Somalia

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…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's parliament, armed with two chambers, has given a thumbs-up to a $1.3 billion budget, marking a high point over the years. This financial plan is set to boost various economic sectors, including funding for ongoing infrastructure projects. This approval covers both spending and income as outlined in the Appropriation Act for 2025, ensuring that many governmental departments can pursue their programs seamlessly over the next year. In a unanimous vote, MPs pushed the budget to $1.3 billion, a…

The political climate in Ethiopia's Amhara state has raised eyebrows in the United States, sparking significant concerns about the escalating conflict in the region—concerns expressed by none other than America's chief diplomat late on Monday. The Fano, a militia group part of the Amhara ethnic group, which holds the title of Ethiopia's second-largest ethnicity, is a curious player in this drama. Around April 2023, driven by the government's attempt to disarm regional forces, the Fano picked up their arms, embracing a role…

Turkey's government emphasizes bolstering its relationship with Africa, acknowledging the continent's vast potential for economic growth. Expressing gratitude for Africa's unwavering support for Palestine, Turkey pledges to fortify diplomatic ties with this vibrant region. In a strategic move, Turkey has ramped up investments across Africa, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan touring more than 31 countries, passionately advocating for stronger connections between Ankara and the African bloc. During a recent…

In the quaint locale of Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, an election observer assists a resident casting her vote for the U.S. presidential election on the early morning of November 5, 2024. It's a scene that's been replayed for years: the tiny northeastern town kicking off Election Day voting at the stroke of midnight, captured in an image by Xinhua photographer Li Rui. Dixville Notch has cultivated a unique tradition over the years, where its modest group of six registered voters dutifully cast their votes as soon as it’s…

WASHINGTON, United States (AXADLE) — The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has thrown down the gauntlet against Asli Maydi, a purveyor of frankincense headquartered in Hargeisa, North Western State of Somalia. With a spotlight on forced labor concerns, they’ve slapped a withhold release order (WRO) that freezes any imports from the company, as they're deemed to breach U.S. labor regulations, specifically 19 U.S.C. § 1307. In its digital domain on Facebook, Asli Maydi portrays itself as a benefactor to local…

Mogadishu (AX) — Masterminding a move towards renewed governance, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre unveiled fresh appointments on Monday. A new state minister for the Ministry of Planning and Investment and a deputy for the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education took the stage, replacing their predecessors who recently bowed out of the political scene. Stepping up as the freshly minted state minister for Planning is Ahmed Nor Sheikh Mohamed Loxox, while Abdirashid Mohamed Du'ale slides into the Deputy…

Mogadishu (AX) — A delegation from the Somali government, spearheaded by Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismael Fartaag, is participating in the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly from November 4-7, 2024, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. This annual gathering has attracted over a thousand high-ranking law enforcement professionals from around the globe. They have come together to tackle urgent security challenges and to select new leadership for INTERPOL. “I feel privileged to represent the Federal Government of Somalia…

Hamza Abdi Barre, the Prime Minister of Somalia, recently welcomed Tanja Fajon, Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister, for an important dialogue. During their meeting, they delved into strengthening ties between Somalia and Slovenia, with a keen focus on pivotal issues such as climate change, social welfare, security, and human rights. This dialogue gains significance as Somalia embarks on its new role within the UN Security Council, as highlighted by the Somali National News Agency (SONNA). Prime Minister Hamza took the…

Somalia: Devastating Al-Shabaab Assault Claims Lives of AU Troops at Mogadishu’s Halane Base MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a ruthless act of violence, Al-Shabaab insurgents launched a mortar attack on Sunday, tragically ending the lives of two soldiers from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), according to law enforcement authorities. This incident unfolded ominously close to the Aden Adde International Airport, a locale reinforced against such threats. Mohamed El-Amine Souef, representing the African Union…