Somalias

MOGADISHU, Somalia — As the sun rises over Mogadishu's bustling streets, conversations in cafes and markets gravitate towards a shiny new piece of plastic: the national ID card. Its introduction is causing a stir, amplifying fears that it might be wielded as a tool to tilt the scales in the upcoming Villa Somalia-driven "one person, one vote" elections—a process already under scrutiny. Imagine a national ID card that's designed to simplify voter verification, make elections fairer. Sounds ideal, right? Yet,…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a verbal tiff unfurled recently, akin to a tempest brewing in a teapot. Somalia's Health Minister, Ali Haji Hassan, took center stage, wielding words with the precision of a maestro conducting a symphony. His subject of critique? Presidential Envoy Ali Jeyte’s remarks, which he compared to a loose cannon on deck—a tad reckless and potentially as disruptive to efforts against Al-Shabaab as a bull in a china shop. Jeyte, the face of the community's grassroots defense…

Baidoa (AX) — On a bright Sunday, as the sun painted Baidoa with golden hues, a delegation from Somalia's National Electoral Commission and Boundaries made its entrance, heralding a new chapter in the nation’s electoral journey. They carried with them not just paperwork and plans, but a vision to breathe life into a cornerstone of democracy—a one-person, one-vote electoral system. Yusuf Abdulqadir Mohamed, a seasoned member of the commission with a passion for political revitalization, addressed the press with a determined…

Mogadishu (AFP) – A scene straight out of a Western flick unfolds on the bustling streets of Mogadishu. Among the chorus of honking tuk-tuks and revved-up motorbikes, emerges an enigmatic figure. Clad entirely in ebony, with a cowboy hat perched confidently atop her head, a horseman—nay, a horsewoman—rides with intention.The kicker? The mysterious equestrian, challenging cultural norms with each hoofbeat, is none other than a woman parading through conservative Somali society.Shukri Osman Muse, lighting up like a kid on Eid…

MOGADISHU, Somalia— As Somalia embarks on an ambitious journey to bring its identification framework into the digital age, the rollout of the new National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) system is lighting up the proverbial switchboard with public apprehension. The buzz isn’t just white noise; concerns about the safekeeping and longevity of personal data are resonating across the nation like a chorus of warning bells. Imagine the skepticism swirling around the NIRA initiative as a tempestuous cloud, casting…

If you ever find yourself wandering the bustling streets of Beledweyne, Hiiraan, you might just catch a whisper about a vital movement afoot - a concerted effort to face the relentless threat posed by the notorious Al-Shabaab militant group. At the heart of this operation is none other than the Director of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, currently steeping in the bustling milieu of Buula Burte. Sanbaloolshe hasn't merely been skimming the surface in Buula…

With a characteristic vigor, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Thursday reaffirmed Egypt's unwavering support for Somalia, envisaging a future ripe with collaborative triumphs. He emphasized, often with a flourish, that Somalia's security isn't just a distant concern but a vital piece of Egypt's own national security puzzle. In moments like these, can anyone really overstate the power of friendship between nations? During a lively joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Sisi eloquently…

In the hustle and bustle of Hargeisa, under the golden rays of a Sunday morning sun, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro took to the stage, radiating optimism and determination. With a fervor that could light up a room, he announced his ambitious blueprint to revitalize diplomatic and economic bridges with Ethiopia and Djibouti, envisioning a future of prosperity and collaboration—and perhaps, a little bit of brotherly love. In his florid proclamation, President Irro hailed Ethiopia not just as a neighbor, but as a…

Somalia's Legal Evolution: A Mosaic in the Making The essence of a thriving society often beats in rhythm with the heart of its governing laws. For Somalia, these laws are whispering transformations, evolving in tandem with its vibrant culture and tumultuous history. The Provisional Constitution that emerged in 2012 attempted to create stability but left many areas ripe for further exploration and consensus. The Constitution, a dynamic tapestry of governance, sets the stage for legal structures, political interplay, and…

Mogadishu (AX) — A balmy Wednesday evening in Halaalay quickly turned into a harrowing scene of battle, leaving at least six people dead by the time the dust settled. This tiny village, nestled near Halgan in Somalia's Hiiraan region, became the latest stage in the enduring drama of power struggles between local defense forces and the relentless Al-Shabaab militants. It seems Somalia's battle with the militant group shows no signs of ending, as accusations, skirmishes, and whispers of turmoil continue to echo across…