National

Enoch Godongwana, the Minister of Finance, made a notable reappearance in Parliament today, seeking to present the revised 2025 Budget Review after several prior attempts. This return to the legislative arena was not just routine; it carried the weight of expectation and anticipation. What led to this repeat moment? One might wonder. The atmosphere was charged as he approached the lectern. Legislators, many of whom had been following the fiscal discussions closely, perched on the edges of their seats. Godongwana’s task was…

Has Al-Shabaab Infiltrated the Somali National Army? MOQOKORI, Somalia - Intrigue and tragedy struck yet again in Moqokori, a town nestled within the troubled Hiiraan region of central Somalia. This past Saturday, the serenity of the army was violently altered when a senior Somali National Army (SNA) officer was shockingly gunned down by a lower-ranking soldier. The backdrop to this chilling event is the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, a militant group intent on destabilizing the currently fragile, UN-backed…

Mogadishu (AX) – In an exciting yet challenging development, the Somali Ministry of Education and Higher Education has officially set the dates for this year’s National Secondary School Examinations. Students from across most regions of the country will gather to showcase their knowledge and skills from June 14 to June 29, 2025. This momentous occasion is not just an exam; it's a stepping stone toward future opportunities and dreams. In a press release shared this past Saturday, the ministry provided essential details for…

U.S. Stands Firm Against Somalia’s National Consultative Council Conclusions Mogadishu, Somalia – The air was tense as the United States declared its opposition to the outcomes of the recently concluded National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting held in the heart of Mogadishu. Although the city brims with life and the energy of its people, the meeting was overshadowed by criticism, primarily due to its lack of inclusivity—a term often brandished, yet critical when it comes to governance. The absence of key stakeholders…

Jubbaland's Defiance: A Stand Against Federal Overreach Kismayo (AX) — In a bold statement reflecting deep-seated tensions, the Jubbaland administration has categorically dismissed the recent outcomes of the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting held in Mogadishu. The administration accuses the Federal Government of attempting to intervene in its internal matters, raising alarms about potential overreach that threatens the delicate balance of power within Somalia's federal system. Abdifitah Mohamed Mukhtaar, the…

Somalia's Leadership Struggles: A Fragmented Nation Yearning for Unity MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a nation where hope seems perpetually on the horizon, yet just out of reach, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stands at the crossroads, facing the challenge of uniting Somalia's federal leaders. Recently, his efforts to gather all participants of the National Consultative Council (NCC) in Mogadishu have fallen short, highlighting deepening fissures within the fragile country. The initial talks, scheduled for May 2, 2025, and…

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…

In a riveting turn of events, a Nairobi court has decided to keep three individuals in custody for an additional month as they face serious terror-related charges. On Tuesday, the court denied bail to Kenyans Noor Yakub Ali and Yusuf Maalim, along with Somali national Isaq Cabdi Xasan. These men stand accused of plotting a violent attack against Kenyan security officers while allegedly being affiliated with the notorious al-Shabaab terror group. Their alleged crimes are not just serious; they strike at the very heart of…

Somalia's Inaugural National Human Rights Conference: A Beacon of Hope and Change Mogadishu (AX) — The vibrant city of Mogadishu became the cradle of a new era on Monday as Somalia unveiled its first-ever National Human Rights Conference. This pivotal gathering, orchestrated by the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development, brought a diverse mix of minds together—government officials, civil society representatives, journalists, and international allies—all united under the banner of human rights…

Somali Government's National ID Card Initiative Faces Opposition MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a bold move that is stirring more than just government halls, the Somali government has rolled out a mandate that requires every citizen to obtain a National Identity Card, known as NIRA, to gain access to essential services like passports, birth certificates, and educational documents. Announced on Tuesday, this directive is hitting a wall of opposition, particularly in Northeastern State and Jubaland, the self-governing…