VIDEO: Somalia’s $2 Billion Banking Industry Confronts Obstacles in Embracing Cryptocurrency

axadle
Somalia
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s banking industry, worth a cool $2 billion, is gearing up for some serious expansion. This growth spurt is fueled by new rules and a rising wave of interest in fintech. But there's a hitch with bringing cryptocurrencies into the mix, as the sector grapples with syncing up international financial norms and Islamic banking values. While people are starting to buzz about cryptocurrency in Somalia, the chatter is still pretty nascent. Local banks are dipping their toes into figuring out how to weave…

Tensions Rise Between Somalia and Ethiopia; UN Calls for Peaceful Dialogue

axadle
East Africa
  Washington— During a pivotal week for Somalia's security blueprint, dialogues in Washington and New York highlighted the pressing necessity for readiness ahead of the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Rising friction between Somalia and Ethiopia over Ethiopia's maritime accord with North Western State of Somalia has stirred the pot, capturing the attention of global stakeholders. Somalia is on the verge of finalizing the lineup for the fresh AUSSOM, with the current African Union mission wrapping up…

Ukraine to Unveil ‘Plan for Victory’ at Ramstein Conference

axadle
World
On October 12, Ukraine plans to unveil its "victory roadmap" during a key allies' meeting at Ramstein, Germany, announced President Volodymyr Zelensky in a recent Telegram post. “We’re set to present a victory roadmap, outlining clear, tangible steps toward a just conclusion of the conflict,” he stated emphatically. Having stood firm against an invasion from Russia for nearly a thousand days, Ukraine has hinted at a strategic approach to quell the ongoing hostilities in recent months. While the finer points of this…

Africa Issues Warning: Mpox Epidemic Remains Uncontrolled

Balaleti
Somalia
"Life's a wild ride, ain't it?" mused grandpa Joe as he rocked gently on his porch chair, soaking in the mellow hues of the setting sun. "You never really know where it's headed; it's a winding road full of surprises and detours." Such whimsical reflections often emerged during these tranquil evening moments, a time cherished in the family for generations. Nestled amidst rolling hills, the family homestead had been standing since time immemorial. Its creaky wooden floors and sun-dappled windows spoke of stories etched in…

North Western State of Somalia Rejects Somali Government’s Election Remarks as Unfounded

axadle
Somalia
 FILE - North Western State of Somalia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Rhoda J. Elmi, makes her voice heard during a press briefing in Hargeisa. Mogadishu (AX) — The North Western State of Somalia administration has refuted recent declarations from Somalia, labeling them as "unfounded" and accusing them of trying to meddle in North Western State of Somalia's self-determination. These accusations followed remarks by Fiqi at the UN Security Council, where he aired concerns regarding the political climate in…

SSC Khaatumo Calls for Inclusion in Somalia’s National Consultative Council

axadle
Somalia
In the capital city of Mogadishu, leaders from Somalia's federal and regional bodies gathered for the National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow. This session zeroed in on critical issues like security, governance, and the hustle and bustle of economic growth. Meanwhile, Hargeisa (AX) — The provisional authority of SSC Khaatumo stepped up on the podium, formally seeking a voice at the ongoing NCC meetings. They argued their corner, saying that as a legitimate federal entity under the Somali government, they’ve got a right…

Trump’s Visit to the Location of His Assassination Attempt

axadle
World
Donald Trump is gearing up for a return to the quaint town of Butler, Pennsylvania—a place that has taken on notoriety following a harrowing assassination attempt during a packed rally. This time around, the former president will be joined by JD Vance, his chosen partner for the upcoming November elections. Additionally, relatives of the victims from the July 13 attack will be present, along with first responders and tech magnate Elon Musk. Trump has expressed a strong desire to revisit the location where the tragic…

Gambian Reporters Face Charges for Misreporting President’s Departure Strategy

Abdiwahab Ahmed
Somalia
In Nairobi, Kenya, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has raised the alarm about Yeshihasab Abera, a journalist who disappeared after security forces whisked him away on September 30 from his workplace in Amhara State—a region that's been boiling over with turmoil since 2023. Yeshihasab, the second-in-command at the state-run Bekur newspaper, was nabbed at the Amhara Media Corporation’s headquarters in Bahir Dar, as recounted by his spouse, Meseret Hunegnaw, and echoed in various news pieces. According to Meseret,…

Turkey’s Oruc Reis Survey Vessel Scheduled to Depart for Somalia This Saturday

axadle
Somalia
In the latter part of October, a ship is set to anchor near Somalia's shore to perform seismic surveys for potential oil and gas reserves!Casting off from Istanbul this Saturday, Türkiye's own research vessel, Oruc Reis, is prepped for a Somali voyage, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar waving it off.The boat's on track to hit Somalia's waters before October fades. There, it'll hunt for oil and gas in three zones where Türkiye's bagged exploration rights, according to official chatter…

Somalia Confirms Ethiopia’s Omission from AUSSOM Mission Due to North Western State of Somalia Agreement

axadle
East Africa
Mogadishu (AX) – On Saturday, Abdukhadir Mohamed Noor, Somalia’s Defense Minister, firmly stated that Ethiopian troops would not join the forthcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) unless Ethiopia exits the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with North Western State of Somalia.During a media briefing in Mogadishu, Minister Noor explained that Somalia is considering different contingencies to replace the Ethiopian forces if there's no withdrawal from the MoU.“Ethiopian troops won't participate in…