Somalia

Turning up in Mogadishu, Somalia's Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi gets a warm welcome after returning from the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Mogadishu (AX) — Just back from the international spotlight, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia's Foreign Minister, recently chewed the fat with Egyptian and Eritrean counterparts, focusing on what Somalia says are ongoing invasions by Ethiopia into its turf. Both Egypt and Eritrea threw their weight behind Somalia, lambasting Ethiopia for actions that jeopardize Somalia's…

Nairobi, October 4, 2024—Concerns are mounting for journalist Yeshihasab Abera’s safety, as he remains absent from court following his abrupt removal by security forces from his Amhara State office on September 30. This region has been embroiled in conflict since last year. Yeshihasab, who holds the position of deputy editor at the government-run Bekur newspaper, was apprehended at the Amhara Media Corporation's Bahir Dar headquarters, according to his wife, Meseret Hunegnaw, and various media outlets. She informed CPJ…

Kinshasa – A significant breakthrough in the fight against mpox was made today in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as it commenced vaccination efforts. This crucial step is aimed at supplementing current outbreak control initiatives to curb the virus from spreading and protect lives. The initiative, which kicked off in the eastern part of North Kivu, will first target healthcare staff and frontline personnel. Initially, priority will be given to individuals who have been in contact with confirmed cases, their…

Hargeisa (AX) – Mohamed Abib Yusuf, a lawmaker from North Western State of Somalia, has leveled accusations against the North Western State of Somalia authorities, alleging they detained him to spark turmoil in the Awdal area, aiming to derail upcoming elections and extend their political tenure.Upon his release from Mandera prison, the outspoken MP shared his perspective with the press on Monday. He contended that his arrest was baseless, serving as a means to postpone elections and breed discord in Awdal.“The government…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Accusations have surfaced against Egypt, suggesting opportunistic behavior as the country prepares to lead the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which will replace the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Troop-contributing nations, chiefly Uganda, express discontent that Egypt’s engagement comes only now, questioning the motives behind their insistence on joining AUSSOM forces next year. Somalia has outrightly dismissed Ethiopia's involvement,…

Erik ten Hag reckons the brass at Manchester United would’ve given him a heads-up if his gig was in jeopardy. The Dutch manager, known for his candid approach and integrity, likely put faith in the club's leadership to communicate directly about any changes in his position. Confidence in the club's transparency is key to maintaining focus amidst the often tumultuous football world.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopia stepped into a new era Monday as Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie was appointed as the nation's president. This change comes against a backdrop of icy relations with neighboring Somalia, following the end of President Sahle-Work Zewde’s term. Once Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie took the ceremonial helm after a joint vote in the People’s House of Representatives and the House of Federation, committing to lead for the next four years. During the formal proceedings,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Former President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, ex-PM Hassan Ali Khaire, and member of parliament Abdirahman Abdishakur fiercely criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, stating he’s pulling strings to illegitimately extend his tenure. These verbal jabs follow failed high-stakes discussions meant to soothe federal-state relations and reveal an ominous narrative in Somalia, a nation already battling the menace of Al-Shabaab. In a fiery declaration released on Monday, the opposition titans pledged a court…

Kismayo (AX) – In an unexpected twist, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, rolled back into Kismayo Monday. This move came after hitting a stalemate at the happening National Consultative Council (NCC) gathering in Mogadishu.Word on the street is that Madobe bounced from the talks because he put his foot down about not wanting to move forward without roping in Northeastern State and Khatumo. His stance? Their no-show would basically toss credibility for future nationwide elections right out the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey hails the start of oil and gas exploration in Somalia as a groundbreaking development, marking the beginning of a transformative period. Over the weekend, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan dispatched vessels to scour Somalia's coast for valuable resources. Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, emphasized that deploying the Oruc Reis, a research ship, would bolster Turkey’s energy advancement, pitting it against global contenders. During a ceremonial send-off,…