Somalia

WASHINGTON, United States (AXADLE) — The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has thrown down the gauntlet against Asli Maydi, a purveyor of frankincense headquartered in Hargeisa, North Western State of Somalia. With a spotlight on forced labor concerns, they’ve slapped a withhold release order (WRO) that freezes any imports from the company, as they're deemed to breach U.S. labor regulations, specifically 19 U.S.C. § 1307. In its digital domain on Facebook, Asli Maydi portrays itself as a benefactor to local…

Mogadishu (AX) — Masterminding a move towards renewed governance, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre unveiled fresh appointments on Monday. A new state minister for the Ministry of Planning and Investment and a deputy for the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education took the stage, replacing their predecessors who recently bowed out of the political scene. Stepping up as the freshly minted state minister for Planning is Ahmed Nor Sheikh Mohamed Loxox, while Abdirashid Mohamed Du'ale slides into the Deputy…

Mogadishu (AX) — A delegation from the Somali government, spearheaded by Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismael Fartaag, is participating in the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly from November 4-7, 2024, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. This annual gathering has attracted over a thousand high-ranking law enforcement professionals from around the globe. They have come together to tackle urgent security challenges and to select new leadership for INTERPOL. “I feel privileged to represent the Federal Government of Somalia…

Hamza Abdi Barre, the Prime Minister of Somalia, recently welcomed Tanja Fajon, Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister, for an important dialogue. During their meeting, they delved into strengthening ties between Somalia and Slovenia, with a keen focus on pivotal issues such as climate change, social welfare, security, and human rights. This dialogue gains significance as Somalia embarks on its new role within the UN Security Council, as highlighted by the Somali National News Agency (SONNA). Prime Minister Hamza took the…

Somalia: Devastating Al-Shabaab Assault Claims Lives of AU Troops at Mogadishu’s Halane Base MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a ruthless act of violence, Al-Shabaab insurgents launched a mortar attack on Sunday, tragically ending the lives of two soldiers from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), according to law enforcement authorities. This incident unfolded ominously close to the Aden Adde International Airport, a locale reinforced against such threats. Mohamed El-Amine Souef, representing the African Union…

NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman addressed the press, flanked by fellow journalists, during a significant event dedicated to the International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists in Mogadishu. The Somali government, alongside various diplomats stationed in the country, has made a united plea for enhanced safety measures for media professionals. This initiative comes as they vow to create a more secure atmosphere for journalists working within the nation. During the event, Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, the…

Mogadishu (AX) — The bicameral legislature of Somalia has greenlit a substantial budget of $1.36 billion for the fiscal year 2025, reflecting a robust increase of 24.4% over the previous year. This decision came during a parliamentary session held on Monday in the capital, Mogadishu. In attendance were 143 Members of Parliament and 32 senators. The First Deputy Speaker of the People's Assembly, Saadiya Yasin Haji Samatar, confirmed that an overwhelming majority of 172 lawmakers backed the budget, with only two MPs voting…

Jubaland's Chief Bids Federal MPs for Powwow in Kismayo Amid Turmoil KISMAYO, Somalia — Ahmed Madobe, the head honcho of Jubaland, has beckoned federal lawmakers tied to Jubaland to huddle up in Kismayo to chat about the country’s stormy political scene. What set this in motion? Well, two bigwigs from Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre's team, both hailing from Jubaland, decided to call it quits. Their departures are stirring the pot, showing the rising tension between the big shots in the federal government and the local…

Egyptian Warship Drops Anchor in Mogadishu with Third Batch of Arms amid Regional Tug-of-War MOGADISHU, Somalia — On Sunday, an Egyptian naval ship berthed in Mogadishu. This marks the third delivery of arms amidst escalating local and international tensions. Fraught diplomatic relations with Ethiopia have influenced this maritime maneuver. Upon arrival, the military hardware was quickly unloaded at the bustling port, signaling Egypt’s ongoing commitment to bolster Somalia’s defense capabilities. This alliance aims to…

FILE PHOTOA mortar round launched by al-Shabab struck a base inside the confines of Mogadishu’s international airport on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two African Union soldiers and injuring another.Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, expressed deep condemnation for the assault on the Halane Base Camp. Speaking on behalf of ATMIS, he noted, “This brutal attack will not dissuade us or the…