Somalia

Somalia Embassy Refutes Contractor's $256,000 Claim in Nairobi NAIROBI, Kenya - Somalia firmly denies allegations suggesting it owes a contractor a substantial $257,000 for embassy renovations in Nairobi. This response comes in light of a legal claim demanding full payment for purported services rendered. Mohamud Ahmed Nur Tarsan, previously Somalia’s envoy to Kenya, swiftly dismissed the accusations as 'groundless and unfounded.' He asserted that the contractor had been compensated completely and labeled the claims as…

The Turkish seismic research vessel, Oruc Reis, is ushered by Turkish naval ships in the Mediterranean Sea, off Antalya on 10 August 2020. (Courtesy of Turkish Defence Ministry) Turkey has strategic plans to dispatch frigates to Somali waters to safeguard a Turkish energy research vessel, according to sources privy to the matter, shared with Middle East Eye. A pact inked earlier this year between Turkey and Somalia grants Ankara the authority to shield Somali waters from external threats and permits the exploration and…

Somalia FM: Clash with Ethiopian Government, Not Citizens MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, emphasizes that the country's primary issues lie with Ethiopia's government, making it clear the dispute isn't with the people of Ethiopia, whom he praised as 'respectful and forward-thinking.' In discussions with the head of the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Fiqi steadfastly accused the Ethiopian government of undermining Somalia’s sovereignty. Recently,…

In a pivotal move, Somalia officially joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday during the General Conference held in Vienna. The Somali government heralded this membership as a remarkable achievement, underscoring the nation's commitment to fostering the peaceful application of nuclear technology. "This is a watershed moment for our nation, showcasing our unwavering dedication to peaceful nuclear interactions and sustainable progress," the Somali prime minister's office commented in a poignant…

MOGADISHU, Sept 16 (AX) - The Somali presidency has reportedly rolled out new directives to challenge South West State's President Abdiaziz Laftagareen's administration, insiders divulged. These directives were hashed out in a secretive parley at Villa Somalia, the presidential domicile, attended by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and House Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe). From sources in the loop, President Mohamud made it clear that any dialogue with Laftagareen hinges on…

Türkiye's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, addressed the media alongside Egypt's Foreign Minister during a joint press briefing in Cairo on August 5, 2024. AFP The third round of mediation talks under the Ankara Process between Somalia and Ethiopia, originally slated for September 2, and then moved to September 17, has now been postponed indefinitely, without a new date announced, as per Turkiye Today. Although no official explanation was provided for the delay, it follows remarks by Somalia's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim…

The deal allowing Ethiopia access to North Western State of Somalia's Red Sea coast has ignited a diplomatic skirmish. Somalia views this as a breach of its sovereignty since North Western State of Somalia, despite declaring independence in 1991, remains part of Somalia in Mogadishu's eyes. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi suggested that Somalia might support Ethiopian rebel factions if Ethiopia continues with the agreement. "The option to engage with armed rebels in Ethiopia...is available to us," Fiqi stated on…

U.S. Envoy Stands Firm with Somalia, Urges Peaceful Solutions Amid Regional Strife ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — U.S. Special Envoy Mike Hammer made it unequivocally clear: Washington backs Somalia's territorial sovereignty. From within the walls of the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Hammer's words carried weight, "Hear this plainly, the United States stands with Somalia's sovereignty and unity, firmly and clearly." The backdrop to Hammer's declaration involves a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and…

BAIDOA, Somalia - Sunday's al-Shabaab attack on a military outpost in Baidoa has been attributed to a recent military revamp, according to multiple security sources. Militants stormed the outpost in Baidoa, Southwest's regional hub, leading to a fierce battle that ended with two deaths and three critical injuries. The raid took place early in the morning, catching many off-guard. Insiders revealed that some security personnel from the attacked site had been redeployed to Yaqbariweyne to bolster local forces amid a skirmish…

Ethiopia-Somalia Talks in Turkey Delayed Amid Escalating Tensions ANKARA, Turkey - The high-stakes discussions between Ethiopia and Somalia, which many had hoped would ease rising tensions, have been shelved for now. This unexpected delay could further elevate the stress between the conflicting nations. According to informed sources, the pause might fan the flames of hostility even more. Turkey, eager to facilitate the dialogue, has already seen two failed attempts. They had proposed a third round of…