Somalia

Somalia's Political Juncture: Which Road Will President Hassan Sheikh Tread? FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK | Political rumblings intensify amidst Mogadishu’s vibrant chaos as Somalia's capital becomes the stage for a critical pow-wow involving the nation's federal government and regional chieftains. Though the quartet of state presidents attending the gathering signifies a step forward, the glaring absence of Northeastern State underscores a widening schism. This meeting is not just a banal political dance. It’s loaded with…

It was the surreal hour of 3 a.m. in November 2020 when Zakariya Sayid reached out to his dad with life-altering news. Over a crackling phone line, he revealed their intention to let go of The Horn, a beloved establishment they had set up in tribute to his father in 2014. His father, Hassan Rasul, was far away in Somalia, tending to his own mother at that very moment. Despite the distance, the news hit him hard. The café, located at 619 Murfreesboro Pk., was already wrestling with challenges, made worse by the pandemic.…

PARIS/LONDON — In a concerted diplomatic maneuver, France and the UK have expressed their refusal to join any potential U.S. military endeavors against Iran. This decision comes on the heels of Iran's responsive attacks on Israel dated April 13, 2024. Both countries urged Israel to show restraint and avoid responding with force on Iranian territories, sources acquainted with the affairs have indicated. Their appeal for calm follows a surge in tensions across the Middle East, ignited when Iran, along with its allies,…

  Ethiopia and Somalia are on the brink of escalating tensions over port access, captured in a photograph by Tommy Trenchard from Panos Pictures. The Horn of Africa stands as one of the most unstable regions globally, encapsulating nations like Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. This area has endured conflicts such as the war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, Ethiopia's internal strife, and the chaos in Somalia due to a relentless jihadist movement. External influences, especially those from the Gulf, consistently compete…

Garowe (AX) – The Northeastern State Information Minister, Mohamud Aydid Dirir, has taken a jab at the National Consultative Council (NCC) gathering happening in Mogadishu, as well as the recent naming of Somalia’s new police chief.Dirir, speaking from Garowe on Thursday, voiced his doubts concerning the NCC’s competence in tackling Somalia’s significant troubles, particularly highlighted in Baidoa and Northeastern State."This meeting is superfluous and ineffective in resolving Somalia’s pressing challenges, especially those…

ANKARA - Come this weekend, Turkey's ship Oruc Reis will journey into the waters off the coast of Somalia, commencing a daring adventure to discover oil and gas treasures beneath the waves. The Turkish Energy Ministry made waves with this revelation on Thursday. Having inked a deal in March, Turkey and Somalia are ready to explore a significant stretch of about 5,000 square clicks, searching for that elusive black gold. Standing by to cheer the vessel off on Saturday morning is none other than President Recep Tayyip…

In a recent address, President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi underscored Egypt’s solidarity with Somalia, a nation grappling with instability for nearly thirty years. As he spoke to distinguished guests during a ceremony celebrating a new class of police officers, Al-Sisi emphasized that Egypt's support for Somalia was not intended to provoke Ethiopia. This announcement comes amidst rising tensions in the region, especially following the arrival of a cargo ship laden with a substantial cache of military equipment from the Egyptian…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's National Consultative Council (NCC) wraps up its important meeting on Thursday in Mogadishu. This summit is a hotspot where both federal and regional bigwigs are charting a course to tackle Al-Shabaab head-on. There's also some juicy behind-the-scenes drama with Northeastern State that can't be ignored. Gathered over two days, orchestrated by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the assembly zeroes in on boosting efforts against Al-Shabaab, which the Somali leadership brands as "Khawarij,"…

Somali Troops Reclaim Key Location Amid Slow Progress in Fight Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somali National Army (SNA) has reclaimed Ali Yabal, a crucial town situated approximately 18 kilometers from Eeldheer in the Galgaduud region, from Al-Shabaab militants. This development marks a notable advancement for government forces after over a year of sluggish movement in their campaign against these insurgents. The specifics of this maneuver remain somewhat elusive. The SNA has indicated that this was part of a…

Liverpool is navigatin’ what folks reckon to be one of the beefiest fixture lists in the new-fangled Champions League with stunning finesse.They’ve dismissed not one but two Italian clubs with admirable ease, first handing AC Milan a 3-1 defeat at San Siro, then neatly notching a 2-0 victory over the lesser-known Bologna on Wednesday. Next up, Liverpool will face two German teams, including Bayer Leverkusen led by former Anfield icon Xabi Alonso; shortly after, two Spanish sides await, including an encounter with reigning…