Somalia

A peek into the bustling grain bazaar of Mogadishu, dated April 7, 2024. Years of relentless clashes and lengthy dry spells have plunged Somalia into an unyielding hunger crisis, one of the harshest on the globe. Arab World Press via Reuters Connect CAMBRIDGE/MOGADISHU/NAIROBI – Somalia wrestles with outdated assistance schemes rooted in a narrative painting its troubles as ceaseless. Yet, the nation is paving a route towards greater stability and robust governance. The journey is far from over, impeded by humanitarian…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy has inked a transformative pact with Abu Dhabi PORTS Group, aiming to revolutionize the nation's fisheries and port infrastructures. This move is hoped to bolster both stability and economic growth along Somalia’s coastline, which has been marred by decades of turmoil. Approved by Somalia’s Council of Ministers, this memorandum of understanding (MoU) sets forth a visionary plan to revamp fishing facilities, upgrade ports, and initiate training programs to arm…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a bold move, the Somali National Army (SNA) on the frontlines took direct aim at a high-ranking assembly of Al-Shabaab insurgents this Tuesday, according to official sources. Senior military sources reported that the army attacked an Al-Shabaab gathering in Caad village, nestled within Mudug. This strike resulted in the immediate demise of three militants and inflicted severe wounds on two others. The agenda of this meeting remains a mystery. Such high-stakes meetings typically delve into the group’s…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an intriguing twist of the political narrative, Somalia's top brass have inked a deal to undertake municipal elections by June 2025, to be trailed by parliamentary polls in the September of the same year. This was unveiled in a statement from the National Consultative Council (NCC) this past Wednesday.Underscoring the significance of transparent polls sprouting from a multi-party framework, the NCC rallied for empowering Somali folks to handpick their own delegates. Urgency clings to legislation related…

Somalia Sends Ethiopian Diplomat Packing as Regional Strain Escalates MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a swift diplomatic move, Somalia has declared an Ethiopian envoy "persona non grata" due to his reportedly antagonistic actions against Somali authorities. The envoy has been given a tight three-day window to leave the nation, or face deportation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Ali Mohamed Adan of behavior "inconsistent with his diplomatic obligations." Adan, who held the position of Consular II at the Ethiopian…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The forthcoming oil and gas explorations in Somalia promise to transform the country's economic landscape, according to Alparslan Bayraktar, the Turkish Energy Minister. He emphasized the huge advantages awaiting Somalia once this ambitious endeavor reaches its fruition. Alparslan shared his vision for the future, predicting that numerous international corporations will jump on board, significantly invigorating Somalia's economy, which has faced formidable challenges for over thirty years. The…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Monday, Somalia gave the boot to a top Ethiopian envoy, accusing the diplomat of actions that clash with his official duties and breach Somalia's sovereignty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs broke the news, spotlighting the incident's significance. Ali Mohamed Adan, who held the position of Counselor II at Ethiopia’s embassy in the Somali capital, faced the label of persona non grata. This term demands he exits Somali territory within 72 hours. The move raises the bar in the already bumpy relationship…

Mogadishu and Ankara Forge New Financial Ties MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a move that underscores the deepening relations between Somalia and Turkey, their governments have inked a fresh financial cooperation deal. This step marks yet another milestone in a relationship that has notably blossomed over the past ten years. The accord was formalized on Monday by Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Nur and his Turkish…

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has greenlit a whopping $134 million to kickstart two landmark initiatives aimed at helping vulnerable farming communities in Somalia and Iraq toughen up against climate change.Steered by the good folks over at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, these game-changing projects will arm millions of farmers and herders with the skills to tackle climate chaos like droughts and floods head-on.Kaveh Zahedi, chief honcho of FAO’s Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment…

North Western State of Somalia Gears Up for Key Presidential Election After Delays HARGEISA, Somalia - With the paramount presidential election scheduled for November 13th, North Western State of Somalia's electoral commission is working tirelessly to ensure everything is in place. This pivotal event marks a crucial juncture for Muse Bihi Abdi of the Kulmiye party, who initially postponed this casting of votes a while back. Bihi, the region’s head honcho since 2017, finds himself in the ring with the formidable Abdirahman…