Somalias

HARGEISA, Somalia - The president of North Western State of Somalia, Muse Bihi Abdi, commented to the BBC Somali Service that the MoU signed in January 2024 with Ethiopia, allowing them access to the Red Sea for 20 kilometers, is still valid. He mentioned there’s been significant international pressure casting shadows over this decision. Continuing with his stance, Bihi remarked, “We've not budged an inch; it’s business as usual.” Leading North Western State of Somalia, a self-proclaimed independent state, he added, “Folks…

Mogadishu (AX) — The ball is in Somalia's court when it comes to deciding if Ethiopian forces will be part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, that's set to kick off at the start of 2025, said UK Ambassador Michael Nithavrianakis.During a chinwag with reporters, Ambassador Nithavrianakis shed some light on diplomatic dances being orchestrated by Kenya and Turkey to help chill out the frosty relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.“Ethiopia’s been a key player in the ATMIS mission as…

In Mogadishu (AX), a minimum of six individuals met their demise, and a host of others sustained injuries due to a flare-up of inter-clan skirmishes within Luuq district, nestled in the Gedo region, as shared by folks on the ground.On Wednesday, rival clan factions, armed to the teeth with a variety of weapons, clashed fiercely on the eastern fringes of Luuq. These feuds have flared sporadically in recent months, rekindling age-old disputes.An attempt at reconciliation held earlier this month in Kismayo hit a wall, plunging…

Every four years, an eerie shadow looms over Somalia as elections, instead of heralding a new dawn, often lead to political turmoil and strife. The outcome of these elections should ideally reaffirm the federal government's authority through peaceful and legitimate processes, yet, more often than not, the opposite occurs. The last election cycle (2021-2022) put the very fabric of the Somali state at risk. Despite this, there was a palpable sense of relief among the populace when newly elected parliamentarians pledged to…

SFF president Ali Abdi Mohamed (sporting a blue shirt)The Somalia Football Federation (SFF) has firmly rejected any allegations of bias among its referees.The federation emphasized its dedication to elevating the country's football to meet global standards. In a statement, the SFF highlighted the role of football as more than just a pastime; it's a source of jobs for young people, a deterrent from negative influences, and a glue holding the nation together despite its ongoing security troubles. "Some naysayers have been…

Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye's Energy Minister, shared his thoughts on the nation’s significant oil and gas exploration ventures in Somalia. He labeled the efforts as transformative and hinted that global corporations might want to jump on board with these ventures moving forward. Recently, the Turkish research vessel, Oruç Reis, made its way to Somalia. It's geared up to conduct in-depth seismic explorations to uncover potential reserves of oil and natural gas. During the vessel's reception at the bustling Port of…

In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, an African Union peacekeeper strolls by a line of armored vehicles. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, better known as ATMIS, is grappling with the possibility of stumbling blocks in its concluding phase. Why? The culprits are inadequate funding and heightened regional unease, particularly with neighbor Ethiopia in the mix. Mogadishu (AX) — The African Union's mission in Somalia is hitting snags as it edges nearer to its finale. The root of the hiccups?…

Northeastern State Refutes Allegations; Labels FGS’s Oil Exploration Accusations as "Outlandish" AXADLE, Somalia - In a war of words, Northeastern State has fiercely denied any opposition to Somalia's oil exploration efforts, scoffing at what it calls the "preposterous and baseless accusations" from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). Northeastern State remains committed to the nation's stability and growth. Abdifitah Mohamed Nur, Northeastern State's minister of state and top aide in presidential affairs,…

Mogadishu (AX) — Abdirisaaq Omar Mohamed, Somalia's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, accused Northeastern State of Somalia President Said Abdullahi Deni of putting roadblocks in the path of oil exploration within Northeastern State. During a media briefing in Mogadishu on Saturday, Minister Mohamed mentioned that President Deni tried to introduce a company of his own choosing for oil exploration, a move spurned by the federal government."President Deni seems keen to politicize the government's oil ambitions,"…

Mogadishu (AX) – On a momentous Tuesday at its 40th meeting, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) embraced a $100 million endeavor aimed at boosting Somalia’s efforts against climate chaos through the "Climate Resilient Agriculture in Somalia" (FP246) project. Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, flanked by fellow government representatives, hailed the GCF's backing. Minister Khadija hailed the move as a pivotal stride in strengthening Somalia’s agricultural defense against erratic…