Somalia

Eritrea Announces Withdrawal from IGAD, Citing Long-Standing Grievances ASMARA, Eritrea — Eritrea has formally notified the Intergovernmental Authority on Development that it is withdrawing from the regional bloc, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday, accusing IGAD of failing its mandate and being used against certain member states, particularly Eritrea. In a statement, the ministry said Eritrea’s decision follows years of disillusionment with the Horn of Africa organization, which it claims has “reneged on its…

MOGADISHU — Puntland State security forces have destroyed more than 100 Islamic State (ISIS) bases in the Cal-Miskaad mountains during a yearlong sweep that has sharply degraded the group’s capabilities, the region’s police chief said Thursday. Police Commander Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire, speaking one year after Puntland State launched Operation Hilaac, said the offensive has eliminated key fighters and reduced ISIS’s military capacity by nearly 85 percent. He said weapons caches, supply depots and facilities used to manufacture…

Somali Journalists Syndicate Honored with 2025 Human Rights Tulip The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) received the prestigious 2025 Human Rights Tulip award at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, on December 10, marking a significant milestone for media freedom in Somalia. SJS was one of ten global human rights defenders to receive this accolade. The award is a testament to the resilience of journalists fighting for press freedom in challenging environments. Celebrated on International Human Rights…

Somalia defense minister rebukes ex-president’s warning on Mogadishu security, says critics undermine reforms MOGADISHU — Somalia’s defense minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, on Thursday rejected former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed’s assertion that Mogadishu remains unsafe, accusing the opposition figure of eroding confidence in security gains and obstructing the country’s political transition. In a statement posted on Facebook, Fiqi said Sheikh Sharif and allies in the Council of National Salvation have consistently…

One Health Regional Call to Action Launched in Zambia In a pivotal moment for public health in Eastern and Southern Africa, government ministers have signed a landmark One Health Regional Call to Action during the inaugural Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference in Lusaka, Zambia. This initiative aims to enhance the interconnected health of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems across the SADC Member States. Event marked by commitment from Ministers of Health, Agriculture, and Environment.…

Zambia Hosts Historic One Health Conference to Foster Regional Cooperation In a significant move towards enhancing health systems across Eastern and Southern Africa, government ministers from Zambia and neighboring countries have launched the One Health Regional Call to Action. This initiative was unveiled during the inaugural Eastern and Southern Africa Regional One Health Conference held in Lusaka, highlighting a collaborative approach to health and environmental challenges. Ministers from health, agriculture, and…

Ma'awisley militia kills several al-Shabaab militants near Beledweyne in Dhoqor raid BELEDWEYNE, Somalia — Local clan militia forces known as Ma'awisley killed several al-Shabaab militants during a targeted operation Thursday in Dhoqor, an area along the Shabelle River about 25 kilometers from Beledweyne in the Hiiraan region, according to local sources. The strike, carried out by three militia members, also resulted in the seizure of weapons from two of the dead fighters, the sources said. News of the incident spread…

Unyielding Horror: Sexual Violence Escalates in Eastern Congo Eastern Congo remains entangled in brutal conflict as sexual violence escalates, affecting thousands. Survivors recount harrowing experiences, revealing the persistent use of rape as a weapon of war. M23 rebels, government soldiers, and militias accused of systemic sexual violence. UNICEF reports alarming rates of child rape, calling it an unprecedented crisis. Attempts at peace remain ineffective, with ongoing violence displacing hundreds of…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Puntland State’s police chief says regional security forces have destroyed more than 100 Islamic State (ISIS) bases in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, marking what authorities call a decisive year for Operation Hilaac, the state’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign. General Mumin Abdi Shire, speaking Thursday on the first anniversary of the offensive, said the operation has eliminated key ISIS fighters and slashed the group’s military capability by nearly 85%. He said weapons caches, supply depots and…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Puntland State security forces have destroyed more than 100 Islamic State bases in the Cal-Miskaad mountains over the past year, sharply degrading the extremist group’s capabilities in northern Somalia, the region’s police chief said Thursday. Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire said the campaign, conducted under Operation Hilaac, has eliminated key ISIS fighters and reduced the group’s military capacity by nearly 85 percent. He said troops dismantled weapons caches, supply depots and facilities used to manufacture…