Somalia

Ukraine and Somalia: A New Chapter in Diplomatic Relations Location: Antalya, Turkey - On a fine spring day, history was quietly made as Ukraine and Somalia took a significant step toward building stronger international ties. This event unfolded at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum on April 11, where the formal establishment of diplomatic relations was ceremoniously declared. Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's dedicated Foreign Minister, shared the news with enthusiasm. "Today, we embark on a new journey," Sybiha…

North Western State of Somalia's Stance on PM Barre's Intended Visit to Las Anod: A Path to Tension or Opportunity? HARGEISA, Somalia - Politics, especially in regions of tenuous peace, is a craft of careful maneuvering. Recently, when whispers of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre's trip to Las Anod surfaced, they didn't merely drift through corridors of power; they thundered, echoing concerns across the Somali breakaway state of North Western State of Somalia. This intended voyage isn't just any visit—it's a…

Somalia Celebrates the 65th Anniversary of Its Army: A Reflection on Resilience and Challenges Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring MOGADISHU, Somalia - As the sun rises over Mogadishu today, it brings with it echoes of a storied past—65 years of valor, sacrifice, and resilience. April 12, a day of profound importance in the annals of Somali history, marks the founding of the Somali National Army (SNA). This army was not just a guardian of its motherland, but a stalwart contributor to the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Picture a sunlit morning, the rhythm of life pulsating through the heart of the Middle Shabelle region. It was on such a morning that tragedy struck. The quiet was shattered on Friday when a vehicle carrying a handful of innocent civilians struck a landmine nestled between Ceel Gub and Adale. This devastating event resulted in the loss of at least five lives, leaving nearly ten others nursing wounds, their peace disrupted, their destinies altered. Local officials, the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the vibrant setting of Turkey's Antalya Diplomatic Forum, a significant milestone was achieved on a sunny Friday afternoon. Ukraine and Somalia, nations separated by continents yet united in aspiration, formally embarked on a new diplomatic journey. This moment echoed Kyiv's proactive strategy to forge robust alliances across Africa's diverse landscape. The agreement, inked with a flourish, was the result of diligent effort by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Somalia’s State Minister…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable escalation of diplomatic tensions, North Western State of Somalia has issued a stern warning against the potential visit of Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Las Anod, reigniting a long-standing territorial conflict over this contested city. Come Friday, North Western State of Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning Prime Minister Barre's proposed visit as a “brazen breach” of territorial integrity. The message was clear: Somalia’s federal…

Evolving Dynamics: Somalia and Ethiopia's Diplomatic Chessboard Amidst a tapestry of international dialogues and palpable tension, Turkey confidently stepped into a pivotal diplomatic role. Under the watchful gaze of the world, Turkey masterfully facilitated negotiations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, leading to the landmark Ankara Declaration on December 12. This significant pact was not just a declaration of mutual respect for each nation's sovereignty; it was also a gateway to more substantive talks…

UN cargo aircraft rests on its nose after a landing gear failure at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on April 1, 2025. This image, almost like a slumbering giant reduced to humility, serves as a poignant reminder that mishaps, while unfortunate, demand proactive measures. Mogadishu (AX) — In an earnest bid to address growing apprehensions surrounding air safety, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation of Somalia has mandated a comprehensive round of emergency safety inspections and…

The buzz of a bustling city outside is always welcoming, but within the quiet chambers of diplomacy, significant conversations unfold that shape the future. Recently, Hamsa Abdi Barre, the seasoned Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Abdullah Al Otaibi. Al Otaibi, an instrumental figure as the Head of the Arab League Mission to Somalia, was on a mission quintessential to the interests of both parties involved. Their meeting wasn’t merely a diplomatic formality; it was a…

The decisions surrounding the U.S. presence in Somalia are as complex as the country itself. With the recent escalation of conflict in Somalia, some officials from the U.S. State Department are advocating for the closure of the embassy in Mogadishu. This suggestion stems from the growing strength of Al Shabab militants, but it's a move not without its risks. Reflecting on the turbulent successes and failures in foreign policy, one must ponder—what does withdrawing mean for Somalia’s stability? Echoing the traumatizing…