Somalia

Somalia's Shifting Political Tides: Defections and their Implications In the labyrinth of Somali politics, where allegiances shift like the desert sands, recent defections from the opposition Salvation Council to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's camp mark another chapter in the nation’s complex political saga. On a balmy August day in Mogadishu, four relatively minor figures from the Council publicly announced their departure at a press conference alongside Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama and Justice Minister Hassan…

Somalia Embraces Digital Transformation: E-Visa System to Enhance Travel and Security In a groundbreaking move aimed at modernizing its immigration protocols, Somalia has unveiled an electronic visa (E-Visa) and electronic travel authorization system (eTAS), marking a significant step towards digital governance. This initiative is set to become a mandatory entry requirement for all foreign visitors starting September 1, 2025, offering a seamless online platform for visa applications. The launch represents a broader trend of…

Behind the Lines: Ethiopia and Egypt's Tug of War Over Somali Peacekeeping The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa is shifting, and at its heart lies a quietly simmering tension between two regional powers: Ethiopia and Egypt. The backdrop to this palpable unease is Somalia, a nation struggling to rebuild amidst the shadows of its past conflicts. As Cairo prepares to send troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), questions arise about the motives and implications of their…

Western Africa's Future at the Crossroads: Trump Hosts Key Leaders Amid Controversial Aid Shifts In an unexpected turn of diplomatic engagement, U.S. President Donald Trump has convened a lunch meeting with five West African leaders, as the region contends with the repercussions of recent U.S. aid cuts and a broader reimagining of American foreign assistance. The Meeting of Minds The White House, an epicenter of global policy-making, witnessed a rather rare congregation this Wednesday. As reporters were ushered into the…

A Brave Voice Silenced: The Ordeal of Somali Journalist Anisa Ahmed In the heart of Mogadishu, a city haunted by the daily echoes of conflict and insecurity, a courageous journalist dared to speak the truth. Her name is Anisa Ahmed, a reporter for Dalbile TV, an online channel known for its unflinching coverage of the city’s challenges. Anisa’s recent experience is a stark reminder of the profound risks faced by journalists in one of the world’s most dangerous places for the press. The Arrest It was a typical day in…

Arrest of Somali Elder Sparks Outcry Over Land Grab Allegations In a country where land ownership often feels as volatile as the shifting sands of the Sahara, the arrest of Peacekeeper Hussein Mohamed Mahmoud Xaadoole has ignited both local and international condemnation. In the heart of Mogadishu, a city grappling with political instability and the shadow of historical conflict, Xaadoole's detainment is more than just an arrest—it's a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability. A Closer Look at the…

Arrest of Somali Elder Sparks Outcry Over Land Grab Allegations In a country where land ownership often feels as volatile as the shifting sands of the Sahara, the arrest of Peacekeeper Hussein Mohamed Mahmoud Xaadoole has ignited both local and international condemnation. In the heart of Mogadishu, a city grappling with political instability and the shadow of historical conflict, Xaadoole's detainment is more than just an arrest—it's a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability. A Closer Look at the…

Reaching Across the Sands: Qatar's Aid to North Western State of Somalia's Drought-Impacted Communities In an unexpected display of cross-regional solidarity, Qatar has pledged $3 million to support the drought-stricken communities in North Western State of Somalia. This humanitarian gesture follows the failure of the anticipated spring rains, plunging the region deeper into an existential crisis. The announcement, made Tuesday, is more than just a financial promise; it's a testament to the shifting alliances and emerging…

Northeastern State's Mountain Offensive: Striking at the Heart of ISIS in Somalia In the rugged, sun-scorched mountains of northern Somalia, a new chapter in the relentless struggle against terrorism is unfolding. Northeastern State security forces successfully executed a strategic operation against ISIS fighters in the Calmiskaad mountains, a formidable landscape where militants have entrenched themselves for years. The Battle in the Mountains On Tuesday, amidst the arid peaks and thorny undergrowth, Northeastern State…

Strengthening Bonds: UAE and Somalia Forge Deeper Ties Amid Regional Shifts In a move resonating with diplomatic significance, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to Mogadishu. The high-level meeting unfolded against the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics, underscoring the evolving socio-political landscape of the Horn of Africa. Deepening Diplomatic Relations The discussions took place at the heart of Somali leadership—the…