Somali

Somali Army's Strategic Advances Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - In recent months, there's been a palpable shift in Somalia's ongoing campaign against the notorious militant group, Al-Shabaab. The Somali National Army (SNA), in collaboration with local forces, has been at the heart of it all, engaging in daring operations across the central and southern regions of the country. But why now? What’s driving this momentum toward stability?…

Mogadishu (AX) — Imagine stepping into the world of politics in Somalia, where every decision can ripple through a nation hungry for stable governance. In a striking development, a collective of over 100 Somali MPs has raised their voices against what they perceive as an unjust expulsion of their colleague, MP Abdullahi Abib. Their protest is more than just a call for justice; it’s an assertion that the decision made by the Speaker of the House is unconstitutional and embodies a worrying misuse of power. The uproar was…

In a development reminiscent of the unpredictable currents that sweep through political landscapes, the Somali Lower House has witnessed the departure of a prominent figure. On a sunlit Saturday in Mogadishu, Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe stepped forward to articulate an announcement that has already sent ripples through the tides of governmental discourse. Dr. Abdullahi Hashi Abiib, a man known for his vocal critiques and unyielding stance on governance issues, finds himself without his parliamentary seat. The…

Somalia's Intelligence Agents Cross the Line: A Border Clash That Echoes Deeper Anxieties NAIROBI, Kenya - In an unexpected burst of violence that unfolded along the fraught Kenya-Somalia frontier, armed operatives suspected to be from Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) burst into the scene. An assault that emerged not under the cloak of darkness, but rather in the bold light of day on March 14, claims the life of one Kenyan police officer, leaving another grappling with wounds. Details…

Somali Regional State’s Energy and Mining Bureau in a meeting with Poly-GCL representatives. Photo: Somali region Energy and Mining Bureau In a recent turn of events, the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has expressed vehement opposition to the Somali Regional State's meeting with the Chinese conglomerate Poly-GCL. The meeting, which has sparked controversy, is seen by the ONLF as a blueprint for what they term "resource plunder," carried out with a blatant disregard for the political and territorial rights of the…

Ousting of Somali Opposition Figure Sparks Debate MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the ever-turbulent arena of Somali politics, another chapter unfolds, leaving citizens and political pundits alike pondering the ramifications. The removal of Abdullahi Hashi Abiib from his parliamentary seat marks a significant shift in Somalia’s political landscape. The announcement, made on a quiet Saturday by Speaker Sheikh Aadan Madoobe, came as no small surprise to those who have followed Abiib’s outspoken journey. Speaker…

Somali Forces Repel Al-Shabaab Assault on Awdheegle Mogadishu (AX) — In the early hours of a crisp Saturday morning, the quiet of Awdheegle district in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia was shattered by the thunderous echoes of conflict. The Somali National Army (SNA), armed with resolve and fortified by courage, faced a formidable challenge as Al-Shabaab militants launched a fierce attack. As dawn's light punctuated the horizon, the air buzzed with tension. But, by the day's end, victory was nestled…

Mogadishu Welcomes Sheikh as AU Commission Spokesperson For those who keep a keen eye on the intricate world of African diplomacy, the name Nuur Mohamud Sheekh evokes a sense of familiarity and respect. A man with nearly thirty years tucked into his belt across diplomacy and humanitarian endeavors, Sheekh is a stalwart figure whose journey reminds us of the indelible mark skilled individuals can leave on international platforms. Recently, on a vibrant…

February opened with a flurry of activity for the U.S. Africa Command, commonly known as AFRICOM. Their mission was clear: address the escalating threat posed by extremist factions in Africa. The inaugural day of the month marked a significant move as AFRICOM executed airstrikes in Somalia’s remote Golis Mountains. Those strikes honed in on a local faction of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). The operation culminated in the elimination of Ahmed Maeleninine—an ISIS recruiter of note, renowned for his pivotal role…

Reflections on Security Challenges in Somalia In the heart of Mogadishu, amidst the bustling streets, a tragic reminder of Somalia’s ongoing security struggles unfolded with the attack on the Cairo Hotel. This violence isn't isolated, but rather, it reverberates like a chilling echo through the corridors of numerous Somali cities. How did we find ourselves here, surrounded by the seemingly ceaseless turmoil? Himilo Qaran, a voice distinct and unwavering in the political landscape, argues that…