Somalia

Complex Implications of Kenya's Shirika Plan for Somali Refugees Edited by Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Mogadishu (AX) — Kenya's ambitious Shirika Plan aims to transform refugee camps into permanent cities, arousing significant concern in Somalia. This initiative, designed to reshape the Dadaab and Kakuma camps, could hinder efforts to repatriate Somali nationals, potentially perpetuating their displacement. Set to commence in 2024, the multi-billion-dollar project intends to reinvent two…

The captivating world of Turkish cuisine has found a new admirer in Somalia's ambassador to Türkiye. In an evocative conversation, the envoy shared his admiration for a myriad of traditional dishes that weave the rich culinary tapestry of this fascinating country. He hailed Turkish cuisine as being among the world's finest, echoing the sentiments of many gastronomic enthusiasts worldwide. Ambassador Fathudin Ali Mohamed expressed these heartfelt sentiments during an engaging interview with…

The sudden cessation of aid disbursements from USAID by Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, signals a monumental shift for Africa, a continent that has long leaned on this vital lifeline of support. Given the U.S.'s stature as a leading global foreign aid benefactor, this unexpected move prompts a pressing query: What is on the horizon for Africa's aid-dependent nations? It seems only yesterday that Donald Trump, then the U.S. President, decided to pull the plug on USAID funding. This abrupt decision sent shockwaves through…

Concern Mounts Over Abducted Journalist in Somalia Mogadishu, Somalia – March 25, 2025 – With a heavy heart, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) voices serious concerns regarding the unsettling disappearance of journalist Ibrahim Mohamed Mayow. He was reportedly abducted while executing his professional duties in Afgooye, roughly 30 kilometers from Mogadishu, on the morning of March 24. Mayow, known for his diligence and unwavering commitment to truth, was on assignment for Dalsan TV, a reputable news outlet based in…

“You might call it a sad opportunity,” remarked Yasmine Belkaid, the esteemed director of the Pasteur Institute in Paris. Photograph by Romuald Meigneux/Sipa/Rex/Shutterstock. The ad was unlike any other, draped in language like "censorship" and "political interference". Originating from Belgium, it seemed designed to reach across the ocean to researchers in the United States, perhaps hinting at a desire to leave behind funding freezes, budget cuts, and new ideological hurdles reportedly initiated by the Trump…

Pastoralists survey their barren land, reflecting a profound loss - a poignant image of their once-thriving livestock grazing the arid landscape. In the heart of Somalia's Mudug region, approximately 1,500 families residing in the Ali-Waal area are grappling with devastating hardships. Fragmented pieces of their livelihoods have been eroded by the relentless grip of drought. Over the past three months, most of these families have watched, helplessly, as their once-plentiful herds dwindled due to an unforgiving climate that…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia, amidst the daily hustle and bustle of Afgooye district in the Lower Shabelle region, tragedy struck on a day otherwise unremarkable. On Monday, echoes of dread vibrated through the air as several mortar shells rained down, leaving devastation in their wake. Among the fallen was a dedicated police officer, Hussein Haji Mohamed, who many knew fondly as Aw Koombe. His story intertwines with the chaotic narratives of many who serve their communities every day. Around ten mortars…

Garowe (AX) — In the stillness of a cool Monday night, the tranquility of the Xabley mountains in the Ufayn district of Bari region was shattered. An attack, orchestrated by ISIS militants, descended upon a small base of Northeastern State soldiers. Amidst the echoes of gunfire and the chaos of the skirmish, at least one soldier fell, leaving behind the dreams and aspirations of a life cut short, while nine others were left grappling with injuries of varying severity. The tranquil Dhaban-Qooxle area of the…

The Heart-Wrenching Tragedy of Mohamed Abukar Mohamed It was a day like any other in the bustling Hamar Jajab district of Mogadishu. Yet, the morning of March 18, 2025, cast a shadow over the city, claiming the life of someone whose only crime was striving to share the truth. Mohamed Abukar Mohamed, affectionately known as Dabaashe, was one of those rare journalists with a passion for his craft. He had the ability to connect the dots in complex stories, to shed light in the darkest…

In a recent tragic event that underscores the turbulent challenges faced by East African nations, at least six law enforcement officers tragically lost their lives while four others sustained injuries in an aggressive attack on a police encampment in Kenya. The perpetrators are suspected to be militants associated with Somalia's al-Shabab group. The attack unfolded in the early hours of dawn within Garissa County, a region in eastern Kenya adjacent to the volatile border shared with Somalia. A report released by Kenyan…