Somalia

On October 18, 2024, Amun Abdullahi, a remarkable journalist aged 49, lost her life in Afgoye, Somalia, under tragic circumstances. The International Press Institute (IPI) vocally denounces the brutal murder of Amun Abdullahi Mohamed, a distinguished Somali-Swedish journalist gunned down by a duo allegedly linked to the insurgent outfit Al-Shabab. Her death marks the second journalist murder in Somalia this year, following Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan from Somali National Television, who was tragically killed on March 13 by a…

Kismayo (AX) — A cohort of more than 30 Somali lawmakers recently convened in Kismayo for a pivotal meeting orchestrated by Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe. The agenda? To chew over the fascinating nuances of Somalia's political landscape and its various storms. Originally penciled in for Friday, the shindig got rescheduled. Why the delay, you ask? They needed some extra MPs, who were currently chilling outside Somalia, to join the discussions. Clock's ticking, but better late than never, right?In a show of strong…

The bustling city of Mogadishu recently witnessed a significant diplomatic rendezvous at its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On Thursday, Somali Foreign Minister Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi sat down with his Egyptian counterpart, Ambassador Mohamed El-Baz, to explore opportunities to enhance the bonds between their nations. This gathering wasn't just a run-of-the-mill diplomatic meeting, but rather, a crucial dialogue to fortify the ties that have such rich, historical roots. Within the hushed conference room, shaded by the…

Commitment to Education by Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir In a pivotal move, Somalia's Education Minister, Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, is spearheading efforts to uplift the education standards across the nation, promising that every learner will have access to high-quality education. After the Somali Parliament gave a thumbs-up to the National Higher Education Bill, Minister Abdulkadir expressed his genuine gratitude to the MPs for their overwhelming backing. Overflowing with excitement, he emphasized the positive impact this…

This past Sunday, a mortar attack rocked a military base in central Mogadishu, frequented by officials from the African Union (AU), United Nations, and various international entities, tragically ending the lives of at least two individuals and injuring several others. The terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, immediately claimed responsibility for the assault, highlighting their unyielding aggression in destabilizing Somalia’s government and infrastructure. Despite some headway in the federal government’s offensive to subdue…

The diplomatic climate between Somalia and Ethiopia has turned icy since early 2024. This fracas, largely driven by each nation’s jostling for power in the turbulent Horn of Africa, has created quite a stir across the political landscape. Tensions soared back in January when Ethiopia signed an eyebrow-raising agreement—famously known as a memorandum of understanding (MoU)—with North Western State of Somalia. For those out of the loop, North Western State of Somalia is a self-declared, breakaway region in northern Somalia,…

In the intense tapestry of Somalia's ongoing struggle against al-Shabab, recent clashes have painted a stark picture of both victories and the persisting threat of this militant group. It's reported that over 20 al-Shabab fighters fell during a skirmish, marking another chapter in this lengthy conflict. A regional official remarked on the encounter, hinting at its pivotal outcomes: "This was a significant blow to the militants." Let's rewind to last year, when Somali forces orchestrated a high-stakes operation in the…

By Abdalle Mumin As the world fixates on Baku, Azerbaijan for COP29, we're grappling with an ever-worsening climate crisis. This isn't just an environmental issue; it’s a human one, pounding the already fragile communities of the Global South. Amnesty International is sounding the alarm, imploring wealthier countries to open their wallets and take significant steps at the conference. The reckless advance of climate change is forcing millions across Africa from their homes, with no sign of slowing down. Imagine standing in…

The IPI Global Network stands firm in its denunciation of the tragic killing of Amun Abdullahi Mohamed, a respected Somali-Swedish journalist, on October 18. The attackers have been linked to the Al-Shabab militant group. Sadly, this marks the second journalist's life lost in Somalia this year, following the murder of Somali National Television's Abdikarin Ahmed Bulhan on March 13 by a security guard. We are urging authorities to embark on a comprehensive investigation into these tragic events and ensure justice for all…

In the bustling city of Mogadishu, a storm brews over the press's freedom, stirring deep concerns within the journalist community. The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) sounded the alarm on November 8, 2024, highlighting a troubling trend against Himilo Somali TV journalists. These brave souls found themselves in the crosshairs of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), reportedly due to their frank reporting on Mogadishu's volatile security climate. Mogadishu's atmospherics have been electric, fueled by…