Somalia

In a significant move, the Somali Minister of Finance, Bihi Egeh, placed his signature on the dotted line next to the US ambassador. (Image courtesy of the US Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia.) Chronic turmoil involving warlords and piracy has long plagued this corner of Africa. Amidst such challenges, the USA gave Somalia a bit of financial breathing room by forgiving a hefty $1.1 billion (£860m) in debt. This reveals a new chapter for Somalia as it announces the cancellation of about a quarter of its total debt through…

The vibrant colors of the North Western State of Somalia flag waved through the air at a bustling rally in Hargeisa on November 8, 2024, marking the region's anticipation for the upcoming presidential election. The North Western State of Somalia National Electoral Commission confirmed that over a million citizens are set to cast their votes this Wednesday, deciding on their leader for another five-year term. The three presidential contenders aim not only to cement North Western State of Somalia’s delicate political…

KISMAYO, Somalia - A simmering political rift between Somalia's federal leadership and the Jubaland regional state is on the brink of intensifying. Insider whispers suggest Villa Somalia might be gearing up to send troops to Kismayo, the bustling heart of Jubaland’s administration. Ahmed Madobe, head honcho of Jubaland, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's approach, accusing him of sidestepping talks about the election process. Madobe believes the nation isn't geared up for…

Even with a rising tide of awareness regarding children’s rights, the latest findings from UNICEF unveil some serious educational hurdles faced by kids in Eastern and Southern Africa. The figures are eye-opening and provoke serious thought. Research has shown that a staggering 87% of children recognize their rights. Yet, awareness doesn’t equate to adequate support or access. Take Tanzania, for instance, where youngsters are vocal about their need for better digital literacy and vocational training opportunities. They see…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a chilling turn of events, local residents recounted how Al-Shabab fighters executed a brazen ambush on two soldiers from the Southwest state. The attack took place on Tuesday as the soldiers were making their way on a motorcycle journey along the route connecting Wanlaweyn and Afgoye districts, a stretch notorious for its tension, nestled within Somalia’s troubled Lower Shabelle region. It's a ride that many dread for its lurking dangers. Reports from the scene suggest the soldiers were headed from…

The coastal city of Kismayo is buzzing with political uproar after Somalia’s Jubbaland state opposition factions took a firm stand. They’re giving the thumbs down to a freshly minted regional electoral commission put together by Jubbaland’s head honcho, President Ahmed Madobe. If they don’t see some changes, they’re talking about throwing their own election bash right there in Kismayo. These opposition groups are flipping the script on Madobe’s clout, calling his appointment of the seven-person crew for the Jubbaland…

The capital of Somalia, Mogadishu, is becoming a hotbed of political strife as a contentious tussle unfolds between the federal government and the southern state of Jubbaland over electoral reforms. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, clearly understanding the stakes, called an urgent cabinet meeting on Sunday. In the spotlight is a heated debate with Jubbaland dismissing federal election changes in favor of their own regional autonomy. The central conflict revolves around the federal authorities' ambition to enact a direct…

FC Barcelona experienced a rare setback on Sunday, losing 1-0 to Real Sociedad. This marked only their second loss of the season.Despite this, Barcelona still maintains a six-point cushion over Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga standings, though Madrid has a game in hand, a potential dynamo waiting to close the gap.Real Sociedad’s decisive victory came on the heels of Sheraldo Becker’s cracking first-time shot, which nestled perfectly into the corner of the net. This triumph celebrated the San Sebastian team’s peak…

Somalia's Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, addressed the nation from Mogadishu on December 21, 2022, amid the arrival of Somali soldiers who had been training in Eritrea. This event sparked significant discussions concerning the future of peacekeeping in Somalia. On a recent Saturday, a high-ranking official from Somalia made a firm statement: Ethiopia is not welcome in the upcoming African Union peacekeeping operation starting January. The roots of this tension trace back to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia finds itself entangled in a thorny political conundrum, with rising tensions between the federal government and the southern state of Jubbaland over contentious electoral reforms. This firestorm has forced Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to call for an urgent cabinet meeting on Sunday, aiming to tackle what has become a seriously divisive cause. Jubbaland's leadership is vehemently opposing federal election plans and champions regional self-governance instead. At the crux of this simmering discord…