Somali

Mogadishu (AX) – On Tuesday, the Somali government inked a landmark $68.5 million Development Assistance Grant Agreement with the United States. This move is a big leap forward in pushing socio-economic progress throughout the nation.In a solemn ceremony held in Mogadishu, the deal was signed by Somali Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah (Beene-Beene), Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, and USAID Somalia Mission Director Catie Lott.Focused on bolstering economic growth,…

Somali Telecom Firms Shine in Crisis Handling with Cutting-Edge Alert Systems NAIROBI, Kenya - In the evolving sphere of emergency responses, Somalia's telecom industry has emerged as a key player through cutting-edge warning systems. This was underscored at the National Multi-Stakeholder Workshop on the National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) held in Nairobi, Kenya. From September 23 to 27, a unified initiative brought together Somalia's National Communications Authority (NCA), the International…

Mogadishu (AX) — A weary Al-Shabaab leader, turned off by endless infighting within the faction, surrendered to Somali authorities. This surrender aligns with an uptick in militants abandoning the group lately. Qaasim Ahmed Duhul, known in the group as Suulal Ceyn, cited the government's pardon and reintegration efforts as his motivation. For eight arduous years, Duhul was embedded in Al-Shabaab's ranks. With the help of clan elders in Masagawaa, he gave himself up to the 28th battalion of the 21st division. Speaking to…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has issued a stern warning to enterprising traders trying to dodge the newly imposed sales tax by fiddling with their merchant numbers. During his speech in Mogadishu on Thursday, President Mohamud put his foot down, stressing the gravity of such antics. "Dodging taxes is tantamount to fraud," President Mohamud declared emphatically. "Skirting taxes equates to theft and crime, and there will be consequences. It's unacceptable to alter merchant numbers to sidestep…

President Mohamud lambasted Ethiopia for its audacious moves to dominate Somali waters, accusing Addis Ababa of aiming for military supremacy. "Ethiopia’s ambitions extend beyond acquiring a port," stated Hassan Sheikh. "Their goal is to project military muscle in the Red Sea, which is downright intolerable. They intend to not only construct a port but also establish a naval base. Both these endeavors infringe upon Somalia’s sovereignty and flout international law." Dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia has hit a brick…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Saturday, Somali forces launched a bold offensive in Lower Shabelle, tearing down several al-Shabab courts and dismantling their rogue checkpoints.The combined forces of military, police, and intelligence experts converged on Ali Mahdi Park, Balad Amin, and nearby zones, targeting illicit courts crafted by al-Shabab. Officials clarified that these makeshift judicial systems were tools for the militants to harass and fleece locals."We've obliterated their sham courts in these regions. They won't rise…

Nur lauded Azerbaijan's warm hospitality, emphasizing the deep camaraderie shared between Somalia and Azerbaijan. "We Somalis view the Azerbaijani people as our steadfast friends and brothers, standing by us in both joyous and challenging moments. The brother of my brother is also my brother," he remarked warmly.

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has sounded the alarm on a mounting threat from Ethiopia, revealing tensions tied to their maritime ambitions. At the heart of this issue is a controversial pact with North Western State of Somalia, a region that declared independence from Somalia. From the podium of the UN General Assembly, PM Barre accused Ethiopia of trying to annex parts of Somali territory, veiling it behind a supposed strategy for sea access. He labeled these actions as blatant…

Istanbul (AX) — The 10th Annual International Conference of the Global Somali Diaspora (GSD) kicked off in Istanbul on Saturday, honing in on the crucial part the Somali diaspora plays in the nation's rejuvenation and development. Fathudin Ospite, the Somali Ambassador to Turkey, spotlighted the significance of this gathering. The event has drawn several ministers from the Somali federal government and esteemed delegates worldwide. He stated, "A substantial Somali community, primarily students, lives in Turkey, cementing…

MOGADISHU, Somalia – On the International Day of Universal Access to Information, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) sounded the alarm about the new Official Information Bill, cautioning that it undermines Somalia's strides towards democracy. This Bill, criticized for possibly curbing information under the guise of national security and confidentiality, stands in stark opposition to UNESCO's 2024 theme, "Mainstreaming Access to Information and Participation in the Public Sector." NUSOJ Secretary General Omar…