Somali

Mogadishu (AX) — In a case that seems almost torn from the pages of a modern cautionary tale, a Somali court has sentenced a married couple to two years in prison. Their offense? Creating and distributing sexually explicit videos—a decision that has set off a national dialogue about digital privacy and the evolving landscape of personal security in Somalia. Is it an outcry against modern technology or a wake-up call for digital discretion? The court in question, the Waberi District Court of Mogadishu's bustling Banaadir…

In a momentous return, thirty years post-civil unrest, the Somali Studies International Association (SSIA) came back to its roots, convening in Mogadishu for its 15th triennial congress. This significant event marked the collaboration between the Somali National University (SNU) and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education of Somalia's Federal Government. Conflict and volatility once hamstrung Mogadishu, reducing the assembly of such scholarly gatherings to a logistical impossibility. For three decades, SSIA…

Bosaso (AX) — Imagine the bleak horizon, a barren canvas where ambition and despair mingle. In such a landscape, one might think that dreams could flourish or wither silently, but not so in Northeastern State. Here, intelligence reports expose a story of exploitation, where ISIS employs a pernicious strategy to bolster its presence. It targets the vulnerable, preying upon those seeking hope across treacherous paths. What compels these militants to trap foreign migrants in their web of deceit and coercion? A senior…

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AX) — In the heart of Sweden, a harrowing event unfolded that has changed the fabric of the community. Qamar Hilowle, a resilient 38-year-old mother of three, was among the ten victims in the tragic school shooting at Campus Risbergska on February 4, a day now etched in Sweden’s history. The tragedy commenced with a hail of bullets at midday, fired by 26-year-old Rickard Andersson, who was swiftly apprehended by authorities. Andersson's links to extremist ideologies have left a nation questioning: What…

Introducing Bisbas Restaurant: Exploring the Delights of Somali Cuisine in Rolando In an age dominated by digital footprints and Yelp reviews, stumbling upon culinary gems by chance has become something of a rarity. How often can we truly say we’ve been surprised by a new restaurant? I thought this as I navigated the streets of Rolando, casually glancing at the plethora of eateries lining University Avenue. That was until the alluring banner of "grand opening" paired with "Somali restaurant" got my attention. In that…

On a brisk morning in February, the azure skies over Baku embraced a new chapter in diplomatic relations. February 11 marked the arrival of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, esteemed President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, as he embarked on a significant journey to Azerbaijan. Why, one might wonder, is this trip momentous? The answer might lie in the potential collaboration between these two nations, charting a path toward economic and political cooperation. As President Mohamud's plane touched down at Heydar Aliyev…

FILE - A solitary figure, a security officer, traverses through Balidhidin village, nestled in the rugged terrain of Northeastern State’s Bari region, Somalia, on an unusually cool January 26, 2025. A mere fortnight later, on February 11, 2025, Somali officials somberly announced a catastrophic attack by the Islamic State on a Northeastern State military base that claimed nearly 100 lives. Imagine the chaos: Almost 100 individuals meeting an untimely demise, and around 60 others bearing injuries, as the notorious Islamic…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a striking gesture of solidarity and commitment, Somali legislator Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has dedicated his entire monthly remuneration to bolster Northeastern State's security forces. But what drives a man to part with his earnings in such a fashion? Is it sheer patriotism, a call of duty, or something deeper in the heart of Somalia's political labyrinth? Whatever the motive, Warsame has set the gauntlet before his peers and the populace, encouraging both citizens and fellow parliamentarians to…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a breezy Monday in Mogadishu, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in a crucial dialogue with a distinguished Turkish delegation, graced by the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Prof. Burhanettin Duran. The discourse centered around fortifying the multifaceted ties binding Somalia and Türkiye, with the arcane melodies of anticipation in the air—a palpable rhythm of potentiality. One might ask, where does the soul of diplomatic relations lie? Perhaps, in moments like these. During their…

In a disquieting resurrection of maritime insecurity, the vessel Al-Meraj 1 was apprehended in November 2023, marking a fresh surge of piracy in the perilous waters off Somalia. The European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Atalanta, a vigilant maritime initiative operating in the Middle East, confirmed the hijacking late on Monday. But what lies beneath these waters? A tale fraught with peril and the unending struggle for control. An anecdote comes to mind. Years ago, a seasoned mariner recounted encountering a dhow—its billowing…