Somalia

Mogadishu, Somalia – In a landmark effort to uplift displaced populations, Somalia's government has teamed up with the Hormuud Salaam Foundation to roll out a new initiative aimed at 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). Announced by the Ministry of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, this endeavor is a leap forward under the National Solutions Pathways Action Plan. The collaboration was officially introduced during the High-Level Multi-Stakeholder Forum in Geneva, an event backed by the…

Somalia: Global Allies Urge Calm in Government-Jubaland Tensions MOGADISHU, Somalia - The ongoing skirmish between Somalia's central government and Jubaland's authorities has caught the eye of global allies. These international partners plead for peace and urgent dialogue to curtail the growing discord. Reflecting on the contentious atmosphere at the National Consultative Council (NCC), the partners expressed concern over the escalating drama between these governmental layers, noting, "This spells trouble for the mission…

Jubaland's Political Dilemmas: Independent Elections and the Pushback from Mogadishu Kismayo (AX)— Thursday was a pivotal day for Jubaland's parliament as it undertook the task of electing its new leaders, including a parliamentary speaker and two deputy speakers. This process involves candidates detailing their visions, followed by a vote, and concluding with swearing in the new victors. These elections are a significant milestone leading up to the presidential election scheduled for November 25, marking a meticulous…

HELSINKI, Finland (AX) — In a recent move, Finland has decided to hit pause on its development cooperation with Somalia. The primary reason? A lack of progress in settling agreements about sending back Somali folks who don’t have legal residency in Finland. Minister Ville Tavio, who handles Foreign Trade and Development, made the announcement on a Wednesday. “The suspension means no fresh funds will be approved,” Tavio stated plainly during a media briefing. He emphasized that this hold will last until Somalia makes…

For over 17 years, the PSMN has diligently tracked the ebb and flow of internal displacement. October's tally revealed around 66,000 displacements, with conflict and insecurity uprooting 50,000 people, while climate calamities like droughts and floods displaced 3,000, according to UNHCR’s update from Mogadishu, the bustling capital of Somalia. When new homes and communities are torn apart, the foremost needs of displaced families become crystal clear: food, shelter, water, viable livelihoods, and essential healthcare. These…

The anguish experienced by the families of those held hostage has been relentless ever since the pirates seized the MV Albedo off the Somali coast in November 2010, taking Pakistani sailors captive. Sadly, the trauma of those left behind shows no signs of waning. To begin with, the Somali pirates set the ransom for the release at a whopping $8 million. Thanks to continuous negotiations, that staggering amount was eventually reduced to about $2.85 million. The head honcho at Pakistan's Citizens-Police Liaison Committee…

North Western State of Somalia's Incoming Leader Celebrates Muse Bihi's Role in Smoothing Power Shift HARGEISA, Somalia - Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, often called Irro, the new president-elect of North Western State of Somalia, showered praise on Muse Bihi Abdi. He hailed Bihi as the true 'hero' for facilitating a seamless transition of leadership following the recent elections. The Electoral Commission officially named Irro as the victor of the presidential polls, leaving Muse Bihi Abdi trailing with just 34.8% of the…

With political shifts shaking the landscape worldwide, North Western State of Somalia stands at a critical juncture in 2024. The election of Donald Trump in the U.S. and the mediation of a maritime agreement with Ethiopia converge as this self-declared republic advocates for recognition as Africa's freshest state. Nestled at Somalia's northwestern tip, North Western State of Somalia declared its independence back in 1991. This went unsupported by Mogadishu and lacked international acknowledgment. Despite the complexities,…

"Irro has clinched the election with a massive victory," announced Muse Hassan Yusuf, the helmsman of North Western State of Somalia's National Electoral Commission during the results event in Hargeisa. In 1991, North Western State of Somalia broke away from Somalia, declaring its independence. Despite this bold move, many global powers have yet to acknowledge it formally as a nation. An intriguing accord was unveiled on January 1. Under its terms, North Western State of Somalia allowed Addis Ababa to set up a military…

Somalia: Escalating Tensions in Jubaland's Electoral Dispute with FGS KISMAYO, Somalia - The frosty rapport between Jubaland and Mogadishu shows no signs of thawing anytime soon, as the road to reconciliation stretches on. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre throws a stern reminder against deploying regional forces to tilt election outcomes. Jubaland officials, now acting without a handshake deal with Mogadishu, have tossed their hat in the ring, opting for indirect elections over the one-person, one-vote approach championed…