strategic

Baidoa (AX) – In the shadowed corners of the Bakool region, where rust-red earth meets dusty skies, the Somali National Army (SNA) embarked on a crucial mission. It was a Wednesday laden with the anticipation of conflict, as troops moved through this sparse landscape, eyes keenly scanning for movement. Their objective? To rid Southwest State of the pervasive Al-Shabaab strongholds in an escalation of military efforts that have become a repetitive rhythm in the national strategy against militant forces. What were the minds…

An intriguing development is taking shape in the diplomatic relationships that intertwine Turkey with Ethiopia and Somalia. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of Turkey, a dominant political force known for its astute strategies over the past two decades, is embarking on an ambitious diplomatic endeavor. But what does this mean for the Eastern African countries involved? Zafer Sirakaya, the AKP's deputy chairman, recently met with Somalia's Abdurahman Mohamed Hussein, the secretary-general of the ruling Union…

FILE – Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, share a moment in Cairo, August 2024 – Egyptian Presidency In a move that could stir the diplomatic waters of the region, the heads of state from Egypt and Somalia put pen to paper on Thursday, sealing a joint political declaration. This pact aims to forge a strategic partnership, elevating the bilateral ties to a higher echelon. The grand halls of Cairo saw President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi roll out a warm Egyptian…

The Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) is truly hitting its stride in 2024, and the buzz surrounding its accomplishments is palpable. Gone are the days when the board merely responded to international invites like a teenager waiting for a friend’s call for a night out. Instead, it has revamped its strategy, diving headfirst into a proactive and purposeful method of consolidating both foreign and domestic investments within the pristine landscapes of Namibia. Talk about making a statement! With a keen…

Today, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is scheduled to sit down with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, as announced by the State Department. This meeting comes at a critical juncture, with the deadline imposed by Washington to improve conditions in Gaza fast approaching. The discussion is set for 5 p.m. local time (which translates to 10 p.m. in Ireland), although the public agenda provided little insight into the specifics of their conversation. However, hopes for a ceasefire in the…

In October 2024, Turkey's bigwig, Recep Erdogan, launched a seismic research vessel bound for Somalia, as captured by Turkish Presidency/Murat Kula/Handout/Anadolu through Getty Images. Turkey's been dialing up its connection with Somalia lately. They're backing Somalia in safeguarding its seas and have penned a pact to scout for oil and gas along the East African country's coast. Chatter has also surfaced about Turkey setting up a missile and rocket testing ground in Somalia. These moves highlight Turkey's bold dreams and…

Mogadishu (AX) — On Sunday, the Jubbaland Darwish forces stormed into action in Lower Jubba, launching a sweeping offensive that wrested control from the strong grip of Al-Shabab.With valor and precision, the second battalion of the Jubbaland Darwish army executed a calculated strike on Al-Shabab's positions. In a dazzling display of military strategy, they liberated pivotal villages like Cag Liba, Libaaley, and Dalnaje—strongholds held in a firm clutch by Al-Shabab for ages."The second brigade made significant gains,"…

China and Somalia Forge Strategic Diplomatic Alliance In a momentous turn of events, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the historic Great Hall of the People, Beijing, on September 6, 2024. During their meeting, the two leaders unveiled a significant upgrade to their bilateral relations, declaring a strategic partnership. This announcement coincided with Mohamud's attendance at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Xi was quick to highlight Somalia's…

Somali government troops recapture strategic town from al-Shabaab militants MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali national army took over the town of Ba'adweyn in Mudug, central Somalia, senior military officials said, hours after deadly clashes with Al-Shabaab militants, which had driven them from the strategic center. Al-Shabaab captured the city a few weeks ago after a fierce shootout with government…

The Taliban captured the strategic border crossing between Spin Boldak at the border and Pakistan on Wednesday, and continued to make big gains since foreign forces intensified their withdrawal from Afghanistan. Afghanistan's Interior Ministry denied that the rebels had taken the area even when social media was flooded with…