Somalias

The Republic of North Western State of Somalia has officially taken a significant step on the international stage with the opening of its Mission in Nairobi on May 29, 2025. This momentous occasion was presided over by none other than President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, fondly known as Irro. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and anticipation as dignitaries gathered to witness the event, symbolic of North Western State of Somalia’s evolving role in regional diplomacy. The inauguration ceremony drew an…

Somalia’s Electoral Commission Addresses Allegations of Coercion in Student Registration Mogadishu (AX) — In an unexpected turn of events, Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) found itself dismissing accusations that it pressured university students to register for the Banadir Regional Council elections. The claims originated from opposition leaders, notably Abdirahman Abdishakur of the Wadajir Party and the former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of Hizbul Islam. They…

Clan Rivalries and Political Fractures: A Pressing Threat to Somalia's Future MOGADISHU, Somalia - During an insightful conversation with The Washington Post, Larry André, the dedicated United States ambassador to Somalia from February 2022 until May 2023, painted a concerning picture of Somalia’s ongoing struggles. Despite remarkable efforts to promote national cohesion, the sharp edges of clan rivalries and political discord continue to precariously balance the nation on the edge of instability. Reflecting…

U.S. Forces Strike Al-Shabab: A Closer Look at Recent Developments Over the weekend, U.S. forces executed an airstrike against the al Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab in Somalia. This operation represents a continued commitment by the United States to combat extremism in a region that has been beset by conflict for decades. The airstrike, carried out by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), specifically targeted an area approximately 40 miles northwest of Kismayo, a known stronghold for al-Shabab forces. The significance of this…

Somalia: Opposition Forum in Mogadishu Seeks Electoral Clarity Ahead of 2026 Vote MOGADISHU, Somalia – Light wind brushing through the streets of Mogadishu marked a crucial day as Somali opposition leaders gathered to chart a course for the nation’s upcoming elections. The timing? Just ahead of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term conclusion in May 2026. Talk about pressing issues coming down the line. This isn't just any gathering. It's a formidable congregation of Somalia's political luminaries—former presidents,…

Kenya has once again expressed its steadfast respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Somalia, even as it actively engages in diplomatic and commercial relationships with Somalia’s sub-national regions—Jubaland and North Western State of Somalia. This nuanced position represents a delicate balancing act, one that demands careful consideration and strategic engagement. In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs made it clear that Kenya recognizes…

Kenya Halts North Western State of Somalia Office Opening in Nairobi, Reaffirms Support for Somalia’s Unity NAIROBI, Kenya - In a move that echoes diplomatic finesse, Kenya has chosen to halt the inauguration of North Western State of Somalia's liaison office in Nairobi. This decision aligns with its commitment to uphold Somalia’s unity and territorial coherence. North Western State of Somalia, while operating as a self-proclaimed independent entity, has yet to gain broad international recognition. Its ties…

Somalia: SoDMA’s Controversial Contribution to Frontline Fighters MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a decision that has puzzled many, Somalia's government has delivered COVID-19 protective gear to frontline fighters, known as the Macawisley. This raises questions about the seriousness of efforts to combat the Al-Shabaab militants actively challenging stability in the region. The Macawisley, collaborating closely with the Somali National Army (SNA), have courageously engaged in the fight for peace. However, the…

Kenya Reaffirms Somalia’s Sovereignty Ahead of North Western State of Somalia Leader’s Visit NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has once again emphasized its respect for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a world increasingly marked by complex geopolitics, Kenya's position serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting national borders and autonomy. Do we consistently acknowledge the sovereignty of nations, or do politics often muddy these waters? Kenya’s stance underscores…

Somalia’s Intelligence Agency on the Edge: A Struggle for Power MOGADISHU (AX) – In the heart of Somalia, an unsettling drama unfolds as the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) teeters on the edge of an internal collapse. This turmoil is not just another bureaucratic hiccup; it's the crescendo of a political tug-of-war among the highest echelons of the federal government. Whispers inside the corridors of power, as shared with Axadle, unveil a precarious situation. Abdullahi Mohamed Ali “Sanbaloolshe,” the…