Somalia

Challenges and Changes: The Somali Army in its Fight Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recent weeks have presented daunting challenges for the Somali National Army (SNA), as it struggles to maintain its footing across various strategic frontlines. The fall of Adan Yabaal starkly exemplifies the difficulties faced by a force striving to assert itself, despite significant investments from international partners. Amidst dwindling financial support, spearheaded by the United States, the SNA grapples with a…

Countdown to the 34th Arab League Summit: Focus on Unity and Resolution This Saturday marks a pivotal moment for the Arab world as foreign ministers gather in Baghdad for the 34th Arab League Summit. In a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, the theme of this summit—“Dialogue, Solidarity, and Development”—serves as a timely reminder of the power of collaboration and the importance of a united front. Iraqi government spokesperson, Bassem al-Awadi, elaborated on the summit agenda, which places the Palestinian cause at…

Almost a month has passed since the harrowing assault on the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur, yet tens of thousands of survivors are still languishing in Tawila. They face staggering shortages of essential supplies: food, water, shelter, and medical care are all in disconcerting demand. As hostilities engulf the vicinity of el-Fasher, fresh waves of displaced families arrive daily, many in grave condition, as observed by the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF). The catastrophe of April,…

Port Sudan Under Siege: The Complexity of Conflict in Sudan It was early Tuesday morning when the tranquility of Port Sudan shattered. Drones, operated by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), blitzed critical sites of this Red Sea city. The airport, main port, and a prominent hotel bore the brunt of this assault, as confirmed by military officials. This was not an isolated event; rather, it marked the second such airborne attack within a week on this once-peaceful city, now serving as a refuge for those…

Doctors Without Borders, famously known as MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières), sounded a dire warning on Thursday regarding a significant surge in attacks targeting medical facilities throughout South Sudan. The escalating violence has caused mass displacement, with fragile health centers struggling to cope. How did it come to this? Amidst years of political turmoil and unrest, fresh tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar have reignited fighting across various regions. While much international…

U.S. Stands Firm Against Somalia’s National Consultative Council Conclusions Mogadishu, Somalia – The air was tense as the United States declared its opposition to the outcomes of the recently concluded National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting held in the heart of Mogadishu. Although the city brims with life and the energy of its people, the meeting was overshadowed by criticism, primarily due to its lack of inclusivity—a term often brandished, yet critical when it comes to governance. The absence of key stakeholders…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant announcement that echoes the aspirations of many Somali citizens, Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan of the National Electoral Commission revealed on Thursday an extension of the voter registration period for local council elections in the Banadir region. This decision, made after thoughtful consideration, responds to the urgent need for greater public participation in the electoral process. During a press conference held at the commission's headquarters in Mogadishu, Abdikarin articulated…

In a significant turning point for Somalia's democracy, voter registration has officially commenced in the capital city, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s long-standing journey towards direct elections. This initiative, coupled with the establishment of electoral frameworks and legislation, is more than just procedural; it symbolizes an essential shift away from decades of clan-based voting systems. Historically, lawmakers were not elected directly by the people but rather selected through indirect consensus,…

A New Diplomatic Chapter: Somalia's Engagement with Iraq MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) – In a significant diplomatic maneuver, Somalia is poised to dispatch a high-level delegation to Iraq. This move, however, is shrouded in controversy, as whispers of a clandestine security agreement echo through the halls of intelligence circles. Could this signal an expansion of Iran's IRGC into the heart of East Africa? The Somali delegation is set to touch down in Baghdad under the pretext of the 34th Arab League Summit. It's a stage…

Intrigue and Exploitation: A Tale of Corruption in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) - The intricate dance of corruption and exploitation in Somalia has taken a deeply troubling turn. A sinister network of officials and seemingly legitimate travel agencies in Mogadishu are maneuvering within international labor forums to clandestinely traffic individuals into Europe. Central to their deceit are falsified government roles and illicitly obtained diplomatic passports. This brazen scheme operates within the…