Somalias

Mogadishu, Somalia: A Milestone Visit by AU Commission Chairperson MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a move that speaks volumes about dedication and forward-thinking leadership, the freshly appointed Chair of the African Union Commission, Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, embarked on his inaugural overseas journey to Somalia. This decision came just weeks following his somewhat surprising election victory in the heart of Addis Ababa, indicative of his eagerness to contribute actively to the stabilization endeavors in this pivotal East African…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an era where information seems to travel faster than the speed of light, discerning fact from fiction has become not just a skill, but a necessity. Recent claims swirling online have caught the attention of Somalia’s federal identification agency, which felt compelled to address an issue that could potentially mislead and unsettle the public. The specific allegation that prompted this response centered around a supposed transfer of two districts from Northeastern State to Galmudug, a claim the agency…

1. The Rise of the Islamic State Before we delved into the narratives surrounding the establishment of the Islamic State in Somalia in 2015, a key player on this turbulent stage was the Somali jihadist group al-Shabaab. Imagine a landscape where al-Shabaab—deeply rooted in the northern territories—was not only a formidable entity by itself but also intricately tied to expansive smuggling networks. At a certain point, however, a chasm began to open within their ranks, leading to a fateful division. From this split emerged…

Forced Evictions and Clan Conflicts Amplifying Somalia's Humanitarian Crisis Mogadishu (AX) — They say no one ever steps in the same river twice. This holds particularly true for Somalia, where fluid dynamics of forced evictions and entrenched clan conflicts continually worsen the humanitarian crisis. Who suffers most in this turmoil? The vulnerable, naturally. A recent report from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)…

In a world where unpredictability often looms large, moments of crisis remind us of the fragility of peace and the enduring human spirit that binds communities in times of adversity. The words of Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, resonate deeply in this context. He has emphatically articulated the UAE’s unwavering condemnation of acts that threaten the very essence of humanity. “The UAE stands firm against the forces that seek to dismantle peace,” he declared, making it abundantly clear that violence…

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s Night on the Frontlines: A Testament to Resolve MOGADISHU, Somalia - In an extraordinary display of grit and bravery, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud spent an entire night at the frontlines, just hours after surviving an assassination attempt by Al-Shabaab. This audacious commitment serves as a potent symbol of Somalia’s enduring resolve against the militant group, which continues to exert control over expansive parts of the nation’s central and southern regions. The…

AU Firmly Denounces Attempted Assassination of Somalia's President Addis Ababa – There's an air of palpable disbelief and determination as H.E Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, expresses his profound condemnation of a dastardly morning attack in Mogadishu. Such acts reverberate through our minds with disbelief. Tuesday's brazen incident targeted the very core of Somali leadership, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, right as he was poised for a visit to the critical frontlines in the…

The political landscape in Somalia is as intricate as it is volatile. An initiative that should unite is sparking division, as questions mount about its legitimacy. "The registration is politically driven and aimed at facilitating illegitimate elections without proper agreement with stakeholders, distracting citizens from the actual security and national unity challenges facing Somalia." These words resonate not just as a claim but as a profound reflection of distrust. Looking deeper, the…

Somalia: Al-Shabaab Targets President's Convoy in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia - Imagine the world of Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on a brisk morning as he heads out with his convoy, each turn of the wheels fraught with the silent threats of the unseen. It was during such a journey to the frontlines—an endeavor to personally assess the valiant efforts of the nation’s troops—that the escapade faced a jarring threat. Reports have emerged that Al-Shabaab…

Mogadishu (AX) – A significant development unfolded on the African continent, marking a new chapter in Somalia's military endeavors. The bustling streets of Mogadishu witnessed the arrival of Turkey's very own Bayraktar Akinci – an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) prepared to bolster the country's counterterrorism initiatives. In today's world, where technology often holds the key to victory, these advanced drones offer more than just technical superiority. They represent hope for a nation on the brink of…