last Friday, Kenya hosted the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) with Somalia, showcasing a commitment to enhancing economic and social relations, as reported by state media. The meeting included Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya's deputy president, and Somalia Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre. Kenya relies heavily on…

The undisclosed source in the military leaked a report that resulted in immediate disciplinary measures. This incident sparked debates about Somaliland's foreign relations, especially with Western nations.The military reiterated its neutral stance in politics, highlighting that foreign policy falls under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Abdillahi stated, "We regret any confusion caused and assure our international and local partners that our foreign relations are based on peaceful cooperation and adherence…

AX - Between May 2023 and May 2024, there have been 28 cases of violations against Somali journalists, including killings and arrests, highlighting Somalia as one of the most perilous environments for journalists. The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) unveiled its yearly report, entitled "Somali government breached media legislation it formerly supported, undercutting Press Freedom," on Friday, May 3, 2024, World Press Freedom Day. As per the FESOJ report, three journalists lost their lives: one in Abudwaq District,…

In Mogadishu, locals have begun digging up bodies at Bulusia School cemetery, following a mysterious government directive to clear the area. One of the bodies unearthed belongs to popular comedian Abdi Muriidi Dheere (Ajakis), who passed away last September. His family has reburied his remains in a more secure location to avoid further disruptions. Those taking part in the exhumation stated that the government has not explained why they were told to empty the cemetery, where a number of prominent individuals, such as the…

In a recent development, the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) revealed the capture of illegal weapons and the dismantling of a suspected pirates' network in the coastal area of Eyl. This region is notorious for launching assaults on ships. Details about the number of confiscated weapons and their intended use were not disclosed by the Puntland naval forces. The incident took place in northeast Somalia, which is a known stronghold for ISIS and al-Shabab extremist groups. The PMPF confirmed that regional authorities are…

In Mogadishu, a gunman fatally shot Somali police officer Adan Omar Ahmed, known as Adan Biit, at a restaurant near the heavily guarded School Polizia camp on Friday night. The assailant fled before police arrived, and no arrests have been made yet. Abdulaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, leader of the Southwest administration, and former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed have denounced the officer's killing and demanded a swift investigation. No organization has taken credit for the murder.