Somalia

The Community's Stand: A New Chapter in Aadan Yabaal In a powerful display of unity, reinforcements from various regions of Hiiraan—encompassing Moqokori, Mahaas, Jalalaqsi, and Buuloburde—are rallying in a concerted effort. Community militias have prepared to initiate what local leaders are calling a “final push” to reclaim the district of Aadan Yabaal. This isn’t merely a tactical maneuver; it represents a profound desire to liberate a community that has lived in the shadows of fear for far too long. “Our…

Striking Out Snakebite: A Call to Action at the World Health Assembly In the heart of Geneva, amidst the bustling gatherings of the World Health Assembly, an unconventional message emerges—venomous snake art installations greet the international community. This creative display comes with a serious undertone: snakebite envenoming must no longer remain in the shadows of global health discourse. Each year, snakebites account for the deaths of approximately 138,000 people, with another 400,000 suffering permanent injuries.…

Climate Crisis and Humanitarian Challenges in Somalia “Families are being battered on every front — flood, hunger, and neglect,” observed Etienne Peterschmitt, Somalia's representative for the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This stark reality illustrates the multi-faceted struggles faced by households in Somalia today. With the remnants of what little they possessed receding like the floodwaters, a growing concern emerges: the international lifeline that has traditionally provided support to these communities…

Empowering Women Farmers: A New Initiative in Somalia On May 8, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in Mogadishu. Janine Cocker, the Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Canada to Somalia, and Etienne Peterschmitt, the FAO Representative in Somalia, shook hands, symbolizing their commitment to a brighter future for women's empowerment and climate resilience in agriculture. This partnership heralds a new chapter for Somalia’s agricultural landscape, driven by the initiative aptly named “Scaling Up Gender-Inclusive…

Bridging Borders: A Call to Action from Ethiopia’s Somali State President NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — In a heartfelt and compelling appeal, Mustafa Mohammed Omar 'Cagjar', the President of Ethiopia’s Somali State, has invited Somalis living abroad to return and reinvest in their homeland. Speaking to a throng of diaspora members in Nairobi, he made a passionate case for not just relocation, but active participation in the region’s renaissance, particularly targeting professionals and entrepreneurs based in Kenya. “Our region…

Political Tensions in Somalia: A Closer Look In the complex landscape of Somali politics, recent events have sparked intense debates and stirred emotions among citizens and leaders alike. Comments from Barre appear to be a direct response to a swell of coordinated criticism emerging from diverse quarters of Somalia’s political sphere. In the past few days, a coalition of 103 members of parliament and sixteen former leaders—including ex-presidents and prime ministers—have collectively accused President Hassan Sheikh…

Urgent Call for Support in the Fight Against Al-Shabaab Mogadishu (AX) – In a passionate plea that echoes the sentiments of many, Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, the leader of the Wadajir Party and a Member of Parliament, has called upon the Federal Government of Somalia to urgently provide military assistance to local fighters engaged in the valiant battle against the Al-Shabaab militant group in the Hiiraan region. This is not just a request; it is a call to arms for the very essence of community resilience. As the…

Egypt Condemns Devastating Attack in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) – In a profound expression of empathy and solidarity, Egypt has condemned the tragic suicide bombing that occurred at the Damanyo military base in Mogadishu on Sunday. This heinous act took the lives of at least 20 individuals and left 15 others with grievous injuries. Such events raise difficult questions: How can communities come together in the face of such violence? What steps must be taken to foster resilience and healing? The Egyptian Foreign Ministry…

Djibouti Faces Humanitarian Challenges Amid Crackdown on Migrants In a move that has sparked widespread international concern, the Djiboutian government has launched a significant crackdown on undocumented migrants and refugees. This initiative has led to the arrest and deportation of individuals from Yemen, Somalia, and Ethiopia, all accused of violating residency and work permit regulations. As these policies unfold, questions arise: What does this mean for those caught in the crosshairs of enforcement? And what…

Kenyan Presidential Candidate Expelled from Tanzania Martha Karua, a determined advocate for democracy and formidable lawyer, recently found herself unexpectedly expelled from Tanzania. Her journey there was intended to shed light on the trial of Tundu Lissu, a notable opposition leader facing grave treason charges. But the unfolding of events took a different, rather unanticipated turn. Karua, once Kenya’s justice minister, has consistently spoken against the "democratic backsliding" in East Africa. Her recent…