Somalia

Political Dynamics in Las Anod: A New Era for the SSC-Khaatumo Las Anod (AX) — The political landscape in Northern Somalia is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the recent arrival of Abdirashid Yusuf Jibriil, the former Speaker of the Northeastern State Parliament. On Tuesday, he touched down in Las Anod accompanied by a delegation representing the Sanaag and Haylaan regions. Their purpose? To engage in the SSC-Khaatumo Regional State Completion Conference, an event eagerly awaited by many and set to…

FILE - Former Somali National Army ground forces commander Gen. Mohamed Tahlil Bihi speaks during a media briefing in Mogadishu. Beledweyne (AX) — This week, a significant turn of events unfolded in central Hiiraan as Al-Shabab fighters seized the strategically vital town of Moqokori. This loss, as articulated by a former commander of the Somali National Army, is both a tactical setback and a profound psychological blow to the Hawadle clan militia, who have championed community resistance. General Mohamed Tahlil Bihi, a…

Somalia Government Upholds Commitment to Direct Elections Amid Dialogue with Global Partners MOGADISHU, July 8, 2025 – Somalia's federal government has taken a firm stand against reverting to indirect elections, emphasizing its dedication to implementing a one-person, one-vote system. This decision emerged during recent discussions with the C6+ coalition, a gathering of influential international partners. The talks unfolded in an atmosphere of cautious optimism. A ministerial trio, appointed by President Hassan Sheikh…

Mogadishu, Somalia: Navigating the Complexities of Youth Migration In a world increasingly characterized by movement and migration, last Thursday night brought forth a significant conversation in Somalia. Baraarug, a vibrant platform dedicated to sparking dialogue, hosted a compelling discussion on the phenomenon of irregular migration—known locally as tahriib—and its expanding impact on the nation's young generation. How did this gathering shed light on such a critical issue? Bringing together voices from far and wide…

Somalia's Defence Minister Addresses Troop Rumours: A Call for Clarity Mogadishu (AX) — In an atmosphere pulsating with tension and uncertainty, Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi stepped into the fray on Tuesday to firm up the government’s stance regarding swirling rumors about troop movements in the contentious northern regions of Sanaag and Sool. With an assured tone, he characterized these allegations as “baseless” and devoid of any substantive evidence. “We categorically…

Somalia's Press Under Siege: A Six-Month Reflection The landscape of media freedom in Somalia paints a troubling picture—a stark rise in attacks against journalists has caught the attention of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). During just the first half of 2025, 41 documented violations directly related to their journalistic endeavors emerged. These were not random acts or misunderstandings. Rather, they were deliberate attempts to threaten and stifle those courageous enough to report independently. This…

In the heart of Mogadishu, a Somali mother stands with her child, seeking the help of a dedicated health worker at a clinic. This scene is emblematic of a growing crisis within Somalia’s healthcare system, particularly as medical staff sound the alarm over a severe shortage of vaccines. As international aid dwindles, the effects of this struggle become increasingly dire. According to health officials and aid agencies, over 300,000 Somali children are at risk of missing critical vaccinations this year. The U.S. government's…

Understanding Transfer Taxes in Africa: A Comprehensive Overview As we navigate through the evolving landscape of air travel in Africa, recent statistics from 2024 reveal a significant uptick: 42 African nations currently impose transfer taxes and fees on travelers, a notable increase from 35 in 2022. This surge occurs within the context of 52 countries examined. Why the sudden shift? What's really at stake for travelers? Transfer taxes, along with associated charges and fees, represent the costs incurred when a traveler…

The political landscape in North Western State of Somalia, particularly in contested areas such as SSC-Khatumo, is undergoing a profound transformation, one that is shaking the foundations of established leadership. At the center of this change is a fractured alliance among three once-united figures: President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, Waddani Party Chairman Hersi Ali Haji Hassan, and former Speaker of Parliament Abdirisak Khalif Ahmed. These leaders, who once shared a common vision under the reformist banner of…

Concerns Raised by Former Hirshabelle President on Al-Shabab's Resurgence Mogadishu (AX) — In a thought-provoking post shared earlier this week, former Hirshabelle President Mohamed Abdi Ware voiced urgent concerns about the current state of Somalia’s struggle against al-Shabab. As he noted, the focus of both the federal government and certain regional states seems to be drifting away, allowing the militant group to reclaim ground lost in the past few years. Are we losing sight of the bigger picture?…