Somalia

Somalia’s Unforgettable Football Renaissance: A Hopeful Future in the Stadium of Dreams On May 27, 2025, Mogadishu Stadium was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of joy and optimism. Thousands of Somalis, both young and old, gathered under the sun to witness what many called a landmark exhibition football match. The atmosphere was electric, invoking a sense of shared purpose that transcended the boundaries of sport. At the heart of this grand event, supported by FIFA’s “peace tour,” was a mission to rejuvenate Somalia’s…

Assault on Galkayo Central Prison Raises Security Concerns Galkacyo (AX) — In the early hours of Thursday, armed militia engaged in a brazen, coordinated assault on the Galkayo Central Prison. This alarming incident appears to be a calculated effort to extricate inmates, as reported by reliable local sources. The chaos that ensued disrupted the city’s tranquil atmosphere and stirred significant concerns regarding the recurrent breaches of prison security. As gunfire reverberated through the city, it was impossible not to…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Wednesday, a significant chapter unfolded in Somalia’s evolving narrative, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed African football legends Samuel Eto’o, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jay-Jay Okocha to the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. This moment was not merely a casual gathering; it represented a powerful stride toward rebuilding Somalia’s international image through the unifying power of sports. The President spoke earnestly about the importance of this visit. “This visit by our African brothers is…

Chelsea's Historic Moment: A Triumph for the Ages In a spectacular display of resilience and determination, Chelsea FC has etched its name into football history by becoming the first club to clinch all four major UEFA competitions and the FIFA Club World Cup. This milestone was achieved when they triumphed over Real Betis with a decisive score of 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final on Wednesday. The UEFA Conference League, inaugurated in 2021 as the continent’s third-tier competition, was the final piece…

U.S. Forces Strike Al-Shabab: A Closer Look at Recent Developments Over the weekend, U.S. forces executed an airstrike against the al Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab in Somalia. This operation represents a continued commitment by the United States to combat extremism in a region that has been beset by conflict for decades. The airstrike, carried out by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), specifically targeted an area approximately 40 miles northwest of Kismayo, a known stronghold for al-Shabab forces. The significance of this…

Somali poets often delve into the intricate depths of philosophy and social critique. A shining example of this is Hadrawi, whose poem 'Dabo-Huwan' sharply critiques neoliberalism and the ripple effects of globalization. He argues with fervor that the relentless chase for material wealth has corroded the moral core of Somali society. In his view, the modern fixation on individual desires has inadvertently catalyzed the erosion of time-honored cultural virtues—endurance, harmony, trust, honesty, unity, and, most…

The Path Forward: Kenya Ratifies IGAD Treaty In a remarkable display of regional unity, the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the Parliament of the Republic of Kenya for formally endorsing the IGAD Treaty. This decision marks a significant chapter in regional cooperation and solidifies Kenya's ongoing dedication to multilateral relations. Reflecting on this achievement, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, H.E. Dr.…

Somalia's Political Conference: A Critical Meeting of Minds in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) — On a noteworthy Wednesday in the heart of Somalia, a significant political conference convened, drawing the eyes of the nation and beyond. This gathering brought together influential opposition figures, setting the stage for an important dialogue on Somalia’s political trajectory, security environment, and electoral framework. In many ways, this moment could be pivotal in the ever-evolving landscape of power in Somalia. At…

Ex-Somali President Rejects Al-Shabaab Allegations, Cites Security Corruption MOGADISHU, Somalia — The air was thick with tension as former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed stood before a diverse gathering at a political conference on Wednesday. His message was unambiguous: accusations by the government suggesting opposition sympathy towards Al-Shabaab are, in his words, "baseless and politically motivated." The former president, known for his candidness, described these allegations as a calculated…

Somalia: Sheikh Sharif Criticizes Government Allegations as Unfounded Mogadishu (AX) - In a stirring declaration at a pivotal conference held in Mogadishu, former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed fervently refuted the federal government’s recent accusations. These claims, suggesting that opposition figures support the militant group Al-Shabaab, have been labeled by Sharif as unfounded and politically charged. He paints these allegations as a strategic maneuver to muffle critical voices and curb…