Somalia

Somalia's President Declines Meeting with Ethiopia's PM in Beijing MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reportedly refused an audience with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during their time in Beijing, a departure from the usual trend of informal gatherings at significant global events where discussions on bilateral relations often take place. Both dignitaries attended the Forum on Africa-China Cooperation, where they were spotted engaging with numerous leaders from Africa and beyond. In the past,…

Somalia's Speaker Prohibits Press Conferences at Parliamentary Site Mogadishu, September 8, 2024 - Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, the Speaker of Somalia's House of the People, has enacted a sweeping ban on press conferences both within and around the parliamentary premises. This decision, unveiled last Friday, has ignited discussions surrounding the openness and accessibility of the media in Somalia. The announcement comes on the heels of heightened political strife, particularly after a recent press conference…

China and Somalia Forge Strategic Diplomatic Alliance In a momentous turn of events, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the historic Great Hall of the People, Beijing, on September 6, 2024. During their meeting, the two leaders unveiled a significant upgrade to their bilateral relations, declaring a strategic partnership. This announcement coincided with Mohamud's attendance at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Xi was quick to highlight Somalia's…

Ethiopian Forces Intensify Presence Near Somalia Border Amid Rising Strain MOGADISHU, Somalia - Recent reports reveal that Ethiopia has shifted additional troops to its frontier with Somalia, a development that many fear could exacerbate the already fragile situation in the Horn of Africa, a region grappling with significant instability and international concern. For nearly eight months, the Ethiopian and Somali governments have been at an impasse. Somalia accuses Ethiopia of violating its territorial integrity and…

Somalia: Government Forces Seize Al-Shabaab Supplies MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali security forces have successfully intercepted a shipment of supplies intended for Al-Shabaab in the northern regions of the nation. This operation was executed by the Somali National Army (SNA), strategically positioned in a zone marked by porous borders. Reports indicate that troops in the Mudug region halted a vehicle that was heading toward territories held by Al-Shabaab. These militants have developed a pattern of infiltrating areas where…

Ruto Engages with Somalia's President Amid Rising Terrorism by al Shabaab On Thursday, September 5, President William Ruto convened with Somalia's leader, Hassan Mohamud, during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, China. Their dialogue covered pivotal matters concerning regional security, especially the escalating threats posed by extremist factions like Al-Shabab. Both heads of state reflected on the achievements of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), with Kenya actively…

Family on trial for transferring $13 million to Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - A family has been dragged before a Mogadishu court for allegedly transferring nearly $13 million to members of the Al-Shabaab group, in a dramatic revelation that, if confirmed, would see them jailed for several years. The family of three close relatives and an ex-wife…

Egypt misusing Somalia for selfish Nile conflict gain, says minister AXADLE, Somalia - A regional minister in Somalia claims the government of Egypt is misusing the federal government of Somalia for selfish gains, arguing that the broader focus is on the conflict between Cairo and Addis Ababa over the Grand Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile. Abdi Farah Said Juha, the…

Airstrikes target key Al-Shabaab bases in Somalia MOGADISHU, Somalia - More than 19 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in the latest airstrike in Somalia, state media reported, noting that the operation was carried out in central regions where the militants have been antagonizing local residents. The airstrikes were activated in Ruunnirgood and Ceeldheer districts of…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - New details have emerged about the strained relationship between former intelligence chief Fahad Yasin and former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed alias Farmajo, which could shape the country's fragile political landscape. Several sources revealed to Axadlethe complex nature of the relationship between the two men, tragically ending a decade-long cooperation, which at one point threatened the security of the country due to the politicization of the National Intelligence Security Agency…