Somalia

The unfolding situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) eastern city of Goma has once again cast a harsh spotlight on the perils faced by journalists there. The M23 rebel group's recent offensive has not only unsettled the already fragile region but has brought back familiar fears among the Congolese press. For years, local journalists have been juggling the risks of intimidation and direct attacks from both governmental and armed factions in the mineral-laden yet tumultuous eastern DRC. As the M23,…

Mogadishu (AX) – The city thrummed with its usual chaotic charm as former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed convened with James Swan, the Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, on a Thursday that seemed like any other—yet was anything but. Their dialogue, set against the backdrop of a sunlit Somali sky, ventured into the intricate political topography of a nation still finding its footing amidst shifting sands. What does one discuss when the very tapestry of a country's democracy hangs in…

Mogadishu - Forging Stronger Bonds: Somalia Engages with Tajikistan In the heart of Dushanbe, beneath the grand chandeliers of a stately official chamber, Ambassador Fathudin Ali Mohamed placed his credentials before Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon. This ceremonious act was not merely a formality—it signified a burgeoning diplomatic relationship between Somalia and Tajikistan, one that aims to pave new avenues of collaboration. While the air buzzed quietly with the reverent tones typical…

In a bold move likely to stir international trade waters, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada beginning February 1st. "Will oil be part of the equation?" you might wonder. Surprisingly, that remains an unanswered query. In a meeting with reporters within the storied walls of the Oval Office, Trump cited the hefty influx of undocumented migrants and the perilous rise of fentanyl-mediated deaths as motivations behind this policy shift. With a furrowed brow and a…

Conflict in Shangeed: A Tense Standoff The stillness of dawn shattered in an instant on Thursday as violent clashes erupted between North Western State of Somalia and SSC Khaatumo forces in Shangeed, the contested lands bridging Qorilugud and Buuhoodle. What sparked this newest chapter in a series of territorial skirmishes? Is there more to this than meets the eye? Reports from the ground paint a picture as fragmented as the region itself. While definitive casualty numbers elude confirmation, sources from both factions…

Somali Government's Firm Stance on NGO Collaboration with Militant Groups In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, where every word reverberates with anticipation, a stern pronouncement emerged from the Somali Federal Government this week. It was not just another statement; it carried the weight of a nation striving against the odds. The essence of the message was unequivocal: International and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) must halt all forms of cooperation with the notorious…

On the serene streets of Beledweyne, a palpable tension hangs in the air. This, a city not unfamiliar with hardship, was struck with tragedy yet again on Wednesday night. Mohamed Hassan Barow, a cherished member of the Somali National Army, met an untimely and violent end. The location? Kooshin neighborhood; the time? Under the cloak of night, as shadows melded with the bloodied dust of Nuur Hawaad Street. One might ask, who is responsible for snuffing out this vibrant life? Fingers point towards the notorious Al-Shabaab, a…

Hargeisa (Axadle Times) – North Western State of Somalia’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, stepped off the plane in Hargeisa on a crisp Thursday morning, concluding a whirlwind three-day official journey to the United Arab Emirates. His mission? To cultivate investment opportunities that promise to breathe life into North Western State of Somalia’s natural resources, invigorate agriculture, and most crucially, carve out promising new pathways for its burgeoning youth. It begs the question: Can this small,…

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - In an appalling incident that has sent shockwaves through Sweden, a man was fatally shot in his Södertälje apartment during a live TikTok broadcast. Swedish police revealed this stark reality on Wednesday, leaving an eerie void yet to be filled with concrete answers. This man, previously known for his incendiary actions against the Quran, was identified by Swedish media as Salvan Momika, although official confirmation of his identity from the police remains absent in this enigmatic case.…