Somalias

In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, where whispers of the past merge with aspirations for the future, a new chapter is about to unfold. Can the development of a luxury hotel not only transform the urban landscape but also reframe how the world perceives Somalia? This is the ambitious vision of the stakeholders behind the Mogadishu Rotana—a beacon of change in Eastern Africa. In December, a groundbreaking initiative took its first steps in Mogadishu. Dignitaries and developers gathered near Aden Adde International Airport to…

In an obscure corner of the world, far from the eye of most international media, the Al-Karrar office has metamorphosed into something more sinister—a financial command center crafted intricately for the Islamic State’s sprawling empire, extending its dark reach from Afghanistan to Mozambique. Picture a warren of clandestine activities where ancient hawala networks blur seamlessly with cutting-edge cryptocurrency transactions, a place surviving on the gritty art of extortion. Entire economies within these insurgent zones…

In a meeting that underscores evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, Maj. Gen. Nim’an Yusuf Osman, North Western State of Somalia’s military chieftain, engaged in strategic dialogues with Lt. Gen. Eisa Saif Mohammed Al Mazrouei, the Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces. Their discussions centered on military cooperation and fostering robust security partnerships. But what does this mean for the region? Is it the harbinger of newfound alliances or simply another chapter in the storied interaction between…

“As long as this system remains unchanged, our expectations from the federal government remain nonexistent. We do not recognize it as a true national administration serving Somalia's collective interests,” Madobe emphatically declared. Intriguingly, he likened it to "an enterprise operating in Mogadishu." His words were neither mere rhetoric nor isolated discontent; they reverberated the escalating discord between Somalia’s regional states and the central government. Consider Jubaland—a region…

The New Frontier: Somalia's Ambitious 200-Square-Kilometre Development Project The winds of change are blowing across Somalia's landscape, bringing with them a project that aspires to revolutionize commerce and connectivity. Over the next few months, a comprehensive surveying and feasibility study will mark the beginning of a 200-square-kilometre endeavor designed to enhance the country's trade and economic potential. Picture a gateway not merely for Somalia, but for its landlocked and coastal…

In an unexpected turn, Ethiopia and Somalia managed to mend their diplomatic rift this January by signing an agreement that grants Addis Ababa access to port facilities in Somalia. But Ethiopia isn't the only player on the field. Last year, Mogadishu struck a deal with Turkey, where Ankara agreed to fortify Somalia's maritime security via a mix of capacity building, training, and collaborative patrols. The fruits of these agreements could be bountiful, potentially presenting economic and investment avenues while uplifting…

In the vibrant halls of Mogadishu's newly inaugurated Hodan Hospital, a strong voice echoed, promising an end to the cycle of fear and violence gripping Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, determined and resolute, has set his sights on vanquishing the international terrorist forces that have long cast shadows over the Horn of Africa nation. Why does Somalia continuously find itself tangled in this relentless struggle against terror? President Mohamud, addressing the nation with unwavering clarity, proposed a holistic…

In the ever-complex theatre of global politics and security, decisive actions often ripple far beyond their immediate context. Recently, a certain audacious maneuver by the Trump administration spotlighted this dynamic: a steadfast commitment to obliterate threats to peace and ensure that Somalia remains devoid of terrorist havens. But one might wonder, how does such a commitment manifest amidst the desert plains and bustling towns of Somalia? The United States Africa Command, commonly referred to as AFRICOM, recently…

Joint Airstrikes Targeting ISIS Operatives in Somalia’s Rugged Terrain BOSASO, Somalia - Under the scorching sun of Somalia's Cal-Miskaad mountains, a covert yet relentless battle unfolds. Here, the United States and US Africa Command intensify their airstrike operations, targeting the clandestine hideouts of ISIS militants. Why are these missions essential? The answer lies in the details: facilitating the local forces' giant strides against this insurgent group. In the past eight weeks, ISIS militants, once deemed…

Somalia's Parliamentary Session Remains Closed Amid No-Confidence Motion Threats By Ali Musa MOGADISHU, Somalia — The echoes of silence in Somalia's legislative halls are deafening, as the nation's 5th parliamentary session remains indefinitely postponed. Why, you ask? In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, whispers of political maneuvering swirl like the desert winds, leaving many to wonder about the underlying motives of those in power. Lawmaker…