National

Baidoa (AX) – In the shadowed corners of the Bakool region, where rust-red earth meets dusty skies, the Somali National Army (SNA) embarked on a crucial mission. It was a Wednesday laden with the anticipation of conflict, as troops moved through this sparse landscape, eyes keenly scanning for movement. Their objective? To rid Southwest State of the pervasive Al-Shabaab strongholds in an escalation of military efforts that have become a repetitive rhythm in the national strategy against militant forces. What were the minds…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — As the sun rises over Mogadishu's bustling streets, conversations in cafes and markets gravitate towards a shiny new piece of plastic: the national ID card. Its introduction is causing a stir, amplifying fears that it might be wielded as a tool to tilt the scales in the upcoming Villa Somalia-driven "one person, one vote" elections—a process already under scrutiny. Imagine a national ID card that's designed to simplify voter verification, make elections fairer. Sounds ideal, right? Yet,…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a recent crackdown on swirling rumors, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) made it crystal clear that the freshly-minted national ID cards have absolutely zilch to do with Somalia's forthcoming nationwide elections using the one-person, one-vote principle. In a direct tête-à-tête with BBC Somali on a sun-drenched Sunday, NIRA’s head honcho, Abdiwali Ali Abdulle Timacade, set the record straight, emphasizing that this ambitious ID card initiative is all about offering a timeless…

Purdue Pharma, along with its controlling Sackler family, has recently hammered out a staggering $7.4 billion agreement aimed at settling a tidal wave of lawsuits. These cases allege that the painkiller OxyContin played a significant role in igniting the opioid addiction catastrophe gripping the United States, as affirmed by several state attorneys general. This settlement comes nearly seven months after the U.S. Supreme Court upended Purdue’s earlier bid for resolution via a bankruptcy settlement. At that time, Purdue…

MOGADISHU, Somalia— As Somalia embarks on an ambitious journey to bring its identification framework into the digital age, the rollout of the new National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) system is lighting up the proverbial switchboard with public apprehension. The buzz isn’t just white noise; concerns about the safekeeping and longevity of personal data are resonating across the nation like a chorus of warning bells. Imagine the skepticism swirling around the NIRA initiative as a tempestuous cloud, casting…

With a characteristic vigor, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia, envisaging a future ripe with collaborative triumphs. He emphasized, often with a flourish, that Somalia's security isn't just a distant concern but a vital piece of Egypt's own national security puzzle. In moments like these, can anyone really overstate the power of friendship between nations? During a lively joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sisi eloquently…

In the heart of bustling Mogadishu, cobbled together in a meeting room buzzing with ideas and caffeine chatter, a significant decision was stitched into the fabric of Somalia’s forward-looking initiatives. The weekly conclave of the Somali Council of Ministers—a gathering often flavored with a dash of formality and purpose—saw the spotlight fall squarely on the National Disability Agency Board. This esteemed body, tasked with championing the rights and inclusivity of the nation’s diverse community of individuals with…

Bosaso (AX) – In a twist of fate both intriguing and contentious, Northeastern State's regional leaders have turned down food aid supplied by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). This aid was intended to assist communities beleaguered by drought and conflict in Northeastern State. However, suspicions regarding both the aid's origins and its distribution process have cast a shadow over its intended purpose. During a no-holds-barred press briefing in Bosaso on the Sabbath, Northeastern State’s…

Mogadishu (AX) - At the hustling heart of Mogadishu, Somalia steps gleefully towards a new dawn of progress, rolling out its long-anticipated National ID Card. Imagine unlocking not just doors, but possibilities - that’s the power of this little rectangle of promise. The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has fired the starting gun on this venture, aiming to equip citizens with a key to both essential services and their due rights. The ribbon at the launching event was snipped by none other than the…

Somali Forces Strike Key Blow Against Al-Shabab in Amara Mogadishu (AX) – Picture this: under the cloak of night, when even the stars were whispering secrets, Somali National Army (SNA) forces, alongside some fearless local clan militias, sprang into action in a daring escapade that could give even the best action films a run for their money. They descended upon the Amara district in the Mudug region during a Saturday night operation, delivering a significant blow to the notorious al-Shabab militants.…