Somali

MOGADISHU, Somalia – With hope-laden words echoing through the chambers of a mosque nestled within the sacred grounds of Villa Somalia, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud extended a renewed hand of amnesty to the warriors of Al-Shabaab. "It's time to come home," his voice seemed to say, urging those tangled in the insurgency's web to break free, to step into the light of society's embrace without the shadows of retribution creeping behind them. Picture this scene: the scent of incense curling to meet the lofty arches of…

Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Mogadishu (AX) – In the dawn of a recent Saturday, the serene landscapes of the Boos Hareri area in the Middle Shabelle region witnessed a drastic turn of events. The Somali National Army, with the invaluable support of local clan militia, confronted and successfully neutralized a threat posed by at least 20 Al-Shabaab militants. This tale of bravery and strategy underlines a significant military operation aimed at ensuring peace in a land long haunted by unrest. It…

It's often said, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." On a decisive Thursday in Dhusamareeb, courage took the form of a meticulously executed military operation by the Somali National Army (SNA). This operation unfolded in the Geerile area of the Galgaduud region, where the balance of power is constantly in flux, teetering between stability and insurgency. On that fateful day, the 85th Unit of the 77th Brigade found themselves at the forefront of a strategic assault against the notorious…

Somalia: The Nation of Poets On the easternmost edge of Africa lies Somalia, a country often dubbed the "Nation of Poets" or the "Nation of Bards." This evocative label resonates deeply with Somalis, who possess an intrinsic flair for poetry and a profound respect for storytelling. For as long as anyone can remember, poetry has been the lifeblood of Somali culture. Its roots trace back to the 18th century with revered meditations like those of Sheekh Cali Cabduraxmaan. But what of today? Is this timeless tradition…

Mogadishu (AX)—A stirring event unfolded on Thursday in Baidoa as hundreds of freshly trained Somali security personnel celebrated the completion of a demanding six-month training program. This training, meticulously conducted by Ethiopian forces, falls under the Africa Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The recruits endured intense military drills and mastered the complexities of weapons handling and counterterrorism strategies. Such rigorous training imbues them with the vital skills…

Critical Reflections on Somalia's Current Challenges Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring Life often asks us tough questions, doesn’t it? Recently, in the realm of Somali politics, a significant debate has erupted centering on the leadership—or perceived lack thereof—of the Hirshabelle state. A senior adviser to Somalia's president, Mohamed Hassan Ibrahim Qoone, has fired pointed accusations at key officials in Hirshabelle. His critique cuts deep: they allegedly failed to step up…

Mogadishu (Axadle Times International) — How does a government effectively challenge misinformation and terrorism? It's a question the Somali Council of Ministers has been grappling with under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama. On a pivotal Thursday, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts to confront misinformation and disrupt networks believed to provide either direct or indirect support to terrorist entities. This strategic decision is part of a larger ambition to fortify national…

Cape Town Controversy: Police Officers Arrested Amid Accusations of Robbing Somali-Owned Shop Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Imagine standing behind the counter of your modest shop, believing you are safe within the borders of law and order. Suddenly, those who are sworn to protect you become unexpected antagonists. This troubling scenario unfolded in the heart of Cape Town, South Africa, where three police officers, once symbols of public safety, have been accused of subverting that very…

On a pleasant Monday in Istanbul, the bustling city that straddles both Europe and Asia, a significant diplomatic meeting took place. Somali Ambassador to Türkiye, Fathudin Ali Mohamed, arriving with a vision and a purpose, engaged in a crucial dialogue with Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, who serves as the secretary-general of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The meeting unfolded within the walls of the organization's headquarters, a space that has witnessed numerous similar encounters charting the future of regional…

Ali Adan Mumin: A Voice Liberated Amidst Controversy On a recent day that began like any other, social media commentator and political blogger Ali Adan Mumin found himself in the center of a storm, though one might argue storms are nothing new for those who dare to speak openly. Mumin spent two restless nights in police custody, arrested under allegations of threatening national security and defaming government officials—a charge heavy with implications. His unexpected detention sparked a wave…