Somalia

Amidst a seemingly endless undercurrent of geopolitical tension, a group of Somali special forces captains stood stoically against the backdrop of 2022. They were part of a specialized commando unit, their faces stern as they engaged with their U.S. Army trainers. The photograph, captured by Luis Tato for The Washington Post, is a vivid reminder of the complex tapestry of military alliances woven across Africa and the Middle East. In Nairobi, recent developments have thrown a wrench into these delicate dynamics. An…

Somalia's Parliamentary Session Remains Closed Amid No-Confidence Motion Threats By Ali Musa MOGADISHU, Somalia — The echoes of silence in Somalia's legislative halls are deafening, as the nation's 5th parliamentary session remains indefinitely postponed. Why, you ask? In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, whispers of political maneuvering swirl like the desert winds, leaving many to wonder about the underlying motives of those in power. Lawmaker…

In an unequivocal declaration, Somalia's opposition coalition has castigated President Mohamud's government, accusing it of forsaking the nation's federal architecture and diminishing vital constitutional checks and balances. To those familiar with Somalia's intricate political landscape, might this be the rubicon we had hoped to avoid? "The president has reduced the constitutional framework to mere window dressing," the coalition’s statement proclaimed. It continues, "Such actions flagrantly breach…

BOSASO, Somalia - In a meticulously orchestrated strike on the insurgent stronghold of Northeastern State, the United Arab Emirates conducted airstrikes that claimed the lives of over a dozen militants associated with the Islamic State organization. Reports from local military sources on Sunday confirm the fatalities included key figures of the group. Consider, if you will, the strategic precision required for such an operation. The first airstrike targeted the Xankookib caves near Dhasan. In a scene reminiscent of a movie…

Garowe (AX) – It's an all too familiar tragedy, but one that demands our attention: a recent attack by ISIS on Northeastern State security forces in the forbidding Al-Miskaat mountains of the Bari region has drawn serious condemnation from the United States. The embattled region, known for its rugged terrain and turbulent history, remains a front line in the ongoing global fight against extremism. In the wake of this devastating assault, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu took a moment not just to issue a statement, but…

Jess Hallett remarked pointedly, "If you've been there and feel no empathy, there’s likely a deeper issue at play." Once a vocal opponent of UK immigration, a transformative journey from Somalia to the UK altered Jess Hallett's views. This journey recalibrated her perspective profoundly. Originating from Llanelli, Jess was among six assertive Brits chosen for Channel 4's compelling series, Go Back To Where You Came From. Traversing the perilous people smuggling routes, she experienced the dread of precarious boat…

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The bustling city of Addis Ababa recently played host to a momentous encounter. Under the grand arches of the African Union Summit, which welcomed its 38th iteration, two pivotal figures of the Horn of Africa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, found themselves engrossed in earnest conversation. It wasn't mere politeness driving their dialogue, but the pressing tapestry of shared challenges and mutual hopes. Can a single meeting alter the course…

Mogadishu (AX) – It's a sunny Saturday, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has a reason to beam with pride. This afternoon, he extended his heartfelt congratulations to Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, who recently achieved the notable milestone of being elected as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. An occasion worth celebrating, no doubt. Imagine, for a moment, the intricate dance of diplomacy that played out at the bustling AU summit in Addis Ababa. Underneath the grandeur of the…

Mogadishu (AX) – Lives shattered and futures stolen; the tranquility of Galo, a quiet expanse merely 40 kilometers from Dhusamareb, was brutally disrupted on Saturday night. Where once herders tended to livestock beneath the expansive skies, the air was stained with fear and tragedy. The quiet rustle of grasses gave way to the stark reality of conflict, as two young men lost their lives, and another was left clinging to life, all targeted by armed militias whose origins lie rooted in the entangled web of clan disputes.…

The face of American immigration policy has been transformed with proposals that have set off a chain reaction of debates and consternation. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has stepped into the spotlight, touting the infamous Guantánamo Bay as a fitting detention location. "It's a perfect place," Hegseth stated, fortifying his support with assurances of practicality. Yet, the dispatch of additional U.S. troops to the site has signaled a disquieting preparation for what many anticipate as an unprecedented influx. "Sending…