Somalia

UNMISS Calls for Calm Amidst Escalating Violence in South Sudan The delicate situation in South Sudan calls for immediate attention as the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) voices grave concerns over recent hostilities. Tensions are running high in Nassir, Upper Nile, and Western Equatoria, manifesting ominously through fatalities, property damage, and the upheaval of civilians—a manifestation of deeply rooted discord. The dates etched into memory remain the 14th and 15th of…

Amidst the rugged terrain near the largest city, Bujumbura, exhaustion and trauma are etched on the faces of those arriving at the Gatumba border post. Imagine journeying over perilous paths, only to be separated from your loved ones, unsure of their fate. As if caught in a somber limbo, many arrive with scant information about where their families might be. But, here's a silver lining: the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, along with other partners, stands vigil at these borders, ensuring that those seeking refuge find the care and…

Mogadishu (AX) – A restless night unfolded in El-Bur, nestled within Somalia's Galgadud region, as a local militia known as Ma'awisley undertook a daring raid on the abode of an Al-Shabaab leader. The night air was tense with anticipation as the militia launched their surprise attack under the cloak of darkness, targeting none other than Yahye Laba Madax. Can you picture the furtive glances and the whispered strategies as these determined individuals, driven by a mix of courage and fear, plotted against a formidable…

Ma’awisley’s Tactical Strike on Al-Shabaab: An Evolving Conflict in Somalia’s Heartland Mogadishu (AX)—Under the cloak of night, an enigmatic group of local militia fighters, known as the Ma’awisley, orchestrated a masterstroke against the notorious Al-Shabaab. Their target was an embedded Al-Shabaab stronghold in El Buur, a district nestled deep in the heart of Galgaduud, central Somalia. Has there ever been a struggle fraught with such tension and resilience? According to both security…

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AX) — In a landmark decision, a Swedish court handed down prison sentences to four men accused of engagement with the Islamic State (IS). The charges involved recruitment, weapons training, and spreading propaganda, though the court acquitted three of a purported plan for domestic violence. This resonates with a sentiment once shared by the philosopher Karl Popper: "Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance." And thus, the law acts to preserve society's peace. The Nacka District…

ANKARA, Turkey - In the heart of Turkey's capital, Ankara, a fascinating chapter unfurls as technical teams from Somalia and Ethiopia convene for pivotal talks initiated by President Tayyip Erdogan’s diplomatic orchestration. This marks a continuation of the dialogue after the landmark agreement between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, a pact imbued with promises of collaboration and mutual respect. Daudi Aweis, Somalia's vibrant minister for information, announced the arrival of these teams, confirming that the discussions…

In an unexpected turn, Ethiopia and Somalia managed to mend their diplomatic rift this January by signing an agreement that grants Addis Ababa access to port facilities in Somalia. But Ethiopia isn't the only player on the field. Last year, Mogadishu struck a deal with Turkey, where Ankara agreed to fortify Somalia's maritime security via a mix of capacity building, training, and collaborative patrols. The fruits of these agreements could be bountiful, potentially presenting economic and investment avenues while uplifting…

Have you ever wondered about the lengths some will go to in the pursuit of profit, even as it risks public health? In a startling incident in Hargeisa, four Yemeni nationals stand accused of engaging in such nefarious activities. On a sunny Monday morning, the calm of this bustling city was disrupted when the North Western State of Somalia police detained these individuals. Their alleged crime? Repackaging expired medicine with fabricated expiration dates, apparantly aiming to sell them in local markets. The drama unfolded…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the midst of Somalia's tumultuous journey towards stability, accusations have once again surfaced against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, suggesting he has taken liberties with the nation’s constitutional framework. But what does this mean for a country already grappling with political unrest? The criticism comes from a coalition of opposition parties and civil society groups, claiming the president has stretched the constitutional boundaries too thin. "Somalia is on a precipice," they warn,…

In the vibrant halls of Mogadishu's newly inaugurated Hodan Hospital, a strong voice echoed, promising an end to the cycle of fear and violence gripping Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, determined and resolute, has set his sights on vanquishing the international terrorist forces that have long cast shadows over the Horn of Africa nation. Why does Somalia continuously find itself tangled in this relentless struggle against terror? President Mohamud, addressing the nation with unwavering clarity, proposed a holistic…