ongoing

The African Union (AU) remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering peace and stability in Somalia, even as it grapples with significant financial hurdles impacting its peacekeeping mission in the Horn of Africa. This dedication is not merely a bureaucratic obligation; it's a pressing moral imperative driven by the multi-layered struggles of the Somali people. Can we truly imagine a future where these challenges are met with unwavering resolve? At the forefront of this initiative is the Chairperson of the African Union…

Somalia's Appeal for Continued Global Support Amid Al-Shabaab Challenges MOGADISHU, Somalia - Striving for stability after decades of turmoil, Somalia continues to echo its need for sustained international aid. The ravages of civil war still linger, exacerbated by the looming threats of Al-Shabaab and ISIS in the northern territories. How does a nation rebuild amidst such adversity? Ali Mohamed Omar, the articulate Minister of State and International Cooperation, highlighted the necessity for support to ensure a smooth…

Somalia’s Warm Reception of the DRC-Rwanda Declaration: A Step Towards Regional Harmony In an encouraging turn of events, Somalia has expressed its approval of the recent Declaration of Principles signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. This agreement marks a potentially transformative moment for the Great Lakes region, offering a renewed hope for peace, stability, and collaborative engagement. Issued on a Sunday, a statement from…

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels, known for their ties to Rwanda, have declared a ceasefire in the eastern regions of the country. This agreement will remain in effect until peace negotiations, facilitated by Qatar, are brought to a close. It’s a significant development in the ongoing conflict that has claimed an estimated 7,000 lives since M23 escalated its military campaign in January. In a joint statement, representatives from both factions characterized their recent discussions as "frank and…

A Call to Action for Somalia’s Future Mogadishu (AX) — In a stirring address delivered recently, the African Union Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, made an impassioned plea to member states and international partners to reaffirm their commitment to Somalia. With the nation teetering on the brink of a critical juncture, he cautioned that the hard-won victories against Al-Shabaab are at significant risk of reversal without continued support from the global community. Speaking at a high-level summit of Troop Contributing…

Struggles and Resilience: The Ongoing Fight Against Al-Shabab In recent months, the landscape of Somalia's fight against militant Islamist groups has shifted once again. Al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated organization, has regrouped and is now launching a series of counter-attacks, underscoring the complexities of the conflict that has persisted for almost two decades. In a significant show of military strength, the United States and Somali forces executed a carefully planned airstrike targeting these militants. This…

Top officials from Ukraine and the United States are gathered in Paris for crucial discussions with an EU delegation, focusing on various pressing matters, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the possibility of a ceasefire. Upon their arrival, Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, shared on social media, “I have just landed in Paris. We arrived together with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.” He also mentioned that they would be meeting with representatives…

Birmingham Garbage Workers Refuse Offer, Strike Enters Sixth Week Refuse workers in Birmingham have voted overwhelmingly to reject an offer intended to resolve a strike now in its sixth week, leaving thousands of tonnes of garbage piling up throughout the city's streets, union officials confirmed today. This latest development comes as military logistics experts have been called in to help tackle the ongoing rubbish accumulation crisis. The Unite union described the proposal presented to its members as…

Voter Registration to Commence in Mogadishu Amid Diverging Opinions in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - It seems President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is ready to advance without engaging in extensive political dialogues. While some might question the efficacy of such a move, he is set on initiating a voter registration exercise. This decision, however, surfaces amidst palpable tension and disagreements with some federal states. Slated for May 2025, the National Consultative Council (NCC) posse…

US President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs on numerous countries have now taken effect, imposing hefty duties of 104% on Chinese goods and 20% on products from the European Union. This move escalates his global trade dispute even as he prepares for negotiations with several nations. As President Trump himself noted, “We have a lot of countries coming in that want to make deals.” However, these punitive tariffs have disrupted a trading order that has been in place for decades, leading to heightened recession fears and…