Somalia

Port Sudan Under Siege: The Complexity of Conflict in Sudan It was early Tuesday morning when the tranquility of Port Sudan shattered. Drones, operated by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), blitzed critical sites of this Red Sea city. The airport, main port, and a prominent hotel bore the brunt of this assault, as confirmed by military officials. This was not an isolated event; rather, it marked the second such airborne attack within a week on this once-peaceful city, now serving as a refuge for those…

Doctors Without Borders, famously known as MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières), sounded a dire warning on Thursday regarding a significant surge in attacks targeting medical facilities throughout South Sudan. The escalating violence has caused mass displacement, with fragile health centers struggling to cope. How did it come to this? Amidst years of political turmoil and unrest, fresh tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar have reignited fighting across various regions. While much international…

U.S. Stands Firm Against Somalia’s National Consultative Council Conclusions Mogadishu, Somalia – The air was tense as the United States declared its opposition to the outcomes of the recently concluded National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting held in the heart of Mogadishu. Although the city brims with life and the energy of its people, the meeting was overshadowed by criticism, primarily due to its lack of inclusivity—a term often brandished, yet critical when it comes to governance. The absence of key stakeholders…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant announcement that echoes the aspirations of many Somali citizens, Chairman Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan of the National Electoral Commission revealed on Thursday an extension of the voter registration period for local council elections in the Banadir region. This decision, made after thoughtful consideration, responds to the urgent need for greater public participation in the electoral process. During a press conference held at the commission's headquarters in Mogadishu, Abdikarin articulated…

In a significant turning point for Somalia's democracy, voter registration has officially commenced in the capital city, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s long-standing journey towards direct elections. This initiative, coupled with the establishment of electoral frameworks and legislation, is more than just procedural; it symbolizes an essential shift away from decades of clan-based voting systems. Historically, lawmakers were not elected directly by the people but rather selected through indirect consensus,…

A New Diplomatic Chapter: Somalia's Engagement with Iraq MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) – In a significant diplomatic maneuver, Somalia is poised to dispatch a high-level delegation to Iraq. This move, however, is shrouded in controversy, as whispers of a clandestine security agreement echo through the halls of intelligence circles. Could this signal an expansion of Iran's IRGC into the heart of East Africa? The Somali delegation is set to touch down in Baghdad under the pretext of the 34th Arab League Summit. It's a stage…

Intrigue and Exploitation: A Tale of Corruption in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) - The intricate dance of corruption and exploitation in Somalia has taken a deeply troubling turn. A sinister network of officials and seemingly legitimate travel agencies in Mogadishu are maneuvering within international labor forums to clandestinely traffic individuals into Europe. Central to their deceit are falsified government roles and illicitly obtained diplomatic passports. This brazen scheme operates within the…

Somalia: A Midterm Reflection on Leadership and Challenges MOGADISHU – Three years have passed since May 15, 2022, a date that heralded the return of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. It seemed like a fresh chapter for Somalia's political landscape, with his return stirring cautious optimism. Many saw him as the elder statesman capable of steering a nation in dire need of unity and healing. Today, as his administration reaches its midpoint, those initial hopes face significant trials. Internal rifts, diplomatic mishaps, rampant…

Secret Dialogues in Somalia: Seeking Peace Amidst Conflict In the heart of Somalia's political dynamics, undisclosed dialogues have stirred since early May. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and significant Al-Shabaab figures have been engaged in covert discussions, as revealed by several insiders. These talks, intriguingly, are facilitated by influential Hawiye businessmen who connect both the government and the militant faction. "It's a delicate dance," commented a seasoned Mogadishu businessman, who, like others…

Reflecting on Human Rights, Migration, and the Climate Crisis MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) is thrilled to celebrate the successful completion of the 2025 Symposium, expertly organized by the Medico International Foundation. It was an honor for us to engage in this captivating event held in Frankfurt, Germany, on the 8th and 9th of May, 2025. At the heart of this symposium was an evocative theme: "About the Disappearance of a World." This gathering served as a call to action, inviting aid…