Somali

Underneath the sun-scorched skies of Luuq, a town steeped in both history and hardship, a poignant narrative unfolds—a story of transformation, redemption, and perhaps, hope. Isn't it curious how one decision can forever alter the arc of a life once lost to extremism? In an eerie yet expectant silence, Somali security forces watched as Abuukar Aadan Buulle, a man once entrenched in the militant web of Al-Shabaab, emerged from the shadows to renounce his past. A figure who had navigated through the underbelly of terror,…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture the halls of power veiled in silence, a silence heavy with the weight of political trepidation. Somali lawmaker Abdirashid Hidig offers a stark warning: if the House of the People stays shuttered, legislators might resort to holding their own sessions, parallel and unauthorized. A drastic measure, indeed, but Hidig has pointed fingers at certain political leaders, accusing them of intentionally crippling parliamentary operations. This dialogue invites us to ponder: in a land rife with challenges,…

How often does a handshake capture the world's attention? When Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met eye-to-eye, during the 38th African Union Summit in bustling Addis Ababa, their handshake was much more than a diplomatic formality. It was laden with the weighty hopes of peace and collaborative future—a substantial step forward since the historical signing of the Ankara Declaration. But let's not put the cart before the horse: what led to this compelling moment and what does it…

Global Shift: Is Abdul Qadir Mumin Leading the Islamic State? Mogadishu (AX) — The quiet hum of intelligence networks across nations is singling out a name with increasing urgency: Abdul Qadir Mumin. Rumblings echo that Mumin, erstwhile leader of IS-Somalia, may have ascended to worldwide command of the Islamic State (IS) network. Could this signify a strategic directional shift for a militant group long anchored in the heart of the Middle East? According to an incisive United Nations Sanctions…

In the parched expanses of the Mudug region, Somali government forces and local militias join hands in a seemingly perpetual struggle against Al-Shabaab militants. What drives these valiant efforts to reclaim peace in central Somalia? Their unified offensive endeavors to dismantle entrenched insurgent strongholds while restoring stability in an area besieged by conflict. Mogadishu (AX) – With a mix of strategic prowess and sheer determination, Somali government troops, assisted by local militia, executed a daring raid in…

Mogadishu (AX) — Imagine a tranquil fishing voyage on the azure waves near Northeastern State's rugged coast, suddenly turned into a harrowing tale of piracy. The European Union's naval forces, vigilant as ever, have recently orchestrated a commendable rescue of a Yemeni fishing vessel named Al Najma, which fell prey to piracy off Somalia's restless coastline. What does this mean for a world striving for safer seas? This latest chapter unfolded on February 8, 2025, when the Al Najma, proudly flying Yemen's flag, found…

Addis Ababa (AX) – Unfurling under the expansive African sky, the bustling city of Addis Ababa welcomed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud this past Friday afternoon. His arrival marked a significant engagement in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) Summit, poised to commence on Saturday. What do African leaders yearn for in these annual gatherings? Perhaps it is the hope of sowing seeds for a more harmonious continent. As President Mohamud's plane touched…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a decisive military sweep, Somali government forces recently launched an operation in the sprawling Lower Shabelle region, targeting the shadowy network of Al-Shabab's checkpoints. The region, long under the thumb of militant influence, witnessed a strategic dismantling of these barriers, liberating both civilians and their impounded vehicles, according to military officials. The operation wasn't merely a troop deployment; it was a concerted offensive journey. The 175th Battalion of the renowned 17th…

In a candid discussion on February 10, 2025, Owino's words laid bare an unsettling truth: the vetting procedure imposed on Somalis had inadvertently fostered corruption. "We just created an opportunity for people to eat," he remarked, encapsulating the sentiment that this process was more a bureaucratic charade than a necessity. Isn't it ironic how measures intended to strengthen can instead unravel at the seams? Kenya's existing ID registration process, according to Owino, is robust enough, encompassing thorough…

Could justice really be tangible, a force acting in real-time rather than a theoretical construct? In the heart of Somalia's Bay region, this question found an answer in the rapid administration of justice on a recent gripping occasion. The gritty streets of Baidoa witnessed a somber yet decisive chapter as a military court enforced the law in a bold and unyielding manner. Over the course of two consecutive days, three men met the ultimate penalty for their heinous acts against innocent civilians—an…