Browsing Tag

Somalia

What Does the Effort to Oust the Deputy Prime Minister from the Upper House Unveil About Governance in Somalia?

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…

UN Agency Reports Decline in Humanitarian Access Challenges in Somalia

**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…

Seven Killed in Mogadishu Explosion as Military Thwarts Al-Shabaab in Western Somalia

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,…

Somalia’s Political Divide Widens as Mogadishu Discussions Conclude Without Agreement on Elections

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…

The Growing Alliance Between Somalia and Turkey: Unveiling the Strategic Motivations

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…

Somalia Approves Arrival of Egyptian Forces, Marking a Pivot Away from Ethiopian Military Influence

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.…

Maryland Man Apprehended by FBI for Scheme to Align with ISIS in Somalia

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 Condemns Somalia Government for Unsuccessful NCC Session, Calls for Parliament Intervention

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…

Kenya Establishes National Committee to Stabilize Miraa Prices and Boost Exports to Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — A fresh initiative is underway with Kenya inaugurating a revamped pricing panel to tackle the plummeting cost of miraa, known as khat in Somalia. This vital cash crop supports thousands of farmers, with the strategy centered around boosting exports to Somalia, the predominant purchaser of Kenyan miraa. The panel's mission is clear: to stabilize miraa and muguka prices and enhance farmer revenues. The nine-strong committee, a brainchild of the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA), boasts members from…

UN Agencies Commit to Increasing Investments to Enhance Food Production in Somalia

On Wednesday, the United Nations pledged a helping hand to Somalia in a bid to ramp up investments in agriculture as part of its World Food Day celebration.The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, together with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP), hosted a gathering in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. The event spotlighted “food heroes” for their role in transforming the nation’s agricultural landscape, in line with the 2024 World Food Day theme: "Right to Food for a Better Life…