Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenyan authorities are on high alert due to fresh threats from Al-Shabaab. The Somali National Army (SNA) has been conducting a rigorous security crackdown, causing the militant group to lose foothold in their own territory. Given that Kenyan troops are part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Al-Shabaab has consistently targeted the nation. Attacks have been particularly frequent in Nairobi and northeastern regions. Resila Onyango, spokesperson for the National Police Service,…

In a pivotal move, Somalia officially joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday during the General Conference held in Vienna. The Somali government heralded this membership as a remarkable achievement, underscoring the nation's commitment to fostering the peaceful application of nuclear technology. "This is a watershed moment for our nation, showcasing our unwavering dedication to peaceful nuclear interactions and sustainable progress," the Somali prime minister's office commented in a poignant…

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has greenlit a $6.6 million grant to assist Somalia’s Federal Government (FGS) in bolstering state capacity, aiming to construct a robust financial framework to foster inclusive and fair growth. The Somalia Financial Sector Development Project is set to hone the capabilities of financial entities, such as the Central Bank of Somalia, the Somalia Development and Reconstruction Bank, and the Financial Reporting Center (FRC). The project focuses on efficient credit delivery,…

There’s growing chatter around Mandera’s prolonged border closure, with local leaders pushing to lift this directive. They believe reopening the border could spark business opportunities and bolster revenue collection. The border, shut down over a decade ago, hasn't entirely halted illegal trade, claim both leaders and residents. This persistent underground activity continues to impact lawful businesses and has wider economic consequences. The government initially sealed the border to throttle Al Shabaab terror threats and…

In Hirsalama village, located in Somalia's Mudug region, 300 families were forced to flee from ongoing clan conflicts, now gripping the wind-blasted coastal hamlet of Dhinowda, where they grapple with basic survival. Take Mohamed Abdirahman Osman, for instance. He and his nine-member family trudged for three grueling days to reach Dhinowda, about 45 kilometers from their home. Initially, they had 60 goats, but lost 40 to thirst and hunger during the journey. Upon arrival, the ordeal worsened. More goats perished due to the…

Mogadishu (AX) – Monday saw Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the big cheese at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), touch down in Mogadishu for a chinwag with Somali bigwigs, aiming to boost ties between Somalia and IGAD. In a sit-down with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, they chewed over burning regional issues like security hurdles, economic hook-ups, and IGAD's ongoing projects in Somalia. President Hassan doubled down on Somalia's resolve to tighten bonds with IGAD and to play a pivotal role in the…

MOGADISHU, Sept 16 (AX) - The Somali presidency has reportedly rolled out new directives to challenge South West State's President Abdiaziz Laftagareen's administration, insiders divulged. These directives were hashed out in a secretive parley at Villa Somalia, the presidential domicile, attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and House Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe). From sources in the loop, President Mohamud made it clear that any dialogue with Laftagareen hinges on…

Federal Government Halts Battalion Leader's Return As Tension Soars Mogadishu, Somalia — In recent revelations, the Federal Government has detained the commander of the 9th Battalion stationed in Xudur as he arrived at Aden Adde International Airport. The commander embarked from Baidoa following a security conclave targeting South West State’s stability, where he conferred with local chiefs and President Abdiaziz Laftagareen. Just as he was gearing up to head back to Xudur, plans went sideways. Sheikh Adan Madobe, Speaker…

Türkiye's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, addressed the media alongside Egypt's Foreign Minister during a joint press briefing in Cairo on August 5, 2024. AFP The third round of mediation talks under the Ankara Process between Somalia and Ethiopia, originally slated for September 2, and then moved to September 17, has now been postponed indefinitely, without a new date announced, as per Turkiye Today. Although no official explanation was provided for the delay, it follows remarks by Somalia's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim…

The deal allowing Ethiopia access to North Western State of Somalia's Red Sea coast has ignited a diplomatic skirmish. Somalia views this as a breach of its sovereignty since North Western State of Somalia, despite declaring independence in 1991, remains part of Somalia in Mogadishu's eyes. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi suggested that Somalia might support Ethiopian rebel factions if Ethiopia continues with the agreement. "The option to engage with armed rebels in Ethiopia...is available to us," Fiqi stated on…