Somalia

Press Freedom and Challenges in Somalia Mogadishu, Somalia – March 17, 2025 – The air was tense in Mogadishu as the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) delivered a stern rebuke against a recent act that silenced one of their own. Journalist Bahjo Abdullahi Salad, known for her unyielding dedication to unveiling truths, became the center of a brewing storm after her recent reportage on public health hazards in the bustling Wardhiigley district. It was Saturday, March 15, 2025, when agents…

Unraveling the Mystique of Swedes Venturing into Africa for IS By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring As the sun sets, painting the Swedish skies with strokes of orange and purple, a different narrative unfolds thousands of miles away in the arid landscapes of Somalia. It's a tale few would expect: Swedes, leaving the comfort and serenity of their homeland, gravitating towards the tumultuous sphere of the Islamic State (IS) in Africa. What compels these individuals to…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the complex landscape of international relations, where politics often dances to the tunes of historical allegiances and emerging partnerships, the growing ties between North Western State of Somalia and Taiwan have stirred a pot of diplomatic deliberations. The Chinese government, staunchly protective of its territorial integrity, has issued a vehement denunciation of these burgeoning connections. With unequivocal determination, Beijing has pledged to exert pressure on Hargeisa, aiming to see the…

Somali Forces Strike Al-Shabaab Stronghold in a Major Operation Edited By Ali Musa | Axadle Times International–Monitoring Strategic Offensive in Middle Jubba MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a daring and meticulously planned operation, the Somali National Army (SNA) has dealt a substantial blow to Al-Shabaab by dismantling several militant bases in Jilib, the group's notorious headquarters. This area, embedded deep in Middle Jubba, represents one of the last bastions of Al-Shabaab's…

Mogadishu: Dynamics Within the Somali Presidency In a move that caught many by surprise, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially relieved Mohamed Hassan Ibrahim Qoone from his advisory role on inter-regional affairs this past Sunday. The decision, formally announced through a presidential decree, sparked curiosity and contemplation across the political landscape of Mogadishu. It left some asking: What prompts such a decision in these turbulent times? "Leaders are expected…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling capital of Somalia, Mogadishu, a flurry of claims and counterclaims has recently drawn the attention of the international community. Amidst the hum of daily life and the persistent chatter of market vendors, the U.S. Embassy found itself in the eye of a media storm, staunchly refuting rumors of a mass evacuation of its diplomatic staff. It’s curious, isn't it, how quickly misinformation can take root, capturing minds with apprehensive narratives? The story begins with Dirir,…

Picture the sprawling landscapes of Somalia's Middle Shabelle region—a place that history continues to write about through its ongoing conflict and turbulent quest for peace. In a groundbreaking maneuver, the Somali National Army (SNA), working hand in glove with the U.S. military's Africa Command (AFRICOM), recently conducted a calculated airstrike aimed at crippling the Al-Shabaab militants entrenched in this region. On a seemingly quiet Sunday, an SNA statement revealed that the precision…

Nairobi, Kenya (AX) – In the dusty, sun-beaten terrain of Mandera, echoes of gunfire shattered the morning calm last Friday. A Kenyan police officer tragically lost his life, another was left nursing injuries, and an entire community was thrust into the crosshairs of a dispute brewing just across the border. The attackers were believed to be operatives from Somalia's National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). But why would such a violent engagement ensue? Let’s unravel this complex tapestry. Border Point 4,…

Somali Army's Strategic Advances Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - In recent months, there's been a palpable shift in Somalia's ongoing campaign against the notorious militant group, Al-Shabaab. The Somali National Army (SNA), in collaboration with local forces, has been at the heart of it all, engaging in daring operations across the central and southern regions of the country. But why now? What’s driving this momentum toward stability?…

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, President Donald Trump recently sanctioned a series of airstrikes in Yemen on territories controlled by the Houthi rebels. His assurance of employing “overwhelming lethal force” until the Iran-supported militants desist from their aggressions against shipping vessels along critical marine pathways reverberates sternly. Reports from the Houthis indicate a tragic toll of at least 18 civilian casualties, a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict's human cost. "Our brave Warfighters are…