Somalia

AXADLE, Somalia - In a landscape of arid plains and hopeful hearts, Northeastern State's Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Ubah Abdirashid Mohamed Hersi, has raised a storm of protest against what she perceives as a diplomatic slap in the face by Somalia’s Federal Government. This bout is about the deliberate omission of regional powers in the crucial act of distributing food aid, and it feels personal. As the merciless sun rose over Bosaso on a typical Saturday, Minister Ubah took to the stage with…

Emmalee Reed/CNN In a twist worthy of a Hollywood suspense thriller, TikTok momentarily vanished from cyberspace throughout the United States on Saturday night, setting off a digital shockwave as the clock ticked toward a fast-approaching ban deadline. Just what is a nation that thrives on byte-sized entertainment supposed to do? Instead of the usual dance moves and viral challenges, users encountered a disheartening message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S.…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an audacious display of bravery and vigilance, the Somali National Army (SNA) joined hands with the local residents to foil an intricate ploy designed by the notorious Al-Shabaab militant group. What began as a routine patrol escalated into a nail-biting showdown — the drama unfolded dramatically near Beledweyne on a seemingly ordinary Saturday, where the hawk-eyed Somali forces seized a vehicle brimming with a cache of 13 sleek AK-47 rifles. We're talking about heavy artillery, folks. According to the…

A cool evening breeze whispered through the Garsoor neighborhood in the heart of Galkacyo as chaos erupted under a murky sky. In a clash that echoed like a thunderstorm, two local militias squared off, the night breaking open to the sound of gunfire. It was a Saturday night that the residents of this district in the Mudug region’s bustling capital won't soon forget. The predictable hum of city life gave way to a cacophony of fear and uncertainty. Northeastern State and Galmudug, two regional forces not foreign to the…

Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, has thrown down the gauntlet with an audacious promise: to forge an elite military force that's as cutting-edge as they come. Picture this—troops armed to the teeth with futuristic weaponry, ready to defend every inch of North Western State of Somalia's territory, from the sun-baked desert borders to the rippling expanse of its seas. Now, isn't that a thrilling vision?Over the weekend, nestled amidst the distinct vibes of Hargeisa,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a dramatic turn of events that feels like a reel from a geopolitical thriller, Somalia has summoned the Kenyan ambassador following claims of an audacious flight frolicking into restricted skies. This diplomatic dust-up kicked off on Saturday, with Somalia alleging that a Kenyan aircraft had made itself rather too comfortable above its sovereign clouds, all while ferrying Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Picture this: sources who might sidle up to you in a crowded…

On a sun-drenched Saturday morning, the streets of Mogadishu buzzed with an unsual energy as Somali security forces scattered themselves across the city, staking their claim on Mogadishu's bustling corners. Their mission? Silencing the city’s signature soundtrack—auto-rickshaw speakers. These speakers, which once belted out catchy tunes and lively broadcasts, now find themselves tangled up in controversy. Just like that quiet guy at a party who suddenly breaks into a dance—unexpectedly! Police…

New York, January 17, 2025 - Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Sudan finds itself in the throes of a relentless conflict, and amidst this chaos, it is the children who bear the heaviest burden. Virginia Gamba, the esteemed Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, has cast a much-needed spotlight on the distressing plight of young lives caught in this crossfire. In recent days, headlines have been dominated by unsettling reports like: "Violence Intensifies in Sudan: Children Under…

Picture this: since the cold winds of December 2024 began to blow, chaos has cast its dark shadow over the Blue Nile, White Nile, and Sennar regions in Sudan, pushing over 120,000 souls to seek haven across the border into South Sudan. Amid this emotional exodus are countless individuals bearing the scars of violence, desperately in need of skilled medical attention. Enter the heroics of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), whose dedicated doctors stepped up to provide life-saving care for those in the…

Deeqo lounges on the stoop of her shiny new home, a significant upgrade from eight grueling years in an IDP camp. Photo by Hoodo Ahmed/Ergo In Garowe, the bustling heart of Somalia's Northeastern State region, the winds of change are brewing. A thousand internally displaced families are leaving behind the gritty hustle of tin shacks and entering the permanence of actual homes. Who’d have imagined? It’s a cultural shift, one that offers a poignant chapter of new beginnings rather than the endless loop of makeshift living.…