Somalia

Beledweyne (AX) — A devastating explosion rocked the Howlwadaag area of Beledweyne town in the Hiiraan region on Tuesday, claiming the life of a civilian and injuring seven others. The blast targeted a well-loved local eating spot where young folks, especially soccer enthusiasts, often gather.The chaotic aftermath left the neighborhood reeling in disbelief. Despite an investigation launched hours later by security personnel, no apprehensions have been reported.Against a backdrop of rising unease in Beledweyne, tragedy struck…

Riyadh (AX) — In a significant move for regional business prospects, Somali Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Maalam Faqi, met with the Saudi Minister of Investment, Eng. Khaled bin Abdul Aziz Al-Falah, in the vibrant heart of Riyadh this Monday. Their goal? To explore investment and trading opportunities that could benefit both Somalia and Saudi Arabia.Engaging in lively dialogue, the ministers outlined sectors teeming with potential for economic collaboration, focusing on Somalia’s abundant resources. "Somalia offers a…

Mogadishu (AX) — Things are heating up in Yaqbariweyne as the South West State troops gear up to take on local militias, stirring worries of a fresh conflict over who calls the shots and collects taxes in the area.Folks in Yaqbariweyne have mentioned that both factions are on high alert, causing the local populace to brace for what might come. Eyes and ears on the ground hint that the South West forces are keen on tightening their grip on the town, which has, for the past few months, been pretty much under the thumb of armed…

Saudi’s top diplomat, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, welcomed Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi to the bustling city of Riyadh this Sunday, as reported by SPA.In a friendly gathering in Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Ahmed Moalim Fiqi took time to explore the continuing partnership between Saudi Arabia and Somalia.They tossed around ideas on strengthening ties across a range of sectors. Plus, they chewed over the latest regional and global happenings, alongside issues of mutual concern.

 Hargeisa (AX) — The Election Commission of North Western State of Somalia is wrapping up essential preparations for a pivotal election designed to attract the attention of over a million voters. This event is a significant barometer of transparency and impartiality, reflecting the region's growing dedication to democratic principles.Marking the second joint voting event in as many years, this election presents the electorate with a chance to choose from three presidential hopefuls and ten political entities vying for…

Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye's Energy Minister, shared his thoughts on the nation’s significant oil and gas exploration ventures in Somalia. He labeled the efforts as transformative and hinted that global corporations might want to jump on board with these ventures moving forward. Recently, the Turkish research vessel, Oruç Reis, made its way to Somalia. It's geared up to conduct in-depth seismic explorations to uncover potential reserves of oil and natural gas. During the vessel's reception at the bustling Port of…

What's Next for AU Mission in Somalia? MOGADISHU, Somalia - The destiny of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) hangs like a storm cloud, largely due to anxieties over transferring power, Ethiopia-related friction, and a lack of financial support from donors who've backed this initiative for quite a spell. Monetary shortfalls persist, leading to an unfortunate predicament where soldiers haven't seen paychecks in many moons. Meanwhile, Ethiopia's alleged territorial ambitions stir the pot, causing…

In Mogadishu (AX), the Somali federal government's ambition to transition from a clan-based election process to a universal suffrage by 2026 has stirred the political pot, all while the nation faces a pesky al-Shabaab resurgence. On October 2, during a National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow, Somali bigwigs mapped out a reform strategy, eyeing extended terms for state presidents. This plan, however, pulled back the curtain on deep-seated rifts among regional honchos, as tensions simmer amid rising insurgency woes.…

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) — Al-Shabaab militants have amplified their campaign of lethal strikes, expanding the theater of violence beyond the capital. Monday marked the grim deaths of a businessman in Afgoye and a policeman in Jowhar. In the town of Afgoye, about 30 kilometers from Mogadishu, a local entrepreneur met a tragic fate at the hands of alleged Al-Shabaab operatives come nightfall. Their reason remains a puzzle. Pressing north to Jowhar, roughly 90 kilometers away, a police officer fell victim soon after he…

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) — Al-Shabaab has ramped up its deadly vendetta against Mogadishu's commercial folks, adding three more to the body count in Daaru Salam on Monday. Folks nearby said attackers barged into a shop by Ahmed Gurey School, pulling the trigger on three storekeepers before making a speedy getaway. “Armed with pistols, they gunned down the merchants in their own shop,” a local shared, painting a grim picture of the assault. The Somali police have yet to toss in their two cents on the situation.…