Somalia

Somalia: A Critical Turn in Moqokori's Struggle MOQOKORI, Somalia - The strategic town of Moqokori, nestled in the heart of Hiiraan, has once again fallen into the hands of Al-Shabaab. This event signifies a troubling turn in Somalia's ongoing conflict against this group, which commands significant portions of central and southern Somalia's rural regions. In September 2022, Moqokori was reclaimed by local Ma’awisley fighters. However, their hold proved temporary. Al-Shabaab has now retaken the town amid a…

Strengthening Bonds: A Diplomatic Dialogue Between Egypt and Somalia In a significant gathering marked by hopeful intent and ambitious objectives, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the picturesque coastal city of New Alamein on Monday. This meeting shone a spotlight on the increasing importance of bilateral relations and the critical regional dynamics surrounding the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, areas that are experiencing both challenges and…

Child Abuse Case Shakes Garowe: A Reflection on Vulnerability and Resilience Garowe (AX) — The courtroom in Garowe was filled with a palpable tension on Monday as the community grappled with a deeply unsettling case. A man, identified as Sharmarke Hussein Yusuf, stands accused of committing heinous acts against three children, including two sisters under the age of ten. This troubling incident marks one of the most significant child abuse cases to emerge in Northeastern State in recent years. The charges are grave; Yusuf…

Jubaland President Honors U.S. Forces for Support in Anti-Shabaab Operations KISMAYO, Somalia, July 8 – A poignant moment unfolded in southern Somalia as Jubaland’s president, Ahmed Madobe, extended heartfelt appreciation to U.S. forces stationed under U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM). This visit wasn't just a routine diplomatic gesture; it was a powerful acknowledgment of the ongoing battle against the al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group, al-Shabaab, and the enduring quest for stability in the region. Can you…

Protest Erupts in Hargeisa Following Tragic Incident Involving Security Forces Hargeisa (AX) — On a somber Monday, the 150th neighborhood of Hargeisa became a focal point of public sentiment as residents gathered to voice their outrage. The community was shaken by the tragic killing of two civilians, allegedly by North Western State of Somalia security forces, in the Agabar area of the Gabiley district. This unwarranted violence has ignited a series of protests that reflect deeper discontent within the community. The…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a tense Monday in the Moqokori district of the Hiiraan region, heavy fighting erupted as al-Shabab militants executed a large-scale assault marked by a series of suicide bombings and coordinated ground attacks. Military and local sources confirm this unsettling escalation. The Moqokori district, situated around 300 kilometers north of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, became the focal point of this militant onslaught. Local militia commander, Abdulahi Adan, revealed that the insurgents employed vehicle-borne…

In a stirring address that has reverberated across international channels, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued an emphatic warning regarding the repercussions of unchecked aggression. He stated, “If Israel is not held accountable for its attack on Iran, the whole region and beyond will suffer.” It's a stark reminder that global conflicts often have local roots, and the ramifications extend far beyond the immediate participants. One can’t help but wonder: Are we truly prepared for the ramifications of…

The Significance of the Somalia-Egypt Diplomatic Visit The recent diplomatic visit by President Mohamud of Somalia to Egypt underscores a pivotal moment at the intersection of regional politics and international relations. This visit occurs as Ethiopia stands on the brink of unveiling its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD)—a monumental hydropower project that has elicited strong responses from downstream nations such as Egypt and Sudan. These countries harbor deep concerns that the dam will significantly lessen their…

Electoral Reform in Somalia: A Tenuous Narrative MOGADISHU (AX) — In a revealing turn of events, Ali Omar Balcad, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, has publicly reprimanded Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe for allegedly contravening a pivotal national agreement surrounding electoral reforms. This accusation centers around an indirect vote conducted recently in the Balcad district of Middle Shabelle, a move that, according to Balcad, completely disregards the established electoral timeline. It’s worth noting…

Garowe (AX) — In a significant development that may reshape Northeastern State’s political landscape, the regional parliament is gearing up to vote on a highly controversial motion aimed at revoking the parliamentary immunity of the former Speaker, Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril. Accused of spearheading efforts to detach the Sanaag region from Northeastern State and align with the SSC-Khaatumo administration, this action raises layers of complexity and stakes in a region already fraught with political tensions. Those in favor of…