Somalia

Conversations on Security: A Collaborative Pathway in Somalia In the midst of the bustling and often unpredictable landscape of Somalia, the air at the UN Headquarters in Mogadishu was charged with a palpable sense of purpose. United Nations Security officials and commanders from the UN Guard Unit converged for a critical meeting, a gathering that resonated with shared intent and collective responsibility. This high-level briefing on security was not just another routine agenda. With security dynamics continually evolving,…

Imagine yourself at the bustling Kenya-Somalia border, a place where the lives of countless travelers and locals interweave against a backdrop of uncertainty and resilience. The border, which stretches from one point to the customs area in Mandera County, plays a significant role in the lives of those who inhabit this region. Recently, news from this area has been disconcerting. Armed militants, reportedly linked to the infamous Al Shabaab terror group, have abducted five chiefs from Mandera. Their ominous demand? A…

In the heart of Mogadishu, a city that has witnessed both turmoil and resilience, a poignant chapter concluded on Monday night at Digfeer Hospital. Sheegow Ahmed Ali, a Somali military officer of notable repute, succumbed to the ravages of liver failure and complications tied to Hepatitis B, according to trusted Somali health officials. His passing, however, left lingering questions not just about his health but also about the circumstances enveloping his final days. It's worth pondering how…

Suspicion of Al-Shabaab Infiltration in Somali Army After Colonel Nur Farey's Tragic Death MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the wake of the shocking news, questions loom large over the tragic demise of Colonel Nur Farey. What transpired that fateful day has shaken the Somali National Army (SNA) to its core, leaving many to wonder: Could Al-Shabaab have found a crack in the army's armor? The circumstances surrounding the colonel's fatal shooting unfolded like an unsettling narrative. As reports…

Mogadishu (AX) — The path to Mogadishu is fraught with challenges. Once-thriving towns now lay shattered, with makeshift outposts marking territories—changing hands one too many times, too quickly to remember. A new report from the insightful Soufan Center has painted a stark picture: Al-Shabaab's newest offensive in central Somalia threatens to destabilize Mogadishu. The capital stands vulnerable as Somalia’s forces—spread far too thin—grapple with an alarming surge in militant activities. Since February 2025, a chilling…

Nigeria's Plateau State Under Siege: A Heedless Cycle of Violence Amidst the fertile tapestry of Nigeria's Plateau State, an unsettling narrative unfolds—one of perennial conflict and anguish. In the quietude of six villages located in the heart of Bokkos district, a tempest erupted, leaving in its wake a grim tally of 52 lost lives and nearly 2,000 people driven from their homes. A tragic echo resounds through the community as they grapple with this latest spate of violence, reminiscent of the December 2023 ordeal, where…

At the heart of Majengo, a bustling informal settlement in Nanyuki, Kenya, sits Rose Wanyua Wanjiku. On this particular Thursday, November 4, 2021, she clutches photographs of her beloved younger sister, Agnes Wanjiru. Agnes, just 20 years old at the time, disappeared under circumstances that remain as troubling today as they were then. Flashback to 2012, a fraught year for Agnes’s family. She was seen alive for the last time in the company of British soldiers visiting Kenya for training operations. A young mother then,…

Chiefs Set for Homecoming As Negotiations Yield Release "They will be arriving home any time soon," announced Murkomen to the gathered members of the press. A wave of relief swept through the statement hall as this development came after intense collaboration between national authorities, the Mandera county administration, and respected local community elders. Queries surrounding the identity of the captors remain unanswered, as Murkomen declined to specify if al-Shabaab, the notorious Somalia-based militant…

In an increasingly interconnected world, the call for unity resonates with even greater urgency. This sentiment was echoed profoundly when President Museveni met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They issued a compelling plea to the international community, rallying support for the Somali Security Development Plan. Why does this appeal hold significant weight? Let’s dive into the dialogue and unravel the nuances. Imagine a future where Somalia stands resilient, safeguarded by its own dedicated security forces.…

Somalia Embarks on Historic National Identification Journey "For more than 34 years, Somali citizens have lived without formal identification. This initiative will change that and contribute significantly to stabilizing and securing the country." These words from Prime Minister Barre echo not merely as a declaration but almost as a promise of transformation for a nation longing for stability and progress. Imagine living without any formal document that verifies who you are. For over three decades, this has been…