West Africa

FILE - Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama – Official X account There's a significant shake-up brewing with Somalia's stance on engagement in regional security. In a strategic twist reported by Hiiran, November 2024, the Somali government intends to shut the door on Ethiopian military participation in the upcoming African Union mission. This mission, slated to kick off in January 2025, is set to take over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Explaining this landmark decision on…

Mogadishu (AX) — Internet personality Ramsey Khalid Ismael, infamously recognized by his online moniker "Johnny Somali," finds himself the center of controversy in Japan and South Korea. His offensive antics have not only triggered public outcry and legal repercussions but have also riled up the Somali diaspora. They believe his actions have unjustly stained their community's name. Though Ismael sports the nickname "Johnny Somali," he lacks Somali roots—he has openly expressed that he is of Ethiopian descent. At just…

Kismayo, September 2023: Jubbaland State and Somalia's federal government have hit a rough patch. Why, you ask? Jubbaland's camaraderie with the central government is on hold. The reason? The tides have shifted due to claims of federal disregard for Somalia's constitution and an apparent lack of respect for Jubbaland's self-rule. "In short, we’re pulling our support until the federal folks start playing by the rules," announced Jubbaland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs on Sunday. They're throwing shade at the federal squad…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia's dynamic political sphere, the Himilo Qaran political party, helmed by former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has shown its support for Jubbaland State’s recent electoral committee establishment, a decision met with a mix of applause and controversy. Despite the federal government's disapproval, this bold move symbolizes a significant shift in regional governance. On Sunday, Himilo Qaran rolled out a statement that gave a thumbs up to Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, the…

Mogadishu — A Breakthrough in Somalia's Security Efforts On Thursday, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) of Somalia broke the news of capturing a suspect tied to somber deeds. With his hands reportedly in the murky waters of terror, Abdisamad Ahmed Osman stands accused of playing a supporting role in the gruesome event of October 26th: the assassination of two innocent lives in the Dharkenley District. Osman's alleged part in the grim drama wasn't passive. He reportedly drove the Bajaj, a humble…

In Kismayo, Jubbaland State's big cheese, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, pulled a surprise move by announcing a brand-new, seven-member Independent Election Committee on Saturday. Tasked with the job of sorting out the nitty-gritty of future elections in Jubbaland, this committee's formation quickly raised eyebrows and triggered a backlash. Critics were swift to voice their concerns, pointing out that the chosen committee members have been cozy with Madobe himself—a fact that hasn't sat well with Somalia's federal government…

Understanding the impact of a Trump presidency on Somalia isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. Like an intricately woven tapestry, the situation in Somalia is complex, with threads of strategic importance, security challenges, and continuous developmental strides interwoven throughout. Let's dig in, shall we? Firstly, Somalia sits in a geopolitically crucial spot, acting as a gateway in the Horn of Africa, which necessitates a nuanced understanding of foreign policy impacts. Picture this: you're in a crowded marketplace, and…

Somalia has voiced its concerns to Germany over the idea of "compulsory" deportation of Somali nationals.On a Wednesday visit, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had a sit-down with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. The main agenda? They chatted about teaming up on handling the return of Somali migrants from Germany.Posting to X, Farhan Mohamed Jimale, who speaks for the Somali government, shared that President Mohamud emphasized to Chancellor Scholz that forced repatriation isn't the way forward for Somalis in…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling city of Mogadishu, the interim committee established by the Somali parliament to formulate electoral laws and draft the framework for upcoming elections has taken a significant step. The committee has chosen Mahdi Guled, a former Deputy Prime Minister and seasoned MP, to be its chairman. Senator Iftin Hassan Iman Baasto stands by his side as the newly elected deputy chairman. On a bustling Saturday, this selection process unfolded within the walls of Villa Hargeisa. The meeting had the…

The "Joint Border Administrators and Commissioners Meeting," marking the 28th round of collaboration between Ethiopia and Djibouti, unfolded in the town of Debre Zeit (also known as Bishoftu), just 44 kilometers southeast of bustling Addis Ababa. This significant gathering was highlighted in a recent announcement by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, putting a spotlight on a partnership crucial to both nations.In the leading roles of this diplomatic assembly were Selamawit Dawit, Director General of Ethiopia’s…