Somali

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali National Army, along with Jubbaland's finest Dervishes, orchestrated a mission to topple a high-ranking al-Shabab figure last Friday in the northern regions of Lower Jubba, according to comments from government insiders.This concerted military effort zoned in on the hotbeds of al-Shabab activity around Dharkeen Urur and Orgiyow in Lower Jubba.Mohamud Ali Hussein, often tagged as "Qayliyow" within his circle, found his end during this strike. He was the mastermind behind surveillance, intelligence…

Out of 197 delegates from 57 different nations attending the event, only 21 were men. Earlier this week, the event's group photo sparked a wave of skepticism online from Somalis. Many argued that women's issues aren't prioritized by the government. Social media brimmed with snapshots from the conference: General Jama appeared alongside his adviser, former MP Abdullahi Godah Barre, and in another image, they conversed with another gentleman, identified by the BBC as an aide. "He wasn't the sole male minister; the…

“If the Somali language were to vanish, we would lose its vibrant culture and profound oral history," she remarked earnestly. "The initiative, Sing-Again, represents my hope for relishing and rejoicing in the language. The narrative isn't solely about somber displacement or becoming a refugee; that’s not a tale we wish to dwell on constantly." Hassan secured a notable Minnesota Legacy Cultural Heritage Grant amounting to $121,394. She mentioned that a significant portion will fuel the book's publication, while some funds…

WATCH: American Somalis Vote Early by Mail in U.S. Election On Africa 54: Somali-based Americans send their absentee votes while keeping a close watch on the presidential race back home. Meanwhile, Mozambique's electoral board announced Daniel Chapo from the ruling party as the victor of their presidential election. Over in Sierra Leone, hip-hop artist Kao Denero sat down with VOA's Jackson Mvunganyi to chat about his tunes. Tune in for these stories and more on today's Africa 54.

Mogadishu (AX) — Underneath the bright Mogadishu skies, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warmly welcomed German Ambassador Sebastian Groth to the Presidential Palace on a Thursday that promised progress as they delved into dialogues on enhancing their bilateral ties.President Mohamud ardently called for amplifying Germany’s backing for Somalia’s quest to rebuild and progress, with a clear spotlight on revitalizing vocational training schemes. The President passionately expressed how these moves are crucial for fostering…

Mogadishu (AX) — Canada has revealed a substantial rollback in its immigration strategy, scaling down the influx of newcomers amid escalating challenges in housing and social services. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the revamped plan, adjusting Canada’s permanent residency target for 2025 from a half-million to 395,000. That’s slicing it down by a hefty 21%. Trudeau confessed that his team “misjudged the balance” between filling job vacancies and managing immigration levels.Public mood is swaying these days. Recent…

 Mogadishu (AX) — The Turkish research ship, Oruc Reis, has anchored off the coast of Somalia, kicking off a seven-month exploration to hunt for oil and gas possibilities within licensed Somali seas. "The ship's arrival signifies Türkiye's deepening energy alliances with East Africa," remarked Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar on Friday.Enveloped in cutting-edge technology for complex three-dimensional seismic research, the vessel will sweep across three selected offshore zones, each stretching around 5,000 square…

FILE - Stacks of Khat, a plant sought for its stimulating effects in areas like East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Due to its status as an illegal substance in numerous nations, authorities are rigorously trying to stop its unlawful importation. JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AX) — At the break of dawn on Monday, police in Johannesburg nabbed a Somali man following the confiscation of 100 kilograms of Khat, valued around $19,750, during a precise drug bust. The individual arrested, a 39-year-old named Mohamed Deeq Abdulahi…

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — As the investigation into the harrowing murders of three Somali women in Eastleigh intensifies, police have unearthed a car suspected to have been used in their kidnapping. This discovery marks a significant stride as mourners prepare to lay the victims to rest. The community grows restless, demanding justice as protests ignite throughout the neighborhood. Discoveries surfaced on Thursday when sleuths tracked down the vehicle amidst the bustling stalls of Ukulima Market in Kamukunji, Nairobi. It's…

When film director Mo Harawe mentioned his Somali roots, he observed certain stereotypes shaping people's views of the nation, a peculiar quirk he'd picked up on. Talking to Middle East Eye, his regular run-ins with these clichés fired up the inspiration for what would become a groundbreaking Somali film making waves at the Cannes Film Festival come May 2024. Harawe says, "Crafting the screenplay felt instinctual, mapping out diverse characters drawn from Somalia's everyday life." As Cannes stands pivotal in the cinematic…