elders

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…

Nairobi (AX) – In a move demonstrating both urgency and tradition, the Kenyan government is gearing up to dispatch a group of Somali elders. Their mission? To negotiate the release of five local chiefs, who vanished on Monday near the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera County. The abductions have sparked a sober realization—the intricate dance between diplomacy and danger that governs this troubled region. Why involve elders, you might wonder? They possess the nuanced understanding of local customs, an essential element for…

FILE - Boqor Osman Aw Mohamud Buurmadow, a notable figure in North Western State of Somalia's traditional leadership. In a world where the shadows creep closer to the edges of light, stories like this remind us of the timeless complexities of human society. Recently, a clan conference took place in Badhan, sparking renewed tensions between Somalia and North Western State of Somalia. At the forefront of this narrative, Boqor Osman Aw Mohamud Buurmadow, a respected leader, did not shy away from addressing the issue head-on.…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (AX) — Wrestling with the surge of teen violence and drug-related antics in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Uncle Sam has teamed up with Somali elders to revive time-honored conflict resolution techniques in local neighborhoods. At the heart of this initiative is "nabadoonimo," a Somali tradition of peace-pampering through communal chatter and mutual respect. The game plan? Diverting Somali youth from the clutches of gang life and narcotics.The core of this alliance is the Somali Youth Link, a grassroots squad…