Exploring

Nairobi, Kenya - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud explored the Eastleigh neighborhood in Nairobi, often referred to as 'small Somalia' due to its high population of Somali ethnic groups and reputation as a thriving business center. Eastleigh is a key economic hub in Kenya, controlling a significant portion of Nairobi's GDP and contributing significantly to the country's overall revenue. It is sometimes dubbed as the commercial heart of Nairobi, also known as 'new Mogadishu'. During his visit on Wednesday, Hassan Sheikh…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and officials from Kenya visited Somali community businesses in Nairobi's Eastleigh. They discussed investment opportunities, security, and Somalia's progress. Mohamud emphasized the importance of following the laws in the countries where Somalis reside. Eastleigh in Nairobi is home to a vibrant Somali community, creating a bustling commercial hub. President Mohamud's visit coincided with the African Development Bank's 2024 Annual Meetings, focusing on restructuring Africa's financial…

Various global maritime regions around the Red Sea, northern Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, and East Africa witnessed a total of six incidents at sea during the final week of April. This data comes from a comprehensive MS Risk/Price Forbes maritime security report. It revealed that other hotspots like the Gulf of Guinea and east and south-east Asian waters reported no incidents from April 25-30. The report also highlighted the ongoing piracy risks faced by vessels navigating the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and East…

Cannes: In his first feature film, Somali-Austrian filmmaker Mo Harawe explores the impact of war on life and death with depth and rawness. The film challenges the stereotypical Western view of Africa, shedding light on the intimate lives of a makeshift family in Somalia. Even in the face of struggles, they treat each other with dignity. Set in a remote village by the stunning Indian Ocean, the story follows the bond between a grave-digger, Mamargade, and his son, Cigaal. Their interactions with a young divorcee, Araweelo,…

North Western of Somalia's Search for Global Recognition: Recent Events Explored In a major breakthrough, North Western of Somalia's President revealed Ethiopia's plan to acknowledge the region as an independent state. This declaration was made during the 33rd anniversary celebration of North Western of Somalia's self-proclaimed independence from Somalia. Although the Ethiopian government has not issued an official statement confirming this diplomatic advancement, recent ambassadorial appointments hint at the shift.…

In Mogadishu, Federal and State leaders are analyzing the effects of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops as they pull out of the nation. At least 5,000 ATMIS soldiers have departed so far under the Somali Transition Plan (STP), with another 5,000 scheduled to leave by June 2024. The remaining troops are expected to exit by December 2024, transferring security duties to the Somali National Army (SNA). In Dhusamareb, regional state ministers for security and police met with central government…

A spook from the IRS will continue testifying after a break. Said Shafii Farah and his attorneys enter court for the first day of a trial concerning food aid fraud. They are among eight defendants linked to Empire Cuisine in Shakopee. The fraud involves over $40 million in federal reimbursements for feeding millions of kids. The trial is now in its third week, with jurors hearing about legitimate food distribution and schemes to buy property in Kenya. Text messages detailing the alleged scam have been central. The…

Ms. Isha Dyfan, the United Nations' Expert on Human Rights in Somalia, recently wrapped up her five-day visit to the country, marking her third official trip since being appointed by the Human Rights Council in May 2020. Throughout her stay, Dyfan met with Somali government officials, UN representatives, and various international partners to evaluate the current human rights landscape in Somalia. At a press conference in Mogadishu, Ms. Dyfan highlighted the progress made by the government since her last visit in November…

A fresh pact between Somalia and Turkey, inked on February 8, 2024, assigns Ankara to oversee maritime security in Somalia by enhancing its naval capabilities and conducting joint exercises along its 3,333km coastline. Alongside, another agreement seeks joint ventures in hydrocarbon exploration both onshore and offshore in Somalia. Under the terms, Turkey would receive 30 percent of the profits from untapped marine resources as part of a strategy to bolster Somalia's security while holding historical significance and…

Somaliland is considering forming new partnerships with China, Iran, and Russia due to lack of Western support and potential opposition party victories, as per a report by the Somaliland government. Military experts in Somaliland believe better engagement by Western nations could prevent this shift in alliances. The report highlights escalating tensions in Lasanood, a city controlled by terrorist groups that have strengthened following support from Somalia. The conflict in Lasanood involves soldiers trained by Eritrea and…