Somalia

The Unlikely Beacon of Democracy: North Western State of Somalia's Journey As a child, I naively thought of democracy as a Greek invention, an intricate art only suited to those ancient pillars of Western philosophy. This wasn't a surprising thought, especially growing up in Ethiopia where democracy is more a dream than reality. However, little did I realize that just across the border, a quiet revolution was taking place. In North Western State of Somalia, a place branded by some, including Google, as unstable and…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - There's a powerful human story that, once again, calls for our attention. A German nurse, whose life took an unexpected and harrowing turn over seven years ago, is reaching out for help. A recently surfaced video shows her making a heartfelt plea for her freedom from the clutches of assumed Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia. Sonja Nientiet, dedicated to her work with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), was abducted in 2018 under…

In the vibrant city of Mogadishu, a hum of anticipation fills the air. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stands ready to embark on another pivotal diplomatic journey, responding to an invitation from Turkey's own leader, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The destination? The intriguing nation that bridges East and West, Turkey. But what lies ahead in this crucial meeting between two nations with intertwined destinies? With the magnificient Bosporus strait awaiting him, President Mohamud's agenda is…

U.N. Advocates for Restraint Following Turbulence in South Sudan's Political Sphere AX – Juba: The call for peace resonates loudly from the halls of the United Nations as tension brews in South Sudan. Recent reports indicate the unexpected arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, a move that hangs like a dark cloud over the nation’s delicate peace. In a prescient statement released at the crack of dawn on Thursday, Nicholas Haysom, a man who knows the landscape well as the U.N. Mission chief in South Sudan (UNMISS),…

Conflict in Bakool Region: The Human Face of Military Operations In the shadow of rising conflicts, a pivotal battle unfolded on Wednesday that further illuminates the complex landscape of ongoing strife in Somalia. The Somali National Army (SNA), showcasing its resilience and strategic acumen, found itself embroiled in a clash that would inevitably shape regional dynamics. Under the leadership of the 9th Brigade Command, SNA forces bravely confronted Al-Shabaab militants in the obscure but…

Somalia and Türkiye: A Strategic Partnership in Turbulent Times In the complex tapestry of international relations, where alliances are often woven with delicate threads of diplomacy and strategic interests, there emerges a compelling story—one of enduring camaraderie and support. This is the narrative of Türkiye's partnership with the Federal Republic of Somalia, encapsulated in military training, technical backing, and the provision of cutting-edge defense equipment. But is there more to this alliance than meets the eye?…

Abiy Invites Tigrayans to Nominate Interim Leaders Amid Political Turmoil AX – Addis Ababa – In a move to inject some semblance of order amidst the swirling political storm, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reached out to the people of Tigray with an unusual request on a routine Wednesday morning. Imagine opening your inbox to pretty mundane emails, and there it is: a call from the Prime Minister to nominate leaders via email. Yes, you read that correctly. The digital age just took a more participatory turn, with…

In a chilling series of events that have captivated both local and international attention, police and human rights officials in Northeastern State have intervened in a highly sensitive matter. A young girl, taken into protective custody, finds herself at the center of an ongoing investigation. The man accused of abducting and marrying her remains under scrutiny, though it is yet to be determined if criminal charges will follow. The ordeal began innocuously in Bosaso, a bustling commercial hub in Somalia's…

In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a spirited struggle for peace and stability is unfolding. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stands at the forefront of this effort, unyielding in his vow to eradicate the militant factions that threaten Somalia's future. As operations surge in the regions of Hirshabelle and Southwest States, the determination of the government resonates with every heartbeat of its citizens. On a serene Wednesday evening, under the gentle glow of the moon, an Iftar gathering buzzed with hope…

In the heart of Mogadishu, whispers of hope intertwine with the calls of street vendors and laughter of children, creating a melody of resilience that is unmistakably Somali. This sense of tenacity, however, met an untimely stumble on the soccer field, as Somalia's cherished ambition to record a historic victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers faced a fresh challenge. On a somber Tuesday afternoon, under the African sky, the Ocean Stars bowed to Botswana in a 2-0 defeat—a match marked by stark defensive errors, according to…