Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — In a bold announcement, Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre announced that Jubbaland's leader, Ahmed Madobe, cannot stand for another term. Barre referenced Article 70 of the Jubbaland Constitution, which sets a two-term limit for the presidency. This declaration comes amidst a growing tension in the region, as Madobe seeks to hold onto power. On Monday in Mogadishu, Barre pulled no punches, accusing Madobe of prioritizing his own interests above the national agenda of Somalia. Barre alleges that Madobe…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Recently, whispers fluttered about on social media like a misinformed breeze, suggesting a military helicopter had met its demise in Bahir Dar. The Ethiopian Ministry of Defense quickly stepped in, waving away these tales as "groundless and misleading," according to a statement shared with the public. Apparently, the hullabaloo was nothing but a misunderstanding about routine maneuvers. The Ministry clarified that it was the Western Air Command just going about their regular training shenanigans on…

In a rare and violent escalation, an Israeli strike in the heart of Beirut claimed the life of Mohammed Afif al-Naboulsi, Hezbollah's chief spokesperson, on Sunday. Meanwhile, tensions also flared in northern Gaza, where an airstrike in Beit Lahiya left at least 30 dead, according to the local hospital director speaking to The Associated Press. Hezbollah acknowledged al-Naboulsi's death in a statement, noting that he was killed at the Arab Socialist Baath Party's headquarters. Al-Naboulsi had gained prominence when tensions…

U.S. House Speaker Johnson Applauds Trump's Unconventional Cabinet Choices for Shifting Washington's Gear WASHINGTON - As the winds of change blow through the capital, House Speaker Mike Johnson has given a thumbs-up to President-elect Donald Trump's bold cabinet choices. Describing them as "disruptors," Johnson believes they are crucial for shaking up the status quo in the heart of the nation. Johnson, now the chief Republican spokesperson in Congress, shared his thoughts on CNN's "State of the Union," where he defended…

There's growing concern in Somali society about how online displays of bravado might teeter dangerously close to hate speech, stirring up long-standing clan rivalries. In Somalia, "The Big Tribal Game" isn't just a pastime—it's practically a cultural phenomenon. This so-called game draws in massive audiences without linking its participants to any form of clan violence. Everywhere you look, thousands of phones light up with this spectacle, not just in Somalia, but across the globe. The typical participants? Enthusiastic…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a fine Sunday in the heart of Somalia’s capital, Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the Somali Foreign Minister, welcomed Manuel Marques Pereira, the newly appointed Chief of Mission from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to Somalia. Amid the meet-and-greet, they dived into talking shop about ramping up their joint efforts to fuel Somalia’s developmental strides. It seems the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is busier than ever with its ambitious plan to set up a Diaspora Centre. What's the buzz…

Abdirahman Cirro's Journey to Becoming North Western State of Somalia's Future President HARGEISA – Often referred to by his nickname "Cirro," Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi is poised to step in as North Western State of Somalia's upcoming president. The national ballot held on November 13, 2024, appears to show Cirro pulling ahead with a notable advantage over the sitting President Muse Bihi Abdi. Background and Education Born on April 24, 1955, in the vibrant city of Hargeisa, Cirro soaked in his early education in Sheekh,…

In a blitz of breathtaking football, Tim Kleindienst and Florian Wirtz each notched a brace as Germany obliterated Bosnia and Herzegovina with a crushing 7-0 victory on Saturday, clinching the top spot in Group A3.The Germans sprang to life early in their final home fixture of the year, hinting at a sizzling encounter with Joshua Kimmich delivering a pinpoint cross that Jamal Musiala expertly nodded into the net’s right corner, setting the stage for a commanding performance.The home team took control of the game, hemming in…

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., the chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke at a Pentagon press briefing on May 20, as captured by Ricky Carioti of The Washington Post. Lately, rights organizations have been nudging Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to green-light compensation for families affected by U.S. military actions abroad. This push comes as the Biden administration faces a final-hour challenge to fulfill its vow to mend its approach to unintended civilian casualties during military…

North Western State of Somalia Criticizes Fiqi Over Comments on EU Envoys HARGEISA, Somalia — In a scathing rebuttal, the self-declared autonomous region of North Western State of Somalia has called out Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, accusing him of 'fanning the flames' and engaging in 'hate rhetoric'. This latest spat adds another chapter to the ongoing saga of tension between Mogadishu and Hargeisa. North Western State of Somalia’s Information Minister, Ali Hassan Mohamed, criticized Fiqi's…