Somalia

Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye's Energy Minister, shared his thoughts on the nation’s significant oil and gas exploration ventures in Somalia. He labeled the efforts as transformative and hinted that global corporations might want to jump on board with these ventures moving forward. Recently, the Turkish research vessel, Oruç Reis, made its way to Somalia. It's geared up to conduct in-depth seismic explorations to uncover potential reserves of oil and natural gas. During the vessel's reception at the bustling Port of…

What's Next for AU Mission in Somalia? MOGADISHU, Somalia - The destiny of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) hangs like a storm cloud, largely due to anxieties over transferring power, Ethiopia-related friction, and a lack of financial support from donors who've backed this initiative for quite a spell. Monetary shortfalls persist, leading to an unfortunate predicament where soldiers haven't seen paychecks in many moons. Meanwhile, Ethiopia's alleged territorial ambitions stir the pot, causing…

In Mogadishu (AX), the Somali federal government's ambition to transition from a clan-based election process to a universal suffrage by 2026 has stirred the political pot, all while the nation faces a pesky al-Shabaab resurgence. On October 2, during a National Consultative Council (NCC) powwow, Somali bigwigs mapped out a reform strategy, eyeing extended terms for state presidents. This plan, however, pulled back the curtain on deep-seated rifts among regional honchos, as tensions simmer amid rising insurgency woes.…

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) — Al-Shabaab militants have amplified their campaign of lethal strikes, expanding the theater of violence beyond the capital. Monday marked the grim deaths of a businessman in Afgoye and a policeman in Jowhar. In the town of Afgoye, about 30 kilometers from Mogadishu, a local entrepreneur met a tragic fate at the hands of alleged Al-Shabaab operatives come nightfall. Their reason remains a puzzle. Pressing north to Jowhar, roughly 90 kilometers away, a police officer fell victim soon after he…

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) — Al-Shabaab has ramped up its deadly vendetta against Mogadishu's commercial folks, adding three more to the body count in Daaru Salam on Monday. Folks nearby said attackers barged into a shop by Ahmed Gurey School, pulling the trigger on three storekeepers before making a speedy getaway. “Armed with pistols, they gunned down the merchants in their own shop,” a local shared, painting a grim picture of the assault. The Somali police have yet to toss in their two cents on the situation.…

Mogadishu (AX) — During a lively event in Mogadishu, Somalia's federal government rolled out a new map that has ruffled some feathers, especially in the territories of Northeastern State and Hirshabelle. The focus of the gathering was to welcome a Turkish oil exploration vessel, but the map showcasing various areas as "disputed" areas quickly took center stage. Leaders from Northeastern State and Hirshabelle took issue, arguing it undermines the self-governance and clearly established borders of their lands. Northeastern…

Hormuud Salaam Foundation Joins Forces with SomaliREN and Tabaarak ICT to Boost Tech Skills for Somali Youth MOGADISHU, Somalia - On October 27, 2024, at Mogadishu’s Jazeera Hotel, Hormuud Salaam Foundation teamed up with SomaliREN and Tabaarak ICT Solutions to kick off the "Bile Initiative." This program focuses on final-year Computer Science scholars, giving them specialized training, guidance, and job prospects. With an ambition to bolster 150 students, this initiative dives deep into intensive courses…

Hassan recounted discovering the boy’s mother near the front pond, where Mohamed often ran. "She kept insisting her son was in the pond, and I tried to comfort her by saying, 'Let's stay hopeful; maybe he just wandered off, and someone will spot him,'" Hassan remembered vividly. By half-past nine in the evening, authorities notified the family they had found something in the water. Confirmation of Mohamed’s recovery came at around 10 p.m. This heartbreaking event echoes another sorrowful incident from June, when 4-year-old…

Clash Over Voting Reforms Intensifies in Somalia Against Evolving Al-Shabaab Danger MOGADISHU, Somalia — With al-Shabaab continuing its menacing activities, the conversation around voting reforms in Somalia is turning into quite the wildfire. The heart of the matter? Whether the country should stick to indirect elections or make a bold shift to letting every citizen cast their vote in the 2026 elections. The political bigwigs gathered again at the presidential palace, their heads bent over talks on national security and…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant move towards bolstering Somalia's defense potential, Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur shook hands on a financial defense pact with Turkey's Defense Minister, Yaşar Güler.The ceremonious event held in Turkey on Monday saw representatives from both Mogadishu and Ankara converge, underscoring the agreement's potential to both enhance Somalia’s defense infrastructure and elevate the two nations’ partnership.According to reports from Somali state-owned outlets, this fresh accord…