Somalia

Somalia's President Confronts Political Challenges and Militancy Threats as His Term Nears Its End MOGADISHU, Somalia - As President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud enters the twilight of his current term, the challenges before him are mounting in complexity and urgency. Each day presents a fresh set of obstacles in his quest to bring about stability, development, and unity in Somalia. Despite repeated promises, these goals remain elusive, leading to growing criticism of his leadership. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, many…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a notable Wednesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened a significant meeting at Villa Somalia, inviting esteemed figures from Somalia's political landscape, including former presidents, prime ministers, and parliamentary speakers. This gathering was not merely a formality; it represented a pivotal moment in defining Somalia’s political future. This assembly was part of the ongoing National Consultation Forum, an initiative designed to foster dialogue and build consensus on fundamental national…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a significant Tuesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed a delegation from the European External Action Service (EEAS), a meeting that took place within the historic walls of the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. Leading this delegation was Jonas Jonsson, the Director for Africa, whose experience and insights pave the way for constructive dialogue between Somalia and the European Union. The essence of this encounter centered around fortifying the multifaceted partnership shared…

Somalia: President Hassan Sheikh Eases Position, Meets with Opposition Leaders MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a country where political landscapes shift as swiftly as the winds, a remarkable scene unfolded as opposition leaders briskly walked through the gates of Villa Somalia. Their destination: a confidential meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Could this encounter herald a pivotal breakthrough in Somalia’s enduring political impasse? It certainly appears possible. The atmosphere surrounding this meeting is charged…

Image source Somalia has reached a remarkable epoch in its economic narrative. On December 13, 2023, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank confirmed that Somalia had reached the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion point. This milestone facilitated a dramatic reduction of external debt, from a staggering 64 percent of GDP in 2018 to below 6 percent by the end of 2023—an accomplishment that translates to an impressive $4.5 billion in debt relief. The momentum didn't stop there. In early 2024,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a pivotal meeting on Tuesday, the Somali Minister of Defense, Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, engaged with the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, in the bustling capital city of Mogadishu. The primary focus of their discussion was a reinforced partnership in defense, particularly emphasizing collaborative efforts to counter the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab, a militant group with ties to al-Qaida. During the meeting, the dialogue flowed with an unmistakable urgency. Both leaders recognized the pressing…

Ceasefire Announcement Between Israel and Iran: A Complex Turning Point On June 23, 2025, remnants of an Iranian missile lay quietly on a pavement near a fence in Qatar, stark reminders of recent tensions. The atmosphere, once charged with volatility, took a sudden turn as U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran. This development was set to unfold over the next 24 hours, following an intense day of conflict in the region that left many on edge. Interestingly, both…

The Heart-Wrenching Struggles of Displacement in Baidoa In the crowded camps of Baidoa, amidst the evanescent shadows of past lives lived in comfort, families like Hussein Idris Nunow's are grappling with the relentless grip of hardship. As he shares a meager meal with his family of seven, one can't help but wonder about the weight of loss that hangs heavily in the air. The story of Hussein offers a vivid glimpse into the fragile existence of displaced communities, where the specter of hunger looms large.…

Somalia's New Identification Mandate: A Step Toward Unity or Controversy? Mogadishu (AX) — In a bold move aimed at streamlining public services, Somalia's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has mandated that all of its services will now require the presentation of a National Identification Card. This requirement is a product of the Prime Ministerial Directive XRW/415/04/2025, which aims to enhance nationwide identity verification through a unified system. The Cabinet endorsed this decision during its…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a bold statement, Somalia has openly denounced Iran's aggressive missile strikes targeting US military hubs in Qatar. This act, Somalia asserts, flagrantly violates international law and infringes upon Qatar's airspace—a nation considered an economic cornerstone in the Middle East. This incident, Somalia claims, could exacerbate instability across the Horn of Africa and the broader Middle Eastern region. It highlights a dire need for dialogue to address ongoing tensions involving the United…