Somalia

“You might call it a sad opportunity,” remarked Yasmine Belkaid, the esteemed director of the Pasteur Institute in Paris. Photograph by Romuald Meigneux/Sipa/Rex/Shutterstock. The ad was unlike any other, draped in language like "censorship" and "political interference". Originating from Belgium, it seemed designed to reach across the ocean to researchers in the United States, perhaps hinting at a desire to leave behind funding freezes, budget cuts, and new ideological hurdles reportedly initiated by the Trump…

Pastoralists survey their barren land, reflecting a profound loss - a poignant image of their once-thriving livestock grazing the arid landscape. In the heart of Somalia's Mudug region, approximately 1,500 families residing in the Ali-Waal area are grappling with devastating hardships. Fragmented pieces of their livelihoods have been eroded by the relentless grip of drought. Over the past three months, most of these families have watched, helplessly, as their once-plentiful herds dwindled due to an unforgiving climate that…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the heart of Somalia, amidst the daily hustle and bustle of Afgooye district in the Lower Shabelle region, tragedy struck on a day otherwise unremarkable. On Monday, echoes of dread vibrated through the air as several mortar shells rained down, leaving devastation in their wake. Among the fallen was a dedicated police officer, Hussein Haji Mohamed, who many knew fondly as Aw Koombe. His story intertwines with the chaotic narratives of many who serve their communities every day. Around ten mortars…

Garowe (AX) — In the stillness of a cool Monday night, the tranquility of the Xabley mountains in the Ufayn district of Bari region was shattered. An attack, orchestrated by ISIS militants, descended upon a small base of Northeastern State soldiers. Amidst the echoes of gunfire and the chaos of the skirmish, at least one soldier fell, leaving behind the dreams and aspirations of a life cut short, while nine others were left grappling with injuries of varying severity. The tranquil Dhaban-Qooxle area of the…

The Heart-Wrenching Tragedy of Mohamed Abukar Mohamed It was a day like any other in the bustling Hamar Jajab district of Mogadishu. Yet, the morning of March 18, 2025, cast a shadow over the city, claiming the life of someone whose only crime was striving to share the truth. Mohamed Abukar Mohamed, affectionately known as Dabaashe, was one of those rare journalists with a passion for his craft. He had the ability to connect the dots in complex stories, to shed light in the darkest…

In a recent tragic event that underscores the turbulent challenges faced by East African nations, at least six law enforcement officers tragically lost their lives while four others sustained injuries in an aggressive attack on a police encampment in Kenya. The perpetrators are suspected to be militants associated with Somalia's al-Shabab group. The attack unfolded in the early hours of dawn within Garissa County, a region in eastern Kenya adjacent to the volatile border shared with Somalia. A report released by Kenyan…

How does one measure the transformative power of generosity? It's a question worth pondering as we delve into the heartwarming story of Qatar's recent humanitarian initiatives in Somalia. With remarkable acts of kindness, Qatar's benevolence has become a beacon of hope for many, illuminating lives shadowed by hardship. Recently, Qatar Charity (QC) announced that its major donations had successfully funded two significant humanitarian projects in Somalia. These initiatives have touched the…

FILE PHOTO Just southwest of Somalia's coastal capital, on a Saturday afternoon that unfolded like any other, a tragedy emerged from the skies. Twenty-four kilometers from Mogadishu, a cargo aircraft, registered in Kenya, met its ill fate, resulting in the sorrowful demise of five individuals on board. This grim narrative, marked by profound loss, not only caught the world’s attention but prompted a painstaking investigation by the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA). On March 22, the SCAA somberly confirmed the crash…

The Ocean Stars: Turning the Tide in World Cup Qualifying In what can only be described as a monumental breakthrough, the Ocean Stars of Somalia etched their names into the annals of history by securing their first-ever point in World Cup qualifying. In the heart of Morocco, they held their ground against a formidable Guinea, drawing 0-0. Rarely does an event ripple through a nation as this achievement has, invigorating a team and its legion of supporters. The burning question on every fan's mind now is, could their…

How Al-Shabaab Fighters Brazenly Attacked a Police Camp in Kenya GARISSA, Kenya - In a brazen assault that disrupted the morning calm, the notorious Somalia-based al-Shabaab insurgents launched a calculated attack on a police base in the heart of Kenya. This was not just any police camp, but a crucial post manned by the National Police Reservists, who play a pivotal role in safeguarding regions plagued by terror and banditry. Imagine the scene: the sun…