Somalia

FILE - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a press briefing in Washington, D.C., defending sweeping cuts to foreign aid programs. Mogadishu (AX) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently found himself at the center of a storm, facing increasing backlash from health experts and humanitarian organizations over his defense of substantial reductions in foreign aid. During a congressional hearing on May 21, Rubio made a contentious claim: “No one has died because of USAID”— a statement quickly challenged…

Galkayo Prison Under Siege: A Tumultuous Morning Galkayo (AX) — In the early hours of Thursday, the quiet hum of Galkayo was shattered by an armed assault that targeted the central prison. This brazen attack appears to have been aimed at liberating high-risk inmates, yet it devolved into a fierce firefight with Northeastern State security forces. As the sun began to rise, so did a chaos that reminded many of a scene from a gripping thriller, tinged with real-life consequences. Witnesses reported a symphony of…

Remembering General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan: A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice It is with profound sorrow that we reflect on the life and legacy of General Mohamed Said Hirsi Morgan, a stalwart figure in Somalia’s military history, who passed away on May 28, 2025, in a hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. This news, delivered through an official statement by Somali MP Abdullahi Aden Kulane, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have defended our nation's sovereignty. “With great sorrow, I extend my…

Somali National Army Takes Major Strides Against Al-Shabaab Beledweyne (AX) — In a continuing effort to reclaim territory from Al-Shabaab, the Somali National Army (SNA), alongside local militia forces, launched a meticulously planned assault on militant positions in the Aboorey area of Buula Burte district, located in the Hiiraan region, early Thursday morning. The vivid imagery of modern warfare is often marked by unforeseen tension and a palpable sense of urgency. Imagine for a moment,…

Clan Rivalries and Political Fractures: A Pressing Threat to Somalia's Future MOGADISHU, Somalia - During an insightful conversation with The Washington Post, Larry André, the dedicated United States ambassador to Somalia from February 2022 until May 2023, painted a concerning picture of Somalia’s ongoing struggles. Despite remarkable efforts to promote national cohesion, the sharp edges of clan rivalries and political discord continue to precariously balance the nation on the edge of instability. Reflecting…

Somalia’s Unforgettable Football Renaissance: A Hopeful Future in the Stadium of Dreams On May 27, 2025, Mogadishu Stadium was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of joy and optimism. Thousands of Somalis, both young and old, gathered under the sun to witness what many called a landmark exhibition football match. The atmosphere was electric, invoking a sense of shared purpose that transcended the boundaries of sport. At the heart of this grand event, supported by FIFA’s “peace tour,” was a mission to rejuvenate Somalia’s…

Assault on Galkayo Central Prison Raises Security Concerns Galkacyo (AX) — In the early hours of Thursday, armed militia engaged in a brazen, coordinated assault on the Galkayo Central Prison. This alarming incident appears to be a calculated effort to extricate inmates, as reported by reliable local sources. The chaos that ensued disrupted the city’s tranquil atmosphere and stirred significant concerns regarding the recurrent breaches of prison security. As gunfire reverberated through the city, it was impossible not to…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Wednesday, a significant chapter unfolded in Somalia’s evolving narrative, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed African football legends Samuel Eto’o, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jay-Jay Okocha to the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. This moment was not merely a casual gathering; it represented a powerful stride toward rebuilding Somalia’s international image through the unifying power of sports. The President spoke earnestly about the importance of this visit. “This visit by our African brothers is…

Chelsea's Historic Moment: A Triumph for the Ages In a spectacular display of resilience and determination, Chelsea FC has etched its name into football history by becoming the first club to clinch all four major UEFA competitions and the FIFA Club World Cup. This milestone was achieved when they triumphed over Real Betis with a decisive score of 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday. The UEFA Conference League, inaugurated in 2021 as the continent’s third-tier competition, was the final piece…

U.S. Forces Strike Al-Shabab: A Closer Look at Recent Developments Over the weekend, U.S. forces executed an airstrike against the al Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab in Somalia. This operation represents a continued commitment by the United States to combat extremism in a region that has been beset by conflict for decades. The airstrike, carried out by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), specifically targeted an area approximately 40 miles northwest of Kismayo, a known stronghold for al-Shabab forces. The significance of this…