Somali

Celebrating Heritage: Language, Identity, and New Beginnings Before indulging in a traditional Karen porridge prepared by their instructor, Ehtalow Zar, a question lingered in the air. Why exactly is this dish emblematic of Karen culture?” she inquired, engaging her students. One eager participant ventured the guess that its origins traced back to a time when jungles were home. "Absolutely," Zar confirmed with a knowing nod. Back then, food choices like rice, meat, or vegetables weren’t bountiful. “Therefore, our…

In a whirlwind of political intrigue, Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, the head honcho of North Western State of Somalia's Waddani party, flat-out denied any hush-hush chitchats with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during his jaunt to Djibouti. Setting the record straight, Hirsi was crystal clear about his party's dedication to openness and transparency. "I didn't have a pow-wow with President Hassan Sheikh while I was in Djibouti," he stated. "Heck, if there were talks to be had, they would stick to our party's principles—open…

Mogadishu (AX) - Making headlines once more, entrepreneur Mohamed Abdi Afweyne, known for his infamous involvement in piracy, has finally returned to Mogadishu. After enduring over ten years behind bars in Belgium, following piracy-related charges brought by Belgium's government, his homecoming was monumental. Described as the 'mastermind' behind Somali piracy, Afweyne was caught up in a high-profile arrest in 2013. Belgian authorities orchestrated a cunning sting operation, enticing him under the guise of a documentary…

Mogadishu (AX) — In Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, the Dhagahyo Addo area has recently been stirred with anxiety owing to feral encounters that left two young boys injured by hyena attacks. These incidents illuminate the thin line rural communities walk when typified by wildlife encroachments. The first unfortunate encounter involved Bashir Mohamed Ismail Harir, a 16-year-old who faced a harrowing episode while catching some z’s near a camel corral. His father painted a vivid picture of the scary incident: "The hyena…

Hey there! In an exciting development, Somali government forces, teaming up with local militias, have successfully reclaimed important territories in Hiiraan from the clutches of Al-Shabaab militants. This victory marks a significant step forward in the nationwide mission to dismantle the hold of this extremist group.Beera Yabaal, Jibibow, Biya Madoobe, and Arooso—these liberated towns along the lifeline that is the Shabelle River—carry immense strategic importance for Al-Shabaab. Nestled between Buulaburte and Halgan…

In the vibrant, bustling heart of Mogadishu, news has surfaced about significant diplomatic maneuvers between the Somali government and Syria after the dramatic shift in power in December 2024. Following the fall of Assad's reign, there is renewed hope for strengthened connections. This news, echoing across the globe, resonates in the corridors of diplomacy and among those longing for peace. While chatting with Al Jazeera, Somalia’s remarkable Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, expressed a hopeful outlook on building…

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a grave warning has been sent out by some of Somalia's prominent figures: ex-President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame. They've raised the alarm about the malpractice of snapping up public land across the city. On a Saturday that will not soon be forgotten, these political bigwigs came together, pointing accusatory fingers at the federal government for shifting locals away and grabbing territory meant for education and…

In Memory of Farhiya Abdirahman: A Heartfelt Tribute Mogadishu (AX) — In a somber turn of events, Farhiya Abdirahman, the cherished wife of celebrated Somali artist Dayax Dalnuurshe, passed away on Tuesday night at a hospital in Mogadishu, after an unexpectedly swift illness, as relayed by family insiders. The news of Farhiya's passing resonated widely, drawing condolences from a spectrum of individuals. Among those expressing their sympathy were notable figures such as former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and…

Beledweyne (AX) — In a significant development, a delegation spearheaded by Army Chief General Odawaa Yusuf Raage and the head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, has brokered a landmark agreement with the Hawadle clan's leadership. This pact aims to shift the security reins of Beledweyne over to federal authorities. During a Tuesday afternoon gathering with an array of community members—elder leaders, thinkers, young folk, and women—the delegation stressed the vital…

Mogadishu (AX) – So, here's the scoop: Somali Foreign Minister and International Cooperation guru, Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, just had a pow-wow with a crew from the Indian High Commission based out of Nairobi. What's the word on the street? They're putting the final touches on opening a swanky new visa facilitation center right in good ol' Mogadishu. On Monday, this was trumpeted by the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The session was also graced by the presence of Said Jama Mire, who runs the Asia and Australia…