Somali

Tragic Loss at Sea: The Harrowing Journey of Somali Migrants On April 6, a crew member of the Alan Kurdi, a search and rescue vessel operated by the German NGO Sea-Eye, participated in a dramatic rescue operation in the Mediterranean Sea. It was an ordinary day at sea, yet it was anything but ordinary for the 82 souls they pulled from the brink. Fast forward to a recent devastating local report from Mogadishu, Somalia. At least 20 Somali migrants, predominantly young adults, lost their lives in a heart-wrenching incident…

The State of Democracy in Somalia: A Tenuous Balance Recent conversations within Somalia's political landscape have ignited a sense of urgency among opposition leaders. They express concern that the Federal Government may be overstepping its bounds, a move that, if unchecked, could jeopardize the public's trust in the very foundation of democracy. Are we witnessing executive overreach that may blur the lines of accountability? During a recent summit, former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Rooble…

Somali National Army Takes Major Strides Against Al-Shabaab Beledweyne (AX) — In a continuing effort to reclaim territory from Al-Shabaab, the Somali National Army (SNA), alongside local militia forces, launched a meticulously planned assault on militant positions in the Aboorey area of Buula Burte district, located in the Hiiraan region, early Thursday morning. The vivid imagery of modern warfare is often marked by unforeseen tension and a palpable sense of urgency. Imagine for a moment,…

Somalia's Political Conference: A Critical Meeting of Minds in Mogadishu Mogadishu (AX) — On a noteworthy Wednesday in the heart of Somalia, a significant political conference convened, drawing the eyes of the nation and beyond. This gathering brought together influential opposition figures, setting the stage for an important dialogue on Somalia’s political trajectory, security environment, and electoral framework. In many ways, this moment could be pivotal in the ever-evolving landscape of power in Somalia. At…

Ex-Somali President Rejects Al-Shabaab Allegations, Cites Security Corruption MOGADISHU, Somalia — The air was thick with tension as former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed stood before a diverse gathering at a political conference on Wednesday. His message was unambiguous: accusations by the government suggesting opposition sympathy towards Al-Shabaab are, in his words, "baseless and politically motivated." The former president, known for his candidness, described these allegations as a calculated…

Mogadishu (AX) — A pivotal gathering is on the horizon for key Somali opposition figures, who are set to convene in Mogadishu this Wednesday. This high-level conference aims to tackle pressing issues surrounding the nation's electoral process and overall security, especially in light of the escalating political tensions with the federal government. The opposition members, speaking with local media, have emphasized that this summit is not just another meeting; it represents a crucial opportunity to deliberate on the future…

Beledweyne (AX) – In a significant gathering aimed at tackling the persistent threat of Al-Shabaab, senior leaders from both the Somali government and the regional councils convened in Tardo town, located in the Hiiraan region. This meeting, held on Tuesday, was essential for fostering collaboration between military forces and local communities, especially given the complexities of the evolving security landscape. Leading this high-level delegation was Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, the Director of the National…

UN Envoy: Somali Government Urged to Reconsider Strategy Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a land where conflict has become woven into the very fabric of society, the struggle against Al-Shabaab seems far from its end. According to a United Nations special envoy, the Somali National Army (SNA) and its allies might find themselves entrenched in a seemingly endless battle. Might it be time to reimagine the strategies we've held dear? Recently, the United States, a pivotal…

Military Operations in Somalia: A New Offensive Against Al-Shabaab Mogadishu (AX) – The Somali National Army (SNA) is gearing up for an ambitious military offensive, partnering with the Ma’awisley clan militia, to reclaim the strategically significant district of Aden Yabaal in the Middle Shabelle region. Currently held by Al-Shabaab, a notorious terrorist organization connected to Al-Qaeda, this district has been a focal point for militant activity. As military sources have reported, there is a palpable increase in…

A woman checks on her malnourished child at Banadir Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh) MOGADISHU, Somalia — The sounds that echo through the wards of Banadir Hospital are heart-wrenching. Cries of children wracked with malnutrition resonate like a haunting melody of despair. Among them is 1-year-old Maka’il Mohamed, whose tiny body struggles for breath as doctors press against his frail chest in a desperate bid to sustain life. His father, Mohamed Ma’ow, arrived at…