Somalia

CAIRO - Egypt and Somalia have enthusiastically rolled up their sleeves, set to activate a long-anticipated military accord inked in 2024. Curious as to why? Well, these interesting developments seem likely to raise eyebrows over in Ethiopia. You see, a significant discussion hovers over the colossal Grand Renaissance Dam, a construction project that's become quite the bone of contention between Ethiopia and Cairo. Presidents Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt recently put pen to paper on…

FILE – Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, share a moment in Cairo, August 2024 – Egyptian Presidency In a move that could stir the diplomatic waters of the region, the heads of state from Egypt and Somalia put pen to paper on Thursday, sealing a joint political declaration. This pact aims to forge a strategic partnership, elevating the bilateral ties to a higher echelon. The grand halls of Cairo saw President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi roll out a warm Egyptian…

Mogadishu (AX) – Picture this: a moonlit night in central Somalia, where the rhythmic pulse of an impending showdown echoed through the El-Garas village. A bold campaign led by the Somali National Army (SNA), backed by courageous local clans, delivered a significant jab to the notorious al-Shabaab on Wednesday. They came for a clenched-teeth confrontation, and they left a mark—six militants, including notorious leaders, left nursing their wounds. Some might say it was a masterstroke, others might call it sheer grit.In the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the early hours of a frigid Tuesday morning, a towering hotel in the heart of Turkey's picturesque Koroglu mountains met a fiery fate, leaving an aching void in the lives of many. As flames ravaged the 12-story structure of the Grand Kartal Hotel situated at a ski resort, tragedy tightened its grip, claiming at least 76 lives and casting a shroud of sorrow over what should have been joyous winter holidays. The vibrant tales of snowy escapades turned into chilling whispers of despair, gripping the…

Bosaso (AX) – Picture the serene coastline of Northeastern State, Somalia, where an unforeseen drama unfolded. A bizarre scene stretched along the sands between Bosaso and Mareero, with nearly 140 dolphins inexplicably washed ashore last Thursday. It was a sight that disturbed the tranquil beauty with its tragic emergence. For those locals accustomed to the ocean’s regular rhythm, witnessing this many dolphins in distress was enough to unsettle any sailor’s nerve. Some dolphins lay lifeless, their shimmering bodies marking…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a bold move that's been turning heads across North Western State of Somalia, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro has shaken things up at the very top of the military and police hierarchy. The new appointees represent not just fresh faces but a pivotal shift towards youthful energy in national leadership, stirring a fascinating blend of hope and curiosity among the populace. Imagine being the youngest officer to ever grace the pinnacle of military leadership in your country—meet Lieutenant General…

Jigjiga (AX) – On a bright Thursday morning, amidst the buzz and hum of anticipation in the air, delegations from Somalia's Federal Government and the self-declared independent state of North Western State of Somalia touched down in the bustling town of Jigjiga. Their arrival coincided with the celebrations marking the anniversary of Ethiopia's Somali Regional State, a festivity as eagerly awaited as a tickled hangover of nostalgia intertwined with hope.This gathering was no small affair. At the heart of it were…

Hargeisa (AX) – In an exciting move that has drawn attention across the dusty streets of Hargeisa and beyond, North Western State of Somalia—a self-declared autonomous region—has unveiled a 50% salary bump for its armed forces. This comes as President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro sticks true to his campaign vow about making their salaries more than just pocket change, aiming to bolster their spirits along with their financial standing. On Wednesday, a presidential directive brought this promise to life, scheduling the…

WASHINGTON — It was a grim scene over two relentless days of tumult in Somalia’s Northeastern State territory where recent skirmishes claimed the lives of over 20 individuals and left a further ten nursing battle scars. The security forces clashed with Islamic State insurgents in a fierce showdown, as shared by officials on Tuesday. Speaking to VOA’s Somali Service, the steely Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, who orchestrates Northeastern State's security responses, painted a stark picture of the skirmish. He…

Imagine the sweltering sun beating down mercilessly or the sky opening with relentless rain, leaving you with nothing but the clothes on your back. That’s the stark reality for many in Somalia grappling with natural calamities. In a moving display of humanity, Qatar Charity has rolled out the literal red carpet, or rather, the canvas tarpaulins, for those most impacted by Mother Nature’s wrath. This week, arriving with the kind of military precision any general would envy, two mammoth…