Somalia

AXADLE, Somalia – In a fiery exchange reminiscent of a family dinner gone wrong, Northeastern State's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Ubax Abdirashid, has shot down assertions by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) that aid has been flowing into Northeastern State like water from a broken pipe. With gusto, Minister Ubax slammed the agency for making up tales as if auditioning for a soap opera, leveling accusations of corruption and shady dealings in the aid distribution game. "Aid to Northeastern…

Mogadishu (AX) — Once a lively trade hub bustling with activity, Beledweyne in central Somalia now finds itself caught in a web of insecurity, unlawful checkpoints, and ineffective leadership. This turbulent climate prompted Somalia's federal government to step in, taking charge of security operations in hopes of reviving stability in the beleaguered Hiiraan region. The federal authorities' intervention springs from the violent El Baraf confrontations, where militia attacks claimed the lives of numerous soldiers. Earlier…

Northeastern State is actively joining forces with international bodies like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Red Crescent. Together, they’re crafting plans to send home foreign combatants who lay down their weapons and surrender. Dirir mentioned that while they’re keeping the specifics like timelines and nationalities under wraps, the ultimate goal is clear: these individuals need to return home, and it all has to be orchestrated under proper legal guidelines. "We’ve got foreign fighters in our…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Northeastern State authorities have firmly dismissed allegations from Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) claiming that they received a hefty 200-ton shipment of food aid in Bosaso, a bustling port in the semi-autonomous region. In a straightforward comeback, Ubah Abdirashid Hirsi, who holds the Minister of Relief and Disaster Management post in Northeastern State, made it crystal clear that the federal government hasn't sent any food aid to them. She didn't mince her words, stating,…

Hey there! In an exciting development, Somali government forces, teaming up with local militias, have successfully reclaimed important territories in Hiiraan from the clutches of Al-Shabaab militants. This victory marks a significant step forward in the nationwide mission to dismantle the hold of this extremist group.Beera Yabaal, Jibibow, Biya Madoobe, and Arooso—these liberated towns along the lifeline that is the Shabelle River—carry immense strategic importance for Al-Shabaab. Nestled between Buulaburte and Halgan…

The appointment of Lebanon’s army chief, General Joseph Aoun, as the nation’s president has finally filled a significant leadership void of over two years. Securing a decisive 99 out of 128 parliamentary votes in a second round of ballots marks the end of a prolonged stalemate. This election follows a fragile truce that paused 14 months of tension between Israel and Hezbollah, reflecting Lebanon's urgent need for reconstruction aid. “A fresh chapter begins for Lebanon's history today,” declared the 60-year-old Aoun as he…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's electoral landscape is on the brink of a transformation. Next week, the National Independent Electoral Commission plans to reveal a detailed roadmap for the nation's forthcoming elections.During a bustling Mogadishu press briefing, the chair of the commission, Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, emphasized their steadfast dedication to orchestrating fair, transparent elections. This move is a monumental leap forward for Somalia's democracy. "Expect a full schedule next week," Abdikarin promised. "It'll outline…

Egypt Ponders Troop Deployment to Somalia: A Potpourri of Regional Drama CAIRO – Egypt stands at a crossroads, contemplating whether to dispatch troops to Somalia as part of the freshly minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This decision emerges amidst a soap opera of regional tensions and political maneuvering in the Horn of Africa. If you're anything like me, you'd imagine a diplomatic pow-wow with more coffee than a college exam week. Well, Egypt's government is gearing up for a…

Horn of Africa's own Mogadishu—Somalia just tossed its hat into the ring for a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC), hoping to snag a spot for the 2025–2028 term. It's an ambitious endeavor to up its game in the arena of peace and stability across the continent.The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement this past Thursday, pointed out that since the inception of the AU PSC back in 2004, Somalia hasn't had the chance to represent. The ministry emphasized their candidacy isn't just a matter…

Northeastern State's Bold Strike: A New Chapter in the Fight Against ISIS BOSASO, Somalia - Armed with grit, guts, and a little help from some international friends, Northeastern State's security force launched a daring aerial assault against ISIS. This late-night venture, set under a canopy of stars, zeroed in on the elusive positions of Islamic State in the craggy landscapes around Isku-Shuban. It was like finding a needle in a haystack, only with more drones and less poking. The darkness didn't dampen the effectiveness…