Somalia

Families uprooted by crop failures are seeking sanctuary in makeshift camps on the fringes of Baidoa. A harsh drought in Southwest Somalia has compelled over 120 families to forsake their farms and way of life, enduring severe conditions in rudimentary shelters. Image: Radio Ergo Mogadishu (AX) — Jinay Isaaq Hassan spent her days in the quaint village of Mintaanyo, diligently working her six-hectare farm while raising her children. However, her life took a drastic turn earlier this year. The life-giving rains failed to…

Somalia: Troops Face Trial for Fleeing Battle Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a recent turn of events, the Somali government is taking action against a group of soldiers and a police commander. They're accused of leaving their posts in the ongoing battle against the militant group Al-Shabaab, supposedly without getting the okay from their field leaders who are overseeing operations against the insurgents. The charges have been officially lodged in a military court, which holds the authority to tackle such cases…

Somalia Makes Bold Move to Exclude Ethiopian Forces from New AU Peace Initiative MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a development brimming with geopolitical intrigue, Somalia has officially petitioned the African Union (AU) and the United Nations for the exclusion of Ethiopian military personnel from a restructured peacekeeping force. This initiative aims to tackle insurgents tied to al-Qaeda, notably the notorious group al-Shabaab. This decision, unveiled through a foreign affairs ministry communique, follows a period of fraught…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Somali government announced Thursday that its esteemed Danab Commando Force successfully executed a strategic operation in the Galgadud region, taking down a dozen al-Shabab militants and injuring 12 more. This meticulously planned strike occurred in the Gerile area within the Eldher district, a known hideout for fighters plotting their next moves, as they lurked, "fangs sharpened," ready to strike. The government's statement triumphantly noted, "Twelve insurgents met their end, while 22 others…

Security Cameras in Somalia: Deterrence or Danger? MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a strategic move to counter al Shabaab's persistent threat, thousands of security cameras have sprouted across Somalia's bustling capital. This initiative aims to keep a vigilant eye on the city's pulse, offering a sense of security to its residents. Yet, for business owners, the presence of these cameras also fans the flames of anxiety due to fears of potential retaliation. Launched by the local government, the CCTV network has empowered authorities…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Wednesday night, the Somali Council of Ministers gave the green light to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for defense collaboration with Tanzania.Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre chaired the gathering, emphasizing the significance of this accord even though the nitty-gritty wasn't revealed. In recent times, Somalia has inked comparable deals with nations like Egypt, Turkey, and Azerbaijan to boost defense ties with regional and international allies.This fresh defense alliance surfaces amid rocky…

Chatfest Between Putin and Ethiopian Leader Abiy Ahmed Rocks the BRICS Bash KAZAN, Russia — In the bustling metropolis of Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed huddled during the BRICS shindig, diving into ways to solidify their alliance and dig up new collaborative ventures within the ever-growing BRICS family. Spanning from October 22 to 24, this pow-wow was one of the headline events at this year’s summit, featuring movers and shakers from 36 nations. Russia has pulled out all…

Kenya and Somalia: Building Bridges on Security and Cooperation In a recent pow-wow at Nairobi's State House, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Kenyan President William Ruto rolled up their sleeves to hash out a seamless handover for regional security. This pivotal transfer, set to launch in January 2025, will see the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) morph into the newly minted African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Monday saw President Mohamud touchdown…

Controversy Surrounds Appointment of Somalia's U.S. Ambassador MOGADISHU, Somalia – The mid-2024 designation of Dahir Hassan Arab as Somalia's envoy to America has stirred the pot, with whispers of favoritism and questionable conduct in the mix. Arab, who previously led SIMAD University, landed this gig courtesy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, despite lacking credentials in diplomacy or foreign management. He's got a Master’s in Education Management from the Islamic University in Uganda. Alongside him, Mohamed Muse,…

Kenyans Head Home as Somalia Plots Its Security Future MOGADISHU, Somalia - Following the Somali Transition Plan (STP), the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops have wrapped up their mission in Somalia, exiting the Horn of Africa last weekend after a year-long stint. These soldiers were part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). With ATMIS winding up in December 2024, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is set to take over. The KDF contingent coordinated peace efforts…