Somalia

Mogadishu (AX) — The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has sounded the alarm, urgently calling for the rapid deployment of an additional 8,000 peacekeepers. This plea is made against the backdrop of escalating Al-Shabaab attacks, which have cast a long shadow over years of stabilization efforts in Somalia. The situation is becoming increasingly precarious, jeopardizing the hard-earned progress of the nation. During a ministerial meeting held in Kampala on Thursday, IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu…

A New Dawn for Child Health in Somalia In a remarkable advancement for public health, Somalia has officially integrated two vital vaccines—pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus—into its national immunization program. This transition is a significant milestone aimed at curtailing child mortality rates attributed to pneumonia and diarrhea, two leading causes of death in the region. The timing of this monumental launch coincides with a nationwide measles catch-up campaign, targeting millions of…

President Irro's First 100 Days: A Commitment to Progress in North Western State of Somalia Hargeisa (AX) — As the sun rose on Thursday, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro celebrated a significant milestone—his administration’s first 100 days in office. This occasion was marked by an official ceremony at the presidential palace in Hargeisa, where he passionately outlined the strides his government has made in several key areas, including security stabilization, defense restructuring, anti-corruption efforts, and an…

Turkey's Ambitious Initiative to Enhance Energy Independence In a move that promises to reshape the energy landscape of the region, Turkey is gearing up to initiate a robust series of oil and natural gas exploration projects in Libya, Iraq, Somalia, and Azerbaijan. This strategic initiative, heralded by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, aims to significantly diminish Turkey's reliance on imported energy sources. Announced during a recent event in Istanbul, this plan reflects Turkey’s commitment to…

In recent developments from central Somalia, it has become glaringly evident that Al Shabaab, the extremist group that has long plagued the region, has made significant territorial gains. Their coordinated offensive has allowed them to reassert their influence across vital areas in Galgudud, Hiraan, and Mudug. This resurgence occurs amidst notable shifts in international security support for Somalia, with Turkey expanding its military commitments while U.S. involvement appears to be waning. A recent map released…

In a surprising development that raises questions about governance and international relationships, Northeastern State's President Said Abdullahi Deni has seemingly transferred control of Bosaso Airport to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without securing the necessary parliamentary approval. This move, shrouded in secrecy, has ignited a heated debate regarding Northeastern State's autonomy and its delicate ties with the federal Somali government. On March 5, satellite imagery uncovered a significant development: an…

Understanding the Complex Landscape of U.S. Involvement in Somalia The recent discussions among the Trump administration regarding the potential closure of the U.S. Embassy in Somalia reveal more than just security concerns; they highlight deeper inadequacies in our current military strategy. Amid escalating violence from al-Shabaab militants in various parts of the country, the fear is palpable—reminiscent of America’s chaotic departure from Afghanistan in 2021, where a hasty retreat triggered widespread geopolitical…

The Ongoing Struggle in Wargaadhi: A Closer Look at the Somali Defense Situation In the complex landscape of Somalia’s ongoing struggle for safety and stability, recent claims regarding the village of Wargaadhi have stirred discussions both locally and internationally. Al-Shabaab, a militant group with a notorious history of insurgency, declared that it had seized control of Wargaadhi and had overrun the nearby army base. However, the Somali Defense Ministry took a firm stance, asserting that the village remains securely…

Somalia-Turkey Oil Deal Sparks Controversy over Transparency By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring MOGADISHU, Somalia - A confidential oil partnership has surfaced between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Republic of Turkey, igniting a flurry of skepticism and public debate. Why the controversy? Many Somalis argue that the agreement was woven together with the threads of opacity. Could there be more beneath the surface? This clandestinely crafted deal, since unveiled through documents leaked by the…

Diplomatic Dialogue: A Promising Step Towards Cooperation On a bustling Wednesday in New York, the air was thick with the promise of collaboration as Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abukar Osman Bale, engaged in a significant meeting with his Yemeni counterpart, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Saadi. Their gathering was more than a mere diplomatic formality; it represented a shared commitment to forging stronger bonds between their nations amidst the complexities of regional politics and…