Mogadishu

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant event for education in Somalia, a total of 41,639 students in the Banadir region participated in the intermediate-level national examinations last Monday. This marks a remarkable achievement, as it's now the sixth consecutive year that the Banadir Regional Administration has independently overseen the administration of these standardized tests. The day began with a sense of anticipation as students entered examination centers filled with nerves and hopeful energy. The Governor of Banadir…

Mogadishu (AX) – The Banadir Regional Police Commissioner, Mahdi Omar Muumin, affectionately known as Moalim Mahdi, recently made a poignant announcement that reverberates through the corridors of our beloved capital, Mogadishu. He has set forth a significant reward of $30,000 for credible information that leads to the identification or arrest of the individuals responsible for the recent mortar attacks plaguing our city. On a bright Friday morning filled with promise, Commissioner Mahdi stood before the community,…

Mogadishu's Turbulence: A Glimpse into Recent Events Mogadishu, the vibrant capital of Somalia, is a city that resonates with the echoes of both its rich history and the challenges it faces today. Recently, in an event that underscores the ongoing struggles against extremism, Somali police apprehended several individuals suspected of affiliation with Al-Shabaab following a dramatic explosion in the Dayniile district. A Fractured Calm On Thursday, the residents of the Barwaaqo neighborhood experienced a…

Mogadishu (AX) – In an era where social media dominates the information landscape, it’s all too easy for mistruths to spread like wildfire. Recently, rumors have surfaced suggesting that residents of Mogadishu are being coerced into collecting their voting cards under the threat of arrest. The Somalia Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped forward to clarify these claims, categorically dismissing them as unfounded. Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the Chairman of the Electoral Commission, has taken a firm…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant step towards enhancing security and stability, the Somali military court delivered a resounding message on Saturday by sentencing five individuals for their affiliation with Al-Shabaab and their involvement in orchestrating a series of assassination plots and bombings within the heart of Mogadishu. The proceedings took place at the First Instance Court of the Armed Forces, where the weight of justice was borne on the shoulders of these convicted men. The convictions were rooted in…

A Historic Football Moment in Mogadishu Recently, the Somali capital Mogadishu welcomed a trio of illustrious football legends: Samuel Eto'o, Emmanuel Adebayor, and Jay Jay Okocha. Their participation in a friendly match was not just a showcase of skill but a powerful statement of unity and resilience, part of a FIFA-backed initiative intended to promote peace throughout the region. When one thinks of Somalia, stark images of conflict often dominate the narrative. Piracy off the Horn of Africa and long-standing political…

In recent days, the international spotlight has turned towards Somalia, where significant developments in military collaboration and strategic coordination among global powers are unfolding. Just after a notable meeting on Thursday, high-ranking officials from Italy and Turkey undertook visits that could redefine the security landscape of the country. To set the stage, let's take a closer look at the dynamic interactions between these nations and Somalia as it seeks to reclaim its sovereignty. The backdrop for these visits…

In a significant display of international support, high-ranking military officials from Turkey and Italy recently visited Somalia, emphasizing their commitment to bolstering the Somali National Army (SNA) in the ongoing struggle for national security. The visits unfolded against the backdrop of a crucial meeting that occurred on Thursday, where General Luciano Portolano, Italy’s Chief of Defense, held discussions with General Maadey Nuurey Sheikh, Deputy Commander of the SNA. These conversations delved deep into vital…

The State of Democracy in Somalia: A Tenuous Balance Recent conversations within Somalia's political landscape have ignited a sense of urgency among opposition leaders. They express concern that the Federal Government may be overstepping its bounds, a move that, if unchecked, could jeopardize the public's trust in the very foundation of democracy. Are we witnessing executive overreach that may blur the lines of accountability? During a recent summit, former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble…

Somalia’s Electoral Commission Addresses Allegations of Coercion in Student Registration Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected turn of events, Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) found itself dismissing accusations that it pressured university students to register for the Banadir Regional Council elections. The claims originated from opposition leaders, notably Abdirahman Abdishakur of the Wadajir Party and the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of Hizbul Islam. They…