Somali

Al-Shabaab Forces Burundian Troops to Retreat from Strategic Somali Town MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a significant shift, Al-Shabaab, the notorious militant group affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has successfully ousted Burundian forces from the strategically vital town of Xawaadley in Middle Shabelle. This event unfolds barely a month after the Somali National Army faced its own setback in Adan Yabaal. Reports abound of Burundian troops and local allies being compelled to vacate their posts in Xawaadley, situated roughly 50…

Strengthening Ties: Somalia's Strategic Diplomatic Engagements Mogadishu (AX) – In a world where diplomatic relations can shift as quickly as the tides, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud embarked on a significant phone conversation with Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on Monday. The primary focus? Fortifying the bonds between their two nations. It’s a timely endeavor, reflective of the intricate dance of international diplomacy where every conversation can have far-reaching implications. Apart from…

SOMALI PRIME MINISTER HAMZA ABDI BARRE (LEFT) MEETS WITH DJIBOUTIAN PRESIDENT ISMAIL OMAR GUELLEH (RIGHT) AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE IN DJIBOUTI ON JUNE 2, 2025. THE LEADERS DISCUSSED REGIONAL SECURITY AND EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN SOMALIA AND DJIBOUTI. Djibouti City, Djibouti (AX) — In a significant meeting held on Monday, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre engaged with Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh. The focal points of their discussion centered around enhancing bilateral…

The Somali Salvation Forum: A Call for Inclusive Dialogue Mogadishu (AX) – As the anticipation builds for the upcoming national consultation conference, scheduled to commence on June 15, 2025, in Mogadishu, the Somali Salvation Forum—a coalition predominantly comprising opposition members—has articulated a series of pivotal preconditions for their involvement. This gathering, heralded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, offers a rare opportunity for dialogue, yet it simultaneously raises questions about the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant development in the ongoing fight against terrorism, the Somali government, in concert with the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), has executed two targeted airstrikes aimed at the Islamic State (ISIS) in the Bari region of Northeastern State. This collaboration underscores a robust commitment to enhancing security and stability within Somalia—a nation grappling with the shadows of extremism. On a calm Sunday, the Somali Ministry of Information released a statement confirming the…

A Somber Reflection: The Sentencing of Ahmed Awga and Its Implications for Press Freedom in Ethiopia In the realm of journalism, where the pursuit of truth often collides with authority, the story of Ahmed Awga emerges as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in many parts of the world. Ahmed, the founder of Ethiopia’s Jigjiga Television Network, recently found himself on the receiving end of a two-year prison sentence, a punishment that resonates deeply with the ongoing struggle for press freedom. The…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of prominent opposition groups spearheaded by former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, released a powerful statement this past Saturday night. In it, they leveled serious accusations against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, asserting that he is undermining national cohesion and straying from the mutually agreed-upon blueprint for state-building. The statements emerged following a significant meeting in Mogadishu, where concerns were raised regarding the President’s…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant step towards enhancing security and stability, the Somali military court delivered a resounding message on Saturday by sentencing five individuals for their affiliation with Al-Shabaab and their involvement in orchestrating a series of assassination plots and bombings within the heart of Mogadishu. The proceedings took place at the First Instance Court of the Armed Forces, where the weight of justice was borne on the shoulders of these convicted men. The convictions were rooted in…

Somalia’s Political Landscape: A Deep Dive into Electoral Delays and Strategic Concerns MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the heart of Mogadishu, the political pulse is racing. Despite strong backing from the United States, there’s tension brewing with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Washington has expressed concerns, pointing fingers at his insistence on holding universal suffrage elections. But why, one might wonder, is this such a contentious issue? As reported by the Washington Post, Mohamud’s push for universal…

Jowhar (AX) — In a significant step towards revitalizing democratic representation, Abdikarin Mohamed Diriye and Abdulqadir Mohamud Mohamed have both successfully filled the vacant parliamentary seats HOP097 and HOP098, respectively. This election, held on a Saturday that will surely be remembered, comes in the wake of the unfortunate passing of two significant figures, MP Khadija Mohamed Diiriye and MP Mohamud Mohamed Jimcale, affectionately known as Seeseey, in the year 2023. Abdikarin, who is not just a politician but…