Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — Imagine the kaleidoscope of creativity that could unfold when the diverse, colorful palette of East African arts meets the dynamic rhythms of Australia's cultural scene. That's not just a far-off dream but an emerging reality, as the Australian High Commission in Kenya throws open the doors to an innovative partnership program. Targeting regions as eclectic and vibrant as Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, this initiative promises to spin a rich tapestry of creative collaboration from…

Somalia's President Cheers Gaza Ceasefire, Calls for Global Harmony MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the heart of Somalia, where the sound of bustling markets mingles with the call to prayer, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made waves this Thursday. Adding his voice to a chorus hoping for enduring peace, he expressed unwavering support for the freshly minted ceasefire in Gaza. In doing so, he joined hands with nations like Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, tipping his hat to their diplomatic maneuvers that made this…

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, where the whispers of the Indian Ocean intermingle with the echoes of a city reborn, a significant call was made this past Wednesday. From behind the fortified walls of Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, came the resonant voice of Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s dedicated Foreign Minister. He reached across the miles, into the embattled heart of Eastern Europe, to speak with Ukraine's committed diplomat, Andrii Sybiha. The topic of the day?…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a world where turmoil often grips the headlines, a welcome breeze of relief has swept through the international community this Thursday. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud threw his weight behind the widely-covered Gaza ceasefire agreement. His warm accolades are aimed at Qatar, Egypt, and the United States for their pivotal shuttle diplomacy, which finally saw the ink dry on this beleaguered accord. He hailed their roles in scripting what could be a significant chapter for peace. But will it be…

NAIROBI, Kenya - In a chilling, some might even say surreal, turn of events, the shadowy group that lurks in Somalia's volatile landscape—Al-Shabaab—has come forward with a video that is bound to stir emotions and debates. The footage supposedly showcases a member of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), reportedly captured during that infamous raid at El-Adde back in 2016, where chaos and tragedy descended, leaving a trail of fallen heroes in its wake. Enter the alleged protagonist of this drama: a man garbed in military…

In the hazy dawn of Thursday, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, Gaza, became a somber sanctuary for the wounded—an all-too-familiar scene in this volatile region, where even children find themselves caught in the crossfire of conflict. In a chilling spiral of violence, Israeli forces have reportedly taken at least 82 lives in Gaza, according to medical sources that spoke with Al Jazeera. Among the victims, 30 were lost in Gaza City alone, all within just hours after a ceasefire agreement was allegedly reached…

In the bustling heart of Garowe, the air bristled with palpable tension as Northeastern State took a rare public jab at the Somali Federal Government. This wasn't merely political theater; it was a direct critique aimed squarely at what Northeastern State officials deemed a half-hearted show of support from Mogadishu in their ongoing battle against ISIS. Minister of Information, Mohamud Aideed Dirir, didn't mince words when commenting on the federal overtures offered by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, charging them as…

Picture this: It's a bustling Wednesday at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where the undulating chaos of travelers intermingles with quiet pockets of diplomacy. There, amidst the hubbub, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, leans in for a conversation with Kenya's Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki. Their meeting wasn't just a layover chat but a diplomatic tango aimed at deepening the bonds between Somalia and Kenya, two nations long tethered by history and a border, yet…

(Photo: ENA) In a remarkable turn of events reminiscent of a soap opera plot twist, Ethiopia and Somalia have decided to rekindle their diplomatic flame. The breakthrough came after Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Ethiopia's charismatic, albeit oftentimes controversial, Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, held candid discussions in the bustling heart of Addis Ababa on January 11, 2025. Speaking with the enthusiasm of someone who just found out they won the lottery, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special…

In the ever-evolving landscape of international diplomacy, few stories capture the essence of persistence and collaboration quite like the tale of Ethiopia and Somalia's rapprochement. This journey toward reconciliation, marked by the Ankara Declaration, has all the elements of a gripping drama with a cast of influential characters set against the backdrop of regional power dynamics. Let’s rewind to last December when the bustling city of Ankara took center stage—as polished Turkish officials buzzed around the opulent rooms…