Somalia

As the world turns its gaze towards Somalia, a complex tapestry of military engagement and geopolitical strategy unfolds. Last week, Ankara, amidst rising alarm regarding the ever-evolving security landscape in Somalia, significantly amplified its military footprint in the nation. This movement comes on the heels of a notable resurgence from the armed group Al-Shabab, which has recently made inroads near the Somali capital, Mogadishu. The stakes are particularly high; these areas, now under the control of Al-Shabab, serve…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has sounded the alarm, urgently calling for the rapid deployment of an additional 8,000 peacekeepers. This plea is made against the backdrop of escalating Al-Shabaab attacks, which have cast a long shadow over years of stabilization efforts in Somalia. The situation is becoming increasingly precarious, jeopardizing the hard-earned progress of the nation. During a ministerial meeting held in Kampala on Thursday, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu…

A New Dawn for Child Health in Somalia In a remarkable advancement for public health, Somalia has officially integrated two vital vaccines—pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus—into its national immunization program. This transition is a significant milestone aimed at curtailing child mortality rates attributed to pneumonia and diarrhea, two leading causes of death in the region. The timing of this monumental launch coincides with a nationwide measles catch-up campaign, targeting millions of…

President Irro's First 100 Days: A Commitment to Progress in North Western State of Somalia Hargeisa (AX) — As the sun rose on Thursday, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro celebrated a significant milestone—his administration’s first 100 days in office. This occasion was marked by an official ceremony at the presidential palace in Hargeisa, where he passionately outlined the strides his government has made in several key areas, including security stabilization, defense restructuring, anti-corruption efforts, and an…

The tempestuous clouds of discord in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo may have found a silver lining as the DR Congo government and the M23 rebel group proclaimed on Wednesday their intent to pause hostilities. A glint of hope, albeit fragile, emerged from the Qatari-mediated dialogues, unfolding a nuanced path toward a permanent cessation of hostilities. Imagine this: a conflict-ravaged region, where violence is a frequent visitor, suddenly holds its breath in anticipation. The announcement that both factions,…

A Call to Action for Somalia’s Future Mogadishu (AX) — In a stirring address delivered recently, the African Union Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, made an impassioned plea to member states and international partners to reaffirm their commitment to Somalia. With the nation teetering on the brink of a critical juncture, he cautioned that the hard-won victories against Al-Shabaab are at significant risk of reversal without continued support from the global community. Speaking at a high-level summit of Troop Contributing…

Turkey's Ambitious Initiative to Enhance Energy Independence In a move that promises to reshape the energy landscape of the region, Turkey is gearing up to initiate a robust series of oil and natural gas exploration projects in Libya, Iraq, Somalia, and Azerbaijan. This strategic initiative, heralded by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, aims to significantly diminish Turkey's reliance on imported energy sources. Announced during a recent event in Istanbul, this plan reflects Turkey’s commitment to…

In a commendable display of leadership and commitment, Angolan President João Lourenço has announced a voluntary contribution of $5 million to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This decision is not merely a financial gesture; it represents a pivotal step towards strengthening regional health security and promoting sustainable health financing across the continent. This noteworthy announcement emerged from a high-level meeting held recently in Luanda, where President Lourenço engaged in…

The Ongoing Struggle in Southern Somalia: Al-Shabab's Recent Gains In the ever-evolving landscape of conflict in Southern Somalia, the town of Wargaadhi has recently emerged as a focal point of contention. Amid escalating tension, Al-Shabab, the militant group with ties to Al-Qaeda, has claimed the seizure of Wargaadhi town and its military base. However, this declaration has been met with a resolute denial from the Somali government, igniting widespread speculation about the true state of control in the region. The reality…

In recent developments from central Somalia, it has become glaringly evident that Al Shabaab, the extremist group that has long plagued the region, has made significant territorial gains. Their coordinated offensive has allowed them to reassert their influence across vital areas in Galgudud, Hiraan, and Mudug. This resurgence occurs amidst notable shifts in international security support for Somalia, with Turkey expanding its military commitments while U.S. involvement appears to be waning. A recent map released…