Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Accusations have surfaced against Egypt, suggesting opportunistic behavior as the country prepares to lead the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which will replace the current African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Troop-contributing nations, chiefly Uganda, express discontent that Egypt’s engagement comes only now, questioning the motives behind their insistence on joining AUSSOM forces next year. Somalia has outrightly dismissed Ethiopia's involvement,…

Erik ten Hag reckons the brass at Manchester United would’ve given him a heads-up if his gig was in jeopardy. The Dutch manager, known for his candid approach and integrity, likely put faith in the club's leadership to communicate directly about any changes in his position. Confidence in the club's transparency is key to maintaining focus amidst the often tumultuous football world.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopia stepped into a new era Monday as Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie was appointed as the nation's president. This change comes against a backdrop of icy relations with neighboring Somalia, following the end of President Sahle-Work Zewde’s term. Once Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie took the ceremonial helm after a joint vote in the People’s House of Representatives and the House of Federation, committing to lead for the next four years. During the formal proceedings,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Former President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, ex-PM Hassan Ali Khaire, and member of parliament Abdirahman Abdishakur fiercely criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, stating he’s pulling strings to illegitimately extend his tenure. These verbal jabs follow failed high-stakes discussions meant to soothe federal-state relations and reveal an ominous narrative in Somalia, a nation already battling the menace of Al-Shabaab. In a fiery declaration released on Monday, the opposition titans pledged a court…

Kismayo (AX) – In an unexpected twist, Jubaland's head honcho, Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, rolled back into Kismayo Monday. This move came after hitting a stalemate at the happening National Consultative Council (NCC) gathering in Mogadishu.Word on the street is that Madobe bounced from the talks because he put his foot down about not wanting to move forward without roping in Northeastern State and Khatumo. His stance? Their no-show would basically toss credibility for future nationwide elections right out the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey hails the start of oil and gas exploration in Somalia as a groundbreaking development, marking the beginning of a transformative period. Over the weekend, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan dispatched vessels to scour Somalia's coast for valuable resources. Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, emphasized that deploying the Oruc Reis, a research ship, would bolster Turkey’s energy advancement, pitting it against global contenders. During a ceremonial send-off,…

In Somalia's Bay Territory, Hunger Sparks New Disputes A Somali woman traverses the parched and barren lands of Bay, where ongoing strife alongside climatic shifts have crippled farming activities, leaving communities with little choice but to lean on humanitarian relief. (Credit: Islamic Relief/SIDA) Mogadishu (AX) — According to a detailed examination by Islamic Relief Somalia, the scarcity of food is exacerbating unrest in the Bay region. Various calamities, including prolonged dry spells, deluges, alongside relentless…

Jubaland Leader Creates Buzz by Exiting NCC Gathering in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia – The National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting held in Mogadishu hit a snag as Jubaland's chief, Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe, vigorously opposed the act of simply approving term extensions without scrutiny. He urged the leadership to uphold ethical standards and transparency. On the NCC's concluding day, Madobe was spotted at Aden Adde International Airport, making his way to Kismayo after denouncing the controversial extension proposed…

The Somali government's efforts to push back against al-Shabab are hitting snags due to the group's cunning and divisive strategies.

Mogadishu (AX) — The Turkish research vessel, Oruc Reis, is embarking on a groundbreaking voyage to explore oil off Somalia's coast. This mission heralds a significant step forward in Somalia's quest for economic revolution. This expedition follows deals inked earlier this year, handing Turkish Petroleum the keys to explore three vast offshore blocks. Stretching across roughly 5,000 square kilometers each, this endeavor ranks as one of the most massive energy explorations in the area.The Oruc Reis is poised to reach Somali…