Somalia

Kenya has once again expressed its steadfast respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Somalia, even as it actively engages in diplomatic and commercial relationships with Somalia’s sub-national regions—Jubaland and North Western State of Somalia. This nuanced position represents a delicate balancing act, one that demands careful consideration and strategic engagement. In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs made it clear that Kenya recognizes…

The Alarming Funding Crisis in Somalia: A Call to Action In a landscape where immediate humanitarian assistance is akin to a lifeline, the recent funding crisis poses a dire threat to vulnerable communities, particularly in regions like Somalia. It's a sobering reality; major donors, notably the United States, have momentarily halted portions of their foreign aid budgets, figuring prominently among the affected programs are those spearheaded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia stands at a critical juncture. The country risks losing millions in unspent reform funds unless it accelerates a much-needed governance overhaul supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB). It's a timely reminder of how the window for progress can close faster than we anticipate. Eighteen months into the $13 million Institutional Support for Economic Governance Project (ISEGP), only 15.2% of the funds have been utilized. This dismal pace has left federal finance officials scrambling to triple…

Kenya Halts North Western State of Somalia Office Opening in Nairobi, Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Unity NAIROBI, Kenya - In a move that echoes diplomatic finesse, Kenya has chosen to halt the inauguration of North Western State of Somalia's liaison office in Nairobi. This decision aligns with its commitment to uphold Somalia’s unity and territorial coherence. North Western State of Somalia, while operating as a self-proclaimed independent entity, has yet to gain broad international recognition. Its ties…

Strengthening Security in Somalia: A Milestone Handover of IFVs In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a pivotal ceremony unfolded as the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) chief transport officer, Manon Richard, presided over the handover of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) to the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). With a tone of gratitude, Richard lauded the professionalism and discipline exhibited by the UPDF contingent. “We appreciate the unit’s excellent training and collaboration. These vehicles will enhance…

Navigating New Alliances: Somalia's Bid for Stability Amid Global Shifts In recent years, Somalia has increasingly sought to forge a dynamic partnership with Turkey in its ongoing struggle against al-Shabab. As the global focus on Africa diminishes—exemplified by America’s shifting priorities—the alignment between Mogadishu and Ankara has become increasingly pivotal for the Horn of Africa. Take, for instance, the November 2022 drive through Masjid Ali Guduud, undertaken by Somalia's…

Las Anod (AX) – In a powerful address, the Supreme Traditional Leader of SSC-Khaatumo, Garaad Jama Garaad Ali, urged the North Western State of Somalia administration to make a pivotal choice: embrace peace or brace for conflict. His declaration was unequivocal—North Western State of Somalia will never preside over the SSC-Khaatumo territories. This assertion resonates deeply within the ongoing complex landscape of the region. On a day marked by tension and urgency, Garaad Jama spoke candidly about the persistent state of…

Kenya Reaffirms Somalia’s Sovereignty Ahead of North Western State of Somalia Leader’s Visit NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has once again emphasized its respect for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a world increasingly marked by complex geopolitics, Kenya's position serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting national borders and autonomy. Do we consistently acknowledge the sovereignty of nations, or do politics often muddy these waters? Kenya’s stance underscores…

Nairobi (AX) – On a bright Monday morning, North Western State of Somalia’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro embarked on a significant multi-day working visit to Nairobi. This trip, laden with promises of collaboration, aims to strengthen the bond between North Western State of Somalia and Kenya, while also engaging global stakeholders who hold a key interest in the region. Accompanying him is a distinguished delegation, a collective of leaders that includes the Minister of the Presidency, the Minister of…

Somalia: A New Era for Journalists’ Protection in Eastern Africa The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), backed by UNESCO, recently wrapped up an influential legal roundtable in Nairobi. This first-of-its-kind gathering focused on enhancing the legal protection available to journalists in Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda. Participants were united by a pressing need: to craft robust legal defenses against the rising tide of legal challenges confronting the media.…