security

New airstrip in Buur Hakaba offers hope — and a test of resilience — in Somalia’s restless south BUUR HAKABA, Somalia — In the sun-baked plains between Baidoa and the coast, a strip of compacted earth has suddenly become more than a patch of ground. On a warm Sunday morning this week, local leaders and residents cut a ribbon on Buur Hakaba’s first-phase airport — a modest airfield that community members and the Southwest state government say will be a lifeline for trade, education and elections in a part of Somalia long…

Reinforcing Unity: Egypt and Sudan Stand Firm on Nile Waters Amidst GERD Tensions CAIRO — In a display of solidarity, Egypt and Sudan held crucial discussions on Wednesday, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to shared water security amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River. This gathering, conducted under the "2+2" consultation framework, brought together key officials from both nations, highlighting their collaborative resolve. An Urgent Matter of Water Security…

Somalia's Leap into the Digital Age: E-Visa System Set to Transform Travel and Trade In a significant stride towards modernizing its immigration framework, Somalia has officially announced the launch of its Electronic Visa and Travel Authorization System (E-Visa/ETAS), set to take effect on September 1, 2025. The unveiling marks a progressive move to digitalize processes in a nation eager to welcome the world with open arms amid security and infrastructural challenges. A Step Towards Global Integration The announcement…

Djibouti's Diplomatic Mission in Somalia: A Step Toward Regional Stability BELEWEYNE, SOMALIA — In a move indicative of the deepening ties between Djibouti and Somalia, Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Abdukadir Hussein Omar, touched down today in Beledweyne, a city that stands as both a cradle of Somali history and a strategic locus in the ongoing security dynamics of the Horn of Africa. A Diplomatic Welcome in Beledweyne The minister's arrival at Ugaas Khaliif Airport was marked by a warm reception from regional authorities.…

Strengthening Bonds: UAE and Somalia Forge Deeper Ties Amid Regional Shifts In a move resonating with diplomatic significance, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to Mogadishu. The high-level meeting unfolded against the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics, underscoring the evolving socio-political landscape of the Horn of Africa. Deepening Diplomatic Relations The discussions took place at the heart of Somali leadership—the…

Strengthening Ties: Somalia and Sudan's Security Partnership in a Troubled Region In a region where instability and conflict often dominate headlines, a significant diplomatic step was taken this week as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in substantial discussions with Maj. Gen. Ahmed Ibrahim Ali Mufadal, Sudan's Director General of National Intelligence Service. The meeting underscores a potential pivot towards more strategic alliances in combating shared security threats in the Horn of Africa. A Crucial…

Strengthening Bonds: Somalia and Pakistan's Vision for Collaboration In a rapidly changing global landscape, the importance of strategic alliances cannot be underestimated. This was evident when Somalia and Pakistan took significant steps to fortify their cooperation in diverse sectors, following a high-stakes meeting in Saudi Arabia. This alliance not only resonates within their borders but also has wider implications for the Muslim world and beyond. A Meeting with Purpose On the bustling sidelines of the 21st…

Baidoa (AX) — On Monday, Ambassador James Swan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, sat down with South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ and his team. Their chat revolved around some big-ticket items like security, election prep, and the pressing humanitarian concerns. Regional bigwigs filled in the UN envoy on safety measures being beefed up across South West State. They particularly pointed out the recent wins in Sabiid and Bariire in the Lower Shabelle region.…

In preparation for the upcoming holiday season, Kisumu, a vibrant lakeside city, has taken proactive steps to bolster security. This includes forming a diverse committee tasked with ensuring safety during this festive period. As Kisumu City Manager, Abala Wanga, shared, this task force is an amalgamation of the National Police Service, local government authorities, and various community groups. They've set in motion stringent strategies to tackle crime head-on. The city has recently faced a surge in incidents where gangs,…

In the hubbub of Mogadishu, news has just dropped that Somalia’s cabinet decided to lift the ban on chemical fertilizers. This move aims to cranking up efficiency in agriculture, tackling food shortages, and minimizing how climate change has been throwing curveballs at farming in the region. Announced with a bit of fanfare on Thursday, this policy is a linchpin in the government's plan to breathe new life into the agriculture sector. This sector, by the way, is the bread and butter for over 70% of the people, plus it makes…