Somalia

Understanding Somalia's Predicament and Potential In the heart of the Horn of Africa lies Somalia, a land teetering on the precipice of potential and peril. Today, this nation is primarily embroiled in a clash between its government and the notorious militant faction, al-Shabaab. Notably, other parties like Hizbul Islam—a former Islamic group historically opposing al-Shabaab—and the Dhulbahante clan are also pivotal in this turbulent landscape. The complexities of this conflict are compounded by the nuanced involvement…

After Al-Shabaab Abduction, Mandera Chiefs Reunite With Families MANDERA, Kenya - It’s a day etched into the memory of Mandera: a day when the much-anticipated presidential visit was overshadowed by a dark cloud covering the fate of five local chiefs. Earlier this year, these community leaders found themselves in the throes of uncertainty, kidnapped by the ominous presence of Al-Shabaab. For 60 arduous days, their families grasped onto threads of hope, peering into the abyss of negotiations that spanned borders and…

DUBAI, UAE (AX) — The urban tapestry of Dubai is richly woven with the threads of countless languages and dialects. It's a place where linguistic diversity isn’t just accepted; it's celebrated. Yet, amidst this mosaic of voices, one particular tale has captured attention—a young Somali man speaking Malayalam with impeccable fluency. And not just any version of Malayalam, but the distinctive Thrissur dialect that has left Malayalis in the Gulf both astonished and proud. Meet Hassan Mohammed…

The unveiling of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP) for 2025-2029 represents a critical point in our nation's narrative—a narrative previously marred by conflict but now leaning towards recovery and sustainable growth. On a bright morning, with optimism brimming, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced this ambitious scheme designed to serve as a guide to rebuilding a self-sustaining and resilient Somalia. Like a phoenix rising, this plan symbolizes the shift from the former National Development Plan,…

The Maritime Partnership: Türkiye's Endeavor with Somalia In a world where alliances shape the contours of global power, Türkiye and Somalia have embarked on a captivating journey of cooperation through the ambitious offshore energy partnership initiated in March 2024. This potent alliance heralded the arrival of Türkiye's seismic vessel, now diligently engaged in conducting intricate 3D surveys within Somali waters. A step paramount for nations looking to optimize energy resources, this venture unfolds with layers of…

In a rare moment of calm amidst tumult, the sprawling city of Goma in eastern Congo found itself cloaked in a fragile cease-fire on Tuesday. Here in this beleaguered city, life took a tentative breath, allowing its weary inhabitants a chance to lay to rest nearly 2,000 souls claimed by the fierce struggle for control.While streets once echoed with the chaotic cadence of conflict, the eerie silence of today speaks volumes. The M23 rebels, bolstered by Rwandan backing, declared a cease-fire on Monday, and for the most part,…

In a somber reminder of the fragile state of peace, the United Nations issued a stark warning Thursday, drawing attention to two tragically beleaguered regions in southern Sudan on the cusp of catastrophe. South Kordofan and Blue Nile, battered by a surge in deadly conflict, lie at the heart of this burgeoning disaster.Renewed hostilities have exploded in recent weeks between Sudan's military forces and a splinter group of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by the contentious Abdel Aziz al-Hilu.…

The Brewing Storm in Eastern Congo: A Crisis Echoing Through Borders On a day where global humanitarian concerns found a focal point, the United Nations issued a stark warning regarding the intensifying violence in the eastern reaches of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The potential ripple effects of this turmoil threaten not only the immediate vicinity but could also unsettle the broader region. Could a regional crisis be brewing under our watch? In what seemed like an all-too-familiar scenario for those…

In a delicate ballet of diplomacy, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are engaged in crucial negotiations hosted in the arid yet vibrant state of Qatar. These parleys hope to quell the turbulence in eastern Congo, where insurrectionists have wrested control over substantial tracts of land, casting a long shadow over the region’s already fraught stability. As Thursday dawned, officials positioned the talks as a pivotal juncture in what has become an elongated and…

Miraa Farmers and Fair Pricing: A Call for Economic Justice In the vibrant and bustling landscapes of Nairobi, Kenya, a pressing issue has gripped the agricultural community, sparking intense discussions and a firm stance from key stakeholders. The spotlight, as it turns out, is on the intricacies of the miraa trade—a sector where a simple leaf has woven itself deeply into the economic fabric of the nation. Speaking recently in Meru County, a region known for its lush,…