Somalia

In the rugged yet dynamic cityscape of Hargeisa, a new chapter in taxation has recently unfolded. The North Western State of Somalia government, keen on broadening its financial horizons, has introduced a sales tax policy that intriguingly touches the pulse of everyday life: mobile money transactions. Once constrained to a select few businesses, this 5% sales tax now meticulously extends its reach over mobile phone airtime, internet data packages, and internet services for homes and offices. Such a decision is not…

In the early morning haze of March 13, 2025, armed local fighters steadfastly tread alongside Somali security forces. They navigate the undulating landscape of the rural expanse near Ceelbuur district, nestled within the Galgaduud region. The mission? To secure their homeland—a goal that resonates with the heartbeats of many in the community. Mogadishu (AX)—Amid the cool evening air of Thursday, local security forces orchestrated a strategic move against adversity, targeting a notorious stronghold of Al-Shabaab nestled in…

Somalia's Call for Peace and Dialogue in South Sudan Mogadishu (AX) – With the hum of technology bridging nations, the virtual realm played host to the 43rd Extraordinary Assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), convened to address a crisis that sees no borders—the ongoing security and political turmoil in South Sudan. On Wednesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud turned the spotlight towards peace, once more affirming Somalia's unyielding dedication to regional tranquility. In this…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a world often fraught with challenges and uncertainties, there are moments that make us pause and reflect. The recent tragic attack on the Qahira Hotel in Beledweyne serves as one such moment. A location bustling with life became the unfortunate site of a grievous assault, costing the lives of six individuals, including both civilians and valiant military officers. Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed addressed the nation with heartfelt sincerity following the attack. Through his…

Mogadishu, Somalia – Under the relentless heat of the Mogadishu sun, Mukhtar Abdiwhab Ahmed finds himself seated on a simple plastic chair outside his home. The sounds of children at play, soldiers in clusters, and rickshaws darting past are the symphony of his daily surroundings. “Had I known I'd be here in Somalia, these tattoos would never have made it onto my skin,” he muses to Al Jazeera. Mukhtar, a 39-year-old, resorts mostly to long-sleeved shirts now, hoping to shield himself from the critical whispers and…

A Siege Broken: A Story of Courage and Resilience in Beledweyne In the early hours of a seemingly ordinary Tuesday morning, Hotel Cairo in Beledweyne became the scene of a dramatic 15-hour siege. The tranquility of the morning was shattered by a thunderous car bomb explosion, announced by the notorious Al-Shabaab militants. A total of seven unfortunate souls, comprising traditional elders, military officers, and civilian bystanders, were swept away in this storm of brutality. Those who survived sustained injuries—wounds…

Northeastern State's Economic Resilience: An Address by President Said Abdullahi Deni In a stirring address that has resonated throughout Northeastern State, President Said Abdullahi Deni announced a decisive shift in the region's stance on businesses claiming coercion as a pretext for making payments to the Islamic State (ISIS). From this point forward, the administration has vowed to dismantle such financial channels. With a tone underscored by determination, President Deni remarked, "No businessperson will have the…

Somalian Struggles Against Terrorism: A Chronicle of Hope and Resilience Alasow remarked on the grueling night's operations as government soldiers, supported by African Union forces, heroically navigated through a tense and dangerous situation. They worked tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped within the confines of a besieged hotel, including elders, military personnel, and innocent civilians. With a mixture of pride and sorrow, he disclosed, “During the 18-hour siege, our courageous soldiers eliminated two…

Beledweyne Siege Costs Lives Amidst Somali Struggle In the heart of Somalia's Hiran region resides the city of Beledweyne, a place marked by both its picturesque landscapes and, alas, the scars of conflict. Wednesday saw Somali security forces ending a harrowing 24-hour siege on a revered city hotel, leaving behind a somber tale of loss and resilience. The ordeal began much like a thunderclap on a serene day. As dusk settled in, a car bomb ripped through the Cairo Hotel on Tuesday—a site known…

Strategic Military Operation in Somalia: A Closer Look Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International – Monitoring In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, a press release from the command center of the Somali National Army has stirred up quite the buzz. As people across the nation are glued to their television screens, anxiously following updates from Somalia's Kaab TV, they find themselves pondering: "What is the price of peace?" “Courage is not the absence of fear, but…