Somalia

Al-Shabaab's Growing Influence and Somalia’s Path Forward MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) — Recent developments in Somalia paint a precarious picture. The notorious Al-Shabaab militants have made distressing advancements, claiming control over the critical Afgoye-Mogadishu and Mogadishu-Balcad corridors. In doing so, they have clasped a tighter hold around the capital’s outskirts, a place many call home, while embedding an omnipresent sense of unease among the residents. The insurgency has not confined its…

Imagine stepping into a room in Minneapolis, where the air is thick with anticipation and cultural melodies. A group of Somali musicians, bonded by shared heritage, encircles a trove of instruments. Among them is Ahmed Ismail Yusuf, their passionate leader. They play tunes steeped in emotions as deep as the Indian Ocean, a rhythm echoing the nostalgic cafes of Mogadishu. This is "Somali blues," a sound as soulful as it is historic. "The lyrics are just showing you what it means," Ahmed muses, his voice a tapestry…

Al-Shabaab Releases Kenyan Chiefs Abducted in Mandera NAIROBI, Kenya - In a dramatic and much-awaited resolution, the Al-Shabaab militants have, at last, freed five Kenyan chiefs who were forcefully taken in February. This resolution comes after an unnerving pursuit, one that gripped the entire country's security apparatus due to the unsettling events surrounding their capture. These five local leaders, more commonly known as chiefs, were abducted on their way to meet President William Ruto at a planned…

Support Builds for Somalia's Unified Strategy Mogadishu (AX) — A significant coalition of international allies has stepped forward to endorse Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's recent initiative for a comprehensive political dialogue. This comes at a crucial time as the nation seeks to unify its efforts against the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab and to bolster the federal governance structure. Isn't it intriguing how global interests converge, even from diverse corners of our planet? On Monday, a joint…

Mogadishu (AX) — Imagine a door as more than just wood and nails; imagine it as a fragile barrier between life and death. The film "Aano Qabiil," or "Clan Revenge," opens with a haunting scene: a man stands at this threshold, desperate, imploring for mercy—and yet, on the other side, waits a fate he might not survive. It's fiction. A story brought to life by Somali filmmakers about the tragic cycle of vendettas that plague their homeland. Yet, like so many dark tales inspired by reality, the lines between art and life…

Ex-Military Chief: Al-Shabaab's Subtle Infiltration in Somali Government Troops Nairobi, Kenya - In a world where shadows often hide unsettling truths, the Somali National Army (SNA) may find itself traversing a landscape riddled with unseen allegiances. Former Chief of Defence Forces, General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin, recently sounded the alarm, suggesting the depths of Al-Shabaab infiltration within the military's ranks are perhaps more profound—and more troubling—than previously acknowledged. The general’s…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant turn of events, the Somali government forces, reinforced by local clan militias, have successfully seized full control of the Ruunirgood district. This decisive move on Monday marks a pivotal advancement in the ongoing battle against the al-Shabaab insurgents in the Middle Shabelle region. In an official statement, the Federal Government of Somalia eloquently outlined the vigorous security operations that are currently being conducted in and around this recently liberated…

File photo: Al-Shabaab militants. AP It was an early Sunday morning when silence shattered near Mogadishu's bustling airport; Al-Shabaab militants, notorious for their swift and sudden attacks, sent a wave of mortars crashing perilously close. This hostile disruption wreaked havoc on international flight schedules, casting a shadow over Somalia's efforts to maintain its fragile peace. A security official confided in AFP, shedding light on the severity of the intrusion. Reflecting on the incident, one cannot help but ponder…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a robust session filled with fervor, North Western State of Somalia’s Parliament recently took a resolute stance against plans unveiled by Somali Prime Minister, Hamsa Abdi Barre, intending to visit Las Anod — the significant administrative hub of the SSC-Khatumo region, which North Western State of Somalia staunchly claims as its dominion. The legislative assembly's condemnation resonated throughout the chambers during its opening session on Monday following a hiatus. The lawmakers stood united,…

Somalia’s Security Imperative: A Nation Under Siege MOGADISHU, Somalia - A somber morning unfolds in the bustling city of Mogadishu, where the echoes of recent terror attacks still linger in the air. Amid this unsettling backdrop, Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has voiced grave concerns over a menacing surge of violence, orchestrated by the infamous Al-Shabaab, within the vicinity of Halane, the city's bastion of security. Nestled as a fortified haven amidst a city fraught with uncertainties, Halane stands…