Somali

Kismayo (AX) - On a notable Wednesday, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) passed the reins of the Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in Jubaland State.Tucked away in Lower Juba, Kuday FOB has been under the vigilant watch of the ATMIS Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) since 2015. The troops have been pivotal in fortifying Kismayo, acting as a crucial barrier around the bustling port city.Brig. Rashid Seif, who commands Sector Two of ATMIS, led the ceremonial turnover attended…

Sugaal Cabdulle Cumar shines brightly as a Somali poetry icon, making waves in arts, tunes, and stagecraft over the years. Credit/ SNTV Mogadishu (AX) — Sugaal Abdulle's tragic demise in a suicide bombing at a buzzing tea spot by Mogadishu Police Academy has been confirmed by authorities. An unforgettable voice in Somali arts, he wove magic with Heegan Police's cultural ensemble. Stretching three decades and more, Abdulle fueled Somali culture with his art. Beyond penning verses, he was a talented songwriter and actor,…

Mogadishu (AX) — Sarah Mohamed Khalif, a Belgian with Somali roots, has once again secured a spot on Leuven's city council. Her election marks a continued path-breaking journey in the European political scene. Notably, she remains the first Somali, Muslim, and immigrant woman to achieve this milestone, winning a second term after a tenacious campaign. During her inaugural term, Sarah allied with the Vooruit party, aiming to cultivate a more inclusive Leuven. Her focus centered on enhancing social services for the…

Mogadishu (AX) — On a sunny Wednesday, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) passed the baton of the Kuday Forward Operating Base (FOB) to Somali forces. It's a significant leap in the third phase of ATMIS's troop drawdown, highlighting Somalia’s budding prowess in managing its security landscape all by itself. Since 2015, this base, which sits snugly near the strategic port town of Kismayo, has been helmed by the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) under ATMIS's wing. As an essential defensive anchor, it has…

FILE PHOTO Mogadishu (AX) — On Wednesday evening, a fierce skirmish erupted between the Somali military and al-Shabab insurgents near Lukugoraw, roughly 20 kilometers from Hudur in the Bakol region. Local folks shared insights, highlighting the clash erupted when al-Shabab launched a daring assault with car bombs on a military outpost, triggering relentless combat for about an hour. In a government broadcast, it was shared that their forces repelled the attack and obliterated a car bomb attempted by the rebels. “The…

In a striking announcement, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Somalia’s chief diplomat, articulated that the Ethiopian Embassy, nestled within the Somali Presidential Palace since 2007, would remain put for the moment, despite simmering discontent from the Somali authorities. Ethiopia set up its embassy in Villa Somalia after its military marched into Mogadishu in December 2006. This intervention was intended to bolster the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) against rebel factions, notably the Islamic Courts Union (ICU).Although…

In a bold move against Al-Shabaab, Somali government troops from the renowned 14th October Battalion, embarked on a significant assault at daybreak on Tuesday. They converged on 15 villages nestled between Shalaanbood and Janaale in Lower Shabelle, dismantling hideouts that harbored insurgents, according to military insiders. Lieutenant Colonel Nuur Farey, who commands the seasoned battalion, mentioned that their objective was straightforward: eradicate the lurking threats posed by Al-Shabaab and usher in a new era of…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture this: A nightmare that hundreds of Somali migrants face while stranded in Libya. Dreaming of thriving in Europe, they flee home to escape conflict and poverty, yet find themselves ensnared in a grim landscape coated with violence and scarcity instead.Entrapped in Tripoli, these wayfarers have fallen into the hands of infamous human traffickers known as the "Magafe." These unscrupulous smugglers make life surreal with daily nightmares—extortion, torture, and the gnawing presence of starvation. As…

Mogadishu (AX) — A whirlwind of bureaucratic hurdles has prompted Italy to suddenly slam the brakes on issuing visas to Somali citizens, leaving many in a state of confusion. Ambassador Pier Mario Daccò Coppi, in a rare departure from diplomatic parlance, squashed speculations of political motives, pointing instead to administrative hang-ups that have choked the visa machinery. He reassured that the Italian authorities are busy untangling red tape, aiming to get the situation back on track swiftly.From the heart of Rome,…

Baku (AX) — Anar Najafli, who leads the State Protocol Department at Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry, met with Somalia's non-resident ambassador to Azerbaijan, Fathudin Ali Mohamed, earlier this week to officially receive his credentials.Ambassador Fathudin, doubling up as Somalia's representative to Turkey, engaged in discussions with Najafli to explore avenues for boosting ties between the two nations, focusing particularly on trade, education, and development partnerships. Interestingly, Fathudin's journey to Azerbaijan…