initiative

Somalia's AUSSOM Peace Mission Deployment Reaches Completion MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the heart of the Horn of Africa, a dedicated assembly of African Union defense ministers recently gathered to address a matter of profound importance: the stabilization of Somalia. Their conversations echo through the bustling streets of Mogadishu, as they finalize the details of deploying an 11,900-strong force for the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Launched at the dawn of 2025, this peacekeeping…

In an era characterized by fluctuating alliances and high-stakes diplomacy, the role of military forces in stabilizing tumultuous regions like Somalia becomes a complex symphony of negotiations and strategic maneuvering. Consider the intricate dance playing out between African nations and the African Union in crafting a new mission in Somalia—a nation that has, for years, been the battleground for competing interests and ideologies. The backdrop is Mogadishu, a city that has seen its fair share of turmoil, where a soldier…

In the modern era of rapid development and technological advancement, electricity remains one of the fundamental elements that profoundly impacts human lives. This story all began with an ambitious project, the Power Africa initiative. Overseeing it was the once-operational arm of the U.S. government, the Agency for International Development (USAID). But what made this program so significant resonates beyond the mere wattage.…

Burundian Troops to Exit Somalia as Egypt Joins AU Mission Mogadishu, Somalia — The landscape of peacekeeping efforts in Somalia is undergoing a noteworthy shift. Following unsettling negotiations that failed to hit a conciliatory note, Burundian troops are poised to exit Somalia. This development arises due to a stalemate in discussions between Somalia's federal government and Burundi regarding the precise number of troops to be deployed under the African…

Military Diplomacy in Somalia: A Visit with Intent MOGADISHU, Somalia — Modern diplomacy sometimes unfolds far from the gilded halls of embassies, finding its stage amidst the sands of complex regions. On a wholly unpredictable Sunday, Ethiopia's army chief, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, descended upon Mogadishu with an air of quiet determination. But what goal lies beneath this curtain of spontaneity? Accompanying Birhanu was Redwan…

FILE PHOTO Mogadishu (AX) — In the intricate web of international relations, two neighboring nations, Ethiopia and Somalia, have taken a significant step forward, fostering their military collaboration within the framework of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Imagine a vivid tapestry, each thread representing the nuanced, complex layers of diplomacy and defense strategy. Here, the threads intertwine to form a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), setting the stage for…

Amidst a backdrop of contentious geopolitics, Egypt is forging a path that defies conventional solutions. Unlike former U.S. President Donald Trump’s audacious proposition to depopulate the Gaza Strip for American takeover, Egypt's strategy has a touch of humanity: rebuilding Gaza without expelling its people. As reported by Egypt's state-affiliated Al-Ahram newspaper, the Egyptian initiative envisions creating "secure areas" in Gaza. This would enable Palestinians to stay while construction entities, Egyptian and…

In a candid discussion on February 10, 2025, Owino's words laid bare an unsettling truth: the vetting procedure imposed on Somalis had inadvertently fostered corruption. "We just created an opportunity for people to eat," he remarked, encapsulating the sentiment that this process was more a bureaucratic charade than a necessity. Isn't it ironic how measures intended to strengthen can instead unravel at the seams? Kenya's existing ID registration process, according to Owino, is robust enough, encompassing thorough…

In a resolute stride toward equity in public service, President William Ruto inaugurated Kenya's 10th immigration office on Thursday, nestled in the heart of Garissa County. This significant move aims to streamline the passport application process for the residents of Northern Kenya. But why is this such a momentous occasion? Picture a resident from Mandera, Wajir, or Tana River, trekking arduous journeys to Nairobi, Mombasa, or Nakuru merely to procure a passport. The inconvenience and costs add up, don't they? Now, with a…

Hargeisa (AX) – In the ever-complex political landscape of North Western State of Somalia, a glimmer of hope appears to be emerging. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro recently acknowledged a peace proposal extended by Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni, aimed at quelling the tumultuous disputes currently unfolding in the Sanaag region. Could this mark the beginning of a new chapter for this embattled region? In an intimate gathering held at the presidential palace on a breezy Wednesday…