Somalia

A Toronto-based rapper, known as Top 5, was released after a murder charge against him disintegrated. On Monday, Hassan Ali—alias Top 5—walked free. He had been accused of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Hashim Omar Hashi, a 20-year-old accounting student. On January 31, 2021, around 9 p.m., Hashi was shot multiple times as he tried to enter a parking garage near Jane Street and Falstaff Avenue. Hashi died at the scene. His family and friends remembered him as "humble, kind, and hardworking." Two weeks after…

Though the United Kingdom and Somalia share robust diaspora connections, their trade relationship is surprisingly frail and erratic. A noticeable reflection of this relationship is seen in the Somali federal parliament, where around 15 MPs boast dual British citizenship. Additionally, the UK hosts a significant Somali diaspora—109,000 people identified as Somali in the last census, though some estimates surmise a community of around 500,000. To dive deeper, this article follows up on my earlier work, "Unlocking the Untapped…

"Peace goes beyond just ending wars. It is about nations respecting one another's sovereignty and territorial boundaries," echoed John F. Kennedy, the 35th U.S. President. Viewed as a foundational tenet of global diplomacy, countries worldwide aspire to these principles. However, Ethiopia's recent assertive stance towards Somalia challenges these ideals. Their attempt to annex a key Somali port is not just an economic move but a direct affront to Somalia's sovereignty and a precursor to potential regional turmoil.…

ABU DHABI, September 23, 2024 (WAM) — Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, the Speaker of Somalia's Senate, had the pleasure of exploring the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. He was joined by Federal National Council (FNC) members, Mohammed Al Yamahi and Mohammed Al Dhohori. The group, accompanied by Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, roamed the mosque’s halls and delightful outdoor corridors. Dr. Al Obaidli shared insights into how the mosque embodies coexistence, tolerance,…

In recent months, the Horn of Africa has become a powder keg, with Egyptian troops in Somalia igniting fears of a regional war. Tensions are high, fueled by Ethiopia’s controversial sea access pact with North Western State of Somalia and long-standing Nile River disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt, sparking widespread unease. Ethiopia's leader, Abiy Ahmed, didn’t mince words, warning potential invaders to "think 10 times" before making a move. Neighboring countries, including Turkey and Djibouti, are scrambling to broker…

BY HAJI ISSE BARRE FOR KAAB TV GAROWE, Somalia - Amid a nation grappling with food scarcity, where drought-stricken displacement camps are home to millions, a curious preference persists: Somalis often choose imported foods over their homegrown staples like maize, grains, and beans. Yet, there's an entrepreneur who has found a way to turn this perplexing trend on its head, while lending a hand to his community. Meet Mustafe Isaq Aden. Originating from Southwest Somalia, he journeyed to Puntland in the north, a relatively…

MOGADISHU, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) — Over 342,000 individuals have been uprooted from their homes in Somalia since January 2024, thrust into uncertainty by conflict, climate woes, and rampant insecurity, as per the latest briefing from the United Nations refugee agency. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-led Protection and Monitoring Returns Network disclosed that a significant 23,000 were displaced just in August. Among these, 43 percent were forced to flee due to clashes, instability, and natural calamities like…

NAIROBI, Kenya - Amidst escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding breaches of sovereignty, Addis Ababa has firmly opposed Egypt’s involvement in Somalia’s peacekeeping mission, sowing further discord. Somalia has thrown its support behind Egypt to lead the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to supplant the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) come January 2025, effectively excluding Ethiopia from the framework. Tarekegn Bululta, Ethiopia's State…

In a sweeping view, the Mogadishu Sea Port stands with an Egyptian warship having recently docked, unloading a significant cache of weapons. This event took place in Mogadishu, Somalia, on September 23, 2024. © REUTERS/Feisal Omar. For licensing, visit Purchase Licensing Rights. On Tuesday, Somalia angrily pointed fingers at Ethiopia, accusing it of secretly smuggling arms. The backdrop of this accusation involves fears that these weapons might fall into the hands of Islamist militants amid the turmoil in the Horn of…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Taye Astke Selassie, has voiced alarming concerns over recent influxes of arms heading to Somalia. He cautioned that these weapons might escalate regional conflicts and potentially be seized by terrorist factions, as reported by Ethiopia's state news agency on Tuesday. A wave of worry emerged after an Egyptian warship docked in Mogadishu, offloading a hefty load of heavy weaponry. This marks the second significant arms shipment to Somalia in just one month. This follows a…