international

Somali-UAE Relations Under Scrutiny After North Western State of Somalia Invitation In the bustling city of Mogadishu, where the air is tinged with both salt from the Indian Ocean and the persistent call of aspirations for unity, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi is facing a nuanced diplomatic challenge: a test of relationships and sovereignty linked to a recent invitation extended by the United Arab Emirates. Earlier this month, the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai saw an unexpected appearance by President…

Bridging Africa and the World In the bustling world of real estate, where technology and tradition often intersect at disjointed paths, Immobilium stands out as a harmonious blend of both. Founded by visionaries like Sasha Poparic and Lazaros Georgiadis, this pioneering company is redefining the realm of property transactions. They seamlessly integrate technology with decades of human expertise, ushering in a new era where the buying and selling processes are not only secure but inherently sound. Have you ever pondered why…

Amidst a seemingly endless undercurrent of geopolitical tension, a group of Somali special forces captains stood stoically against the backdrop of 2022. They were part of a specialized commando unit, their faces stern as they engaged with their U.S. Army trainers. The photograph, captured by Luis Tato for The Washington Post, is a vivid reminder of the complex tapestry of military alliances woven across Africa and the Middle East. In Nairobi, recent developments have thrown a wrench into these delicate dynamics. An…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the latest Corruption Perceptions Index published by Transparency International, Somalia finds itself entrenched in a deeply troubling narrative: near the very bottom of the world’s ranks in 2024. This index, which scrutinizes 180 nations for perceived public sector corruption, paints Somalia in stark tones—positioning it at 179th with a dismal score of 9 out of 100, following a concerning decline of two points since the previous year. Such rankings have almost become an unfortunate…

In a momentous return, thirty years post-civil unrest, the Somali Studies International Association (SSIA) came back to its roots, convening in Mogadishu for its 15th triennial congress. This significant event marked the collaboration between the Somali National University (SNU) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education of Somalia's Federal Government. Conflict and volatility once hamstrung Mogadishu, reducing the assembly of such scholarly gatherings to a logistical impossibility. For three decades, SSIA…

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AX) — In the heart of Nordic Europe, far from her birthplace under the vast, sun-drenched skies of Somalia, Ayaan Hassan, found herself walking a path few dare to tread. A Somali-born Swedish midwife, Ayaan recently received the prestigious 2025 Medical Mission's Kindness Award, honoring her pivotal role in revolutionizing maternal healthcare in her homeland, North Western State of Somalia. What shaped this courageous journey? How did a Swedish-trained midwife find herself amidst the challenges of a…

NAIROBI, Kenya — In a vivid tableau of anticipation and pride, Hormuud Telecom, a stalwart in Somalia's telecommunications landscape, emerged victorious once more. The prestigious accolade of Excellence in Telecommunications and Community Service Award was bestowed upon them at the Future Grow Forum hosted in Nairobi, on a breezy February 6th, 2025. Have you ever pondered what it takes to excel in the world's most formidable industry landscapes? Presented by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, this…

The relentless pillage of yellowfin tuna in Somali waters is a troubling saga, unravelling as a grim tale affecting local livelihoods and looming ominously over global food security. The ripples of this exploitation stretch far and wide, touching ecosystems and economies in profoundly unsettling ways. But, how did this come to pass? One can't help but wonder about the brazen illegal activities by Chinese vessels, which have become a stark symbol of unchecked ambition and disregard for maritime laws. These vessels prowl…

For nearly three decades, Alexander Lukashenko has stared defiantly from the presidential palace in Belarus, and recently, he secured his seventh consecutive term in what many are calling a farcical election. The results, according to an official exit poll, claim that a whopping 87.6 percent of voters cast their ballots for the 70-year-old incumbent. This election has been widely criticized by both exiles and the European Union, branding it a travesty of democracy. With major opposition figures either languishing in jail or…

Spain has cemented its status as a global tourism heavyweight, attracting a staggering 94 million foreign visitors in 2024 alone. This remarkable surge is no minor detail; it's a powerful driver of the national economy, as the country's tourism minister recently revealed. The numbers tell a compelling story that underscores the resilience and appeal of this sun-soaked Mediterranean paradise. Tourism accounts for roughly 13% of Spain's GDP, making it the lifeblood of the economy for the world's second most-visited nation.…