Somalia

ADDIS ABABA - The head honcho of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), Field Marshal General Birhanu Jula, contends that standing toe-to-toe with Ethiopia is beyond Somalia's reach. In his perspective, Somalia lacks the prowess and manpower to challenge Ethiopia effectively. During a much-broadcast interview, General Jula minced no words criticizing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, articulating doubts about his capability to protect Mogadishu from the al-Shabaab insurgents. "He should worry about guarding the sea…

A pilot from Turkish Airlines met with a tragic fate, collapsing mid-air, an incident that led to an emergency descent in New York, as announced by the national flag carrier on Wednesday.The flight had originated from Seattle, a breezy city on America's West Coast, on Tuesday night, according to airline spokesperson Yahya Üstün's post on social media site X."Our Airbus 350 pilot for flight TK204 from Seattle to Istanbul fell unconscious while we soared in the sky," he shared."Despite valiant attempts at first aid, the duo of…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the face of regional discord, Somalia stands by its robust defense agreement with Egypt, harmonizing with its foreign policy to enhance its security framework, though ruffling feathers, particularly in Ethiopia. The pact, reminiscent of Somalia’s strategic alliances with the U.S., EU, Turkey, and nations in the Gulf, drew skepticism from Ethiopia. Concerns revolve around potential military intensification, fueled by maritime disputes and Egypt’s longstanding Nile River tensions. Hussein Sheikh Ali,…

Mogadishu (AX) - In a recent development, the Deputy Minister of Information of Somalia, Abdirahman Yusuf Adala, has thrown shade at Northeastern State, alleging that the region is playing hardball against forming a cohesive national army to work throughout Somalia. Adala highlighted that Northeastern State has stonewalled attempts to recruit soldiers from its turf, turning a blind eye to federal initiatives aimed at stationing troops in its areas. "Northeastern State has given the cold shoulder to army brigades…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the latest offensive by the Somali National Army (SNA), a whopping 59 fighters from Al-Shabaab were taken out, underscoring the military’s capability to navigate threats even after the peacekeepers have hit the road. The authorities divulged that this operation resulted in significant militant casualties in Gerile and Awsweyne located in the Galgudud region, while another sweep took place in Hawadley, Middle Shabelle. Sadly, the mission also saw the loss of four brave soldiers in eastern Galgudud.…

The food crisis in Somalia is grim, with around 4.4 million people expected to face severe hunger between October and December, according to the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "Currently, about 3.6 million Somalis are grappling with extreme hunger. This figure is projected to swell to 4.4 million as we move into the latter months of the year, when anticipated rainfall is below average," reported OCHA. From October through December, a time notorious for rising disease outbreaks…

In Mogadishu, Somali leaders are staunchly defending a new security agreement they’ve forged with Egypt. To them, this deal nestles comfortably alongside Somalia’s collaborations with the U.S., Turkey, the EU, and several Gulf nations.Hussein Sheikh Ali, who advises Somalia on national security matters, clarified that Egyptian forces might soon participate in the awaited African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This mission is destined to succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia…

Garowe (AX) – On Tuesday, Northeastern State's Information Minister, Engineer Mohamud Aydid Dirir, leveled accusations against Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, claiming he has dropped the ball on prepping for Somalia's 2026 elections.From Garowe, Dirir took a swing at the National Consultative Council (NCC) gathering, suggesting it's all smoke and mirrors to let President Hassan Sheikh angle for a term extension. "Hassan's autocratic ways have met their match," Dirir declared. "He'll get the boot from Villa Somalia…

General Birhanu Jula Denies Weapon Shipments to Somalia ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian military brass, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, firmly refuted any allegations that Ethiopia sent firearms into Somalia, illustrating these claims as "untrue" and "utter nonsense." This comes at a time when Somalia is striving for harmonious diplomacy amid regional tensions. Somalia and Ethiopia find themselves at odds over a contentious agreement between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia. Should this pact see daylight, it threatens…

 Qatar has urged the global community to ramp up support in humanitarian and developmental aid, along with technical help, to bolster the efforts aimed at enhancing human rights capabilities in Somalia. The call emphasizes fulfilling both domestic and international commitments aligned with Somali priorities.These sentiments were shared by Turki Mohammed Abdullah al-Khalifa, the Third Secretary from the African Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He spoke during an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert…