Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia — As the sun rises over Mogadishu's bustling streets, conversations in cafes and markets gravitate towards a shiny new piece of plastic: the national ID card. Its introduction is causing a stir, amplifying fears that it might be wielded as a tool to tilt the scales in the upcoming Villa Somalia-driven "one person, one vote" elections—a process already under scrutiny. Imagine a national ID card that's designed to simplify voter verification, make elections fairer. Sounds ideal, right? Yet,…

Kismayo (AX) – In a story that continues to captivate both local residents and international observers, the Jubbaland military tribunal opened its doors on a tension-laden Monday morning to initiate legal proceedings against one Mukhtar Abdi Adan, famously known as Hoobiye. A man once trusted as an officer in the Jubbaland Armed Forces, Hoobiye now stands accused of conspiring with one of the most feared battlefront entities of our time—Al-Shabaab. The gravity of his alleged betrayal introduces a dramatic twist to this…

Garowe (AX) – In an era where the historic and the contemporary constantly intertwine, Northeastern State authorities have sounded a stern warning: mistreating foreigners will incur serious consequences. This declaration is part of an intensified campaign in the Bari region aimed at decimating the stubborn presence of ISIS, often compared to an unwanted guest who has overstayed their welcome. Under the searing Garowe sun on what seemed like an ordinary Monday, the ever-energetic Northeastern State's Minister of…

In the merry month of May, a tempest brewed in local news circles over a demanding missive from kidnappers, requesting a hefty ransom—$1.5 million no less!—for two missing Cuban medics. The Kenyan government, cool as a cucumber, refused to cough it up, and mum was the word from Cuba about whether they were even acknowledging this audacious claim. Months have trickled by like sand through an hourglass, leaving folks high and dry when it comes to updates on the Cubans' whereabouts. Occasionally, whispers from the island…

Mogadishu, Somalia - In a city known for its vibrant streets and relentless resilience, a significant event unfolded Tuesday that promised to reshape how Somalia engages with the world in matters of security. On this day, inside a modest yet hopeful hall of bureaucracy, the Somalia Immigration and Naturalization Agency, better known as SINA, shook hands with the International Criminal Police Organization, or as most of us refer to it, Interpol. It wasn't just another binding of papers and exchange of signatures — it was the…

In a fascinating twist of fate, heartbeats in Somalia have found a new rhythm, thanks to the intrepid Italian medical team. They've crafted history, surgically speaking, in the sands of Mogadishu. Imagine a scene that's less 'ER' and more 'Gladiator'—but with scalpels instead of swords—where pediatric heart surgeons have wielded their skills to patch little lives. This isn't just any hospital tale; it's a bona fide miracle that echoes a new dawn for pediatric healthcare in the Horn of Africa. Painting this masterpiece…

Somalia's Democratic Leap: The Road to One-Person, One-Vote Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling corridors of Somalia's political heart, the visionary journey toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system is unfurling with vibrant ambition. On a crisp Monday morning, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the steely chairperson of Somalia’s Electoral Commission, engaged in earnest dialogue with the European Union Ambassador, Karin Johansson. Their tête-à-tête was a symphony of democratic dreams and international solidarity.…

In the sprawling and untamed landscapes of Somalia, livestock isn't just a commodity—it's the lifeblood of the economy. Picture this: a whopping 70% of the country's exports are tied to camels, goats, cattle, and sheep. It's a pastoral symphony harmonized around the rhythm of animal trade. But as serene as it sounds, this melodious arrangement hit a discordant note in 2023, when nearly $1 billion flowed primarily into Saudi Arabia's coffers from Somali livestock exports. However, this paradise of pastoral profits faces a…

Somalia and Egypt: Allies in the Battle Against Al-Shabaab Imagine this—a bustling Sunday in Mogadishu, the sun casting golden rays over the city. In the midst of the everyday hustle and bustle, an announcement resonates with hopes for a safer tomorrow. Somalia and Egypt, two nations separated by the Red Sea but united by a common cause, have decided to join hands in the relentless fight against the notorious terrorist group, Al-Shabaab. In a heartfelt press release, the Somali Ministry of Defense laid it on the line:…

BOSASO, Somalia - In a scene reminiscent of the thunderous clap of a tempest, Northeastern State's security personnel have detained 300 suspects linked to ISIS, casting a wide net in their relentless pursuit of justice. Operation Lightning, now in its third stormy week, continues to rattle the region, returning hope to towns once trapped in shadows. This concerted effort, driven by whispers and the watchful eyes of vigilant locals, has shaken the foundations of fear. When locals saw something suspicious, they…