initiative

In an intertwining of diplomacy and defense, Somalia has locked in an agreement with the Egyptian Defence Forces to engage in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, affectionately dubbed AUSSOM. This mission is not merely an acronym; it stands as a symbol of solidarity against the unnerving threats posed by the Al-Shabaab militants. This collaboration between Mogadishu and Cairo is a testament to the old adage: strength in unity. With a tip of the hat and an arsenal in tow, Egypt pledged…

Baidoa (AX) — On a bright Sunday, as the sun painted Baidoa with golden hues, a delegation from Somalia's National Electoral Commission and Boundaries made its entrance, heralding a new chapter in the nation’s electoral journey. They carried with them not just paperwork and plans, but a vision to breathe life into a cornerstone of democracy—a one-person, one-vote electoral system. Yusuf Abdulqadir Mohamed, a seasoned member of the commission with a passion for political revitalization, addressed the press with a determined…

In a shocking twist that has everyone talking from tech behemoths to your savvy aunt who just got the hang of her smartphone, US President Donald Trump unveiled a jaw-dropping $500 billion partnership with Oracle, Japan's SoftBank, and OpenAI, the brain behind ChatGPT, aimed at propelling artificial intelligence infrastructure into the stratosphere. Picture this: the President alongside SoftBank's charismatic CEO Masayoshi Son, OpenAI's innovative head Sam Altman, and Oracle's tech visionary Larry Ellison, sharing grins and…

An expansive view of the bustling cityscape of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 24, 2024. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights In a world where financial stability often dances on the edge of chaos, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given Ethiopia reason for cheer. The IMF's executive board, like the proverbial knight in shining armor, signed off on the second review of Ethiopia's economic aid initiative on Friday. This momentous nod of approval unlocks a substantial disbursement of nearly $250…

In the heart of Baidoa, a storm is brewing. The city, the bustling capital of Southwest State, is bubbling over with frustration and fury as its residents take to the streets to voice their outrage over the alarming wave of youth trafficking that has gripped the community. Picture this: determined faces woven with worry and resilience rallying together, their voices rising in a chorus demanding justice. It's a scene that could move even the hardest of hearts. The message? Crystal clear and urgent. "This is about protecting…

MOGADISHU – In a bid that feels somewhat like pulling rabbits out of a hat, Somalia is striving to open doors for Ethiopia in the troop lineup for the newly envisioned African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, affectionately coined AUSSOM. Diving deep into these waters, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Balcad, steps into the limelight with the declaration. It’s possible you’ve already guessed: he has quite a task ahead of him. Minister Balcad, speaking with an air of resolve, pointed out that the meticulous…

Meta Bids Adieu to Fact-Checking: A New Era of Free Speech or Chaos? WASHINGTON/MOGADISHU, Jan 12 As the Political Circus Returns, Meta Tosses Its Fact-Checking Habit So, here we are, folks! Meta, you know, the conglomerate behind the likes of Facebook, Instagram, and the new kid on the block, Threads, has declared the dissolution of its once shiny third-party fact-checking program. This cocktail party gem, in place since 2016, just got the ax. And with former President Donald Trump eyeing a return to the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Ethiopia is embarking on an ambitious venture to irrigate more than 112,000 hectares of land in its often-neglected Somali region. This initiative, greeted with enthusiasm by local communities, is seen as a pivotal step towards transforming one of the nation's least developed territories. Orchestrated by the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Areas, this effort aims not only to rejuvenate arid fields but also to uplift the lives of countless residents. Having officially unveiled the Gode Irrigation…

A collaborative effort among various firms has welcomed the arrival of the initial set of 275 container wagons, designed to boost the transport capabilities of the Lobito Corridor project. This ambitious railway initiative stretches from Angola's Lobito port, reaching into the Democratic Republic of Congo and extending to Zambia. Unveiled in 2023 as part of the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, this corridor is backed by both the United States and the European Union. Once fully operational, it…

In the sun-whipped regions of Somalia, where the ground rarely sees rain, date palm trees have become indispensable allies for rural folks. They’re not just green life in the dry, they’re a lifeline, putting food on tables and coins in pockets. It’s been nearly ten years since the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) rolled out its initiative to boost these trusty trees here, and guess what? They’re still standing strong against climate’s curveballs, offering a smidgen of stability where it's needed most. CREDIT/…