Somali

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…

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…