Somalia

Somalia at a Crossroads: Choosing Its Own Path Amidst Global Power Plays EDITORIAL | As Somalia makes strides towards emerging from the dark days of state failure, we are reminded of an age-old wisdom—not to get entangled in alliances that could bind us to the ambitions of others. The Horn of Africa, with its deep historical roots and strategic value, has become a playing field for both regional and global powers each eager to further their interests through a complex dance of diplomacy. At the center of this storm is…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia has decided to bid farewell to single-use plastic bags, aiming to cut down on pollution and join hands with international environmental crusades. "Plastic bags are no longer welcome here. Anyone caught in the act—using or selling—will be met with the full force of the law," declared the Police Spokesman Abdifitah Adan Hassan. The announcement of this ban in February 2024 marks a turning point. It outlaws the import, creation, sale, and use of these pesky plastics. While fines are still a bit…

A recent diplomatic spat has nudged Somalia towards cosier relations with Egypt and Eritrea, each entangled in longstanding grumbles with Ethiopia. Folks are jittery that rising tensions could tip the scale into outright conflict. “This is a coalition against Addis Ababa," dished out Hassan Khannenje, who steers the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, during a chinwag on the BBC's Focus on Africa. "Seems like they're bundling grievances to crank up the heat on Addis Ababa." A snapshot beamed by Eritrea…

 Simon Manley, the UK's envoy, and Somalia's Ambassador Khadra Ahmed Dualeh engage in a lively discourse at a Geneva gathering of the United Nations Human Rights Council.Mogadishu (AX) — A collaborative proposition has been tabled by the United Kingdom and Somalia during Thursday's United Nations Human Rights Council meet. Their joint initiative seeks to extend technical support for advancing Somalia’s human rights endeavors and to renew the role of the Independent Expert on Somalia.Simon Manley, representing the UK at the…

On October 10, 2024, Presidents Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt, Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, gathered in Eritrea’s capital for what turned out to be a remarkable powwow. This exclusive Tripartite Summit, held on a Thursday, aimed to bolster relationships and tackle the hair-raising regional security issues that shadow their nations. The host, President Afwerki, ushered in a fresh chapter of camaraderie between these countries. The Egyptian entourage, led by Abbas Kamel, the mastermind of…

Rising Tensions in the Horn of Africa: A New Alliance Formed Against Ethiopia's Red Sea Agenda ASMARA, Eritrea - Brace yourselves for a significant diplomatic gathering as Egypt's president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, heads to Asmara. He joins Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrea's President Isaias Afwerki. The trio plans to hash out trade and security issues affecting the Horn of Africa's landscape. According to insiders, they're eyeing a regional coalition. This could spark jitters since Ethiopia is caught…

ASMARA, Eritrea - Egypt, Somalia, and Eritrea have joined forces, stirring up the already bubbling pot of regional tensions, especially with Ethiopia. The diplomatic shake-up unfolded at a summit in Asmara, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki gathered to map out strategic cooperation. This alliance emerges against the backdrop of Ethiopia making waves with its contentious deal with North Western State of Somalia, aiming for a slice…

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenya Airways, the country's national airline, has put a halt on flights to Somalia, citing 'operational challenges.' This move adds another layer to the complex travel landscape in the Horn of Africa. Kenya Airways is one of the key players on the Mogadishu route. The stoppage comes amidst tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, regarding a deal with North Western State of Somalia about sea access. Ethiopia’s airline also operates the Mogadishu route. The airline shared that following a thorough assessment…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Egyptian leader, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, is gearing up for a visit to Asmara, Eritrea, come Thursday, where he's scheduled for a three-party pow-wow with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This top-tier sit-down aims to bolster security partnerships and tackle mutual hurdles in the Horn of Africa and the bustling Red Sea zone. A big-ticket item on the agenda is the creation of a tri-nation coalition to navigate common challenges, with a spotlight on Ethiopia's…

In a grand setting, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stepped up to address the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly on a bustling Tuesday, September 24, 2024. (AP Photo by Richard Drew) - AP Photo/Richard DrewWith considerable spotlight, President Erdogan participated in the send-off ceremony for Turkey’s energy research vessel, Oruc Reis. This month, the ship departed towards the Somali waters, bolstered by two Turkish naval ships.Somali Energy AccordThe Oruc Reis deployment emerges from an energy…