Somalia

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…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Just a couple of years back, before he snagged a second term, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was one of the loudest voices railing against tampering with the constitution, frequently slamming his forerunner, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, for allegedly scheming to prolong his stay in office. The uproar was intense, sparking protests nationwide from all corners—civilians, opposition figures, and even military personnel, some of whom went as far as to revolt. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known as Farmajo, was…

ADDIS ABABA - The head honcho of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), Field Marshal General Birhanu Jula, contends that standing toe-to-toe with Ethiopia is beyond Somalia's reach. In his perspective, Somalia lacks the prowess and manpower to challenge Ethiopia effectively. During a much-broadcast interview, General Jula minced no words criticizing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, articulating doubts about his capability to protect Mogadishu from the al-Shabaab insurgents. "He should worry about guarding the sea…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — In the face of regional discord, Somalia stands by its robust defense agreement with Egypt, harmonizing with its foreign policy to enhance its security framework, though ruffling feathers, particularly in Ethiopia. The pact, reminiscent of Somalia’s strategic alliances with the U.S., EU, Turkey, and nations in the Gulf, drew skepticism from Ethiopia. Concerns revolve around potential military intensification, fueled by maritime disputes and Egypt’s longstanding Nile River tensions. Hussein Sheikh Ali,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the latest offensive by the Somali National Army (SNA), a whopping 59 fighters from Al-Shabaab were taken out, underscoring the military’s capability to navigate threats even after the peacekeepers have hit the road. The authorities divulged that this operation resulted in significant militant casualties in Gerile and Awsweyne located in the Galgudud region, while another sweep took place in Hawadley, Middle Shabelle. Sadly, the mission also saw the loss of four brave soldiers in eastern Galgudud.…

The food crisis in Somalia is grim, with around 4.4 million people expected to face severe hunger between October and December, according to the United Nations' Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). "Currently, about 3.6 million Somalis are grappling with extreme hunger. This figure is projected to swell to 4.4 million as we move into the latter months of the year, when anticipated rainfall is below average," reported OCHA. From October through December, a time notorious for rising disease outbreaks…

In Mogadishu, Somali leaders are staunchly defending a new security agreement they’ve forged with Egypt. To them, this deal nestles comfortably alongside Somalia’s collaborations with the U.S., Turkey, the EU, and several Gulf nations.Hussein Sheikh Ali, who advises Somalia on national security matters, clarified that Egyptian forces might soon participate in the awaited African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). This mission is destined to succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia…

General Birhanu Jula Denies Weapon Shipments to Somalia ADDIS ABABA - The Ethiopian military brass, Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, firmly refuted any allegations that Ethiopia sent firearms into Somalia, illustrating these claims as "untrue" and "utter nonsense." This comes at a time when Somalia is striving for harmonious diplomacy amid regional tensions. Somalia and Ethiopia find themselves at odds over a contentious agreement between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia. Should this pact see daylight, it threatens…

 Qatar has urged the global community to ramp up support in humanitarian and developmental aid, along with technical help, to bolster the efforts aimed at enhancing human rights capabilities in Somalia. The call emphasizes fulfilling both domestic and international commitments aligned with Somali priorities.These sentiments were shared by Turki Mohammed Abdullah al-Khalifa, the Third Secretary from the African Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He spoke during an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a fresh fiscal launch, the Somali government nodded to a $1.3 billion budget for the year 2025. This allocation marks a modest uptick from last year's financial forecast, putting the onus on the Treasury to scrounge up funds by revamping the nation’s economic systems. Lending their spirits to this financial framework, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s cabinet gave the green light shortly after the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting wrapped up. This gathering converged the brains from…