Somalia

Villa Somalia Under Scrutiny: Allegations of Helicopter Misuse Stir Controversy MOGADISHU, Somalia - The corridors of power in Mogadishu are abuzz with a burgeoning controversy. At the heart of it lies the alleged misuse of helicopters, intended for the Somali National Army's crucial operations against Al-Shabaab, a militant group posing a persistent threat to peace. The details are still emerging, shrouded in a veil of secrecy, but what’s clear is that fingers are pointing towards Villa Somalia—the seat of the…

Somalia: Soldiers to Face Disciplinary Action for Guarding Opposition Leaders MOGADISHU, Somalia - A recent development in Mogadishu has prompted the Somali government to take a firm stand against what they consider a breach of protocol. Soldiers who were filmed providing escort services to opposition leaders over the weekend now face disciplinary measures. In the eyes of the authorities, such actions transcend mere disobedience—they strike at the very heart of military conduct. The soldiers in question…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a poignant address, the governor of Somalia’s Hiiraan region, Muuse Salaad Wehliye, has voiced deep concerns about the Federal Government’s approach to supporting local militias in their critical battle against the al-Shabaab insurgents. His words reflected a growing sentiment of frustration and a call for action. Wehliye didn’t mince words. He openly criticized the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) for what he described as a disheartening and inadequate aid delivery to the…

UN Calls for Urgent Review of Somalia’s Counter-Terrorism Laws Amidst the backdrop of Somalia's complex socio-political landscape, Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights while combating terrorism, embarked on a significant tour from May 10 to May 20, 2025. His mission was to scrutinize Somalia’s counter-terrorism laws, ensuring they align with international norms covering human rights and humanitarian concerns. Reflecting on the visit, Saul remarked, “The Somali authorities have been proactive. Their…

Somalia: A Closer Look at Northeastern State's Growing Education System in 2025 AXADLE, Northeastern State — In an exciting development for Northeastern State, the Ministry of Education and Higher Learning has revealed that a remarkable 23,768 students are set to participate in this year's unified 8th and 12th-grade exams. This figure marks a 9.61% increase from 2024, a testament to the ongoing educational advancements unfolding in this vibrant region of northeastern Somalia. Reflecting on last year's numbers, 21,685…

Somalia finds itself at the forefront of the climate crisis, ranking among the nations most vulnerable to its impacts. According to the United Nations, this Horn of Africa nation has faced an unprecedented dual challenge: the worst drought in four decades and catastrophic flooding that has occurred just once every hundred years. The tales of those affected are not just statistics; they are heartfelt stories weaving through the fabric of a population struggling to endure. One such narrative belongs to Mohamed Abdukadir…

North Western State of Somalia's Diplomatic Engagement in Djibouti Djibouti (AX) – In a significant diplomatic endeavor, North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro convened a high-level meeting on Thursday with ambassadors from France, Ethiopia, and the United Kingdom. This meeting is part of a strategic three-day visit aimed at fortifying diplomatic ties and addressing pressing regional issues. The gathering wasn’t merely a routine diplomatic exercise; it was a platform for…

Targeting Terrorism: A Significant Development in Somalia's Ongoing Battle Against Al-Shabaab In a significant development that underscores the complexities of the security landscape in Somalia, the nation’s security forces have reported the successful elimination of 45 al-Shabaab militants. Among the deceased was a high-ranking leader, notorious for orchestrating mortar attacks within the capital, Mogadishu, since the onset of 2023. The operations, primarily focused in the Hiran and Lower Shabelle regions, reflect a…

Djibouti (AX) – On a bright Wednesday morning, North Western State of Somalia's newly elected President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro, touched down in Djibouti for a significant three-day official visit. This journey aims not only to mend the fabric of somewhat strained relations but also to foster deeper regional cooperation with the government of Djibouti. Such visits remind us that diplomacy is often a matter of building bridges—much like the bridges that connect our lives and relationships. Upon his arrival at…

**Beledweyne (AX)** — In a dramatic turn of events early Wednesday, heavy fighting erupted in Abooreey, a village situated in the Hiiraan region of Somalia. This escalation was marked by the Hawadle Ma'awiisley militia launching a multi-pronged assault against Al-Shabaab fighters firmly entrenched in the area. The Ma'awiisley, named for the traditional sarong worn by many of its gallant fighters, took decisive action to reclaim the territory from the well-known militant group. Residents of Abooreey reported hearing sustained…