Somalia

Emerging Political Council Seeks Change in Northeastern State Mogadishu (AX) — The landscape of Northeastern State's politics is shifting as a new coalition of opposition politicians steps forward to challenge the administration of President Said Abdullahi Deni. This group, calling itself the Council for Justice and Democracy in Northeastern State, has emerged as a response to what many see as a troubling trend: increasing authoritarianism and a noted decline in democratic practices within this semi-autonomous…

TOKYO (AP) — The tranquil beauty of Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost island, has long been shadowed by the echoes of its wartime past. Recently, this historical tapestry was disrupted by an alarming incident at a U.S. military base, where an explosion at a storage site dedicated to unexploded ordnance injured four Japanese soldiers. Thankfully, the injuries are reported to be non-life-threatening, providing a small sigh of relief amidst the chaos. Nevertheless, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the lingering shadows…

The Horn of Africa: Balancing Between Breakdown and Opportunity The recent testimonies before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations by Joshua Meservey of the Hudson Institute and Michelle Gavin of the Council on Foreign Relations have illuminated a pressing dilemma for Washington: the Horn of Africa stands on a knife's edge, caught between potential collapse and newfound opportunities. While both testimonies suggest a pivot away from the pursuit of a unified Somalia, advocating instead for partnerships with…

The landscape of international travel is complex, particularly when it intersects with national security policies. As we navigate the intricacies of recent travel bans affecting several nations, it's crucial to recognize that the door isn't entirely closed for everyone from these restricted countries wishing to enter the United States. Indeed, specific exceptions exist, crafted with great care, reflecting the balance between security and humanitarian needs. These exemptions often arise from a rich tapestry of…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Monday, the Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition comprised of influential opposition leaders, conveyed its doubts about the upcoming political meetings slated for June 15 and 22. They expressed concern that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud may be pursuing a unilateral agenda regarding crucial decisions on elections and national security. This skepticism highlights a profound and ongoing tension in Somalia’s political landscape, raising critical questions about the future of democracy in the nation. In a…

Somali Opposition Boycotts Talks With President, Citing Exclusion of Key Stakeholders MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a bold move that marked a significant moment in Somali politics, opposition leaders have expressed their dissatisfaction in no uncertain terms. On a sunny Sunday, they officially declared their decision to boycott the national talks initiated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, scheduled for June 15 to 22. Their frustration stems from what they view…

Ethiopia’s Path to the Sea: A Determined and Peaceful Pursuit ADDIS ABABA, June 9, 2025 – In a determined move to reshape its geographical constraints, Ethiopia is set to rigorously pursue sea access through legal and diplomatic avenues, as articulated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a televised interview on Monday. During an insightful discussion with the state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed a pivotal…

A Dark Morning in Hargeisa: A Family's Nightmare Hargeisa (AX) — This past Sunday morning, tragedy struck the Fallujah neighborhood in Hargeisa, North Western State of Somalia, when a soldier turned against his own family in an inexplicable act of violence. Reports from local media and family members paint a heart-wrenching picture of a morning that began like any other but quickly descended into chaos and sorrow. According to a family member who spoke with Bulsho TV, the incident unfolded around 8 a.m. “My…

Somalia: Militia Leader Challenges Government's Claims in Al-Shabaab Operations HIIRAAN, Somalia – The leader of the Macawiisley militia, Ali Jayte Osman, is raising serious questions about recent announcements from the federal government concerning military action against Al-Shabaab in Somalia's Hiiraan region. Are the narratives being told by the authorities fully aligned with what's happening on the ground? Osman, who once served as the…

Garowe (AX) – In a significant and heartening development, 26 Yemeni fishermen have been released by authorities in Somalia’s Northeastern State region after being detained for allegedly fishing unlawfully in its territorial waters. This release comes as a result of a formal pardon graciously extended by the Northeastern State government, a gesture underscoring the deep-seated ties between the peoples of Somalia and Yemen. Announced late Wednesday by Yemen’s Foreign Ministry Office in Hadhramaut, the pardon not only…