Somalias

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…

Somalia's President Cheers Gaza Ceasefire, Calls for Global Harmony MOGADISHU, Somalia - In the heart of Somalia, where the sound of bustling markets mingles with the call to prayer, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made waves this Thursday. Adding his voice to a chorus hoping for enduring peace, he expressed unwavering support for the freshly minted ceasefire in Gaza. In doing so, he joined hands with nations like Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, tipping his hat to their diplomatic maneuvers that made this…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a world where turmoil often grips the headlines, a welcome breeze of relief has swept through the international community this Thursday. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud threw his weight behind the widely-covered Gaza ceasefire agreement. His warm accolades are aimed at Qatar, Egypt, and the United States for their pivotal shuttle diplomacy, which finally saw the ink dry on this beleaguered accord. He hailed their roles in scripting what could be a significant chapter for peace. But will it be…

Picture this: It's a bustling Wednesday at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where the undulating chaos of travelers intermingles with quiet pockets of diplomacy. There, amidst the hubbub, Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, leans in for a conversation with Kenya's Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki. Their meeting wasn't just a layover chat but a diplomatic tango aimed at deepening the bonds between Somalia and Kenya, two nations long tethered by history and a border, yet…

MOGADISHU, Somalia - With determination as fierce as the desert winds sweeping across the Somali plains, Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre has thrown his full weight behind the valiant efforts of Northeastern State's security forces. Their unflagging campaign against the sinister IS-Somalia militants in the eastern precincts of the nation is not just a tale of combat, but of triumph and tenacity. Stepping onto the podium, Barre, a man who knows the stakes all too well, extolled the gallant soldiers standing on the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia is on the brink of a momentous shift towards a more democratic future, but not everyone seems to be on the same page. On a sunlit Tuesday in Mogadishu, three prominent figures from Somalia's political opposition gathered to voice their concerns. Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, MP Abdirahman Abdishakur, and Senator Prof. Abdi Ismail Samatar were up in arms over what they perceive as a bungled electoral process. Enter Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, who approached their criticism like a…

NAIROBI, Kenya - Amid the hustle and bustle of a typical day at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Somalia's charismatic Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi found himself in a brief yet significant tête-à-tête with Kenya's Deputy President, Professor Kithure Kindiki. Following their quick exchange, both leaders went their separate trajectories—an intersection of diplomatic journeys in the same terminal, albeit fleeting. Minister Fiqi, fresh from his diplomatic dice roll in Cairo, was en route to Mogadishu, making…

Along the sun-drenched shores of Qaw in Northeastern State, northeastern Somalia, a lone member of the Somali security forces patrols diligently, casting an ever-watchful eye across the vast landscape. It's December 18th, 2016. This snapshot, courtesy of AFP, paints a vivid picture of vigilance and resilience against the relentless backdrop of security threats. Fast forward to the bustling capital of Mogadishu, where the hum of daily life mingles with the palpable tension of ongoing military maneuvers. Somali security…

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Once again, the political cauldron of Somalia is simmering as tensions escalate between former heavyweight, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, and the man currently in the presidential seat, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The political drama unfolding in Mogadishu reads like the plot of a high-stakes political thriller, replete with accusations of authoritarianism and backroom maneuvering. But let’s dive in and peel back the intricate layers of this unfolding saga. In a dramatic press briefing earlier this week,…

**Introduction** Somalia, with all its spirited endurance, embraced federalism in an effort to juggle varying interests and wrestle with its tumultuous past. Yet, this grand vision faces some hiccups, struggling to establish a foothold in the post-conflict heart of the nation. At the heart of federalism lies a rich lineage as detailed by Nigerian scholar Adeola Gabriel. Tracing its roots from the throes of the 17th century to the radiant enlightenment of the 19th, it’s a legacy of intellect and governance. Back in the day,…