Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — In a monumental financial shift, Somalia has seen $1.14 billion in debt forgiven by the United States, signaling a significant stride towards achieving economic stability and revitalizing fundamental public sectors. Richard Riley, the US Ambassador to Somalia, shared this news in Mogadishu, emphasizing America’s strong dedication to bolstering Somalia’s future. Emboldened by this support, Riley stated, "This debt cancellation underlines our unwavering commitment to aid the Somali people in their pursuit…

In a shift that has stirred some buzz, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has revealed plans to shift the Ethiopian Embassy away from the presidential compound. This announcement marks a significant response to public disapproval over the embassy's notable location. Speaking to reporters on November 4, Fiqi stated, “The move comes as a reaction to the public’s dissatisfaction with having a foreign embassy within our presidential grounds.” Recognizing the legitimate unease, he further added, “The concerns…

In the bustling metropolis of New York City, a significant verdict unfolded that speaks volumes about global security threats. A 34-year-old Kenyan named Cholo Abdi Abdullah, tethered to the infamous Somali militant cadre Al Shabaab, was handed a conviction for orchestrating a catastrophic plot echoing the dark shadows of the September 11 attacks. Abdullah's journey entwined intrigue and menace. Captured in the Philippines back in July 2019, his next chapter unfolded in the U.S. by December 2020, facing justice in a foreign…

Ethiopian Embassy Shift from Presidential Palace in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Ethiopian embassy in Somalia is gearing up for a shift from the highly guarded confines of the presidential abode. This decision, according to Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, the Foreign Affairs minister, comes at a time when the ties between these neighboring nations hit a rough patch, following a contentious agreement between Addis Ababa and North Western State of Somalia. Presently, the embassy snugly sits within Mogadishu's presidential premises.…

In Kismayo, the Jubaland State Ministry of Security is tightening up on safety measures with the elections on the horizon. Their main jam? Keeping things safe and orderly. Public safety and integrity of the elections are non-negotiables.  All sorts of security forces, from the Darawish squad to the local brainiacs in intelligence, have been put on high alert. Their mission: be ready at the drop of a hat and keep the peace across the region.  A key rule under these new moves is a flat-out ban on security personnel getting…

FILE - Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum Mesfin (right) and Somali Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Ghedi (left) proudly hoist the Ethiopian flag during the opening ceremony of the revamped Ethiopian Embassy in Mogadishu, dated May 27, 2007. Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia plans to shift the Ethiopian Embassy from its hallowed presidential precinct, signaling a widening chasm in diplomatic relations, primarily triggered by Ethiopia's contentious port arrangement with North Western State of Somalia—a deal Somalia perceives as an affront…

NAIROBI, Kenya – Ethiopia now finds itself alone in the tussle over the Nile waters. Sudan has aligned its stance with Egypt about a fresh treaty activated recently, governing the vital lifeline of the Nile Basin. According to Sudan Tribune's informed insiders, Ali Youssef, the newly appointed Foreign Minister of Sudan, chatted by phone with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry to tackle the central issue of the Nile Basin dispute. This dialogue came hot on the heels of a controversial Nile Basin…

On November 5th, Americans will cast their votes to choose the nation's next president. Historically, US election outcomes are often known shortly after polling stations close, but this year's closely contested race might extend the suspense. When Might We Know the 2024 Presidential Winner? In many elections past, the winner was celebrated either late on election night or early the next morning. However, given the razor-thin margins anticipated in several states this year, news networks might hold off on making any…

KISMAYO, Somalia - The escalating discord between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubaland's strongman Ahmed Madobe signals a significant political fracture, coming merely a couple of years after they banded together to unseat Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, widely known as Farmajo, in a watershed Somali election. Their symbiosis during the 2022 elections was undeniable, with a joint aversion to extending terms and advocating for direct polls. Yet, irony alters courses, as these very allies now journey on adversarial paths…

Understanding what's at play, let's take the core message of a Kenyan delegation trying to ease the political friction between Somali leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Jubbaland's head honcho, Ahmed Madobe, over the looming election. There's some backstory involving some heavy hitters like former bigwigs from IGAD—Mahbub Moalim and Ambassador Mohamed Abdi Affey. We've even got Wajir County's own Senator Abdirahman Ali Hassan Olow in the mix. Their mission? Play peacemaker and sort out this kerfuffle over inclusion or lack…