access

Hargeisa (AX) – As shadows deepened over the Gobonimo Market on a seemingly unassuming Sunday night, an unexpected inferno erupted, casting a crimson glare against the sky. The furious blaze, now quelled through tireless efforts, has etched scars of both devastation and financial despair that may take time to heal. In the wake of the conflagration, former Hargeisa Mayor Abdirahman Soltelco extended heartfelt gratitude to the heroes of the hour. "I extend my deepest thanks to the fire brigade, police force, and military…

North Western State of Somalia Mulls Over Ethiopia Sea Deal Amid Quest for Acknowledgement HARGEISA, Somalia - The self-declared state of North Western State of Somalia, nestled in northern Somalia, is reconsidering a deal with Ethiopia struck last year. This accord, initially forged to trade sea access for formal recognition, is undergoing scrutiny as regional leaders call for a fresh examination. Abdirahman Dahir Adan, the newly minted Foreign Affairs minister of North Western State of Somalia, revealed that Abdirahman…

World Toilet Day serves as a critical reminder of the pressing need for clean and safe toilets, particularly within Africa. The United Nations highlights a concerning reality— progress is lagging significantly behind in the race to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of providing "safe toilets for all by 2030." Currently, around 3.5 billion individuals across the globe are without access to basic sanitation. In various African nations such as Nigeria, Ethiopia, Niger, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and…

Recently, when European Union officials visited Washington, they were met with an eye-opening presentation from Jerome Powell, the Chair of the US Federal Reserve. He showcased a striking chart that compared American productivity over four decades against that of the European Union. This graph illustrated that the United States has enjoyed a solid increase in productivity at 2%, while the European Union lagged behind with just 1% growth. As Mr. Powell shared with a Senate committee, "The striking disparity in income and…

Humanitarian access in Gaza has sunk to alarming lows. According to a United Nations official, getting essential supplies to residents in parts of the north—the area under siege—is nearly impossible. This stark reality stands in contrast to recent claims from the United States, which suggested that Israel is not hindering humanitarian aid to Gaza. This assertion seems to sidestep the complexities of U.S. military support for Israel amidst the ongoing crisis. Israel maintains that it is actively working to address the…

Qatar Charity (QC) has successfully drilled two artesian wells in the bustling villages of Kalyak and Oshoti, nestled in the Warshiekh region of central Somalia. This significant development stands to benefit nearly 10,000 local residents who have grappled with immense challenges in accessing clean water. Prior to the inauguration of these wells, the community in Kalyak trudged 10 kilometers to gather water, while Oshoti's residents journeyed 7 kilometers. These arduous treks not only disrupted daily routines but also…

FILE - On January 1, 2024, North Western State of Somalia's President Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came together in Addis Ababa to ink a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) granting Ethiopia access to a North Western State of Somalia port. As tensions swirl around the maritime dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asserted on Thursday that his nation is pursuing access to the Red Sea "through peaceful avenues.” During a parliamentary session where lawmakers pressed him for…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently voiced stern disapproval of Ethiopia’s actions, accusing it of double-dealing by hosting the African Union (AU) quarters while allegedly flouting its tenets in its engagements with North Western State of Somalia. As he stood before Somalia’s parliament on Saturday, Mohamud spotlighted a hotly debated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) penned by Ethiopia with North Western State of Somalia, a matter that’s been whipping up quite the storm far and wide.…

Ethiopia Expresses No Desire for War, Pursues Peaceful Maritime Access ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - In a bid to ease growing tensions, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the country's disinclination towards any military engagement with Somalia. This statement comes amid friction over a recent deal with North Western State of Somalia, a self-proclaimed independent region, as he explained to the parliament. Back in January, Ethiopia, eager for sea access due to its landlocked status, made significant strides by signing…

HARGEISA, Somalia - The president of North Western State of Somalia, Muse Bihi Abdi, commented to the BBC Somali Service that the MoU signed in January 2024 with Ethiopia, allowing them access to the Red Sea for 20 kilometers, is still valid. He mentioned there’s been significant international pressure casting shadows over this decision. Continuing with his stance, Bihi remarked, “We've not budged an inch; it’s business as usual.” Leading North Western State of Somalia, a self-proclaimed independent state, he added, “Folks…