international

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.…

In a bold move towards sustainability, Somalia has officially thrown its hat into the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) ring. This step marks a significant chapter in the nation's quest to build a greener economy and shield its environment, gearing up to tackle and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. According to Khadija Al Makhzoumi, the Minister of Environment for Somalia, the decision to unite with GGGI isn't just a small leap—it's a substantial stride in the right direction. As quoted by the Somali…

Islamic State Ramps Up Recruitment in Somalia, Targets Al-Shabaab NAIROBI, Kenya - The aggressive recruitment of foreign soldiers by the Islamic State in Somalia is highlighted in a recent United Nations report, spotlighting a growing threat across the Horn of Africa and setting off alarm bells about potential regional turmoil. Previously, IS-Somalia was cash-strapped, struggling to recruit combatants, yet now boasts an expansionist zeal surpassing Al-Shabaab, who are currently under siege by the Somali National Army and…

Somalia: Global Allies Urge Calm in Government-Jubaland Tensions MOGADISHU, Somalia - The ongoing skirmish between Somalia's central government and Jubaland's authorities has caught the eye of global allies. These international partners plead for peace and urgent dialogue to curtail the growing discord. Reflecting on the contentious atmosphere at the National Consultative Council (NCC), the partners expressed concern over the escalating drama between these governmental layers, noting, "This spells trouble for the mission…

With political shifts shaking the landscape worldwide, North Western State of Somalia stands at a critical juncture in 2024. The election of Donald Trump in the U.S. and the mediation of a maritime agreement with Ethiopia converge as this self-declared republic advocates for recognition as Africa's freshest state. Nestled at Somalia's northwestern tip, North Western State of Somalia declared its independence back in 1991. This went unsupported by Mogadishu and lacked international acknowledgment. Despite the complexities,…