Somalia

An Unlawful Clampdown on Journalism and Protest in Mogadishu The afternoon of March 28th in Mogadishu seemed like any other—busy streets laced with the usual vibrant chaos. But beneath this apparent normalcy, a storm of justice and outrage brewed. Five journalists were meticulously documenting a protest, a determined cry for accountability echoing through the streets, yet their voices were abruptly silenced. What ignited this protest was appallingly familiar: accounts of a young Somali woman allegedly gang-raped in…

Protesters gathered in solidarity outside USAID's headquarters in Washington, DC, as workers retrieved their personal belongings on February 27. In an era of significant political shifts, the Trump administration has formally notified Congress of its intentions to revamp the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision arises amidst various constitutional challenges, as President Donald Trump grapples with criticism over his previous efforts to deconstruct the agency. USAID, a creation of…

A Crossroad of Decisions: Somalia’s Offer to the United States Standing at a pivotal juncture, Somalia has extended a proposal to the United States. In an unexpected move, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed an evocative letter to President Donald Trump, marking a new chapter in the Horn of Africa's geo-political landscape. Revealed on a typical Friday afternoon via a reliable source, Reuters, the letter sparked…

In the ever-evolving theater of conflict that is northern Somalia, a recent development has once again captured international attention. On an otherwise silent Saturday, high above the enigmatic Togga Miraale, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) executed an airstrike with surgical precision. Their target? ISIS militants, notably entrenched in the Calmiskaad Mountains, an area long considered a bastion for the group. This strike is just one chapter in the ongoing narrative aimed at unravelling the very core of this militant group’s…

UN Appoints James Swan as Key Envoy to Somalia: Building Bridges in Complex Times The hustle and bustle of the United Nations headquarters today mirrored a momentous occasion. António Guterres, the esteemed Secretary-General, made an eagerly anticipated announcement: James Swan, from the United States, will step up as his Special Representative for Somalia. What's more, Swan will helm the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, affectionately known in diplomatic circles as UNTMIS. It's no…

Mogadishu (AX) – With a determined stride towards stability and peace, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced on an otherwise typical Saturday that they successfully eliminated at least 21 members of the Al-Shabaab militant group. This was not just another operation; it was an intricate blend of air and ground efforts that unfolded in the vast, challenging landscapes of the Geelgub area within the Middle Shabelle region. Interestingly, among those neutralized were some senior leaders of the…

Somalia's Firm Resolve: A Commitment to Eradicate Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - As the sun dipped below the horizon on a typically vibrant evening in Mogadishu, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stood before the nation with a resolute promise. "Al-Shabaab militants will be defeated," he declared with unwavering conviction. It's not just a political statement but a pledge to restore peace and stability, a mission critical to Somalia's future. But how do you dismantle the roots of such a threat that has lingered for years,…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a development marked by geopolitical significance and a touch of international drama, the administration of North Western State of Somalia has firmly rejected an alleged offer from the Somali federal government to the United States concerning the use of the strategic Berbera port. This rejection was characterized as a "desperate and meaningless attempt" to hamper North Western State of Somalia's ongoing quest for international recognition, a goal to which it has been dedicated for over three decades.

If there ever was a moment for unified action, it is undoubtedly now. The former Somali intelligence chief, Fahad Yasin Haji Dahir, extends an urgent appeal to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. His call? To bring together a national forum where minds meet and formulate a robust, collective strategy against the persistent menace of terrorism. The message is clear: unity is not a choice, but a necessity. Sharing his thoughts openly on X, which many of us still fondly recall as Twitter, Fahad Yasin earnestly proposed…

In the current tapestry of global economics, Africa finds itself at a fascinating junction. As the continent embarks upon a journey marked by both challenges and opportunities, it faces the daunting forces of global inflation, pervasive unemployment, and sluggish growth that seemingly hinders its stride. These challenges echo a stark narrative where maintaining a low debt profile with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) becomes an imperative not only for economic stability but also for national dignity. One may…