Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A fierce storm is brewing in Somalia's delicate democracy, fueled by the discord over proposed changes to the constitution. These changes are spearheaded by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who stands firm despite a brewing political tempest. Hassan Sheikh envisions a shift to elections by universal suffrage, moving away from the elder-dominated political approach. For thirty years, Somalia has operated under this indirect system amid persistent turmoil. Amidst fierce constitutional debate on…

In the bustling city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, key events unfolded on Wednesday as Dr. Essa Kayd, North Western State of Somalia's Foreign Minister, made a daring move by initiating the construction of what they claim will be the budding nation's new diplomatic outpost. This symbolic land donation by Ethiopia signals a burgeoning alliance between the two nations, although it might stir up tension across the already volatile Horn of Africa. For North Western State of Somalia, the inauguration was met with jubilation, while…

In any nation embracing a federal structure, splitting power among branches isn't just a formality—it's the backbone of savvy governance. Each branch—executive, legislative, and judicial—operates in isolation, with its own unique responsibilities. This division stops any one branch from hogging all that tasty authority and encourages checks and balances, which keeps everyone accountable. In a federal institution like Somalia, where regional bodies hold serious sway, a clear-cut division of power is critical for maintaining…

**MOGADISHU (Xinhua)** -- In an update shared Thursday, a UN relief group noted a drop in humanitarian access issues, falling by 18.6% from the second to the third quarter, landing at 57 compared to the previous count of 70. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) added that three aid workers lost their lives during this timeframe. Interestingly, while these unfortunate deaths coincided with their humanitarian roles, they were not directly tied to their work but were rather outcomes of broader…

Deadly Blast Rocks Mogadishu Amid Foiled Al-Shabaab Plot in Western Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - A devastating attack on a bustling teashop in Somalia's capital claimed the lives of seven people on Thursday. Eyewitnesses recounted the dreadful moment a suicide bomber unleashed destruction, targeting an establishment popular with both locals and police. Perched near the General Kaahiye Police Academy, the shop became the grim scene where seven individuals perished instantaneously. The blast left another six gravely injured,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Efforts to stabilize Somalia’s delicate democracy hit a snag as the National Consultative Council (NCC) discussions ended in dispute on Wednesday, sparking further discord. Sources indicate that the NCC plans to regroup on October 27, but the attendance of Northeastern State's leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, and Jubaland's Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe remains uncertain following their vocal dissent during the recent conference. During the gathering, leaders struggled to reach an agreement on managing the…

In October 2024, Turkey's bigwig, Recep Erdogan, launched a seismic research vessel bound for Somalia, as captured by Turkish Presidency/Murat Kula/Handout/Anadolu through Getty Images. Turkey's been dialing up its connection with Somalia lately. They're backing Somalia in safeguarding its seas and have penned a pact to scout for oil and gas along the East African country's coast. Chatter has also surfaced about Turkey setting up a missile and rocket testing ground in Somalia. These moves highlight Turkey's bold dreams and…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a noteworthy pivot, Somalia's government has given the nod for Egyptian forces to step into the shoes of Ethiopian troops in the forthcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), following a significant security agreement inked in August. Villa Somalia has thrown its support behind Egypt to spearhead AUSSOM, prompting Egypt to send preliminary teams to aid the Somali National Army (SNA), focusing on strategic routes often disrupted by the notorious Al-Shabaab militants.…

Security camera footage from June 14, 2024, captures Michael Sam Teekaye Jr. at a shooting range in Severn, Maryland. He was honing his skills with a rifle, preparing to join ISIS-Somalia. Federal agents nabbed Teekaye in October 2024 as he tried to depart for Somalia to unite with the terror group. Washington, DC (AX) — A 21-year-old from Maryland finds himself in hot water, shackled by charges of trying to back ISIS-Somalia. The U.S. Attorney's Office from Maryland revealed the conclusion of a lengthy undercover probe.…

Farmajo Criticizes Somalia Govt Over Botched NCC Gathering, Calls for Parliamentary Measures MOGADISHU, Somalia - Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has fired sharp criticism at the Somalia federal government, questioning the mishandled National Consultative Council (NCC) assembly that floundered in addressing crucial national issues. The meeting, held in Mogadishu starting October 2, collapsed when Jubaland's leader, Ahmed Madobe, exited and headed back to Kismayo, following a standstill over Villa…