Somalias

NAIROBI, Kenya - Word on the street is that infamous pirates have staged a comeback in Somalia's treacherous waters. This follows a calm period of five months during which security forces actively tried to put a lid on pirate activities. This week, EUNAVFOR — those naval protectors under Operation ATALANTA — have sounded the alarm. They've spotted a sketchy bunch known as a pirate action group (PAG) sneaking away from Somalia’s north-central shoreline. The alert hints that pirates might be sweeping back into Somali…

MOGADISHU, Oct 24 (Reuters) - In an effort to track al Shabaab militants and provide residents with a sense of security, thousands of surveillance cameras have been installed throughout Somalia's bustling capital. However, this initiative has also sparked fear among business proprietors who dread retaliatory violence. Launched this year under the city government's directive, CCTV systems have, according to officials, bolstered the ability of law enforcement to monitor militant movements in Mogadishu while ensuring…

Controversy Surrounds Appointment of Somalia's U.S. Ambassador MOGADISHU, Somalia – The mid-2024 designation of Dahir Hassan Arab as Somalia's envoy to America has stirred the pot, with whispers of favoritism and questionable conduct in the mix. Arab, who previously led SIMAD University, landed this gig courtesy of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, despite lacking credentials in diplomacy or foreign management. He's got a Master’s in Education Management from the Islamic University in Uganda. Alongside him, Mohamed Muse,…

Kenyans Head Home as Somalia Plots Its Security Future MOGADISHU, Somalia - Following the Somali Transition Plan (STP), the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops have wrapped up their mission in Somalia, exiting the Horn of Africa last weekend after a year-long stint. These soldiers were part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). With ATMIS winding up in December 2024, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is set to take over. The KDF contingent coordinated peace efforts…

President Museveni spent time with his Somali counterpart, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. In response to an invitation from Uganda's President Museveni, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud wrapped up a succinct visit to Uganda. The two leaders conversed about ways to enhance their countries' relationship, with an eye on bolstering regional security and boosting economic synergy. A key topic was Somalia's recent acceptance into the East African Community (EAC). While in Uganda, President Museveni expressed his…

At the African Defense Ministers Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, military brass from across the continent gathered to chat about pivoting from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the fresh African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Mogadishu (AX) — On October 16, 2024, amidst explicit disapproval from Somalia, Ethiopia hosted a confab of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) involved in ATMIS. The hoopla took place during the African Defense Leaders Conference in Addis…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's intelligence powerhouse, NISA, teaming up with global partners, carried out a high-stakes raid across Middle Shabelle and Galgadud regions. The mission concluded with the demise of 40 al-Shabaab operatives, including the notorious Moalim Aarow, a mastermind of numerous assaults. Within 24 hours, the strike also left 29 rebels nursing injuries. The target? Vital al-Shabaab hotspots dotted across the Yaaqle area in Middle Shabelle and Galgadud's remote villages, sharply crippling their movements…

  Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down in Bujumbura, the heart of Burundi, for a diplomatic shuffle around the neighborhood, aiming to bolster ties and teamwork on security issues. Cozying up at the Presidential Palace, President Hassan Sheikh and President Évariste Ndayishimiye swapped thoughts on safeguarding their nations and boosting economic bonds. While there, Hassan Sheikh tipped his hat to Burundi for stepping up in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). President…

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…