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Every four years, an eerie shadow looms over Somalia as elections, instead of heralding a new dawn, often lead to political turmoil and strife. The outcome of these elections should ideally reaffirm the federal government's authority through peaceful and legitimate processes, yet, more often than not, the opposite occurs. The last election cycle (2021-2022) put the very fabric of the Somali state at risk. Despite this, there was a palpable sense of relief among the populace when newly elected parliamentarians pledged to…

Mogadishu (AX) — In North Western State of Somalia, two deputy ministers have thrown in the towel, indicating a major realignment in the political sphere just a few weeks shy of the crucial November 13 presidential election. These officials, formerly aligned with the sitting Kulmiye Party, have now pledged their allegiance to Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, from the opposition. Their rationale? A push for transformation.Nasir Aydid Mohamed, once serving as Deputy Minister of Fisheries, expressed his intention to…

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The political scene in Somalia is heating up with tensions brewing within the Senate. Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi announced that the seat of Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Salah Ahmed Jama is now vacant due to his regular absence, which has sparked division among lawmakers. Jama, an influential player in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's government, is in hot water for skipping four consecutive Senate meetings, a violation of the Senate's Standing Orders and the country's constitution. The Senate…

This past week, Israeli military operations targeted United Nations peacekeeping installations in southern Lebanon, igniting significant worries about the safety of international personnel in the region. According to the UN, while their troops would scale back operations, they weren’t intending to withdraw entirely. The decision of Irish soldiers to stay put at UN post 6-52, even as nearby Israeli forces established a firing position, has been characterized by many Lebanese as a display of “grit and resolve,” as noted by…

In the city of Asmara, Eritrea, leaders converged for a pivotal meeting. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi joined Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki at a trilateral summit. Together, they vowed to fortify security alliances amidst growing regional unrest, with particular focus on Ethiopia's heightened presence in the Horn of Africa.Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia warmly welcomed Egypt’s offer to contribute peacekeeping forces as part of the forthcoming African Union Mission to Support…

Rising Tensions in the Horn of Africa: A New Alliance Formed Against Ethiopia's Red Sea Agenda ASMARA, Eritrea - Brace yourselves for a significant diplomatic gathering as Egypt's president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, heads to Asmara. He joins Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki. The trio plans to hash out trade and security issues affecting the Horn of Africa's landscape. According to insiders, they're eyeing a regional coalition. This could spark jitters since Ethiopia is caught…

ASMARA, Eritrea - Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea have joined forces, stirring up the already bubbling pot of regional tensions, especially with Ethiopia. The diplomatic shake-up unfolded at a summit in Asmara, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki gathered to map out strategic cooperation. This alliance emerges against the backdrop of Ethiopia making waves with its contentious deal with North Western State of Somalia, aiming for a slice…

Mogadishu (AX) — Kenya Airways is poised to hit the brakes on all its flights ferrying passengers to Mogadishu, Somalia, starting on October 14, 2024. The decision, attributed to some gnarly operational hiccups, was splashed across a letter by the airline’s honcho, Allan Kilavuka. This communiqué, dated October 9, 2024, was penned to Mohamed Daghar, the Principal Secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport."We've run into some operational snags," explained Kilavuka in the letter, "so we've chosen to halt our…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the face of regional discord, Somalia stands by its robust defense agreement with Egypt, harmonizing with its foreign policy to enhance its security framework, though ruffling feathers, particularly in Ethiopia. The pact, reminiscent of Somalia’s strategic alliances with the U.S., EU, Turkey, and nations in the Gulf, drew skepticism from Ethiopia. Concerns revolve around potential military intensification, fueled by maritime disputes and Egypt’s longstanding Nile River tensions. Hussein Sheikh Ali,…