Somalia

Operation in Hiiraan: A Step Forward in Somalia's Ongoing Fight Against Al-Shabab Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant operation highlighting the urgency of security in Somalia, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) took decisive action on Monday night in the Hiiraan region. Working in tandem with international partners, NISA successfully eliminated 13 members of the al-Shabab militant group. This development is not merely a statistic; it represents a decisive moment in the ongoing struggle against a group…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali government has taken a firm stance in response to the recent missile attack executed by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the State of Qatar on Monday night. This aggressive act has been categorically described as a blatant violation of international law and poses a severe threat to regional peace and stability. In a swift release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, just hours after the incident transpired, Somalia not only condemned the strikes but also expressed profound solidarity with…

Northeastern State Government Faces Rehabilitation Challenges for Young Militants Garowe (AX) — The Northeastern State regional government has recently come to a stark realization: it currently lacks dedicated rehabilitation centers for young prisoners who defect from militant groups such as al-Shabab and ISIS, or those captured during security operations. This pressing issue raises fundamental questions about how society addresses the rehabilitation of individuals who once engaged in acts of violence. During a session of…

The world found itself on edge this past Sunday, poised for Iran's response in the wake of a significant escalation between the United States and the Islamic Republic. This marks the most substantial Western military action against Iran since the tumultuous events of 1979. In a striking display of power, the U.S. targeted pivotal Iranian nuclear sites, dropping heavy 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on the mountainous region above Iran’s Fordow facility. As President Trump urged Tehran to de-escalate, pockets of anti-war…

A Call for Dialogue: Erdoğan's Bold Remarks on Regional Peace In a striking assertion that has reverberated through international diplomatic channels, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has pinpointed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the “biggest obstacle to regional peace.” This declaration, made amidst growing tensions and strategic military actions, raises a host of questions about the nature of conflict and resolution in the Middle East. Is there a path forward that can ease the mounting tensions? Or is…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a moment that resonates with the aspirations of many, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has made a decisive declaration: Somalia will not revert to its previous system of indirect elections. With passion and conviction, he argues that the locus of political power must reside firmly with the people. During a remarkable dinner event held in Mogadishu on Sunday night, designed to honor delegates from the recently concluded National Dialogue Conference, Barre took the opportunity to reaffirm his government's…

Security forces maintain a vigilant watch outside a building recently targeted by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Mogadishu, Somalia's bustling capital, on February 21, 2023. The marked tension in the air is palpable, as the ongoing threat from extremist groups continues to cast a long shadow over the Horn of Africa. In a heartbreaking announcement, officials confirmed that at least seven Ugandan soldiers lost their lives in Somalia. This tragic loss underscores the risks faced by those in the frontline of the battle…

In recent weeks, a troubling narrative has emerged from Northeastern State, where the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside international partners, has faced significant allegations surrounding the anti-locust program. Specifically, reports indicate that this crucial initiative—a measure funded by the World Bank aimed at safeguarding crops from the devastating impact of desert locusts—teeters on the brink of failure. So how did it come to this? This program, heralded as essential in the fight against agricultural destruction…

Political Dynamics in Somalia: A Closer Look MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) – Amid the complex tapestry of Somali politics, one figure stands out: Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, Somalia's Minister of Women and Human Rights. Recently, whispers have emerged suggesting she is seeking a reassignment to a different cabinet post. What drives this potential change? Two senior officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to Horn Observer this week that there's been a shift in Minister Al-Makhzoumi's focus. Known for…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is setting ambitious goals as it embarks on a journey to triple its renewable energy capacity by 2030. This initiative is part of a holistic strategy aimed not just at slashing high electricity costs, but also at significantly expanding access in its rural communities and gradually breaking the long-standing reliance on imported diesel fuel. Collaborating closely with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Somalia's new approach envisions a formidable leap in renewable energy…