pledges

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a significant move, the United Kingdom has committed an extra £7.5 million to back the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), wrapping up its duties by December 2024, aiming to curb the al-Shabaab threat in the Horn of Africa. This donation, totaling almost $10 million, lifts the UK's total funding for ATMIS and its forerunner, AMISOM, to £77 million since 2021. The European Union and the United States, through the United Nations, primarily finance this mission. The funds are…

Egypt's Al-Sisi Stands Firm on Nile Water Dispute With Ethiopia CAIRO, Egypt - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has pledged to safeguard the waters of the Nile River amidst escalating tensions with Ethiopia over the Grand Renaissance Dam constructed on the Blue Nile. Egypt has long contended that Ethiopia’s damming efforts have curtailed the water flow downstream, severely affecting countless lives across the nation. In response, Egypt proposed a measured approach to filling the dam, an idea swiftly nixed by the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Defense Minister, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, is resolute in standing tall against Ethiopia’s recent saber-rattling, stating unequivocally that Somalia is primed to counter any belligerence directed toward its defense forces or citizens. During a speech in the heart of Mogadishu, Nur declared, "Somalia and Ethiopia should coexist in harmony and good neighborly spirit, yet if the fragile leadership of Abiy and Jula stumbles in upholding peace, then those stoking discord shall soon realize the gravity…

Beledweyne (AX) - On Friday, officials from the Hiiraan region of the Hirshabelle administration voiced strong disapproval of the violent altercation in Beledweyne. This clash, involving forces from both the Hiiraan State and Hirshabelle State administrations, tragically resulted in a civilian's death and further unsettled the already fragile stability.In their official response, the administration pledged to implement essential actions to uphold law and order, ensuring the safety of locals. "The leadership of the Hiiraan…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that long-time adversary Iran would face repercussions for its missile barrage on Israel this past Tuesday. Meanwhile, Tehran threatened with promises of massive destruction should retaliation occur, intensifying worries about a broader conflict in the region.As Washington rallied unwavering support for Israel, Iran's military warned that any direct involvement by Israel's allies would trigger a powerful response, targeting their bases and assets scattered throughout the…

Mogadishu (AX) — President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt has underscored Egypt's unwavering allegiance to Somalia, underlining the Arabic nation's critical function within the Arab League while affirming that no entity will be allowed to jeopardize its autonomy. El-Sisi's remarks arrive amid escalating military and political friction in the Horn of Africa, where Egypt's increased involvement is altering the regional landscape."We're not making hollow threats, but anyone endangering Somalia will face consequences," el-Sisi…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Auditor General Ahmed Issa Gutale has rallied substantial global support, particularly from Norway and leading audit institutions worldwide, to enhance the country's financial scrutiny. The 'Peer Support Project,' a collaborative initiative involving Somalia and global audit powerhouses like INTOSAI and AFROSAI-E, targets the enhancement of the country's financial oversight. Running through 2024, this project is geared towards solidifying governance through more robust audits and heightened…

Las Anod (AX) – The provisional leadership of SSC-Khatumo has leveled serious accusations against the Northeastern State of Somalia, alleging that their actions infringe on SSC-Khatumo's territory. They branded this move as a blatant affront to their governance. On Tuesday, Najib Barkhadle Warsame, the Minister of Information for SSC-Khatumo, delivered a stern message condemning Northeastern State's territorial assertions. "It’s outrageous for Northeastern State to stake a claim on land managed by SSC-Khatumo. This is a…

Egypt to Bolster Somalia's Military Strength CAIRO, Somalia - The Egyptian government has reaffirmed its steadfast intention to support Somalia’s federal government in its stabilization mission. The priority on the table is to modernize Somalia's military, especially given the looming threat posed by the resurgence of Al-Shabab militants. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Minister, emphasized that backing vital institutions, particularly the military, is crucial for Somalia. Such support empowers Somalia to defend…

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia addressed his nation with a Friday sermon, cautioning the populace about the dangers posed by foreign entities aiming to splinter the country and reaffirming the government's stern opposition to illicit arms trafficking. (Photo: Villa Somalia) Mogadishu (AX) — Delivering a message of urgency, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphatically warned against the possession and trade of illegal arms, underscoring the government's unwavering intent to clamp down on such activities. During…