Somalia

UN Human Rights Council Session: A Crucial Decision on Eritrea Nairobi, Kenya (Horn Observer) - As the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) approaches, a significant decision looms between July 4 and 7. The session plans to deliberate on several draft resolutions, including whether to extend the critical mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea. The prospect evokes deep contemplation. Should one mandate end while another persists? Amnesty International's Regional Director for East and Southern Africa,…

The world watched with bated breath on June 23, as tensions reached a boiling point following an Israeli strike on a building in Tehran, marking a moment etched in geopolitical history—one that signals palpable uncertainty about the future of diplomatic relations in the Middle East. In the wake of these events, Iran's Guardian Council made a pivotal decision. They approved legislation that instructs the government to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This move comes after a series of…

Strengthening Maritime Ties: Turkey and Somalia’s Emerging Partnership Ankara (AX) — In a significant development for international relations, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed Somalia’s Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, this past Thursday in Ankara. According to reliable Turkish diplomatic sources, this closed-door meeting has sparked interest, although the details remain somewhat elusive. Why are such meetings important? They signify not just political alliances, but also a…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant move toward enhancing public safety, Somali police have arrested 17 individuals, including both military personnel and civilians, for violating security directives during the recent 65th Independence Week celebrations in Mogadishu on Wednesday evening. The Banaadir Regional Police reported that the arrests occurred across various districts in the capital. Those detained were found to have discharged live ammunition, an act that is explicitly prohibited during national holidays due to…

Transforming Tensions: Iran's Post-Ceasefire Landscape On June 24, 2025, an occurrence as significant as a ceasefire between Iran and Israel transpired in Tehran's Enghelab Square. Citizens filled the streets, chanting fervent slogans, while vibrant national flags fluttered in the air. In the midst of the celebrations, images of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini were prominently displayed. But beneath the celebratory surface lies a complex and multifaceted narrative of national security and…

Growing Tensions Between Northeastern State and Jubbaland: A Call for Collaboration Garowe (AX) – On a significant Thursday, the leaders of Northeastern State and Jubbaland stepped into the political arena, taking firm stances against what they perceive as the federal government’s alarming trend toward centralizing power. In a joint statement released from Garowe, Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) voiced their concerns, urging for direct, constructive…

Elderly IDP women sit outside their makeshift shelters/File Photo In the heart of North Western State of Somalia’s Ainabo district, several hundred displaced pastoralists have found themselves adrift, grappling with the aftermath of devastating rain and storm winds that struck their camp. The destruction left many homeless and struggling to secure basic necessities, primarily food. Among those affected is Fadumo Mohamed Hassan, a mother of five, who is one of the 200 families forced to sleep under the open sky since their…

Intensifying the Fight Against Al-Shabab: A New Chapter for Somalia In the current climate of unrest, the Somali government has taken decisive steps to confront the entrenched threats posed by the al-Qaida-linked group, al-Shabab. Recently, they reported a significant operation that eliminated 18 militants, effectively neutralizing two combat vehicles intended for their escape. This was not merely an operation; it symbolized renewed hope, determination, and a strategic step forward in a long-standing conflict. Describing…

On May 19, families of detained Moroccans took a courageous step by submitting a formal complaint to Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They called for immediate intervention, arguing that their sons’ continued detention signals a grave violation of legal due process. These families recounted heart-wrenching tales of deception. Their sons, they assert, were lured to Somalia under the promise of legitimate employment but found themselves ensnared in a web of accusations related to terrorism. This recent appeal unfolded…

Somalia: Northeastern State and Jubbaland Address Concerns with the Federal Government AXADLE, Somalia — On a day that reflected mounting tension and political discourse, Presidents Said Abdullahi Deni of Northeastern State and Ahmed Mohamed Madobe of Jubbaland came forward with significant accusations against Somalia’s Federal Government. They expressed concern, alleging that constitutional powers were being manipulated to stifle those regional voices that dare to dissent. From…