Somali

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…

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Imagine the unforgiving depths of the ocean, where shadows of ships have danced for centuries. On a tranquil Monday, a slice of maritime turmoil reared its head off the Horn of Africa. Somali pirates, long-silent ghosts of the sea, have reportedly captured a Yemeni fishing vessel. As the sun dipped below the horizon, authorities confirmed the maritime upheaval with a shiver of uncertainty. EUNAVFOR Atalanta, representing a European naval initiative in these turbulent waters, assured that…

Garowe (AX) – The moon shone faintly over the rugged peaks of the Al-Miskaat Mountains as an unforeseen confrontation unfolded beneath the stubborn stars late Monday night. In a region often untouched by tourism's gentle touch, the jagged terrain of the Haraya area within the Toga-Jeceel became the stage for a dramatic clash. Here, in Northeastern State—a semi-autonomous state bearing the scars of history—security forces outmaneuvered a plot as sinister as it was audacious, orchestrated by ISIS militants who had perhaps…

It was an ordinary day in Senende, Vihiga County, but the discourse resonating within the local assembly where Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa spoke was far from mundane. "The Somali community from the Northern region are unequivocally Kenyans," he asserted with deep conviction, his voice echoing with historical gravitas and vibrant clarity. But do such declarations suffice to recalibrate the narrative? For those caught in the crossfire of misperception, these words hold an epochal promise. According to Barasa, the time to lump…

Binti Ali Wardhere’s story begins with a quiet loss: irreparable, yet all too common amid Mogadishu’s wartime tumult. The tragedies she faced on an otherwise unremarkable October day in 1993 echo through her every thought, a reminder of the events tied to the notorious moniker "Black Hawk Down." Surprisingly, this phrase—popularized by a Hollywood blockbuster—synonymizes with the infamous 1993 U.S. military catastrophe in Somalia. On October 3rd, eighteen American soldiers perished, accompanied by the anguished…

Just two days have passed since President William Ruto faced an unexpected chorus of boos during his recent four-day tour of the Northeastern region. In response, leaders from the Somali community have reached out with heartfelt apologies, seeking to mend any rift. It's often said that words have power, and it's evident that this community recognizes this timeless truth.Taking center stage at a press conference in Isiolo on a quiet Sunday afternoon, the elders, led by Abdulkadir Shariff—who wears the mantle of the…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the complex tapestry of international diplomacy, words can weigh heavily, sometimes stirring ripples across distant shores. Recently, an assertion by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has done just that, leaving political waves in its wake. Netanyahu mused about potentially creating a Palestinian state within Saudi territory—a notion that was not met with silence or acquiescence but with a firm reprimand from the Somali government. For those familiar with diplomatic exchanges, was this…

FILE - A solider navigates through the aftermath of a harrowing attack. In the city of Mogadishu, amidst scattered wreckage and fallen dreams, the Afrik hotel stands as a somber reminder of an incident on February 1, 2021. Though the attack was eventually thwarted by security forces, the scars it left behind are a testament to the ongoing strife in Somalia. With a bold statement on Saturday, Somalia's government delivered a stark warning: those who pay extortion money to al-Shabab will face the gavel of justice. In a rare…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a courtroom that has seen countless narratives of defiance and redemption, a unique tale unfolded as Somalia's Military Court made the unusual decision to release a young couple once linked to the Al-Shabaab insurgency. This compelling saga illustrates the nation's nuanced approach to reformation and reconciliation among defectors, capturing widespread interest and debate among Somalis. Consider the story of Hafso Mohamed Moalim—a woman who, along with several other young women, was…