regional

Mogadishu (AX) — Imagine a bustling city square in Mogadishu, where purposeful steps echo on the pavement, and the air is charged with political ambitions tinged with skepticism. Somalia’s federal government finds itself in an ideological whirlpool, debating the merits and pitfalls of extending regional state leaders’ terms. This move, they argue, is a deliberate gambit toward transforming Somalia's electoral landscape into a "one person, one vote" democracy—a tantalizing prospect for many but fraught with complexities and…

Amid escalating violence in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Nations has raised a clarion call, expressing "grave concern" for the safety and security of civilians caught in the crossfire. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has reported a staggering exodus, with over 400,000 individuals displaced due to renewed hostilities between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army. That’s nearly double the figure reported just a week ago, illustrating how quickly the situation is spiraling out of…

Jigjiga (AX) – On a bright Thursday morning, amidst the buzz and hum of anticipation in the air, delegations from Somalia's Federal Government and the self-declared independent state of North Western State of Somalia touched down in the bustling town of Jigjiga. Their arrival coincided with the celebrations marking the anniversary of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, a festivity as eagerly awaited as a tickled hangover of nostalgia intertwined with hope.This gathering was no small affair. At the heart of it were…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture this: A sprawling, vibrant city buzzing with the latest political drama. Set the scene: the Union for Peace and Development (UPD) party, led by the charismatic and sometimes controversial Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is stepping boldly into the ring to back a fresh and promising registration process for new political organizations. Their endorsement comes quicker than a cat on a caffeine boost, sparking a heated debate and ruffling feathers, particularly in the rocky terrains of…

NAIROBI, Kenya – A Diplomatic Dance Across East Africa by Ethiopia’s Intelligence Head With a diplomatic flair that could rival even the most seasoned politicians, Ethiopia's intelligence chief, Redwan Hussien, has navigated the swirling currents of East African politics during his recent sojourn. Picture a chess match played out across the punctuated landscapes of three nations. The journey ended last weekend, marked by tête-à-têtes with Kenya’s President, William Ruto, and Uganda’s iconic leader, Yoweri…

In an era where every magnifying glass is trained on global security, President William Ruto is striking the chord for greater unity among Horn of Africa nations to square up against shared woes like terrorism and organized crime. Seems like a tall order, doesn’t it? After a tête-à-tête with Ethiopia's intelligence czar, Ambassador Redwan Hussien, at the prestigious State House, Nairobi, Ruto pulled out all the stops to reinforce Kenya's promise of working hand in glove with both regional and worldwide partners. His…

Mogadishu (AX) - In the bustling heart of Cairo, a significant diplomatic dialogue unfolded between Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, and Egypt’s agile Foreign Affairs leader, Dr. Badr Abdel Atty. This meeting wasn't just another tick on the political calendar; it was a deliberate stride towards fortifying regional security and intertwining the future destinies of Somalia and Egypt. Gathering amidst the grand historical edifices of Cairo, both ministers drew up an ambitious canvas: invigorating the…

Today, in the bustling atmosphere of the AU CAADP Summit in Kampala, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu sat down with Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Somalia. The duo converged not only to exchange formalities but to weave a tapestry of dialogue that underscored the necessity of regional harmony and advancement. "We are all in this together," one might say, as they delved deep into strategies for bolstering peace and security across the region. Their conversation was like crafting a blueprint…

In a significant assembly on Thursday, Egypt's Minister of Defense and Military Production Abdel Mageed Saqr met with Somalia's Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and his entourage during their expedition to Egypt. This encounter was captured by the Egyptian Armed Forces' press team. Saqr took the stage to deliberate on the regional and global dynamics that impact security within Africa. These weighty discussions with his Somali counterpart highlighted the intertwined destinies of both nations' defense strategies. The…

Mogadishu (AX) — "The wind of change is blowing through Somalia," as the region witnesses ISS's intricate web of terror tighten its grip. On the brink of the new year, December 31 saw the Islamic State Somalia Province (ISS) launching a major assault on Northeastern State's security apparatus, illuminating the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by extremist factions. Through precision and coordination, attackers unleashed suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs) and suicide vests (SVESTs) on a…