West Africa

Somalia Steps Towards Global Trade Recognition Mogadishu (AX) — A significant stride has been taken in Somalia's ambitious journey towards economic integration. On a crisp Tuesday morning in Geneva, the Somali federal government delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, engaged in a pivotal meeting with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, setting the wheels in motion for Somalia's accession to the esteemed global trade body. The delegation's…

Garowe (AX) – On a brisk Tuesday morning, a shadowy group of Ethiopian migrants found themselves in the firm grasp of Northeastern State's security forces, ingeniously crossing the formidable border into Somalia. In a swift and efficient maneuver, these individuals were sent back whence they came, to their homeland of Ethiopia. The crackdown was more than just an isolated event. "One way or another, we will tackle these smuggling networks head-on," declared a senior military figure, whose words carried the solemn weight of…

On a somber Monday, news emerged of a decisive U.S. airstrike that eliminated 16 individuals connected to the Islamic State in the rugged terrains of northern Somalia. Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, a spokesperson for Northeastern State's security operations, divulged these details in a candid conversation with VOA's Somali Service. "Our cooperative efforts with international security partners culminated in a strike that decimated not only 16 militants but also two prominent bomb-makers. A crucial bomb factory met…

Mogadishu (AX) – With an air of both determination and urgency, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stepped up to address the nation with a poignant message: taxes matter. In a country grappling with financial instability, his administration is poised to launch a far-reaching tax collection initiative in the days to come. The message was clear as he spoke to the people of Mogadishu on Monday. President Mohamud extended an appeal, perhaps even a plea, for cooperation, underscoring a fundamental tenet of civic duty—the…

The New Frontier: Somalia's Ambitious 200-Square-Kilometre Development Project The winds of change are blowing across Somalia's landscape, bringing with them a project that aspires to revolutionize commerce and connectivity. Over the next few months, a comprehensive surveying and feasibility study will mark the beginning of a 200-square-kilometre endeavor designed to enhance the country's trade and economic potential. Picture a gateway not merely for Somalia, but for its landlocked and coastal…

In the arid and turbulent terrains of Bosaso, a sense of tangible tension hangs in the air, not unlike the dust and whispers of the past conflicts that have dusted its streets. For some time now, this coastal city, esteemed for its commercial prowess, has found itself ensnared in the grip of militant groups, each more brazen than the next. Recently, however, a shift of sorts has begun to unfold. As vividly as a scene from an action film, Northeastern State security forces have detained several individuals linked to the…

A Delicate Dance: Ethiopia and Somalia's Diplomatic Dialogue ANKARA, Turkey — In a development bristling with diplomatic intrigue, Ethiopia and Somalia initiated pivotal discussions on Tuesday, maneuvering through a maze of complex geopolitical tensions. These technical talks between high-ranking diplomats marked a significant moment, emerging from a contentious pact involving Ethiopia and the self-proclaimed autonomous region of North Western State of Somalia. A situation reminiscent of a chess match…

On a somber afternoon that seemed no different from the rest, a chilling event unfolded that changed the uneasy rhythm of life in the quiet precinct of Maxamed Mooge. Captain Cabdi Cali Nuur, a devoted leader and the commander who many said had a heroic sense of duty, met a tragic end. He was mercilessly slain under circumstances that continue to baffle both the mind and the heart. Serving his community with an unwavering spirit, Captain Nuur was a figure of strength, embodying unwavering loyalty to the law. But today, the…

In the heart of Mogadishu, amid the orchestrated chaos that often defines Somali politics, a fresh chapter for the nation's parliamentary journey is about to unfold. On a seemingly ordinary Monday, the serene yet somber atmosphere was punctuated by an announcement destined to shape the political landscape in the coming months. The esteemed Speakers of both houses of the 11th Somali Parliament declared, with a hint of anticipation in their voices, that the 6th session would commence on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Some might…

Mogadishu (AX) – A restless night unfolded in El-Bur, nestled within Somalia's Galgadud region, as a local militia known as Ma'awisley undertook a daring raid on the abode of an Al-Shabaab leader. The night air was tense with anticipation as the militia launched their surprise attack under the cloak of darkness, targeting none other than Yahye Laba Madax. Can you picture the furtive glances and the whispered strategies as these determined individuals, driven by a mix of courage and fear, plotted against a formidable…