Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — On a memorable Wednesday evening, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took center stage during the 65th Independence Week celebrations in Mogadishu. The event was a heartfelt tribute to Somalia’s long and arduous journey toward freedom, marking not just a historical milestone, but a collective call for renewed unity and national reconciliation among its people. The ceremony was a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of history, marked by the presence of senior government officials, distinguished…

Unity in the Face of Adversity: A Call for Togetherness in Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — During the vibrant celebration of the 65th Independence Week in Mogadishu, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madobe), the Speaker of the House of the People, issued a heartfelt appeal to all Somalis. He emphasized the urgent need for unity in confronting the challenges posed by al-Shabab and encouraged cooperation with the government. In front of a diverse gathering of senior government officials, dignitaries, and everyday citizens, Speaker Madobe…

Heavy Fighting in Somalia's Bay Region: A Closer Look BAIDOA, Somalia - In the heart of the Bay region, the Somali National Army (SNA) and al-Shabaab militants found themselves embroiled in another deadly clash. The profound impact of this intense skirmish reverberates through communities, leaving many to ponder, "When will peace find its way back to this land?" The SNA has long been on a determined mission. Their goal: to dismantle al-Shabaab's hold in Somalia's southern territories. This…

In a world rife with tension and unpredictability, a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel seemed to hold momentarily this Tuesday, despite early signs of faltering. U.S. President Donald Trump, known for his candid remarks, conveyed his frustration over the longstanding conflict. He remarked that both nations had fought “for so long and so hard” that they had seemingly lost their way. Is it possible, one might ponder, for prolonged conflict to ultimately obscure the path to peace? As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin…

Opposition, Dissent, and the Tension in Somali Politics Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling heart of Somalia's capital, a profound conflict is thrilling the political landscape. Dr. Mohamed Aden Koofi, the Secretary General of the Somali Salvation Forum, has made some striking accusations aimed directly at the federal government. In a time when unity is vital, how precarious is the balance between power and opposition? On Monday, in a press conference brimming with urgency, Koofi recounted an unsettling incident from his…

Somalia's President Confronts Political Challenges and Militancy Threats as His Term Nears Its End MOGADISHU, Somalia - As President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud enters the twilight of his current term, the challenges before him are mounting in complexity and urgency. Each day presents a fresh set of obstacles in his quest to bring about stability, development, and unity in Somalia. Despite repeated promises, these goals remain elusive, leading to growing criticism of his leadership. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, many…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a notable Wednesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened a significant meeting at Villa Somalia, inviting esteemed figures from Somalia's political landscape, including former presidents, prime ministers, and parliamentary speakers. This gathering was not merely a formality; it represented a pivotal moment in defining Somalia’s political future. This assembly was part of the ongoing National Consultation Forum, an initiative designed to foster dialogue and build consensus on fundamental national…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a significant Tuesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed a delegation from the European External Action Service (EEAS), a meeting that took place within the historic walls of the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. Leading this delegation was Jonas Jonsson, the Director for Africa, whose experience and insights pave the way for constructive dialogue between Somalia and the European Union. The essence of this encounter centered around fortifying the multifaceted partnership shared…

Somalia: President Hassan Sheikh Eases Position, Meets with Opposition Leaders MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a country where political landscapes shift as swiftly as the winds, a remarkable scene unfolded as opposition leaders briskly walked through the gates of Villa Somalia. Their destination: a confidential meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Could this encounter herald a pivotal breakthrough in Somalia’s enduring political impasse? It certainly appears possible. The atmosphere surrounding this meeting is charged…

Image source Somalia has reached a remarkable epoch in its economic narrative. On December 13, 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank confirmed that Somalia had reached the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion point. This milestone facilitated a dramatic reduction of external debt, from a staggering 64 percent of GDP in 2018 to below 6 percent by the end of 2023—an accomplishment that translates to an impressive $4.5 billion in debt relief. The momentum didn't stop there. In early 2024,…