Somalia

The Turkish seismic research vessel, Oruc Reis, is ushered by Turkish naval ships in the Mediterranean Sea, off Antalya on 10 August 2020. (Courtesy of Turkish Defence Ministry) Turkey has strategic plans to dispatch frigates to Somali waters to safeguard a Turkish energy research vessel, according to sources privy to the matter, shared with Middle East Eye. A pact inked earlier this year between Turkey and Somalia grants Ankara the authority to shield Somali waters from external threats and permits the exploration and…

Somalia FM: Clash with Ethiopian Government, Not Citizens MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, emphasizes that the country's primary issues lie with Ethiopia's government, making it clear the dispute isn't with the people of Ethiopia, whom he praised as 'respectful and forward-thinking.' In discussions with the head of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Fiqi steadfastly accused the Ethiopian government of undermining Somalia’s sovereignty. Recently,…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Tuesday morning, flights were unexpectedly grounded between Mogadishu and Baidoa, stranding passengers at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. Those affected ranged from business folks and students to medical patients and even a deceased person en route to burial. No official word from the federal government explained this sudden halt but, flights did resume hours later. Spokesperson for the Southwest presidential palace, Mohamed Ali Ibrahim, slammed the move, calling it an effort to…

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenyan authorities are on high alert due to fresh threats from Al-Shabaab. The Somali National Army (SNA) has been conducting a rigorous security crackdown, causing the militant group to lose foothold in their own territory. Given that Kenyan troops are part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Al-Shabaab has consistently targeted the nation. Attacks have been particularly frequent in Nairobi and northeastern regions. Resila Onyango, spokesperson for the National Police Service,…

In a pivotal move, Somalia officially joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday during the General Conference held in Vienna. The Somali government heralded this membership as a remarkable achievement, underscoring the nation's commitment to fostering the peaceful application of nuclear technology. "This is a watershed moment for our nation, showcasing our unwavering dedication to peaceful nuclear interactions and sustainable progress," the Somali prime minister's office commented in a poignant…

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has greenlit a $6.6 million grant to assist Somalia’s Federal Government (FGS) in bolstering state capacity, aiming to construct a robust financial framework to foster inclusive and fair growth. The Somalia Financial Sector Development Project is set to hone the capabilities of financial entities, such as the Central Bank of Somalia, the Somalia Development and Reconstruction Bank, and the Financial Reporting Center (FRC). The project focuses on efficient credit delivery,…

There’s growing chatter around Mandera’s prolonged border closure, with local leaders pushing to lift this directive. They believe reopening the border could spark business opportunities and bolster revenue collection. The border, shut down over a decade ago, hasn't entirely halted illegal trade, claim both leaders and residents. This persistent underground activity continues to impact lawful businesses and has wider economic consequences. The government initially sealed the border to throttle Al Shabaab terror threats and…

In Hirsalama village, located in Somalia's Mudug region, 300 families were forced to flee from ongoing clan conflicts, now gripping the wind-blasted coastal hamlet of Dhinowda, where they grapple with basic survival. Take Mohamed Abdirahman Osman, for instance. He and his nine-member family trudged for three grueling days to reach Dhinowda, about 45 kilometers from their home. Initially, they had 60 goats, but lost 40 to thirst and hunger during the journey. Upon arrival, the ordeal worsened. More goats perished due to the…

Mogadishu (AX) – Monday saw Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, the big cheese at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), touch down in Mogadishu for a chinwag with Somali bigwigs, aiming to boost ties between Somalia and IGAD. In a sit-down with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, they chewed over burning regional issues like security hurdles, economic hook-ups, and IGAD's ongoing projects in Somalia. President Hassan doubled down on Somalia's resolve to tighten bonds with IGAD and to play a pivotal role in the…

MOGADISHU, Sept 16 (AX) - The Somali presidency has reportedly rolled out new directives to challenge South West State's President Abdiaziz Laftagareen's administration, insiders divulged. These directives were hashed out in a secretive parley at Villa Somalia, the presidential domicile, attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and House Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe). From sources in the loop, President Mohamud made it clear that any dialogue with Laftagareen hinges on…