National

**Mogadishu (AX)** – On a bright Saturday morning, a significant chapter unfolded in the pages of Somalia’s educational journey. Nearly 40,000 students embarked on the pivotal 12th Grade Certificate Examination for the 2024–2025 academic year. Such moments, steeped in hope and ambition, are not merely about tests; they represent dreams, aspirations, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge amidst challenging circumstances. This year, an impressive total of **39,397 students** from various regions and districts across the…

Northeastern State Rebukes National Dialogue Proposal, Citing Constitutional Breaches By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring AXADLE, Somalia – It's an intriguing scene unfolding in northeastern Somalia, where Northeastern State has decisively stepped back from a national dialogue proposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This move, rooted in what Northeastern State describes as constitutional discrepancies, might make one wonder:…

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…

A Significant U.S. Navy Operation: Unraveling the Threads of an Arms Smuggling Case On a relatively quiet January 11, 2024, the U.S. Navy conducted a pivotal operation that would soon reveal layers of complexity and danger beneath the surface. Forces aboard the USS Lewis B. Puller intercepted a suspicious, unflagged dhow navigating the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea, near the tumultuous waters off Somalia. Captained by an individual known as Pahlawan, this vessel was not merely a fishing boat or a mundane cargo ship. It…

Mogadishu: A Call for Unity Amidst Political Tensions Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali political landscape is once again at a crossroads, and the air is thick with tension. On Monday, government ministers squarely pointed fingers at opposition leaders within the Somali Salvation Forum. They accused these leaders of refusing to participate in a national dialogue crucial for addressing the deepening chasm of political conflict. One can almost hear the echo of urgency in their voices, as these ministers seek to pave a path toward…

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops as federal agents continue to confront demonstrators in Los Angeles, where protests have persisted for the second consecutive day following a series of immigration raids. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that the Pentagon is ready to mobilize active-duty troops should violence escalate. He stated that Marines stationed at nearby Camp Pendleton are currently "on high alert." Federal security agents engaged…

The Trump administration has announced the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops as federal agents braced for a second day of confrontations with demonstrators in Los Angeles, following recent immigration raids. In the Paramount area of southeast Los Angeles, security personnel faced approximately 100 protesters. Many demonstrators waved Mexican flags, while others concealed their mouths with respiratory masks, a poignant symbol of their discontent. Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, confirmed during an interview with…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant step toward fostering unity and constructive dialogue, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has expressed his determination to collaborate with national political leaders. This commitment was articulated in a recent statement from the Ministry of Information on Friday, which underlines the importance of addressing the multifaceted challenges that currently confront the nation. Recently, President Mohamud convened a pivotal meeting at the presidential palace that brought together leaders…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent and impactful statement, former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has voiced his deep concerns regarding the upcoming National Consultation Forum convened by current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This public address, issued on Thursday, revolves around the critical themes of inclusivity and comprehensive stakeholder engagement in the national dialogue. Farmaajo's remarks come against a backdrop of increasing anxiety regarding the political climate in Somalia. He has pointedly…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant move towards fostering national dialogue, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently gathered a diverse group of civil society representatives at the Presidential Palace. This meeting, held on Tuesday, is a pivotal step toward the much-anticipated National Consultation Forum scheduled for June 15, 2025. The initiative, as highlighted by Villa Somalia, is part of a series of inclusive consultations aimed at securing widespread participation and promoting consensus in shaping Somalia’s…