state

Northeastern State at a Crossroads: Navigating Somalia's Political Landscape AXADLE, Somalia — In a region often at the heart of Somalia's turbulent politics, the meeting between Northeastern State President Said Abdullahi Deni and United Nations Special Representative James Swan held in Garowe this Tuesday is more than just a diplomatic gesture. It signifies the delicate balance of power and peace in Somalia, a nation striving for cohesion amid fragmentation. A Meeting Amid Tension The meeting was not just attended by…

Somalia: Northeastern State Forces Turn Up the Heat on ISIS as Fighters Confront a Surrender Deadline AXADLE, Somalia — With a ticking clock of 72 hours, Northeastern State's defense forces have thrown down the gauntlet to Islamic State (ISIS) members cornered in the Baallade valley, urging them to yield without conflict or brace for an all-out military assault. These militants, entrapped in their cavern hideaways, are at a crossroads, warned that this might be their last chance to dodge a violent outcome. A multilingual…

Baidoa (AX) — On Monday, Ambassador James Swan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, sat down with South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ and his team. Their chat revolved around some big-ticket items like security, election prep, and the pressing humanitarian concerns. Regional bigwigs filled in the UN envoy on safety measures being beefed up across South West State. They particularly pointed out the recent wins in Sabiid and Bariire in the Lower Shabelle region.…

The situation in Somalia is evolving rapidly, particularly with ISIS's burgeoning influence, notably in the Northeastern State region. It seems newly arrived foreign militants have significantly amplified the group's capabilities. A recent report vividly underscores these developments, attributing the expansion primarily to foreign operatives, which has bolstered ISIS's position amidst the ongoing tussle with their fierce adversary, al-Qaeda-associated al-Shabab. A key observation from intelligence hidden within the…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a momentous election hailed for its openness, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro emerged victorious to take up the mantle as North Western State of Somalia’s president, winning a landslide 64% of the vote. As Irro steps up to the plate, he inherits a politically tense landscape marked by fraught relations with Somalia and scrutiny surrounding a debatable pact with Ethiopia for access to the coastline. Leader of the opposition, the Waddani Party, Irro ousted the incumbent president, Muse Bihi Abdi, who…

In a sweeping victory for the Waddani party, opposition leader Cirro emerged triumphant, clinching a resounding 64% of the vote, leaving Bihi at 35%, as confirmed by Musa Hassan, the head honcho of the North Western State of Somalia Electoral Commission. During a televised speech on Tuesday, Cirro remarked, "This election isn't about win or lose for the contenders. It's an election of solidarity and camaraderie, moving the North Western State of Somalia nation forward." Nested at the strategic crossroads of the Indian…

North Western State of Somalia's Incoming Leader Celebrates Muse Bihi's Role in Smoothing Power Shift HARGEISA, Somalia - Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, often called Irro, the new president-elect of North Western State of Somalia, showered praise on Muse Bihi Abdi. He hailed Bihi as the true 'hero' for facilitating a seamless transition of leadership following the recent elections. The Electoral Commission officially named Irro as the victor of the presidential polls, leaving Muse Bihi Abdi trailing with just 34.8% of the…

In a stirring moment of political grace, President of North Western State of Somalia, Muse Bihi Abdi, lauded Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, the newly elected leader, following his emphatic victory. He promised a calm and orderly handover of authority to his successor. This pledge, made at the heart of Hargeisa’s Presidential Palace, felt as much a call to unity as it was an acknowledgment of political reality. President Bihi seized the moment to express gratitude towards his supporters within the Kulmiye Party,…

Kismayo (AX) — In a recent development, former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and ex-Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire shared their congratulations with the freshly inaugurated 3rd Jubbaland Parliament. The selection ceremony took place in Kismayo this week, marking an important chapter in the region's governance. The 75-member legislative body, chosen by the region's traditional elders, took their oaths in a ceremony held on Tuesday. This occasion did not go unnoticed by the Himilo Qaran Party, led by Sheikh…

"A Warm Salute to North Western State of Somalia's New Leader" In a statement brimming with diplomatic warmth, Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended heartfelt congratulations to North Western State of Somalia's freshly elected leader, Abdirahman Mohammed Abdullahi, this Tuesday. By underscoring the dignified transition between President Muse Bihi Abdi and President-elect Abdullahi, the ministry paid homage to the commendable democratic strides being taken in the region. "On behalf of Ethiopia's people and its…