elders

Reviving Hope: Elders Unite for Peace in Mandera County In the heart of Mandera County, there’s a palpable sense of urgency—a collective yearning for peace amid the shadows of conflict. Elders from the Degodia and Garre clans, respected figures within their communities, have taken a monumental step forward by launching renewed efforts aimed at restoring stability in some of the region’s most turbulent areas. Their commitment to change feels fresh yet deeply rooted, resonating with a wisdom that is often overshadowed by…

Political Dynamics in Northern Somalia: A Statement from Traditional Elders Garowe (AX) — On a pivotal Wednesday, a collective of respected traditional elders from the Sanaag and Haylaan regions made headlines by issuing a strong statement against efforts to integrate their territories into the newly endorsed SSC-Khaatumo administration. As significant political figures and fellow elders prepare to gather for a major conference in Las Anod next week, the stakes have never been higher. These elders assert that both Sanaag…

Galkacyo (AX) — In a recent press briefing, the Governor of the Mudug region, Faysal Abdullahi Sheikh, commonly known as Jifojabsade, faced the storm of controversy head-on. Accusations of torture emerged after images circulated on social media, revealing men from Southwest State restrained with their hands and feet bound. This alarming visual narrative evoked a wave of public outcry and concern, raising questions about justice, community, and the human experience of suffering. In a tone both firm and thoughtful, Governor…

Beledweyne (AX) – In a significant gathering aimed at tackling the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab, senior leaders from both the Somali government and the regional councils convened in Tardo town, located in the Hiiraan region. This meeting, held on Tuesday, was essential for fostering collaboration between military forces and local communities, especially given the complexities of the evolving security landscape. Leading this high-level delegation was Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, the Director of the National…

In Beledweyne, a pivotal moment is unfolding as Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, the Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), engages in high-level discussions with local elders and community leaders in the Moqokori district. This engagement comes at a crucial juncture as the federal government amplifies its military operations against al-Shabaab in the Hiiraan region—an area marked by both conflict and resilience. Having spent four days in the district, Sanbaloolshe is on a mission that…

Nairobi (AX) — A significant shift is underway in Ethiopia’s Somali Region, where religious and community leaders are championing a movement aimed at redefining the marriage customs that have, over time, morphed into overwhelming financial burdens for families. This initiative, encapsulated in a binding decree, aims to alleviate the pressures surrounding wedding festivities while encouraging young couples to take the plunge into marriage. This decree, spearheaded by Hamaro’s Islamic Affairs Council and supported by local…

Nestled within the heart of the Hiiraan region, the Moqokori district stood as the latest venue for an essential dialogue focused on bolstering regional security. On a day that promised neither too much sun nor unexpected rain, figures of authority in Somalia converged for an imperative gathering. Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sambaloolshe, the astute Director of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), alongside Hirshabelle's Vice President, the charismatic Yusuf Ahmed Hagar Dabageed, spearheaded…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — In the tranquil town of Sala, nestled within Kenya's Mandera County, an unusual edict has rippled through the community like a stone skipped across a placid pond. The venerable elders have imposed a comprehensive prohibition on the trading and consumption of khat, a widely-used stimulant in this part of Africa. "What risks loom for those who defy?" you might wonder. Social ostracism, rejected marriage proposals, and a denial of religious rituals form the trifecta of deterrents. This weekly, at a…

At the Mandera border post, a tense yet hopeful scene plays out between Kenya and Somalia. The border symbolizes more than just a geographical demarcation; it reflects the complex ties and tumultuous past shared by these two nations. Recently, in an unexpected twist of events, Kenya dispatched a multi-agency delegation, championed by wise community elders, to Somalia. Why, one might ask? Their mission is clear yet perilous: to negotiate the safe return of five local chiefs who were abducted under mysterious and troubling…

Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs during a past function. PHOTO/PRINT In a resolute and somewhat complex maneuver, Kenya has decided to send Somali elders to their homeland to negotiate the release of four Chiefs and an Assistant Chief. These officials, entrusted with great responsibility, were tragically abducted by Al-Shabaab militants in the heart of Elwak, Mandera County. One might ask, why such a delicate approach? The truth lies in the intricacies of ensuring their safe return. Despite a joint security operation being…