Somalia

Somali Troops Reclaim Key Location Amid Slow Progress in Fight Against Al-Shabaab MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somali National Army (SNA) has reclaimed Ali Yabal, a crucial town situated approximately 18 kilometers from Eeldheer in the Galgaduud region, from Al-Shabaab militants. This development marks a notable advancement for government forces after over a year of sluggish movement in their campaign against these insurgents. The specifics of this maneuver remain somewhat elusive. The SNA has indicated that this was part of a…

Inside Somali Political Leaders' NCC Gathering in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recently taking center stage, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud summoned a crucial meeting of the National Consultative Council (NCC) in Mogadishu. This rare assembly of Somali leadership comes amidst persistent security hurdles and pressing threats to the nation's sovereignty. Sparking off today, this Thursday gathering occurs as Somalia grapples with Ethiopian threats concerning Red Sea access. This tension prompted Somalia to forge a defense…

The Turkish seismic ship, Oruç Reis, is set to embark on a mission to Somalia this weekend, as mentioned by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. Minister Bayraktar broke the news about this expedition during an assembly held in Ankara on October 2. A recent accord between Türkiye and Somalia allows exploration for hydrocarbons in three specific offshore blocks. According to the agreement concluded in July, Türkiye has obtained the sole rights to explore and produce hydrocarbons in blocs each…

During a lively drill in Mogadishu, Somali authorities diligently track seafaring vessels from their Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). This exercise is part of an ongoing effort to enhance search and rescue operations. Credit/ EUCAP Somalia Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is amping up its game to improve SAR, or search and rescue, initiatives in both the aviation and maritime sectors. Partnering up with EUCAP Somalia and a bunch of European allies, they're working hard to patch up challenges that have gnawed at them for…

FILE - Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abshir Omar Jama, at a press briefing in Mogadishu, detailing diplomatic concerns. Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has slammed the attack on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador's home in Khartoum. Calling it a blatant breach of international law, they condemned it as a grave violation of diplomatic norms. This incident raises serious questions about safety in volatile regions. In an official communication, the ministry appealed…

Somalia: Northeastern State President Leading Anti-Militant Efforts in Bosaso BOSASO, Somalia - The President of Northeastern State, Said Abdullahi Deni, has arrived in Bosaso on a mission to assess and spearhead the fight against Al-Shabaab and IS-Somalia militants. This insurgency has become a significant worry for the international community. Deni's visit is timed to oversee a fresh military initiative in Bari's rugged terrain, seeking to root out the militant presence effectively. This indicates a robust governmental…

Somali Leaders Hold Secretive Talks Over Ethiopian Troops MOGADISHU, Somalia — Amid swirling tensions around Ethiopian military presence, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is in a fragile negotiation with Abdiaziz Laftagareen, the president of Somalia's Southwest State, insiders disclosed Tuesday. The high-stakes meeting, shrouded in secrecy, seeks to tackle the thorny issue of Ethiopian soldiers jostling around Somalia's sovereignty and regional tranquility. This happens against the backdrop of geopolitical plays involving…

EU Allocates $9 Million to Bolster Somalia’s Budget The European Union (EU) has committed $9 million to aid Somalia’s federal budget. This cash injection aims to address shortfalls encountered during budget drafting. According to an EU statement, the funding comes in recognition of Somalia’s strides in economic stabilization and financial reform, leading to improved service delivery. The EU emphasizes that this contribution is part of the State and Resilience Building Contract (SRBC), which seeks to enhance the Somali…

Somalia Criticizes Strike on UAE Envoy's Residence in Sudan Expressing strong disapproval, Somalia blasted the assault on the home of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador in Khartoum. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the act "unfortunate and disrespectful" in their fresh communication. They emphasized that the strike violated diplomatic etiquette and warned that it could rattle ties among Arab League nations, which includes Somalia. The communiqué stressed the need to uphold the Vienna Convention by…

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, at the helm of U.S. Africa Command, partakes in a military drill in Agadir, Morocco, May 30, 2024. The Islamic State in Somalia has doubled its strength in the past year, reveals the head of U.S. Africa Command in a chat with VOA. “Northern Somalia is on my radar due to the uptick in ISIS numbers,” AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley mentioned in a candid interview, using the acronym for the terrorist group. Langley refrained from disclosing the U.S.'s exact figures on…