Mogadishu

In the lively embrace of a bustling Hargeisa evening, Somali singer Haboon Nuura beamed with an illustrious glow, reflective of the impassioned welcome she received. The scene unfolded at Egal International Airport, where a symphony of cheers, warm smiles, and waving North Western State of Somalia flags greeted her arrival. Wasn't it just a vivid testimony to her significant place in the hearts of the people? Nuura found herself at the center of attention, not always a comfortable place to be, particularly when…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — In a move aimed at breathing new life into Mogadishu's arterial roads, Somalia has inked contracts with four top-tier construction firms. These agreements, part of an ambitious infrastructural facelift, underscore a pivotal step in the nation's quest for economic vitality and development. The bustling Banadir Regional Administration headquarters hosted the signing ceremony on Tuesday. It was here that the intricacies of the Nagaad Project were brought into the limelight, courtesy of the Ministry of…

In the bustling city of Mogadishu, scenes of tension unfolded as security forces apprehended three individuals during a decisive operation in the Abdiaziz district on a recent Wednesday. This maneuver followed a brazen attack on the local police station chief, who had been diligently enforcing a court order. It was a scene charged with intensity and the unmistakable sting of defiance.The encounter, vividly chaotic, resulted in the confiscation of two AK-47 rifles and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launcher from the…

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…

Mogadishu (AX) – The vibrant heart of commerce in Somalia, Bakara Market, flung open its doors again on a sunny Tuesday morning, following its temporary closure for four exhausting days. This decision emerged from critical negotiations between the nation's federal officials and the indomitable spirits of the business community. A glimmer of hope appeared as a precursor to the bustling days ahead. Productive dialogues between the esteemed Banadir Regional Business Council and the voice of the people, Speaker of the House…

Mothers' House Controversy in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) – A peculiar tension simmered in the heart of Mogadishu early Saturday morning. Somali police forces, in an orchestrated operation, took possession of the Mothers' House compound. You might wonder, what urgent matter requires such swift action? This iconic site, nestled opposite the Somali National Theater, has become the center of a heated property dispute. The operation unfolded quietly with the first light. As the city awakened post-prayers, the…

Mogadishu (AX) — The hustle and bustle of Mogadishu's vibrant markets, where traders earn their living amid the daily chaos, can mask an insidious undercurrent. Al-Shabaab, notorious for their devastating attacks, draws substantial financial support from unsuspecting Somali entrepreneurs. Banadir Regional Police Commander Moalim Mahdi recently unveiled this chilling reality at a national prosecutors' conference. Mahdi unraveled the intricate nexus of power and fear that enables these militants to execute operations that…

In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, where the skyline is painted with vivid billboards and enticing signs, a new wave of regulatory rigor has swept over the city. Authorities have embarked on a comprehensive initiative targeting businesses that have skirted the city’s advertising tax laws. The focal point of this crackdown? Unregistered and unlawful advertising structures punctuating the city's busy thoroughfares. Has the vibrant chaos of unregulated displays become too…

Mogadishu (AX) — A moment reminiscent of the intricate politics that ripple through Somalia played out on Monday, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reinstated Colonel Ibrahim Moalim Abdullahi. Abdullahi, the erstwhile intelligence chief of Mogadishu within the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), found his military rank and privileges restored. But what does this signify in the grand scheme of Somalia's tumultuous political landscape? Does this mark the dawn of a new era of reconciliatory politics, or is it…

London, UK (AX) — Channel 4's daring new series, Go Back to Where You Came From, embarks on an audacious journey that vividly parallels the treacherous routes taken by refugees fleeing conflict zones. At the heart of this experiential expedition is Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, a city long marred by turbulence yet buoyed by indomitable resilience. While watching this series, one might ponder: what do an eclectic group of six British citizens gain by traversing these perilous roads once trodden by countless asylum…