Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — Marking its initiation into hosting major defense discussions, Ethiopia is holding its inaugural African Defense Ministers' Conference in Addis Ababa, a crucial gathering during a tumultuous period for the continent. Kicking off on Tuesday, the event unfolds at the historic Adwa Victory Memorial Museum under the theme "Africa: United in Peace, Strong in Security." Orchestrated by Ethiopia's Ministry of Defense, the conference draws military heads from the length and breadth of Africa to deliberate on…

In Golweyn, a town deep in the Somali heartland, Omar Hassan Warsame was known for his generosity and leadership. His vast farm provided not only a bounty of corn and bananas but also a lifeline for locals, offering jobs and sheltering the community from the harsh seasons. At 65, Omar and his team, up to a dozen strong, busied themselves with tending to their fields. Located in the Lower Shebelle region, about 110 kilometers from Mogadishu, his farm often stood as a beacon of stability against the regular droughts that…

In a match showcasing classic Messi brilliance, Argentina decimated Bolivia in their quest for World Cup qualification, courtesy of Messi's masterclass, netting a trio of goals and dishing out a pair of assists on a Tuesday night football fiesta.The Monumental de Nuñez Stadium buzzed with electric energy, watching Argentina crush Bolivia 6-0 while Messi basked in the passion of the home supporters. "You could feel the love pouring from the fans here," Messi said post-match, embracing the palpable connection with the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AXADLE) - In Mogadishu's bustling Hodan district on a sunny Wednesday, tragedy struck as two young entrepreneurs lost their lives and two more were harmed, adding to a troubling pattern of brutish assaults carried out by Al-Shabaab on businesses in the Somali capital. As daylight played witness to yet another attack, this grim event marks the eighth in two mere weeks, spotlighting Al-Shabaab’s increasing menace against steadfast shopkeepers who defy their diktat against surveillance systems. Authorities…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a significant move, the United Kingdom has committed an extra £7.5 million to back the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), wrapping up its duties by December 2024, aiming to curb the al-Shabaab threat in the Horn of Africa. This donation, totaling almost $10 million, lifts the UK's total funding for ATMIS and its forerunner, AMISOM, to £77 million since 2021. The European Union and the United States, through the United Nations, primarily finance this mission. The funds are…

Dhusamareb (AX) — Tragedy struck a family as a father and his four-year-old son met a brutal end on Wednesday, allegedly due to a clan feud, near Dhusamareb, the capital city of Galmudug. The backdrop of this incident is a region fraught with escalating tribal tensions.The father, Ali Abdi Shire, and his little son, whose name was not disclosed, faced their untimely deaths in Beerhadle, a village roughly 40 kilometers east of Dhusamareb. Bystanders narrate how the attackers vanished swiftly post-attack. This atrocity…

Italy Justifies Visa Suspension in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Italy has staunchly defended its recent decision to cease issuing visas in Somalia, attributing the hold-up to 'administrative issues' that are currently being sorted out by officials in an effort to bring stability back to the process. Pier Mario Dacco Coppi, Italy's ambassador to Somalia, dismissed rumors that the visa halt was linked to the shifting political scene in Somalia—a country building new alliances amid sovereignty concerns related to Ethiopia.…

Mogadishu (AX) — Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, and a posse of Egyptian business folks are gearing up for a jaunt to Somalia soon. Their mission? To suss out promising chances for investment. Mahmoud Abdirahman Farah Benebene, the big cheese over at Somalia’s Ministry of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, mentioned the crew’s visit is a springboard for yakking about and kicking off big infrastructure ventures. They’re especially keen on eyeing the nation’s ports for investments. Minister…

Emerging from its origins in the 1960s, Islamic finance has grabbed attention worldwide with its steadfast ethical guidelines. This unconventional financial system has resonated widely, even in the United States, bolstered by supportive conditions and political endorsement. Known for its financial wizardry and economic might, America has witnessed Islamic finance gain traction, drawing interest from both Muslim and non-Muslim circles alike. "Sukuk," often dubbed as Islamic bonds, stand out for their potential utility by…

Somalia's Leader Responds to Critics in Face of Governance and Security Struggles MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has addressed his detractors at a time when the nation is grappling with external threats. He found himself in the hot seat, emphasizing that defending the reputation of the Horn of Africa is a collective duty. Clearly, Hassan Sheikh is battling external tensions with Ethiopia, while struggling to build bridges within the federal member states. Meanwhile, the…