Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) – Somalia stands at the threshold of a significant political evolution. The National Electoral Commission, undeterred by dissent from two states and select opposition factions, remains steadfast in its dedication to orchestrate a universal suffrage election in 2026. Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, with commendable zeal, announced on Thursday the strides made towards this monumental election. Could there be a more potent symbol of progress in Somalia's political landscape than this? According to Hassan, the…

Mogadishu's Strategic Strides Against Insurgency Mogadishu (Axadle Times) - On a day unmistakably marked by tension and resolve, the Somali National Army (SNA), bolstered by support from the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), executed precision airstrikes in the vicinity of Bulo Burte district, nestled in the oft-tumultuous Hiiraan region. The date etched in the local memory is February 20, 2025—a day aimed at nullifying an imminent assault by the notorious Al-Shabaab. Unearthing a Tactical Symphony…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the rugged terrain of the Al-Miskaad Mountains, where silence is broken only by whispers of the wind, a dramatic clash unfolded. Over the past week, Northeastern State's security forces, aided by UAE airstrikes, embarked on a meticulously coordinated counterterrorism operation. Their target? Insidious pockets of ISIS militants lurking in these highlands, hidden in plain sight for years. From a bird’s-eye view, the operation might seem like an intense chess game played over harsh landscapes. As…

FILE - Somali National Army soldiers stand vigilant against the notorious al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region of Somalia on Dec. 10, 2012. Fast forward to Feb. 20, 2025, when Somali authorities reported a significant victory. The sobering reality of more than 100 al-Shabab militants losing their lives in the conflict serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle. In a decisive show of resilience, Somali National Army troops thwarted assaults on four strategically crucial military bases on Thursday. The…

Donald Trump, an Ever-Persistent Voice: Are we surprised anymore by his claims? This week, the former U.S. President has again stirred a pot of chaos by controversially pointing the finger at Ukraine for initiating a devastating conflict that has claimed thousands of lives. This assertion, intent on riling up emotions, seems to have struck the heart of a nation that’s been navigating the torment of war against a much larger Russian force for nearly three years. Ukraine, Elections, and the Law of Martial Order In a move…

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, where whispers of the past merge with aspirations for the future, a new chapter is about to unfold. Can the development of a luxury hotel not only transform the urban landscape but also reframe how the world perceives Somalia? This is the ambitious vision of the stakeholders behind the Mogadishu Rotana—a beacon of change in Eastern Africa. In December, a groundbreaking initiative took its first steps in Mogadishu. Dignitaries and developers gathered near Aden Adde International Airport to…

MOGADISHU, Somalia: A Nation's Voice Suffocated? By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu streets pulsate with life as tuk-tuks zip past the cacophony of markets, their drivers braving the city's harsh realities. Among the jarring mix of honks and chatter, a new name has emerged: Sayid Ali, known locally as 'Saan Miyaa'. Yet, Sayid’s tale unfolds not as a heroic saga, but as a somber reflection of freedoms eroding under pressure. A distressed echo resonates in Sayid's recent ordeal.…

Malnutrition poses a formidable obstacle for many African countries. According to a recent UNICEF report, a staggering 64 million children across the continent—roughly one-third—are grappling with "severe food poverty." This dire situation is likely to escalate into "wasting," a perilous form of malnutrition that can have devastating consequences. How do we turn the tide on such a pervasive issue? At the forefront of this global conversation is the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2025, scheduled to take place in Paris.…

In the tumultuous landscapes of northeastern Somalia lies a story unfolding across ridges and political corridors, where Northeastern State authorities have long pinpointed a perceived apathy from the federal government in the contentious war against ISIS. Within the rugged peaks of the Cal Miskaad mountains in the Bari region, these militants have found refuge, launching audacious attacks against both the valiant Northeastern State security forces and the innocent communities nestled within. Exasperation among Somali…

Sanctions on Rwanda’s Minister Amid Heightened Tensions in Eastern Congo NAIROBI, Kenya (AXADLE) – In a move sending ripples through the Great Lakes region, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned Rwanda's Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe. The sanctions were imposed for his alleged pivotal participation in the ongoing discord in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Alongside Kabarebe, a senior member of an armed group has also come under scrutiny. Why now, one…