National

Fighting Near Kenya Border Claims Lives, Raises Tensions BELED-HAWO, Somalia - In a tragic sequence of events unfolding on Tuesday, at least ten lives were lost amidst fierce clashes between Jubaland regional forces and Somali federal troops. This recent violence echoes an ongoing struggle for influence over the Gedo region, situated within Somalia’s Jubaland state. But what truly lies beneath these hostilities? The township of Beled-Hawo, perched near the Kenya-Somalia border, witnessed an intense gunfight…

FILE - President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro In Hargeisa, a pressing challenge faces the nation of North Western State of Somalia. On Tuesday, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro took a decisive step by declaring a national emergency in response to severe drought conditions that threaten the very fabric of lives and livelihoods across multiple regions. Most notably, the regions of Awdal and Salal in North Western State of Somalia's western territory have been hit particularly hard. In a carefully crafted…

In a significant and unexpected turn of events, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate dissolution of the Board of Trustees associated with the National Cathedral of Ghana. This decision, coupled with the closure of its Secretariat, emerges in the wake of what the government has described as “damning audit findings.” This declaration, made during a recent press briefing, raises a multitude of questions about the future of this ambitious project. An Abrupt End: The Secretariat's Closure The news broke on…

The European Union is contemplating support for member states wishing to block imports from illegal Israeli settlements, with discussions set to unfold next week. This initiative is one of several being explored following a review indicating that Israel may be in violation of the human rights obligations outlined in the EU-Israel Association Agreement, especially concerning its military actions in Gaza. An options paper prepared by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas suggests that member states might be allowed to prevent…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a world increasingly defined by digital identity, Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency finds itself at a crossroads. As of now, the nation has yet to fully implement its newly introduced national identity card as a requirement for passport applications. Why, you might wonder? The answer lies within a maze of technical and institutional coordination challenges that still need to be resolved. Although Somalia proudly launched its digital national ID system in 2022 under the auspices of the…

Somalia: Growing Concerns Over Personal Data Security in National ID Rollout AXADLE, Somalia — There's a rising tide of concern surrounding Somalia’s ambitious National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) project. Citizens are voicing their worries, cybersecurity experts are critically analyzing, and the authority itself is caught in a balancing act. The crux of the matter lies in the personal data security of the national ID card program, utilizing a system inconveniently hosted in…

Somali Minister Raises Concerns Over HirShabelle Leader's Electoral Actions Mogadishu, Somalia, July 6 In an increasingly complex web of politics, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs has stepped into the spotlight with a contentious accusation. The minister, Ali Omar—known more familiarly as Ali Balcad— has taken a firm stand against an indirect election recently conducted in the district of Balcad, located in the HirShabelle State. With a tone of…

When you think of iconic national airlines, names like Emirates and Qantas likely spring to mind. Emirates, with its glitzy branding and luxurious services, instantly conjures images of the United Arab Emirates, while Qantas proudly represents the spirit and ambition of Australia. These airlines are more than just airlines; they are symbols of national pride and identity. Yet, in stark contrast to these emblematic carriers, some African countries find themselves without a functional national airline. How does this absence…

Somalia's New Identification Mandate: A Step Toward Unity or Controversy? Mogadishu (AX) — In a bold move aimed at streamlining public services, Somalia's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has mandated that all of its services will now require the presentation of a National Identification Card. This requirement is a product of the Prime Ministerial Directive XRW/415/04/2025, which aims to enhance nationwide identity verification through a unified system. The Cabinet endorsed this decision during its…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant turn of events, a coalition of ten political parties, united under the Coalition for the Restoration of Justice and Hope in Somalia, has publicly rejected the final communiqué of the recently concluded National Consultation Forum held in Mogadishu. Their discontent revolves around accusations against the federal government for neglecting the principles of inclusive dialogue, thus undermining the very essence of constitutional legitimacy in the country. On Friday, the coalition issued a…