Eye on Africa

Mogadishu (AX) — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has tapped Major General Sulub Ahmed Firin to step into the role of Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation as of Tuesday. This decision is part of an ongoing administrative reorganization by the government. Firin, presently holding the reins as the Commander of the Somali Police Force, will move to his new duties, although his replacement in the police force hasn't been decided. With a robust history in national security — including previous roles as…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a bid to bolster governance, democracy, and federal affairs, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appointed two senior advisors. The official announcement came on Thursday. Former Northeastern State security minister Abdisamad Mohamed Gallan has been named Senior Adviser on Federal Affairs. His new role will involve strengthening Somalia's federal system and fostering collaboration among its regional administrations. Ahmed Jama Mohamed Cillal has been designated Senior Adviser on Democracy and…

  Türkiye is setting its sights on new investment ventures in Somalia's central state, Galmudug, as per the Turkish envoy's announcement this Tuesday. Upon reaching Dusmareb, Galmudug's hub, a delegation headed by Türkiye's ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, engaged in talks with Ahmed Abdi Karie, the state's president, and his Cabinet members.They delved into discussions around kickstarting infrastructure initiatives in Galmudug and the potential impact of Turkish investments."We had fruitful discussions on the steps…

Somali Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh (center, right) spearheads a high-stakes dialogue at a major financial reform and economic development summit in Istanbul, Turkey. Key figures from Somali ministries and global partners are in attendance. Mogadishu (AX) — Wrapping up on Wednesday, a pivotal four-day conference focused on Somalia's financial overhaul and economic strides took place in Istanbul, Turkey. This gathering marked the second review of Somalia's Financial Reform and Economic Development Program, which enjoys…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant move, the Somali Council of Ministers named General Asad Osman Abdullahi as the new police commissioner on Thursday. This appointment sees him stepping into the shoes of Major General Sulub Ahmed Firin.The suggestion for General Abdullahi’s new role came from the Ministry of Internal Security during the council’s regular weekly assembly.General Abdullahi’s resume includes serving as the Commander of the Northeastern State Security Force (PSF), a position he held from 2007 until…

Kenya’s administration is on the cusp of securing a hefty $1.5 billion loan from the United Arab Emirates at an 8.2% interest rate, aiming to address the financial shortfall plaguing the East African nation, a source in the know told Reuters. "Kenya is broadening its budget support sources," noted the insider, hinting that "the deal is practically in the bag." The finance ministry and central bank of the UAE didn't immediately respond to requests for a statement. Kenya's Finance Minister John Mbadi and top ministry…

Mogadishu (AX) — Ethiopian troops, who are part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), have taken the lead in renovating Bardhere Airport located in Somalia's Gedo region. This development has further strained the already tense relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The 46th Motorized Battalion of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) is executing this airport overhaul as part of a Quick Impact Project (QIP). The project involves extending the runway by 400 meters to boost safety and accommodate…

  Somali and Turkish officials have inked a bilateral pact to bolster cooperation in the realm of financial intelligence. Captured at the signing event in Ankara, we have Amina Mohamed Ali, at the helm of Somalia’s Financial Reporting Center (center), alongside Hassan Keymak, who steers Turkey’s Financial Intelligence Unit (MASAK) (right).  Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia and Turkey have cemented an accord to elevate collaboration on financial intelligence sharing. This landmark agreement, signed in Ankara, unites Somalia's…

Born in 2008 amidst the nomadic life of the Sanaag region, Arafat Mahamud Jama's journey to an elite scholarship in the United States is a saga of grit and endurance. His family's exodus from pastoral life to village settlement due to climate change marked the beginning of his remarkable odyssey.

MOGADISHU (Xinhua) — The heart of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, bustled with activity on Tuesday as the Chinese Embassy rolled out the red carpet to celebrate 75 years since the birth of the People's Republic of China.