Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — On Monday, a disconcerting incident unfolded as several mortar shells were launched toward the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp in Mogadishu. This base is not merely a structure; it serves as a critical hub for United Nations operations, African Union personnel, and various Western diplomatic missions. Such attacks remind us of the fragility of peace in contested regions and the constant threats faced by those serving in the line of duty. Eyewitness accounts suggest that some of the mortars landed within…

Russia Extends Invitation to Somali President for Upcoming Summit Mogadishu (AX) — In an important diplomatic gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially invited Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to participate in the forthcoming Russia–Arab League Summit. Scheduled to take place later this year, this summit presents a significant opportunity for Somalia to enhance its connections on an international scale. The invitation was formally conveyed on a recent Sunday by Mikhail L. Bogdanov, who…

Conflict Escalates: Al-Shabab Pushes for Control in Southern Somalia In a stark reminder of the ongoing turmoil that has gripped Somalia for over 16 years, recent clashes have erupted between Al-Shabab fighters and Somali military forces. As reported by government officials and military spokespersons, the focal point of this struggle is a strategic army base located in the town of Wargaadhi, nestled within the Middle Shabelle region. This battle is about more than mere territory; it’s about control over critical…

Somalia's Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism The shadow of terrorism looms large over Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa. It’s a stark reminder that even in the face of progress, we must remain vigilant. “The threat of terrorism remains real and immediate in Somalia and across the Horn of Africa. We risk losing the hard-earned gains we fought so hard to achieve,” warns Oboth, encapsulating the anxiety that many share. But what exactly does this mean for the everyday lives of ordinary Somalis? This question is not just…

African Union peacekeepers from Uganda stand vigilant, ensuring the safety of Somali lawmakers as they approach the Halane military camp in Mogadishu to cast their crucial votes in the presidential election on May 15, 2022. This moment encapsulates the shared hope for stability and progress in a nation long plagued by conflict. (AP file photo) NAIROBI: The unfolding narrative of the African peacekeeping mission in Somalia reveals an urgent need for reinforcements. A statement from military heads of troop-contributing…

The African Union (AU) remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering peace and stability in Somalia, even as it grapples with significant financial hurdles impacting its peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa. This dedication is not merely a bureaucratic obligation; it's a pressing moral imperative driven by the multi-layered struggles of the Somali people. Can we truly imagine a future where these challenges are met with unwavering resolve? At the forefront of this initiative is the Chairperson of the African Union…

In an intriguing development in the realm of international trade, the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has cast a spotlight on a significant economic challenge unfolding between India and Pakistan. According to PBF officials, India is poised to face trade losses totaling an estimated $1.14 billion. The root of this financial setback lies in Pakistan’s decision to restrict the use of its territory for Indian trade activities. According to data shared by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Indian trade…

The Dangerous Dynamics of India-Pakistan Relations Following Recent Attacks An Indian paramilitary soldier stands vigilant on the banks of the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar, India, as tensions simmer beneath the surface. This scene captured by Yawar Nazir is emblematic of the complex geopolitical landscape that follows a tragic occurrence. Last week, the region was rocked by a horrific terrorist attack, which once again thrust Kashmir into the international spotlight. In the aftermath of this shocking event, Indian…

Somalia PM Reshuffles Cabinet Amid Surging Al-Shabaab Attacks MOGADISHU, Somalia — On a dynamic Sunday morning, the corridors of Mogadishu echoed with the news of a significant political shake-up. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, with a strategic eye on the future, announced a substantial cabinet reshuffle. This decision was more than just a political maneuver. With less than a year before the federal government's term concludes, this reshuffle comes at a pivotal moment as the nation grapples with a surge in…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant step towards democratic renewal, Somalia's Independent National Electoral Commission has initiated a new voter registration campaign across six additional districts in Mogadishu. This launch, which occurred on Saturday, marks a pivotal moment in preparations for the country’s first local council elections based on a one-person, one-vote system in nearly fifty years. The districts now included in this registration effort—Hodan, Howlwadaag, Kaaraan, Yaaqshiid, Warta Nabadda, and…