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Mogadishu (AX) — In a diplomatic gesture ripe with strategic implications, Somalia has opened the door wide for the United States, offering access to its key maritime gateways: Mogadishu, Kismayo, and Berbera. This move is not just about strengthening defense ties; it's a nuanced chess game aimed at discouraging Washington from acknowledging North Western State of Somalia's standalone sovereignty claims. Ali Mohamed Omar, Somalia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, candidly shared with TRT…

Starlink's Expansion: Somalia Joins the Network In a noteworthy stride toward digital connectivity, Somalia has become the most recent African country to welcome Starlink into its technological fold. This development follows similar introductions to West African nations like Liberia and Niger earlier this year. Starlink's unique offering utilizes low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to deliver high-speed internet, ensuring seamless, low-latency connections even in areas traditionally burdened by limited…

Imagine a world where every corner of the globe is connected to the Internet. A reality not too distant, especially with initiatives like Elon Musk's Starlink. In recent times, Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, has been reaching out to Africa, spreading its ambitious network across the continent. A significant stride was the landmark approval in Niger, granted by the military regime, offering them a futuristic five-year operational window. Starlink's saga in Africa has been nothing short of…

In the Heart of the Horn of Africa, discussions on Ethiopia's pursuit for sea access have surged to the forefront. It's a matter deeply intertwined with history, strategy, and the sometimes unpredictable nature of regional geopolitics. But why such urgency, and at what potential cost to an already fragile region? The Horn of Africa, familiarly scarred by strife and instability, stands at a critical junction. The potential stirrings of renewed conflict hold vast implications not just locally, but globally as well. The world…

Somalia Embarks on Historic National Identification Journey "For more than 34 years, Somali citizens have lived without formal identification. This initiative will change that and contribute significantly to stabilizing and securing the country." These words from Prime Minister Barre echo not merely as a declaration but almost as a promise of transformation for a nation longing for stability and progress. Imagine living without any formal document that verifies who you are. For over three decades, this has been…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a confidential letter uncovered recently, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an audacious offer to the then U.S. President Donald Trump. The proposal, which is nothing short of groundbreaking, seeks to grant exclusive operational control to the U.S. over crucial military airbases and key ports in Somalia. But is it a move towards strengthening bilateral ties, or does it open Pandora's box of internal strife? This letter, penned on March 16, 2025, outlines an invitation for the U.S.…

Bosaso port. Siphon/ CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons. In a world where strategic alliances can pivot the fate of nations, Somalia finds itself at a crossroads. The Somali government recently made a bold move, offering the United States "exclusive operational control" over critical ports on the Gulf of Aden. The intention? To prevent the Washington establishment from recognizing secessionist regions within Somalia's borders. This promise is particularly contentious because, paradoxically, the Somali government…

In a significant escalation, Russia conducted a drone attack on the Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv overnight, a key access point to the Black Sea, while also targeting Kryvyi Rih. Ukrainian officials have described this as the most substantial drone attack on Kryvyi Rih to date. On a diplomatic front, the United States announced separate agreements yesterday with both Ukraine and Russia that aim to halt attacks over the Black Sea and against energy targets. However, the specifics of when and how these agreements will take…

Ethiopia's Path to Peace: Averting Conflict with Eritrea ADDIS ABABA – A New Chapter in Diplomacy Ethiopia, a nation rich in history and resilience, braces once again as old tensions rear their head with a familiar neighbor, Eritrea. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a figure of both hope and controversy, stepped forward on Thursday with a message of peace. "Ethiopia does not have any intention of engaging in conflict with Eritrea for the purpose of gaining access to the sea," declared Ahmed, as emphasized in a statement by his…

In the contemporary world, where the echoes of historical tensions often resonate all too loudly, nations are left with the critical task of choosing diplomacy over conflict. An instance of such a decision is observed in the resolve of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, who has vocally affirmed his nation’s commitment to peace with its beleaguered neighbor, Eritrea, despite rumblings that might suggest otherwise. Speaking on a matter close to the heart of Ethiopia’s national aspirations—access to the…