Somalia

Jowhar (AX) — On a significant Sunday morning, the National Independent Electoral Commission of Somalia took an important step forward: the voter registration process launched in Jowhar, the interim capital of Hirshabelle State. This initiative is integral to Somalia's long-awaited transition towards a "one-person-one-vote" electoral system. It's a moment that symbolizes hope, change, and a stronger commitment to democracy for the Somali people. The atmosphere in the city was palpable with excitement and anticipation.…

Strengthening Ties: Somalia and Türkiye Sign MoU Ankara (AX)—In an important development signaling deeper ties between Somalia and Türkiye, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed recently to enhance cooperation in the realms of public auditing, transparency, and financial oversight. This initiative is part of Somalia’s ongoing commitment to institutional reform, aiming to fortify governance and accountability within its public financial systems. The momentous agreement was formalized in Ankara last Thursday, with…

In a significant display of diplomatic camaraderie, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, to Ankara last Friday. This meeting, held behind closed doors at the opulent Presidential Complex, served as a reaffirmation of the bilateral relationship between Türkiye and Somalia, with a keen focus on counterterrorism and cooperative regional efforts. The discussions marked a pivotal moment in both nations' agendas—one that intertwines security aspirations with…

Las Anod (AX) — This Sunday, an important chapter in the political landscape of the Sool region will unfold. A high-level conference dedicated to the finalization of the newly recognized SSC-Khaatumo regional state is set to commence in Las Anod, the heart of this nascent region. After extensive preparations, the atmosphere is charged with both anticipation and a hint of tension. The significance of this gathering cannot be understated; it represents not merely another meeting, but a pivotal moment aimed at laying the…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a promising development for Somalia’s economic landscape, the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy finalized a strategic partnership on Monday with Türkiye’s OYAK Group. This agreement marks a significant step toward fostering the growth of the nation’s fisheries sector while aiming to propel the ambitious agenda of Somalia's blue economy to new heights. The signing ceremony took place in the heart of Mogadishu, where Minister of Fisheries Ahmed Hassan Aden and representatives from Türkiye’s OYAK…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a noteworthy display of camaraderie and military solidarity, Maj. Gen. Odowaa Yusuf Rageh, the Commander of the Somali National Army (SNA), visited Ugandan troops deployed under the African Union Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) in the Lower Shabelle region last Friday. This visit carried with it a significant message of appreciation for the pivotal role of these troops in recent military victories—specifically, the liberation of Sabiid and Anole towns from the clutches of Al-Shabaab militants.…

Somalia's Foreign Policy: Navigating New Diplomatic Terrain In the intricate world of international relations, it’s rare for states to engage in discussions centered on a singular issue. The reality of diplomacy lies in its complexity, as countries navigate multiple layers of political, economic, security, and cultural negotiations simultaneously. This multifaceted landscape makes the management of international crises a challenging task. In this realm, decision-making is seldom straightforward; states are often caught in…

North Western State of Somalia Accuses Somalia of Undermining Peaceful Dialogue Hargeisa (AX) — On Thursday, the North Western State of Somalia government voiced serious concerns regarding actions taken by the Federal Government of Somalia, claiming these actions have violated fundamental principles that have shaped decades of dialogue between Hargeisa and Mogadishu. The issue at hand centers around interference in the contentious regions of Sool and Sanaag. In an emphatic statement, North Western State of Somalia’s…

Nuclear Tensions: Insights from Recent Strikes on Isfahan On June 22, the world watched closely as US aircraft and missiles targeted three critical Iranian nuclear facilities, including Isfahan. This operation, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” resonates through the halls of global diplomacy, raising questions about nuclear proliferation and international security. According to a senior Israeli official, the implications of these strikes extend beyond immediate destruction. The official expressed concerns that Iran…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a notable development in East African geopolitics, Egypt and Eritrea have pledged to enhance their political and security cooperation. This commitment emerged from a high-level dialogue between their foreign ministers, which took place shortly after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. On Thursday, the phone call between Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Eritrea’s Foreign Minister Osman Saleh solidified the assurance of their…