regions

Al-Shabaab's Unyielding Grip on Southern Somalia: A Recap of Recent Developments NAIROBI, Kenya - Imagine a place where hope and despair dance an intricate tango. In Southern Somalia, Al-Shabaab has once again tightened its grip, claiming strategic territory in what feels like an unending saga of strife. Particularly in the Middle Shabelle region, they've reasserted dominance over key locations such as the towns of Al-Kawthar and Boos-Hareeri, according to individuals closely associated with the regional…

Visiting Recently Liberated Territories: Hirshabelle President and Military Commanders’ Steadfast Commitment In a country frequently grappling with security challenges, the dedication of both leaders and military is often put to the test. This week, the spotlight is on the Hirshabelle President and high-ranking military commanders, who took a pivotal step by visiting the recently liberated regions in Middle Shabelle. Their visit wasn’t just ceremonial; it was emblematic of Somalia’s enduring quest for peace and…

The unpredictable corridors of power opened their doors on February 4, 2025, as US President Donald Trump welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into the Oval Office. An occasion captured in time by Evan Vucci's lens for the Associated Press, the meeting hinted at a controversial geopolitical chess move: relocating Gazans from their besieged enclave. But relocate to where? The eyes of Israeli and US officials are turning toward Morocco and two autonomous Somali regions—Northeastern State and North Western State…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a captivating move toward bolstering local governance, the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) of Somalia recently declared its intent to conduct Local Council Elections in June. This electoral endeavor, spanning pivotal regions like Gedo and Khaatumo, forms a cornerstone of the federal government's broader strategy for decentralization. Abdikarin Ahmed Hassan, the NIEC chairperson, unveiled an interesting array of details in a dialogue with Somali National Television. He indicated that…

In a corner of the world often scarred by turmoil, the picturesque city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo finds itself shrouded in a thick cloud of violence once more. The relentless guns and recrudescent battles between the M23 insurgent faction and national forces have thrust the city into a maelstrom of chaos, displacing countless souls and quaking the very foundation of livelihoods and trade.

Storm in Somalia: Former Governor's Controversial Call Stirs National Debate BELEDWEYNE, Somalia — On a quiet afternoon suddenly shaken by controversy, a firestorm of debate has erupted across Somalia. A former governor has lit the fuse with a bold suggestion: civilians dwelling in the shadows of Al-Shabaab's influence should be held accountable for, in his words, "abetting" terror in the tumultuous Horn of Africa. With a heart set as hard as diamonds, Jayte Ali Osman, who…

Hargeisa (AX) – In an audacious appeal, North Western State of Somalia’s Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Ali Ayale, has made a heartfelt plea to the President of the United States, the inimitable Donald J. Trump, to acknowledge North Western State of Somalia as a fully independent nation. And you know Trump doesn't shy away from bold moves! "Donald Trump, a man celebrated for his forthrightness and strong-willed governance, now leads the United States. We urge him to recognize North Western State of Somalia to foster…

NAIROBI, Kenya - Picture this: Ethiopia, a nation entrenched in the heart of the Horn of Africa, is rethinking its military engagements within its own territories. The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) are pulling back from several locales, a move as bold as a lion's roar in the Serengeti. This ambitious recalibration aims to bolster Ethiopia's defense along its borders, where the stakes are as high as an elephant's eye. For generations, the Ethiopian government—ever like a diligent gardener—has deployed its…

In the affluent neighborhood of Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, a massive firefighting response is actively ongoing as a wildfire has surged, engulfing an additional 1,000 acres overnight. Residents are on high alert, facing potential worsening weather that may exacerbate the flames in the coming 72 hours. During a recent press briefing, Cal Fire official Todd Hopkins reported that while 11% of the Palisades Fire has been contained, it has already scorched more than 22,000 acres, causing widespread concern. Water drops…

Hey there! In an exciting development, Somali government forces, teaming up with local militias, have successfully reclaimed important territories in Hiiraan from the clutches of Al-Shabaab militants. This victory marks a significant step forward in the nationwide mission to dismantle the hold of this extremist group.Beera Yabaal, Jibibow, Biya Madoobe, and Arooso—these liberated towns along the lifeline that is the Shabelle River—carry immense strategic importance for Al-Shabaab. Nestled between Buulaburte and Halgan…