Somalia

Reinforcing Unity: Egypt and Sudan Stand Firm on Nile Waters Amidst GERD Tensions CAIRO — In a display of solidarity, Egypt and Sudan held crucial discussions on Wednesday, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to shared water security amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River. This gathering, conducted under the "2+2" consultation framework, brought together key officials from both nations, highlighting their collaborative resolve. An Urgent Matter of Water Security…

Rising Tensions and Targeted Operations: The Complex Landscape of U.S. Involvement in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia — The landscape of international military engagement is shifting yet again, as U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) recently reported an indirect fire attack targeting American troops stationed near Kismayo, a pivotal city in southern Somalia. While the immediate aftermath yielded no reported casualties or damage, the significance of this incident extends beyond mere statistics, revealing a complex tapestry of local…

Somalia’s Emergence: A Glimmer of Hope in the Global Peace Index For the first time in years, Somalia has climbed out of the shadows of the world's most insecure nations, according to the latest Global Peace Index. The country now ranks 151 out of 163 countries, moving away from the notorious bottom ten. While this new ranking signifies a step forward for a nation long defined by conflict, it simultaneously highlights the multifaceted challenges that remain in achieving lasting peace. A Milestone Amidst Turbulence…

The Hidden Empire of ISIS-Somalia: Unraveling a Financial Network Amidst Conflict In the rugged mountains of Puntland State, Somalia, a seismic shift is unfolding in the global fight against terrorism. The Somali branch of ISIS, officially known as ISIS-Somalia, has been quietly establishing a sprawling financial empire, supported by a multitude of illicit activities that threaten not just the nation but also regional stability and beyond. The recent operations by Puntland State's counter-terrorism units have brought to…

Somalia and Saudi Arabia team up on AI and space rules — a small deal with outsized stakes In a week dominated by big speeches about the future of the internet, one of the more consequential announcements came quietly from the sidelines. Somalia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to build a framework for cooperation on regulating artificial intelligence and space technology — two domains racing ahead faster than most governments can write the rules. The agreement, signed in Riyadh by Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director General of…

New AFRICOM chief in Mogadishu pledges deeper U.S. support against al-Shabaab and ISIS Mogadishu—On a humid Wednesday on the Indian Ocean, as traffic in the capital thinned for afternoon prayers, the new commander of U.S. Africa Command slipped into Villa Somalia for a first meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. General Dagvin R. M. Anderson, newly in charge of America’s military footprint on the continent, promised that Washington will sustain—and sharpen—its support for Somali forces battling al-Shabaab and a…

On a Mogadishu Parade Ground, a First for Somalia’s Future The sun was already high over Mogadishu when the cadets squared their shoulders and stepped forward, eyes fixed, uniforms pressed to a razor’s edge. Families craned for a glimpse from beyond the rope line. A drumline fell quiet. And then, across the parade ground of the Türkiye–Somalia military academy, eleven young women took their oaths as officers — the first in Somalia’s history to do so. For a country that has endured war, state collapse, and a long…

Somalia Brings the Prophet’s Birthday Back Into the Sun Streets of Mogadishu turn green and white Before dawn on Thursday, Mogadishu’s sea breeze carried a different kind of chorus. It rose from mosques and courtyards, from balconies draped with fabric the color of limes and spring leaves. By midmorning, the capital’s streets swelled with thousands of worshippers—many young and dressed in white—waving bright green flags and singing devotional poetry in the rolling cadence of Somali Arabic. Loudspeakers crackled with…

Strained Ties: The Deportation Dilemma Between Somalia and Finland In an era where global migration is a hot-button issue, the relationship between nations can swiftly pivot based on policies surrounding deportation and human rights. Recent tensions between Somalia and Finland spotlight not only the complexities of international relations but also the deeply woven fabric of human stories behind these political decisions. A Standoff in Helsinki In June, the climate in Helsinki was tense, marked by a closed-door meeting…

Disqualified candidate arrested after fatal election clashes shake Somalia’s northeast LAS ANOD, Somalia — Security forces in Somalia’s northeast have arrested a wealthy businessman who was disqualified from a regional presidential race, accusing him of mobilizing armed supporters who battled police during an August 29 vote at a hotel in Las Anod. The violence left several people dead, according to local elders, and delayed burials as families spar over where and how to lay their loved ones to rest. What happened Police…