Somalia

Somalia's Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Addresses Questions on General Sheegow's Passing On a quiet Tuesday morning at Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital in Mogadishu, the air was thick with speculation. The sands of time paused as Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Dahabo Suusow, took to the stage, addressing a crowd eager for clarity. The recent passing of former military officer Sheegow Ahmed Ali, affectionately known by many as "General Sheegow," had stirred multiple reactions and sparked countless…

Somali Government's National ID Card Initiative Faces Opposition MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a bold move that is stirring more than just government halls, the Somali government has rolled out a mandate that requires every citizen to obtain a National Identity Card, known as NIRA, to gain access to essential services like passports, birth certificates, and educational documents. Announced on Tuesday, this directive is hitting a wall of opposition, particularly in Northeastern State and Jubaland, the self-governing…

The current political situation in Somalia is a complex tapestry, woven with threads of negotiation, power struggles, and the ongoing effort to balance federal authority with local autonomy. Recently, Somalia’s federal government has been embroiled in mounting political tensions with its member states. In March, a decisive step was taken by the federal parliament to amend the governance model, opting for a presidential system. However, this decision has not been universally welcomed. Northeastern State, often seen as one…

Trade Unions Applaud ICA's Courageous Stand Against Child Trafficking The Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) has thrown its weight behind the Immigration and Citizenship Agency of Somalia (ICA) following their recent, impactful action against trafficking rings. These organized criminals have been covertly transporting young Somali girls and boys to the Gulf States and Europe, deceitfully cloaked under promises of meaningful employment. How often must we look the other way before such harrowing…

Conversations on Security: A Collaborative Pathway in Somalia In the midst of the bustling and often unpredictable landscape of Somalia, the air at the UN Headquarters in Mogadishu was charged with a palpable sense of purpose. United Nations Security officials and commanders from the UN Guard Unit converged for a critical meeting, a gathering that resonated with shared intent and collective responsibility. This high-level briefing on security was not just another routine agenda. With security dynamics continually evolving,…

Imagine yourself at the bustling Kenya-Somalia border, a place where the lives of countless travelers and locals interweave against a backdrop of uncertainty and resilience. The border, which stretches from one point to the customs area in Mandera County, plays a significant role in the lives of those who inhabit this region. Recently, news from this area has been disconcerting. Armed militants, reportedly linked to the infamous Al Shabaab terror group, have abducted five chiefs from Mandera. Their ominous demand? A…

In the heart of Mogadishu, a city that has witnessed both turmoil and resilience, a poignant chapter concluded on Monday night at Digfeer Hospital. Sheegow Ahmed Ali, a Somali military officer of notable repute, succumbed to the ravages of liver failure and complications tied to Hepatitis B, according to trusted Somali health officials. His passing, however, left lingering questions not just about his health but also about the circumstances enveloping his final days. It's worth pondering how…

Suspicion of Al-Shabaab Infiltration in Somali Army After Colonel Nur Farey's Tragic Death MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the wake of the shocking news, questions loom large over the tragic demise of Colonel Nur Farey. What transpired that fateful day has shaken the Somali National Army (SNA) to its core, leaving many to wonder: Could Al-Shabaab have found a crack in the army's armor? The circumstances surrounding the colonel's fatal shooting unfolded like an unsettling narrative. As reports…

Mogadishu (AX) — The path to Mogadishu is fraught with challenges. Once-thriving towns now lay shattered, with makeshift outposts marking territories—changing hands one too many times, too quickly to remember. A new report from the insightful Soufan Center has painted a stark picture: Al-Shabaab's newest offensive in central Somalia threatens to destabilize Mogadishu. The capital stands vulnerable as Somalia’s forces—spread far too thin—grapple with an alarming surge in militant activities. Since February 2025, a chilling…

Nigeria's Plateau State Under Siege: A Heedless Cycle of Violence Amidst the fertile tapestry of Nigeria's Plateau State, an unsettling narrative unfolds—one of perennial conflict and anguish. In the quietude of six villages located in the heart of Bokkos district, a tempest erupted, leaving in its wake a grim tally of 52 lost lives and nearly 2,000 people driven from their homes. A tragic echo resounds through the community as they grapple with this latest spate of violence, reminiscent of the December 2023 ordeal, where…