security

The Weight of Justice: Navigating Accountability in North Western State of Somalia In the quiet town of Gabiley, North Western State of Somalia, a landmark decision by the military court reverberates through the community. Recently, Salah Isaaq, a local rickshaw driver, was sentenced to death by a First-Degree Military Court. His crime? The fatal shooting of Buuh Mowlid Ismail, an officer belonging to North Western State of Somalia’s Road Transport Forces, following a heated…

Is it possible for a single conversation to change the course of a region's security dynamics? Earlier this week in Nairobi, an important dialogue took place that might very well influence the future stability of East Africa. In a meeting characterized by commitment and collaboration, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, engaged with Somali military leaders to deliberate on the persistent security challenges facing Mogadishu. The Somali delegation was led by Brig. Gen. Madey Nurey Sheikh, the…

Mogadishu (AX) – A gentle hum of anticipation filled the air as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed Parliament on Saturday—a collective assembly of minds gathered to mark the opening of its sixth session in Mogadishu. Is there a time more apt for reflection and hope than the dawn of a new parliamentary session? President Mohamud seized this moment, directing the statesmen's attention to the seismic military movements against the entrenched forces of ISIS and Al-Shabaab in the arid expanses of Northeastern State…

Garowe (AX) – On a brisk Tuesday morning, a shadowy group of Ethiopian migrants found themselves in the firm grasp of Northeastern State's security forces, ingeniously crossing the formidable border into Somalia. In a swift and efficient maneuver, these individuals were sent back whence they came, to their homeland of Ethiopia. The crackdown was more than just an isolated event. "One way or another, we will tackle these smuggling networks head-on," declared a senior military figure, whose words carried the solemn weight of…

BOSASO, Somalia - The town of Bosaso, nestled in the arid expanse of Somalia's Northeastern State region, has long endured the ominous shadow of militant threats. But in a twist that locals consider a watershed moment, the dragnet has tightened around notorious Islamic State (Daesh) members accused of criminal activities that have plagued this area. Colonel Abdikadir Jama Dirir, the steely-eyed Bari region Police Commander, revealed to reporters on a brisk Wednesday morning how the orchestrated sweep played out.…

In an unexpected turn, Ethiopia and Somalia managed to mend their diplomatic rift this January by signing an agreement that grants Addis Ababa access to port facilities in Somalia. But Ethiopia isn't the only player on the field. Last year, Mogadishu struck a deal with Turkey, where Ankara agreed to fortify Somalia's maritime security via a mix of capacity building, training, and collaborative patrols. The fruits of these agreements could be bountiful, potentially presenting economic and investment avenues while uplifting…

On Thursday, Israel is poised to receive the remains of four hostages from Gaza. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to facilitate the return of six living captives this Saturday, as confirmed by an Israeli security official. These forthcoming handovers represent a glimmer of hope amid an ongoing crisis. If both handover operations transpire successfully, only four hostages—currently presumed deceased—will remain unaccounted for out of the 33 individuals expected to be released during the initial phase of a ceasefire…

Baidoa (AX) — In a turn of events that can only be described as harrowing yet hopeful, the security forces in Somalia's South West State have succeeded in rescuing four children, much to the relief of their anguished families. These children—each tender and impressionable—found themselves in the clutches of the notorious Al-Shabaab, a scourge force bent on enlisting them into their militant ranks as child soldiers. Can one truly grasp the enormity of such a violation? Local authorities announced this heartening news on…

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Munich, Christoph Heusgen, the dedicated chairman of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), delivered his poignant closing remarks at the conclusion of the 61st edition of this esteemed gathering. With heavy heart yet an unwavering commitment, he stepped down after a fruitful term that commenced in 2022. In this significant moment, Heusgen expressed his gratitude toward European leaders, while also offering special recognition to Ukraine's President, Volodymyr…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently emphasized the crucial need for security assurances for Ukraine, particularly considering the ongoing threat from Russia. In a thought-provoking discussion with RTÉ News at the Munich Security Conference, he articulated, "If there was an imperfect peace, there have to be security guarantees for Ukraine." Such statements underscore not just a policy stance, but a commitment to pragmatic diplomacy in a precarious geopolitical landscape. The backdrop of this dialogue was marked by Ukrainian…