foreign

Mogadishu, March 2025: In a vibrant display of leadership, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took to the stage in Mogadishu, addressing the nation during a pivotal moment. You could almost hear the pulse of the city around him, a city laden with dreams and challenges, as he addressed both a hopeful and cautious audience. In an assertive tone that mixed authority with empathy, President Mohamud painted a clear picture of his administration’s stance regarding the threat of Al-Shabaab, a group known for…

Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Badr Abdelatty, recently wrapped up his diplomatic journey to Belgrade, offering a compelling lecture on an eventful midweek evening, specifically Wednesday, January 22. His engagements are emblematic of diplomacy's nuanced dance, weaving through cultures and conflicts, seeking common ground. On a bustling Friday, March 7, Minister Abdelatty embarked on a series of dialogues with notable figures from nations such as Somalia, Palestine, Iran, and Uzbekistan. These…

The narrative of aid to Africa is undergoing a monumental shift. We find ourselves at a crossroads, where the often-discussed topic of aid dependence comes face-to-face with the harsh reality of aid cuts, particularly those announced by countries historically viewed as partners. Former Ghanaian President John Mahama sees this moment as Africa’s chance to pivot from reliance to resilience. A compelling notion, indeed, yet it provokes a fundamental question: Will Africa's leaders seize this moment of reckoning to shoulder more…

Mali's Mining Landscape: An Era of Reform and Reflection As Mali's Council of Ministers announced, there is a newly imposed halt on the issuance of artisanal mining permits to foreigners. This measure stands amidst ongoing investigations prompted by a recent, heart-wrenching mining calamity. A stark reality looms over us: how do we balance economic pursuits with the sanctity of human lives? This thoughtful pause is an aftermath of a catastrophic mining accident just a month ago. A tragedy that took over 40…

Understanding the Diplomatic Tussle: A Close Look at Rooble’s Journey to South Africa Every trip can encounter a few hiccups—delayed flights, missing luggage, or the wrong kind of weather. However, former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble faced a uniquely diplomatic snag when seeking clearance for his travel to South Africa. This particular episode makes one ponder: how often do the bureaucratic wheels turn seamlessly? "In any bureaucratic setting, is it ever as simple as it seems?" This question…

In the tumultuous landscapes of northeastern Somalia lies a story unfolding across ridges and political corridors, where Northeastern State authorities have long pinpointed a perceived apathy from the federal government in the contentious war against ISIS. Within the rugged peaks of the Cal Miskaad mountains in the Bari region, these militants have found refuge, launching audacious attacks against both the valiant Northeastern State security forces and the innocent communities nestled within. Exasperation among Somali…

Mogadishu (AX) – The tapestry of diplomatic relations often weaves itself in unexpected patterns. Recently, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi found himself at the center of a swirling storm of speculation, dismissing allegations that the federal government barred former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble from securing diplomatic passport clearance for a journey to South Africa. During a candid discourse with VOA Somalia, Minister Fiqi painted a picture of respect and regard for Rooble, highlighting…

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, participated in a crucial gathering of EU foreign ministers alongside Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, during the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. This was no ordinary meeting, rather, it was a platform where voices united to address pressing global issues. During this assembly, Mr. Harris reiterated Ireland's stance against Russia's ongoing aggression, firmly condemning the illegal war and the relentless onslaught on Ukrainian civilians. He…

Mogadishu (AX) – It was an ordinary morning in Garowe when the news broke. The atmosphere, typically buzzing with the cadence of daily life, took on an air of urgency. This change emanated from a single pronouncement by Northeastern State’s regional President, Said Abdullahi Deni. Why now, and what prompted this decisive action, you might ask? In response to unsettling reports of foreign nationals finding their way into ISIS-Somalia, Deni decreed a stringent crackdown on illegal immigration. The influx, he warned, could no…

Northeastern State's Major Security Move: A Bold Stance Against ISIS AXADLE, Somalia - In a decisive move steeped in urgency and strategic foresight, Northeastern State—an autonomous region famed for its resilient people nestled in Somalia's northeast—has placed a strict embargo on the ingress of undocumented foreigners. This bold enactment closely follows a military operation, marked by blood and grit, where Northeastern State's troops clashed with and eradicated…