Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The usual pandemonium ensued in Somalia's parliament as contentious debates over electoral reforms took center stage. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud requested lawmakers postpone their break to focus on the upcoming electoral process. Hassan Sheikh, returning for a second term, wants to adjust key electoral guidelines for a long-term shift. He aims to introduce universal suffrage, allowing every citizen to vote. Recognizing the pressing need for these reforms, Hassan Sheikh urged legislators to work…

Commemoration for Journalists in Somalia Sparks a Strong Plea for Justice MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a remarkable gathering on November 2, 2024, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), backed by UNESCO and the Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF), observed the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. This heartfelt ceremony honored Somali journalists who laid down their lives in pursuit of the truth and rallied for accountability and action against impunity. The event saw a show of unity as…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a surprising twist of events, Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has shown the door to a top brass member of the Somali National Army (SNA), just when the nation is intensely embroiled in its campaign against Al-Shabaab. Al-Shabaab militants, notorious for causing upheaval, assert control over huge patches of rural zones in south and central Somalia. Recent military efforts have shaken their foundation, leaving many militants pondering defection to governmental camps. Nonetheless, the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, the Defense Minister of Somalia, has sharply critiqued Ethiopia, advocating that the neighboring country focus its efforts on managing its internal security issues rather than interfering in Somali matters. Amid rising tensions between the two nations, Nur brought attention to Ethiopia's internal unrest, emphasizing that insurgents have reportedly advanced to within 40 kilometers of Addis Ababa. "Ethiopia ought to concentrate on safeguarding its own capital and populace, instead…

Ethiopia is eyeing more Somali territory, President claims MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, sharply criticized Ethiopia, accusing it of being fixated on Somalia. He argued that the Ethiopian leadership is bent on annexing more Somali land, despite its historical claims. Without specifying the disputed territory, President Mohamud suggested that, since colonial times, Ethiopia has seized Somali land and now seeks further expansion, which defies international boundaries. "From colonial days,…

Somalia: From Nomad to Telecom Luminary - Ahmed Yusuf's Remarkable Tale MOGADISHU, Somalia — Ahmed Yusuf, a luminary in the telecom sector and among the architects of Hormuud Telecom, recalls his transformation from roaming the deserts as a camel herder to leading Somalia's most prestigious telecom enterprise, as shared with The Developing Telecoms. His narrative is a testament to tenacity, having navigated through conflict, displacement, and eventually making a courageous return to aid in his homeland's rehabilitation. "I…

Somalia Embraces UN's Move for UNSOM Transformation MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia has given the green light to a resolution from the United Nations Security Council to transform the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) into a temporary mission. This change offers the nation a vital opportunity to evaluate and strengthen its internal institutions during the ongoing transition. As of yesterday, Somalia embarks on a fresh chapter aimed at assessing achievements and closing gaps. The nation is working tirelessly…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently voiced stern disapproval of Ethiopia’s actions, accusing it of double-dealing by hosting the African Union (AU) quarters while allegedly flouting its tenets in its engagements with North Western State of Somalia. As he stood before Somalia’s parliament on Saturday, Mohamud spotlighted a hotly debated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) penned by Ethiopia with North Western State of Somalia, a matter that’s been whipping up quite the storm far and wide.…

Somalia: CIA Director's Chat with President Hassan Sheikh — What's the Skinny? MOGADISHU, Somalia — CIA boss William Burns swung by East Africa for the first time, making a pit stop in Somalia. He sat down with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who’s kinda feeling the squeeze from upcoming tweaks to the constitution. Their powwow gave prime stage lighting to Somalia's security woes and the omnipresent threat of terrorism. Uncle Sam’s got a gig as a security buddy in this corner of the world, trying to lend a hand to a…

Ethiopia Expresses No Desire for War, Pursues Peaceful Maritime Access ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - In a bid to ease growing tensions, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the country's disinclination towards any military engagement with Somalia. This statement comes amid friction over a recent deal with North Western State of Somalia, a self-proclaimed independent region, as he explained to the parliament. Back in January, Ethiopia, eager for sea access due to its landlocked status, made significant strides by signing…