States

Garowe (AX) – On Tuesday, Northeastern State's Information Minister, Engineer Mohamud Aydid Dirir, leveled accusations against Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, claiming he has dropped the ball on prepping for Somalia's 2026 elections.From Garowe, Dirir took a swing at the National Consultative Council (NCC) gathering, suggesting it's all smoke and mirrors to let President Hassan Sheikh angle for a term extension. "Hassan's autocratic ways have met their match," Dirir declared. "He'll get the boot from Villa Somalia…

The ominous winds of Hurricane Milton are gathering strength, threatening to unleash devastating storm surges on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula before turning its fierce gaze toward Florida in the coming days. This latest tempest has emerged shortly after the tragic impact of Hurricane Helene, compelling some residents of Florida to evacuate once more within a span of just a few weeks. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has classified Milton as "an extremely perilous Category 4 hurricane," rated on a five-point scale, with…

Garowe (AX) – In a supportive gesture, Northeastern State's Vice President Ilyas Lugatoor backed Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe's call for including Northeastern State in the ongoing National Consultative Council (NCC) gatherings happening in bustling Mogadishu. President Madobe has been vocal against the federal government's ambition to roll out a one-person, one-vote (1PV) electoral system. He raised concerns about the slippery slope of missed election deadlines and stressed that the absence of Northeastern…

FILE PHOTO Mogadishu (AX) – In a decisive sweep, Somali National Army (SNA) troops, along with international allies and local supporters, took down over 50 al-Shabab fighters in the Galgadud region, as revealed by the Somali Ministry of Information on Saturday. The collaborative effort focused on obliterating al-Shabab positions deep within the wooded terrains between Bidda Issa and Gerile in Elder district, dealing a severe blow to their operations. "Our armed forces with international backing launched an assault on the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Friction over Somalia's governance and upcoming electoral strategies dominated the discussions at the National Consultative Council (NCC) assembly in Mogadishu, marked by notable tensions and absentees influencing the discourse.A confidential insider from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) whispered to AX that Khatumo State wasn't even on the docket. Further, this source remarked that at least one Federal Member State (FMS) fancies sticking with the moniker "President" for their leaders, despite earlier…

Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia's National Consultative Council (NCC) wraps up its important meeting on Thursday in Mogadishu. This summit is a hotspot where both federal and regional bigwigs are charting a course to tackle Al-Shabaab head-on. There's also some juicy behind-the-scenes drama with Northeastern State that can't be ignored. Gathered over two days, orchestrated by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the assembly zeroes in on boosting efforts against Al-Shabaab, which the Somali leadership brands as "Khawarij,"…

Mogadishu (AX) – Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, leader of Southwest regional state, landed in Mogadishu on Wednesday, ready for the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting.On arrival at Aden Adde International Airport, a welcoming committee featuring federal lawmakers, ministers, and notable political figures greeted the delegation with warm reception as they made their way to their accommodations in the bustling capital.Social media pictures highlighted the heavy military support accompanying the group,…

FILE - U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, at the helm of U.S. Africa Command, partakes in a military drill in Agadir, Morocco, May 30, 2024. The Islamic State in Somalia has doubled its strength in the past year, reveals the head of U.S. Africa Command in a chat with VOA. “Northern Somalia is on my radar due to the uptick in ISIS numbers,” AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley mentioned in a candid interview, using the acronym for the terrorist group. Langley refrained from disclosing the U.S.'s exact figures on…

Mogadishu (AX) – On Tuesday, the Somali government inked a landmark $68.5 million Development Assistance Grant Agreement with the United States. This move is a big leap forward in pushing socio-economic progress throughout the nation.In a solemn ceremony held in Mogadishu, the deal was signed by Somali Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development, Mohamud Abdirahman Sheikh Farah (Beene-Beene), Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, and USAID Somalia Mission Director Catie Lott.Focused on bolstering economic growth,…

The aftermath of the formidable Storm Helene has taken a grim toll, with at least 53 lives lost, as reported by officials. First responders—facing challenges like washed-out bridges and debris-laden roadways—are conducting searches house-by-house in the areas most ravaged across several states in the eastern US. According to the latest tallies from local authorities reported by AFP, the casualty figures include at least 22 fatalities in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 11 in Florida, two in North Carolina, and one in…