Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — In the latest Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, Somalia finds itself entrenched in a deeply troubling narrative: near the very bottom of the world’s ranks in 2024. This index, which scrutinizes 180 nations for perceived public sector corruption, paints Somalia in stark tones—positioning it at 179th with a dismal score of 9 out of 100, following a concerning decline of two points since the previous year. Such rankings have almost become an unfortunate…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an exhilarating stride toward bolstering the nation's football prowess, Somalia has unveiled its inaugural Youth Football Development Center in Baidoa this week. This initiative underscores a momentous chapter in the country's grassroots infrastructure, a dream long nurtured by the Somali Football Federation (SFF). Can this be the dawn of a new era for Somali football, one wonders? Baidoa, nestled 246 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, has become the canvas for this ambitious football project. Here,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a decisive military sweep, Somali government forces recently launched an operation in the sprawling Lower Shabelle region, targeting the shadowy network of Al-Shabab's checkpoints. The region, long under the thumb of militant influence, witnessed a strategic dismantling of these barriers, liberating both civilians and their impounded vehicles, according to military officials. The operation wasn't merely a troop deployment; it was a concerted offensive journey. The 175th Battalion of the renowned 17th…

Mogadishu (AX) — As the sun lazily dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over Mogadishu, a gathering unlike any other took place. Survivors, heartened activists, and earnest government officials came together to honor the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Their voices joined in an impassioned plea urging the swift establishment of a national ban in Somalia. Orchestrated by the Ifrah Foundation, this pivotal event was held in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Family,…

In a candid discussion on February 10, 2025, Owino's words laid bare an unsettling truth: the vetting procedure imposed on Somalis had inadvertently fostered corruption. "We just created an opportunity for people to eat," he remarked, encapsulating the sentiment that this process was more a bureaucratic charade than a necessity. Isn't it ironic how measures intended to strengthen can instead unravel at the seams? Kenya's existing ID registration process, according to Owino, is robust enough, encompassing thorough…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — In a move aimed at breathing new life into Mogadishu's arterial roads, Somalia has inked contracts with four top-tier construction firms. These agreements, part of an ambitious infrastructural facelift, underscore a pivotal step in the nation's quest for economic vitality and development. The bustling Banadir Regional Administration headquarters hosted the signing ceremony on Tuesday. It was here that the intricacies of the Nagaad Project were brought into the limelight, courtesy of the Ministry of…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a setting where the glimmer of the Gulf meets the vibrancy of ambition, North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro conferred with UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on a seemingly ordinary Tuesday. Yet, is any meeting truly ordinary when it dances around the themes of economic cooperation and regional stability? This rendezvous, set against the backdrop of the illustrious Global Government Summit held in Dubai, served as a beacon of…

In an unprecedented diplomatic endeavor, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on his inaugural state visit to Azerbaijan, moments marked by engaging dialogues with President Ilham Aliyev. This historic encounter took place on a nondescript Wednesday, yet its implications for Somali-Azeri relations could be profound. Could this be the dawn of a transformative partnership between the two nations? The office of the Azerbaijani president seemed to suggest so, revealing ambitious talks aimed at enhancing cooperation…

Mogadishu, Somalia – Execution of a Convicted Murderer Stirs Debate in Somalia's Southwest The dawn struggled to break through the dense clouds over Baidoa, a bustling town that serves as the interim capital of Somalia's Southwest State. Residents gathered with a sense of apprehension mingled with solemnity, knowing this day bore witness to something starkly divisive: the execution of a convicted murderer. No matter how one looked at it, these events always left an indelible imprint on the collective psyche. Isak Adan…

Could justice really be tangible, a force acting in real-time rather than a theoretical construct? In the heart of Somalia's Bay region, this question found an answer in the rapid administration of justice on a recent gripping occasion. The gritty streets of Baidoa witnessed a somber yet decisive chapter as a military court enforced the law in a bold and unyielding manner. Over the course of two consecutive days, three men met the ultimate penalty for their heinous acts against innocent civilians—an…