Mogadishu

Strengthening Security Ties: A Landmark Visit from Iraq to Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — This week, a significant occasion unfolded in the heart of Somalia, as Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari made a pivotal visit to Mogadishu. The purpose? To bolster security cooperation between Iraq and Somalia amidst growing regional challenges. Such engagements are not merely formalities; rather, they symbolize a commitment to a shared future, a shared stability. Upon arrival, Minister Al-Shammari was warmly welcomed by Somali…

Mogadishu (AX) – Excitement is building as the Somali Federal Government announces that Northeastern State's President, Said Abdullahi Deni, will be partaking in the forthcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting set to convene in Mogadishu next month. This news marks a potential turning point in an ongoing effort to mend frayed ties and foster a robust dialogue aimed at uniting the nation's leadership. A senior official from the federal government confirmed the invitation extended to President Deni, indicating…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a tragic incident that underscores the persistent volatility in the Somali capital, a landmine explosion claimed the life of one civilian and inflicted injuries on three others. This unfortunate event unfolded on a typical Tuesday, near a small restaurant along the bustling main road in the Dayniile district—a location that serves as a popular meeting point for locals, particularly during the vibrant afternoon and evening hours. Eyewitness accounts paint a somber picture of the scene. The restaurant,…

Somalia’s Historic Journey to One-Person, One-Vote Elections Mogadishu (AX) — This past Saturday marked a significant milestone for Somalia as the National Independent Electoral Commission announced the expansion of voter registration to three additional districts in Mogadishu. It is a pivotal moment, signaling the country’s march toward its first one-person, one-vote elections in more than half a century. The news sparked enthusiasm across the capital, with residents from Hamarweyne, Boondheere, and Shibis…

The Tensions in Elasha Biyaha: A Closer Look at Recent Developments Nestled roughly 15 kilometers from the bustling heart of Mogadishu, Elasha Biyaha is more than just a geographical marker on the map; it serves as a critical junction between the capital and militant strongholds entrenched in southern Somalia. This seemingly tranquil area has transformed into a focal point of conflict, with recent activities igniting palpable unease among its residents. Last month, unsettling reports surfaced of Al-Shabaab…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, the calm of various neighborhoods in Mogadishu was shattered by the sound of mortar shells raining down upon Hamarweyne, Hamar Jajab, and Shibis districts. This unsettling attack coincided with Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission’s (NIEC) ongoing voter registration efforts across the capital, a pivotal moment in the nation's democratic journey. Emerging reports paint a troubling picture: at least one individual has lost their life, while three…

The Somali government announced on Thursday the elimination of 47 militants affiliated with al-Shabaab in two distinct operations soon to become the subject of more whispers than conversations. Curiously, in the central districts, an airstrike conducted by joint Somali and US Africa Command (AFRICOM) forces dispatched 12 fighters into oblivion. In the dusty expanse of the southwest, another 35 found themselves meeting a similar fate during a botched invasion of a military stronghold. Do numbers alone tell the harrowing tale…

Mogadishu's Voter Registration: A New Era or More of the Same? MOGADISHU, Somalia - Amidst the sandy winds and bustling streets of Mogadishu, a transformative yet contentious journey begins. As the capital of Somalia strides toward its first local elections in over half a century, the air is thick with anticipation and lingering questions. The call for voter registration has been sounded, sparking a mixture of hope and skepticism among its citizens and politicians alike. The electoral body at the helm, an entity tangled…

In the vibrant city of Mogadishu, a significant moment in Somali politics is unfolding. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has extended a formal invitation to Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, commonly known as Firdhiye, the esteemed leader of the interim SSC-Khaatumo administration. Firdhiye has been asked to engage in the pivotal National Consultative Council meeting set to occur in early May. This meeting is gaining considerable attention, as it promises to be a confluence of ideas and a catalyst for political change in the region.…

Voter Registration to Commence in Mogadishu Amid Diverging Opinions in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - It seems President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is ready to advance without engaging in extensive political dialogues. While some might question the efficacy of such a move, he is set on initiating a voter registration exercise. This decision, however, surfaces amidst palpable tension and disagreements with some federal states. Slated for May 2025, the National Consultative Council (NCC) posse…