Somalia

Al-Shabaab's Big Move on Key Military Base North of Kismayo KISMAYO, Somalia — Just when dawn was cracking open Sunday, the militant group Al-Shabaab made a brazen move on a military outpost in Jana Abdalle, a settlement about 60 kilometers north of Kismayo, the bustling capital of Somalia's Lower Juba region. The assailants met their match as the Jubaland regional forces mounted a formidable defense, culminating in a fierce showdown that left casualties in its wake. Reports from the ground detail that the hostilities…

Somalia's foreign minister has hinted at backing Ethiopian rebels if Ethiopia proceeds with its accord with Somaliland. Abdi Moalim Fiqi responded on Universal TV on September 12. "Somalia may consider engaging with armed factions opposing the Ethiopian regime. It's an open avenue if Ethiopia keeps pushing," said Fiqi. He emphasized that nothing drastic has occurred yet. "We're not at that stage, but the option is open. If they persist with hostility and that dubious agreement, that’s a path we could take — to support,…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States is calling on Somalia and Ethiopia to settle their disputes through diplomacy. It's closely watching the escalating tensions between these two nations, which teeter on the edge of conflict over boundary issues.

Somalia: Devastating Explosions Rock Youth Photography Hub in Mogadishu, Leaving Five Dead MOGADISHU, Somalia - Over the weekend, a series of catastrophic roadside blasts in Mogadishu's Kahda district resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals and injuries to eight more, according to local officials. The explosions struck a beloved hangout where youths gather to take photos, sparking fresh fears concerning the safety in Somalia's capital. Abdullahi Sheikh Abdirahman, Kahda's district commissioner, confirmed the…

Somalia contended that the embassy's accounts at Premier Bank Limited should be shielded by diplomatic immunity. Yet, Justice Mabeya pointed out that Article 31 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) doesn't cover commercial dealings. He decreed that sovereign immunity is inapplicable to states partaking in business activities like contractual engagements. The Somali embassy's envoy, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, declared in an affidavit that the contested funds comprised fees from those applying for passports…

CAIRO, Egypt - Somalia is on the cusp of bolstering its military strength with more gear from Egypt, as revealed by the state minister for Foreign Affairs. Amidst prevailing strife, the aid from Cairo has been a lifeline for Mogadishu, ensuring the country's armed forces remain robust and ready.

Addis Ababa (AX) — Ethiopia has openly raised eyebrows with the United States regarding the looming possibility of Egyptian soldiers being stationed in Somalia. This concern comes hot on the trail of the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which will wrap up at the close of 2024. Things aren’t exactly cozy between Ethiopia and Somalia these days, as both nations have been building their security rapport with Egypt, causing a bit of a row. The spat kicked off earlier this year when Ethiopia inked a deal with…

Ethiopia Scoffs at Somalia's Rebel Support Threat, Calling It 'Absurd,' Escalating Strain ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nebiyu Tedla, has fired back at Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, over his cautionary remarks about aiding Ethiopian rebels. In a blunt post on X, Nebiyu labeled the claims as "absurd" and accused Fiqi of sidelining national progress for clan agendas. "It’s laughable to see Al-Shabaab sympathizers masquerading as…

NAIROBI, Kenya — In a dramatic twist, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi mentioned supporting Ethiopian insurgents if Ethiopia advances with a contentious deal involving Somaliland. These comments, shared on Universal TV on September 12, represent a spike in regional tension. This tension stems from an agreement penned earlier this year where Ethiopia gains access to the Red Sea via Somaliland’s shores, potentially acknowledging Somaliland's plea for independence. Naturally, Somalia, viewing…

A young woman collects water at an IDP camp in Mogadishu, the heart of Somalia, on March 22, 2017. (Xinhua/Sun Ruibo) The Chinese Embassy in Somalia stepped up on Thursday, bestowing 1,300 tonnes of food aid to the country's disaster agency. This effort is part of a broader strategy to tackle the expected harsh dry spells that are about to hit the nation. Chinese Ambassador Wang Yu personally handed over the donation to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) during a ceremony in Mogadishu. Wang highlighted…