efforts

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday hosted a dinner in Mogadishu honoring religious scholars who attended the 3rd Somali Scholars Conference, underscoring a deepening partnership between the government and faith leaders to counter extremist ideologies, bolster public awareness and strengthen national unity. In remarks at the event, Mohamud praised the scholars’ longstanding role in Somali society and governance, saying their guidance, advice and moral leadership remain essential as the country…

UNAIDS Warns of Deteriorating HIV Services Amid Funding Crisis Abrupt funding cuts and deteriorating human rights conditions have disrupted HIV prevention and treatment services across dozens of countries, UNAIDS has warned. In a stark report released to mark World AIDS Day, the UN agency highlighted a troubling trend: international assistance for HIV programs has sharply declined, with projections indicating that external health funding could plummet by 30-40% by 2025 compared to 2023 levels. The agency's Executive…

President Tinubu Commends Security Forces for Rescuing Abducted Schoolgirls In a recent statement, President Bola Tinubu praised Nigeria's security forces for their swift action in securing the release of dozens of schoolgirls abducted in the northwestern state of Kebbi on November 17. The president emphasized that while this operation was successful, continued efforts are necessary to bring home other victims who have been taken captive across the region. The kidnapping incident in Kebbi triggered a wave of concern,…

U.S. Praise in Bosaso, Local Anger in Sanaag: A Test of Counter‑ISIS Strategy in Somalia BOSASO, Somalia — In a carefully choreographed visit this past weekend, senior U.S. officials flew into Puntland State’s bustling port city of Bosaso to laud the region’s role in combating Islamic State fighters and protecting Somalia’s northern maritime approaches. The delegation — led by Ambassador Richard Riley and including Major General Claude Tudor and the head of U.S. special operations in East Africa, Colonel Benander — met with…

Somalia’s army in pieces: Cowsweyne defeat still reverberates, former president warns When Al-Shabaab overran Cowsweyne in 2023, it did more than seize a strategic town in central Somalia. The militants’ victory cracked open the fragile architecture of the Somali National Army (SNA), scattering frontline units, exposing command fractures and — according to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed — setting back efforts to rebuild a professional force for years. A rout with consequences “Osweyne was where Somali forces were…

In the Shadows of Conflict: Somalia's Ongoing Battle Against Terrorism As the sun rises over the arid landscapes of Somalia, a dual battle rages on—one against the unforgiving elements of nature and the other against the relentless tide of terrorism. The struggle to fortify this fragile nation against factions like Al-Shabaab and ISIS has intensified, drawing not just the resolve of local forces but also the strategic intervention of international allies, particularly the United States. Demonstrating Resilience The U.S.…

Northeastern State's Offensive Against ISIS: A Turning Point in Somalia's War on Terror In the shadow of the al Miskad mountains, the resilient forces of Northeastern State, backed by American airstrikes, are waging an increasingly aggressive campaign against Islamic State militants. This offensive, the most significant in recent memory, underscores the broader geopolitical recalibrations influencing the Horn of Africa. The Battle at the Ballade Valley On August 22, the serene landscape of Ballade Valley erupted into…

Somalia: Northeastern State Forces Turn Up the Heat on ISIS as Fighters Confront a Surrender Deadline AXADLE, Somalia — With a ticking clock of 72 hours, Northeastern State's defense forces have thrown down the gauntlet to Islamic State (ISIS) members cornered in the Baallade valley, urging them to yield without conflict or brace for an all-out military assault. These militants, entrapped in their cavern hideaways, are at a crossroads, warned that this might be their last chance to dodge a violent outcome. A multilingual…

ADDIS ABABA - Pressing onward, Ethiopia is unwavering in its mission against Al-Shabaab within Somalia, intent on safeguarding its gains and ensuring its national security remains uncompromised by the militant group's potential threats. Nebiat Getachew, speaking for Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lauded the country's significant role in diminishing Al-Shabaab's influence and securing peace across the Horn of Africa. "Al-Shabaab is an ongoing concern for our nation’s security," Nebiat asserted. "We are committed to…

"Al-Shabaab will meet its match and lose," says Ethiopia, pledging ongoing efforts to neutralize the group's influence. The country remains unswerving in its mission to protect its borders and preserve the progress made so far. In a weekly press gathering on November 14, 2024, Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, who speaks on behalf of Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored Ethiopia's significant role in weakening al-Shabaab’s impact across the region. “We won't take our foot off the pedal,” Getachew declared,…