Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — Saturday witnessed an unprecedented upheaval in Somalia's Lower House of Parliament, where lawmaker interactions spiraled into chaos. This turmoil erupted over the contentious removal of MP Dr. Abdullahi Hashi Abiib, which has reignited discussions on accountability and governance in the nation. The backdrop to this fracas was the Speaker's declaration last month that Abiib's seat was vacated due to repeated absences, igniting a firestorm of dissent among opposition lawmakers. Opposition members swiftly…

Somalia’s Historic Journey to One-Person, One-Vote Elections Mogadishu (AX) — This past Saturday marked a significant milestone for Somalia as the National Independent Electoral Commission announced the expansion of voter registration to three additional districts in Mogadishu. It is a pivotal moment, signaling the country’s march toward its first one-person, one-vote elections in more than half a century. The news sparked enthusiasm across the capital, with residents from Hamarweyne, Boondheere, and Shibis…

The Tensions in Elasha Biyaha: A Closer Look at Recent Developments Nestled roughly 15 kilometers from the bustling heart of Mogadishu, Elasha Biyaha is more than just a geographical marker on the map; it serves as a critical junction between the capital and militant strongholds entrenched in southern Somalia. This seemingly tranquil area has transformed into a focal point of conflict, with recent activities igniting palpable unease among its residents. Last month, unsettling reports surfaced of Al-Shabaab…

Political Dialogue in Northeastern State: A Call for Unity and Reassessment Mogadishu (AX) — Recent developments in Somalia have ushered in a crucial moment for regional dialogue and cooperation. Opposition leaders in Northeastern State are urgently advocating for a comprehensive political conversation following the Somali federal government’s formal recognition of the SSC-Khaatumo administration. The Northeastern State Political Forum (PPF), a coalition comprised of influential opposition figures, views this recognition…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant development for Somalia's ongoing battle against extremism, Northeastern State security forces have reported the elimination of more than 40 ISIS fighters while reclaiming a pivotal stronghold in the northeastern Bari region. This decisive encounter unfolded during a 24-hour offensive and is seen as a landmark achievement in their campaign against the militant group. The operation, which commenced late Friday night in the rugged Togga Miiraale valley, is part of the third and final phase of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an important meeting at Villa Somalia, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdoon convened to discuss pressing national security issues and the ongoing efforts to bolster state institutions. Their dialogue underscores the paramount importance of stability in a region that has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. The atmosphere of the meeting was charged with urgency, as both leaders recognized the critical need to enhance the Somali National Army's…

Tragic Loss of Ethiopian Consulate Official in Somalia The heart of Somalia beats with both resilience and tension, as evidenced by recent events in Las Anod, the administrative center of SSC-Khaatumo. Here, in a city where tradition and tensions often brush shoulders, a tragedy unfolded, shaking both local and international communities. A Life Cut Short Farah Aidid Jama, or "Baris" as he was fondly called by those who knew him, was much more than an official of the Ethiopian Consulate in Garowe, Puntland. Described by…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant stride towards enhancing civil registration and accessibility to governmental services, Somalia’s National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has inaugurated a new service center in the vibrant Boondheere District of Mogadishu. This pivotal development, launched on a brisk Saturday morning by NIRA Deputy Director-General Abdirahman Said alongside District Commissioner Abdullahi Hasan, signals a renewed commitment to enabling efficient service delivery for the residents of…

Mogadishu (AX) — The recent decision by the United States to abstain from a pivotal UN Security Council resolution has raised significant concerns regarding the future of the African Union’s Security Operations in Somalia (AUSSOM). As we approach a crucial vote in May concerning the mission’s funding, a sense of uncertainty permeates discussions surrounding the support, effectiveness, and overall strategy of AUSSOM in its mission to stabilize Somalia. At the heart of the U.S. abstention are serious reservations about the…

A New Political Landscape in Somalia: Sultan Abdirahman Qani Qorane Launches the Gobonnimo Party Mogadishu (AX) — In an impressive demonstration of resilience and hope, Sultan Abdirahman Qani Qorane, a former Islamic cleric renowned for his staunch opposition to extremist ideologies, has introduced the Gobonnimo (Sovereignty) Party this week in the heart of Mogadishu. This initiative marks a significant moment in Somalia's political tapestry as Qorane positions his party as a much-needed reformist alternative to the…