Mogadishu

Strengthening Bonds: Uganda's Military Commitment to Somalia Mogadishu (AX) – On a Saturday filled with promise and potential, Lieutenant General Samuel Okiding, the Deputy Chief of the Uganda Defence Forces, stepped onto Somali soil for an official visit. This journey is not just a routine diplomatic mission; it is a vital endeavor aimed at fortifying military cooperation between Somalia and Uganda, two nations bound by shared concerns and aspirations. Upon his arrival at Aden Adde International Airport, Lt. Gen.…

Ugandan Deputy Defence Chief in Mogadishu: Navigating AUSSOM's Financial Hurdles MOGADISHU, May 17 – In a marked display of camaraderie and duty, Sam Okiding, the Ugandan Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, touched down in Mogadishu last Saturday. His arrival, marked by an earnest reception by senior officials from both the Somali Army and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), holds significance that goes beyond mere diplomatic courtesies. But why now? The timing of Okiding's visit is…

Unrelenting Floods Ravage Mogadishu: A Tale of Resilience In the wake of a tempestuous night, rain-soaked Mogadishu grappled with the aftermath of relentless deluges that left at least seven dead, among them two women and two children. Homes were toppled, residents trapped, and essential roads severed, officials reported on Saturday. The torrents—over 115 millimeters in an eight-hour onslaught—descended Friday night, persisting until dawn. This wall of water unleashed flash floods, paralyzing much of the city,…

Mogadishu (AX) – Last Friday, the calm of Kahda district in Mogadishu was shattered by the deafening sound of a landmine explosion, injuring at least seven people, including two government soldiers. Reports from eyewitnesses and local officials paint a vivid and distressing picture of the aftermath. The blast didn’t just disrupt the moment; it left many civilians with severe injuries—particularly affecting their legs. In isolated instances such as these, one can’t help but reflect on the fragility of life and the…

Authorities Seize Home Linked to March Bombing in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant move, Somali authorities have confiscated a private residence in the Xamar Jajab district of Mogadishu. This seizure is tied to a devastating bombing on March 18 that targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy, tragically resulting in the loss of several lives, including that of journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe. The homeowner, Fahmo Warsame Gabayre, stands firm in her denial of any wrongdoing and has vowed to…

Uncertainty Looms Over Somalia’s NCC in Mogadishu Amid Delays and Boycotts MOGADISHU, Somalia — There's an unsettling air of uncertainty hovering over Somalia's National Consultative Forum (NCC). Originally set to convene on May 1st, it faced a second postponement to May 5th, only to be delayed yet again. Reasons for this disruption are closely tied to the absence of pivotal delegates from various Federal States. Presently, only the leaders from SSC-Khaatumo, Firdhiye, and HirShabelle have managed to…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development on the political landscape of Somalia, Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw Ali Firdhiye, the leader of the SSC-Khatumo Regional State, touched down in Mogadishu on Saturday. His arrival comes just ahead of the anticipated National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, set to commence on Monday. This marks a notable moment in the evolution of SSC-Khatumo, as it prepares for its first-ever participation in the NCC since declaring itself a federal member state last year. The atmosphere at Aden Adde…

Somalia: Unyielding Challenges in Journalism Demand Immediate Change on World Press Freedom Day The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has unveiled its latest State of the Media Report on World Press Freedom Day, shedding light on the persistent and pervasive repression faced by journalists in Somalia. This annual publication, now in its 14th rendition, is a vital chronicle of the ongoing struggle for media freedom. It meticulously details the multifaceted challenges and violations that journalists endure,…

Understanding the Diplomatic Tensions Surrounding North Western State of Somalia, Taiwan, and Somalia In an ever-developing narrative of international relations, the relationship between North Western State of Somalia, Taiwan, and Somalia presents a fascinating case study filled with complexities and nuances. Just recently, Guo Weimin, a spokesperson for the Chinese government, reiterated China's firm stance on the territorial integrity of Somalia. "North Western State of Somalia is part of the territory of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant step towards democratic renewal, Somalia's Independent National Electoral Commission has initiated a new voter registration campaign across six additional districts in Mogadishu. This launch, which occurred on Saturday, marks a pivotal moment in preparations for the country’s first local council elections based on a one-person, one-vote system in nearly fifty years. The districts now included in this registration effort—Hodan, Howlwadaag, Kaaraan, Yaaqshiid, Warta Nabadda, and…