Somalia

KISMAYO, Somalia - The assertive Ahmed Madobe clinched a notable triumph for his 3rd term in office on Monday, facing vehement opposition from the corridors of Mogadishu, which is pushing for a universal ballot system, an idea that both Kismayo and Garowe aren't buying. Last month, Madobe made headlines when he bailed out of the National Consultative Council (NCC) conference. He effortlessly cruised to victory, raking in 55 nods from 75 regional lawmakers. Jubaland will now see him at the helm for another five…

Survivors of Madagascar Boat Incident Prepare for Return to Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - Officials in Antananarivo have announced that scores of individuals who survived a shipwreck off Madagascar will soon make their journey back to Somalia. These individuals were rescued by local fishermen early Saturday, adrift in the Indian Ocean. The 48 survivors, who hailed from Somalia, encountered disaster while aboard two different vessels, resulting in fatalities among their group. Originally departing from Mogadishu, their…

In the hubbub of Mogadishu, news has just dropped that Somalia’s cabinet decided to lift the ban on chemical fertilizers. This move aims to cranking up efficiency in agriculture, tackling food shortages, and minimizing how climate change has been throwing curveballs at farming in the region. Announced with a bit of fanfare on Thursday, this policy is a linchpin in the government's plan to breathe new life into the agriculture sector. This sector, by the way, is the bread and butter for over 70% of the people, plus it makes…

Mogadishu (AX) — On the 21st of November, Somalia celebrated its cherished Teachers' Day. The affair was headlined by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who highlighted the ongoing governmental efforts to tackle the educational sector's roadblocks. President Mohamud, communicating with the nation via a televised speech, showered teachers with praise, describing them as the "backbone of Somali society." He poignantly remarked, "While our soldiers secure the present, it is our…

In a bold move towards sustainability, Somalia has officially thrown its hat into the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) ring. This step marks a significant chapter in the nation's quest to build a greener economy and shield its environment, gearing up to tackle and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. According to Khadija Al Makhzoumi, the Minister of Environment for Somalia, the decision to unite with GGGI isn't just a small leap—it's a substantial stride in the right direction. As quoted by the Somali…

The situation in Somalia is evolving rapidly, particularly with ISIS's burgeoning influence, notably in the Northeastern State region. It seems newly arrived foreign militants have significantly amplified the group's capabilities. A recent report vividly underscores these developments, attributing the expansion primarily to foreign operatives, which has bolstered ISIS's position amidst the ongoing tussle with their fierce adversary, al-Qaeda-associated al-Shabab. A key observation from intelligence hidden within the…

To shed light on the current state of telecommunications, Ecofin has taken a keen interest in a recent governmental initiative. The Department of Communications and Technology is actively reaching out to various stakeholders for feedback through an open forum. They're eager to gather diverse perspectives and insights to shape future policies. On Facebook, they gave us a sneak peek, proclaiming, "The unified fiber optic deployment policy aims to steer national telecom companies towards collaboration for the installation and…

Mogadishu (AX) — The international community is raising a red flag over the growing friction between Somalia's Federal Government and Jubaland State, urging a chill-out period and talks that bring something constructive to the table. This spat heated up post-Jubaland's no-show at the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, a forum meant to iron out issues crucial for Somalia’s ongoing state-building efforts. Not too long ago, in early October, Jubaland’s President Ahmed Madobe stepped away from an NCC talk,…

Islamic State Ramps Up Recruitment in Somalia, Targets Al-Shabaab NAIROBI, Kenya - The aggressive recruitment of foreign soldiers by the Islamic State in Somalia is highlighted in a recent United Nations report, spotlighting a growing threat across the Horn of Africa and setting off alarm bells about potential regional turmoil. Previously, IS-Somalia was cash-strapped, struggling to recruit combatants, yet now boasts an expansionist zeal surpassing Al-Shabaab, who are currently under siege by the Somali National Army and…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A heated row has erupted between two prominent Somali ministers, spotlighting corruption allegations swirling around Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre's administration. The conflict hinges on which official should serve as the nation's representative at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalin Fiqi opted for Mohamud Moalim, the current head of Somalia's disaster management agency, to take on WMO envoy duties. Meanwhile, Environment Minister Khadija Makhzoumi backed Guled…