defense

Ugandan Deputy Defence Chief in Mogadishu: Navigating AUSSOM's Financial Hurdles MOGADISHU, May 17 – In a marked display of camaraderie and duty, Sam Okiding, the Ugandan Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, touched down in Mogadishu last Saturday. His arrival, marked by an earnest reception by senior officials from both the Somali Army and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), holds significance that goes beyond mere diplomatic courtesies. But why now? The timing of Okiding's visit is…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an exciting development that highlights the evolving landscape of international military collaboration, nearly 100 delegates from over 40 African nations, including esteemed officers from Somalia, are embarking on a remarkable 10-day military exchange program in China. This initiative represents a growing commitment by Beijing to deepen defense ties across the continent. From May 6 to May 15, participants will engage in a rich tapestry of activities that includes leadership workshops, visits to military…

Tragic news has emerged from Gaza, where at least 16 people, including three children, have lost their lives due to recent Israeli attacks, as reported by the territory's civil defense agency. In the southern region of Khan Younis, six individuals were killed in overnight airstrikes, according to civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal. The casualties included two young boys, aged five and two, who were tragically struck in their apartment in Al-Mawasi. Furthermore, a subsequent attack in Al-Mawasi led to the deaths of ten…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development in the realm of international relations, Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, made a compelling statement on Saturday concerning the federal government’s recent ban on Taiwan-issued passports. This decision, he explained, stemmed from an intended visit by senior Taiwanese officials to North Western State of Somalia—a move that Fiqi describes as a potential infringement upon Somalia's sovereignty. During an event held in the heart of Mogadishu, Fiqi, who recently…

In a recent statement, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif expressed serious concerns about an imminent military incursion by India following a tragic militant attack on tourists in Kashmir last week. This has heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. The attack, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives, has sparked outrage across India, a predominantly Hindu nation, where there are increasing calls for action against Pakistan, a Muslim-majority neighbor. India has long accused Pakistan of…

Somalia: After Diplomatic Strains, Fiqi Takes on Defence Role MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the often unpredictable world of politics, sometimes a subtle shift can carry profound implications. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s recent mini-cabinet reshuffle might appear routine, but beneath the surface lies a strategic maneuver with potential ripples across the nation. Could it mark a turning point for Somalia's international relations, recently strained by diplomatic missteps? Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, a key ally of President Hassan…

Recent Changes in Somalia’s Political Landscape In a significant reshuffling within Somalia’s leadership, Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi has been appointed as the second deputy prime minister. This appointment certainly adds a fresh dynamic to the current administration. Abdirashid is not a newcomer to the political scene; he brings a wealth of experience garnered from his previous role as the Minister of Commerce and Industry. As we navigate uncertain waters in the realm of governance, one can't help but wonder: how will…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making substantial strides in establishing its presence in Africa, exemplified by its recent transfer of Chinese-made FK-2000 air defense systems to the junta-led government of Chad. This act signifies more than just a military transaction; it forms part of a larger strategy aimed at fortifying Chad’s defense capabilities amid the growing turbulence in the region. Just last week, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan engaged in discussions with His Excellency…

In a significant development for European defense initiatives, Poland's Finance Minister Andrzej Domański has announced that the European Commission's ReArm Europe defense plan is now a top priority for Poland's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Domański emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the Polish presidency aims to "finalise work on the package urgently." This week, EU finance ministers convened in Warsaw for the second day of discussions, focusing on how member states can effectively…

Ex-Military Chief: Al-Shabaab's Subtle Infiltration in Somali Government Troops Nairobi, Kenya - In a world where shadows often hide unsettling truths, the Somali National Army (SNA) may find itself traversing a landscape riddled with unseen allegiances. Former Chief of Defence Forces, General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyiddin, recently sounded the alarm, suggesting the depths of Al-Shabaab infiltration within the military's ranks are perhaps more profound—and more troubling—than previously acknowledged. The general’s…