Somalia

Somalia Makes Bold Move to Exclude Ethiopian Forces from New AU Peace Initiative MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a development brimming with geopolitical intrigue, Somalia has officially petitioned the African Union (AU) and the United Nations for the exclusion of Ethiopian military personnel from a restructured peacekeeping force. This initiative aims to tackle insurgents tied to al-Qaeda, notably the notorious group al-Shabaab. This decision, unveiled through a foreign affairs ministry communique, follows a period of fraught…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali government announced Thursday that its esteemed Danab Commando Force successfully executed a strategic operation in the Galgadud region, taking down a dozen al-Shabab militants and injuring 12 more. This meticulously planned strike occurred in the Gerile area within the Eldher district, a known hideout for fighters plotting their next moves, as they lurked, "fangs sharpened," ready to strike. The government's statement triumphantly noted, "Twelve insurgents met their end, while 22 others…

Security Cameras in Somalia: Deterrence or Danger? MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a strategic move to counter al Shabaab's persistent threat, thousands of security cameras have sprouted across Somalia's bustling capital. This initiative aims to keep a vigilant eye on the city's pulse, offering a sense of security to its residents. Yet, for business owners, the presence of these cameras also fans the flames of anxiety due to fears of potential retaliation. Launched by the local government, the CCTV network has empowered authorities…

The BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, saw leaders issue a comprehensive declaration on crucial matters, including UN reform and global strife.There were a total of 134 provisions listed; one focused on transforming the United Nations."We reiterate our endorsement of a full-scale overhaul of the UN, especially its Security Council, aiming to enhance democracy, representation, efficacy, and efficiency," the document declared. This move seeks to amplify the presence of developing nations to more effectively tackle global…

The Somali Football Federation (SFF) finds itself in simmering hot water with a string of notable resignations from its cadre of international referees. This uproar is fueled by whispers of meddling, regional favoritism, corruption, and shortcomings in management, painting a turbulent picture. Leading the departures is the well-known referee, Mohamed Nur Muhudin. After many years of service, he handed in his resignation, slamming the SFF for its interference in referee autonomy, especially during big-time regional matches.…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Wednesday night, the Somali Council of Ministers gave the green light to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for defense collaboration with Tanzania.Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre chaired the gathering, emphasizing the significance of this accord even though the nitty-gritty wasn't revealed. In recent times, Somalia has inked comparable deals with nations like Egypt, Turkey, and Azerbaijan to boost defense ties with regional and international allies.This fresh defense alliance surfaces amid rocky…

Chatfest Between Putin and Ethiopian Leader Abiy Ahmed Rocks the BRICS Bash KAZAN, Russia — In the bustling metropolis of Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed huddled during the BRICS shindig, diving into ways to solidify their alliance and dig up new collaborative ventures within the ever-growing BRICS family. Spanning from October 22 to 24, this pow-wow was one of the headline events at this year’s summit, featuring movers and shakers from 36 nations. Russia has pulled out all…

In a stunning UEFA Champions League showdown, players from FC Barcelona rejoiced after defeating Bayern Munich 4-1 on October 23, 2024, in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua) FC Barcelona’s dynamic striker, Raphinha, dazzled the crowd with a hat-trick that secured the home team a crucial victory against Bayern Munich. Earlier this week, Raphinha expressed feeling 'disrespected' due to altered images of Nico Williams donning his jersey during the summer. The Brazilian maestro proved why letting…

Kenya and Somalia: Building Bridges on Security and Cooperation In a recent pow-wow at Nairobi's State House, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Kenyan President William Ruto rolled up their sleeves to hash out a seamless handover for regional security. This pivotal transfer, set to launch in January 2025, will see the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) morph into the newly minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Monday saw President Mohamud touchdown…

Controversy Surrounds Appointment of Somalia's U.S. Ambassador MOGADISHU, Somalia – The mid-2024 designation of Dahir Hassan Arab as Somalia's envoy to America has stirred the pot, with whispers of favoritism and questionable conduct in the mix. Arab, who previously led SIMAD University, landed this gig courtesy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, despite lacking credentials in diplomacy or foreign management. He's got a Master’s in Education Management from the Islamic University in Uganda. Alongside him, Mohamed Muse,…