Somalia

Three years ago, on May 15, 2022, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected as the President of Somalia following a lengthy indirect electoral process. This marked his return to the presidency—notably, his second non-consecutive term—as he had previously served from September 2012 to February 2017. His comeback was widely celebrated, reflecting a collective hope that his prior experience would provide invaluable lessons. Having spent nearly five years in power and another five years in opposition, many believed he was primed to…

European Leaders Rally Against Russia: Insights from the Recent Summit On May 16, 2025, momentous discussions unfolded during the European Political Community Summit in Tirana, Albania. Leaders from several nations, including Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France's President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, found themselves in communication with United States President Donald Trump. The aim was clear: to join forces…

Mogadishu's Displaced Community Under Siege MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) – As dawn broke on Saturday, an armed police unit led by Commander Yasin Ganey from Mogadishu's Galbeed Police Station initiated a raid that shook the lives of over 2,000 internally displaced people. These families have called the former Pharmaceutical Factory (Ex-Warshadda Daawada) along the Afgooye-Mogadishu road home for decades. The scene was tense as officers, weapons in hand, surrounded the area, urging residents to vacate…

Tragic Loss in Somalia: A Senior Commander's Fate MOGADISHU, Somalia, May 17 – In what seems to be a tragic turn of fate, Colonel Abdirahman Hujaale, a dedicated leader of Somalia’s 26th Brigade, was tragically shot by one of his own soldiers on the outskirts of Moqokori town in the central Hiiraan region. The announcement, made by Somali regional officials on a solemn Saturday, sent ripples through the community and beyond. The question that haunts many is, why? What could have driven a soldier to such an extreme act?…

Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir/FILE In a significant move aimed at enhancing aviation safety, long-serving pilot Captain Peter Maranga, alongside Fredrick Kabunge from the Ministry of Transport, has been appointed to lead an investigation team. This team is tasked with reviewing all preliminary accident reports involving Kenyan-registered and operated aircraft. These reports have been submitted over the past five years by both South Sudan and Somalia. As the aviation sector continues to evolve, this initiative…

Strengthening Bonds: Uganda's Military Commitment to Somalia Mogadishu (AX) – On a Saturday filled with promise and potential, Lieutenant General Samuel Okiding, the Deputy Chief of the Uganda Defence Forces, stepped onto Somali soil for an official visit. This journey is not just a routine diplomatic mission; it is a vital endeavor aimed at fortifying military cooperation between Somalia and Uganda, two nations bound by shared concerns and aspirations. Upon his arrival at Aden Adde International Airport, Lt. Gen.…

Ugandan Deputy Defence Chief in Mogadishu: Navigating AUSSOM's Financial Hurdles MOGADISHU, May 17 – In a marked display of camaraderie and duty, Sam Okiding, the Ugandan Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, touched down in Mogadishu last Saturday. His arrival, marked by an earnest reception by senior officials from both the Somali Army and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), holds significance that goes beyond mere diplomatic courtesies. But why now? The timing of Okiding's visit is…

Burao Protests: A Complex Unfolding On a day that has now etched itself into the collective memory of many, the city of Burao in North Western State of Somalia witnessed a tumultuous episode of civil unrest. Recent reports confirm that the protest, which erupted last Thursday, resulted in the tragic loss of at least six lives. The majority of those who perished were young, spirited individuals—a stark reminder of the deep-seated tensions simmering beneath the surface in this area. Medical teams from Burao…

Turning the Tide: The Recent Assault Against Al-Shabaab “We received actionable intelligence about militant gatherings near Masaajid Ali Guduud,” declared a senior commander involved in the recent military assault. It is not often that we witness a well-coordinated strike against an enemy that has held such a tight grip over vast regions of Somalia. The commander went on to emphasize the speed and efficiency of their efforts, stating, “We acted swiftly, and the area is now under our control.” This compound experience…

Baraawe Airport Explosion: A Sobering Incident By Ali Musa - Axadle Times International – Monitoring BARAWE, Somalia — In a tragic turn of events, the quiet surroundings of Baraawe Airport were disrupted today by a devastating explosion. This incident, as confirmed by local officials, was caused by a concealed roadside bomb that claimed the lives of at least two individuals and left five others wounded. Can we ever find solace in understanding such…