Somali

Electoral Reform in Somalia: A Tenuous Narrative MOGADISHU (AX) — In a revealing turn of events, Ali Omar Balcad, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, has publicly reprimanded Hirshabelle President Ali Gudlawe for allegedly contravening a pivotal national agreement surrounding electoral reforms. This accusation centers around an indirect vote conducted recently in the Balcad district of Middle Shabelle, a move that, according to Balcad, completely disregards the established electoral timeline. It’s worth noting…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — A gripping scene unfolded on a seemingly quiet Monday in Somalia's central Hiiraan region, as the town of Moqokori became the epicenter of intense battles. Al-Shabaab, a notorious militant group, launched a series of strategically orchestrated attacks, sparking chaos and fear among residents. The audacity of Al-Shabaab was evident as they claimed responsibility for a well-coordinated assault, which included a shocking suicide car bombing aimed at military bases within the town.…

U.S. Likely to Pursue Talks with Al-Shabaab to End Somalia Conflict WASHINGTON, USA – Imagine a conversation potentially shifting the course of history in Somalia. The United States, quietly at the crossroads of a strategic pivot, is contemplating dialogue with the formidable Al-Shabaab. This militant group, with ties to Al-Qaeda, might just find themselves across the negotiating table from U.S. diplomats. Could this be the first step toward a lasting peace after years of conflict? In a…

Embracing Heritage: A Celebration of Somali Culture in Fargo-Moorhead In the heart of the Fargo-Moorhead area, a vibrant tapestry of cultures weaves itself together, and among these threads are the Somali community, which began making its presence felt in the area during the 1990s. Over the years, they have grown to form an integral part of the local immigrant population, contributing to the rich diversity that characterizes this region. Recently, they gathered in joyous celebration, not only to reminisce about…

Somali Forces and Local Fighters Repel Al-Shabaab Assault MOQOKORI, Somalia - The resilient Somali National Army (SNA), alongside dedicated local fighters, successfully repelled a fierce assault by the Al-Shabaab militants, marking yet another chapter in the ongoing saga of conflict in the central regions. Like threads woven into a complex fabric, this confrontation unfolded with unexpected intensity and lasted for several tense hours on a Saturday, as the national efforts to dismantle the militant group persist.…

Advancing Somalia Together: The Role of ASAP Since the early 1990s, Somalia has been entrenched in a civil war that has irrevocably altered its socio-economic fabric. The aftershocks of conflict resonate deeply; countless Somali professionals have sought refuge abroad, establishing themselves in North America and Europe. Although their successes abroad are commendable, their absence created a significant academic void. Today, Somalia's universities struggle, and both its public and private sectors suffer from a…

Somali Minister Raises Concerns Over HirShabelle Leader's Electoral Actions Mogadishu, Somalia, July 6 In an increasingly complex web of politics, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs has stepped into the spotlight with a contentious accusation. The minister, Ali Omar—known more familiarly as Ali Balcad— has taken a firm stand against an indirect election recently conducted in the district of Balcad, located in the HirShabelle State. With a tone of…

Turkish-Trained Special Forces Block Major Road in Mogadishu: The Price of Unpaid Wages MOGADISHU, Somalia — On a typically bustling morning, the heart of Mogadishu stirred with unexpected tension. The Ex-Control Afgooye road, a lifeline for thousands, was sealed off by the very forces meant to protect it. Members of the Somali police's elite Haramcad unit, known for their rigorous Turkish training, took a stand, but not against a hostile force; their adversary was unpaid salaries. This dramatic…

Somali Military Targets Al-Shabaab Stronghold, Killing Senior Commanders In a significant triumph for the Somali National Army (SNA), two high-ranking Al-Shabaab commanders have been neutralized in the central regions of Somalia, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against extremism. This operation comes as part of a broader strategy aimed at dismantling the militant group responsible for widespread violence in central and southern Somalia. Al-Shabaab, a group notorious for its…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a decisive move against militant threats, the Somali National Army (SNA) and local allied forces showcased their resolve on Saturday morning. At approximately 5:45 AM, they successfully thwarted a pre-dawn assault by al-Shabab militants near Gumarre, close to Moqokori in the Hiiraan region. Military officials reported that the troops’ swift and coordinated response resulted in the elimination of at least 10 al-Shabab fighters. It is often said that preparedness is the cornerstone of success in military…