Somali

Mogadishu (AX) – On a significant Saturday for Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over the handover ceremony at the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), an event that symbolizes not just a change in leadership but also a fresh chapter in the country's enduring quest for security. The mantle of leadership passed from Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe to Mahad Mohamed Salad, who now takes the reins as the new director. The ceremony unfolded at NISA headquarters in Mogadishu, drawing an assembly…

Unexpected Journeys: Kenyans Detained for Enlisting in Somali Forces NAIROBI, Kenya - In an unexpected twist of events, two Kenyan citizens find themselves entangled in legal trouble after crossing the border into Somalia. Their decision to join the Somali National Army (SNA) has led to their arrest during a meticulously planned operation in El-Wak, a small yet crucial town on the Kenya-Somalia border located within Mandera County. Anyone familiar with border towns will tell you they are full of stories—some whispered,…

Addressing Substance Abuse and Conflict Prevention in Dadaab In the vast expanse of northern Kenya lies the Dadaab complex, a series of camps that have become home to thousands of Somali refugees. Within these camps, a pressing issue has emerged over the years: the alarming rise in substance abuse, particularly affecting jobless young men. The Youth Organisations’ Alliance has taken up the mantle to shed light on this issue, conducting an extensive study over seven months that reveals unsettling truths about the lives…

In a significant development, the Kenyan police conducted an operation on Thursday in Elwak, Mandera County, resulting in the arrest of two men who had crossed into Somalia and enlisted in the Somali National Army. This incident highlights a complex intersection of local challenges and wider geopolitical issues that affect not only Kenya but also its neighboring countries. Authorities reported that the suspects, aged 23 and 32, were linked to a troubling pattern of robberies in the Elwak region. Acting on a tip-off, police…

Opposition Leaders Critique Federal Government's Decision on C6+ Cooperation Framework Mogadishu (AX) — In a striking demonstration of discontent, Somalia’s leading opposition figures have openly criticized the federal government for its recent decision to dissolve the C6+ international cooperation framework. This move comes across as both unilateral and politically motivated, raising serious concerns about the potential isolation of the country and the jeopardization of hard-fought diplomatic and governance achievements.…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a notable development, five opposition parties in Somalia have expressed a cautious openness to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s recent call for national dialogue. However, they firmly state that their participation hinges on meeting specific conditions designed to ensure the process is inclusive, credible, and firmly rooted in constitutional principles. In a joint statement released on a recent Friday, representatives from parties such as Xaqsoor, Samadoon, DPC, Ramaas, and Dhulka Hooyo articulated…

The Transformational Impact of the Nagaad Project in Somalia In the heart of Somalia, the landscape is shifting. Farhiya and Halima, two remarkable women, stand as testaments to this transformation. They are part of a larger cohort of 583 women engaged in the World Bank-backed Somalia Urban Resilience Project – Phase II, affectionately known as the Nagaad Project. Co-financed by the Somalia Multi-Partner Fund, this initiative is not just about rebuilding infrastructure—it’s about reconstructing lives, redefining…

Community Alarm Over Recent Violence: Seeking Solutions for Somali Youth MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AX) — The recent tragic events have sparked concern and prompted urgent conversations in the Somali community. Just last week, a 15-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a fatal shooting outside Northtown Mall in Blaine. This incident adds to a disturbing trend that has left many in the community anxiously searching for effective solutions. The victim, aged 15, lost his life in this heartbreaking incident, which occurred…

The Political Landscape of Somalia: A Growing Division Mogadishu (AX) — In recent days, a significant storm has been brewing within the political corridors of Somalia. The country's top opposition leaders have turned their ire towards the federal government, vocally opposing its controversial decision to suspend the C6+ international cooperation framework. This move, they argue, is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment but rather a politically charged initiative that threatens to isolate Somalia from crucial international…

Strengthening Ties between Kenya and Somalia In a pivotal move toward bridging the gap between two neighboring nations, Kenya's National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetang'ula, alongside the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, has taken significant steps to enhance their parliamentary relationships. This collaboration focuses on a comprehensive training initiative aimed at building the capacity of Somali parliamentary staff. During a recent courtesy visit, Ambassador Abdulle delivered a…