Somalias

Mogadishu (AX) – Nations involved in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have pledged their continued support for peacekeeping efforts as ATMIS concludes in December 2024.During last week's African Defense Ministers Conference in Addis Ababa, defense chiefs from these countries confirmed their backing for the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), starting January 2025.They highlighted financial hurdles challenging both ATMIS and AUSSOM. Emphasizing the importance of…

"We're absolutely ready to partner with Somalia's Federal Government to make this happen," she emphasized in a statement from Mogadishu, Somalia's vibrant capital. While in Somalia, the UN representative had in-depth discussions with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his key advisors, along with engaging civil society leaders. During her conversation with the president, DiCarlo acknowledged Somalia's significant milestones, such as achieving debt relief through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, joining the…

Hargeisa (AX) - In an assertive move, North Western State of Somalia's President Muse Bihi Abdi has laid down a firm rule banning the use of public assets, government workers, and military forces in the run-up to the November 13 presidential election.Announced late Friday, the directive calls on government execs to ensure political organizations receive a fair shot at utilizing governmental resources and accessing the media during election season.The spotlight now turns to the Minister of Information, Awareness, and Culture,…

Mogadishu (AX) — For many years, Somalia has been caught in a storm of turmoil, poverty, and uprooting that's left the nation's mental health in shambles. This dire situation has largely been ignored, as highlighted by Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). "Women and kids are really taking the hardest hit," they noted in a recent report, pointing to the intensifying mental stress blanketing these already strained communities. From the start of 2024 to September, MSF's dedicated mental health squads have…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a rapid move to counter Ethiopia’s grand naval dreams and territorial aspirations, Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia are stepping up their military armor like they mean business.These three nations shook hands on this alliance during an October 10 summit in Asmara, quickly transforming diplomatic chitchat into robust military maneuvers. Egypt's already tossing military hardware Somalia's way, and whispers are swirling about Egyptian boots on the ground—up to 10,000 soldiers by the dawn of 2025 under a…

"The Egyptian Presidential Spokesman threw a post onto the official social media scene, sprinkling news hot off the press about the recent gabfest between Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and PM, Mohammed bin Salman, and Egypt's big cheese." President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi played the welcoming committee at Cairo's bustling airport for the Crown Prince, treating him like royalty as he stepped onto familiar soil in Egypt. Taking the princely guest by the arm, El-Sisi led him over to the Ittihadiya Palace, where they rolled out the…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Efforts to stabilize Somalia’s delicate democracy hit a snag as the National Consultative Council (NCC) discussions ended in dispute on Wednesday, sparking further discord. Sources indicate that the NCC plans to regroup on October 27, but the attendance of Northeastern State's leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, and Jubaland's Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe remains uncertain following their vocal dissent during the recent conference. During the gathering, leaders struggled to reach an agreement on managing the…

Somalia's President Champions Direct Elections Amidst Political Storms MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a bold move, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that the country will proceed with direct elections, dismissing the cacophony of dissent from critics. This decision sparks a fresh chapter of political deliberation in Somalia, a nation that last experienced direct voting in 1969. Political discord and debate have been the norm for two years, with President…

Somalia's Leader Responds to Critics in Face of Governance and Security Struggles MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has addressed his detractors at a time when the nation is grappling with external threats. He found himself in the hot seat, emphasizing that defending the reputation of the Horn of Africa is a collective duty. Clearly, Hassan Sheikh is battling external tensions with Ethiopia, while struggling to build bridges within the federal member states. Meanwhile, the…

At the helm: Former Somali Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Issa Awad, didn't mince his words while criticizing Somalia’s freshly minted alliance with Egypt and Eritrea, calling it a reckless shot in the dark. Below: Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea's leaders clasp hands during a diplomatic rendezvous. Ahmed Issa Awad has thrown caution to the wind, cautioning that Somalia's new alliance with Egypt and Eritrea was hasty and destined to be short-lived. He pointed out the vast chasm in their governing styles and clashing…