strengthen

In a move that signals a deepening relationship between Europe and the United States, Michael McGrath, Ireland's EU Commissioner, has revealed that the European Union is eager to accelerate plans to procure additional oil and gas from the US. This strategic outreach comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s arrival and aims to forge stronger economic ties. As anticipation builds for President Donald Trump's virtual appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, McGrath shared his insights with RTÉ News. "It's a…

A Fresh Push Against Al-Shabaab in Beledweyne The air in Beledweyne is buzzing with anticipation of change as a high-level group from the Somali Federal Government touches down with a mission. This delegation is spearheaded by Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, the head honcho of the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), and Dahir Shire Mohamed, the venerable Minister of Petroleum. Their rendezvous aims to ramp up operations against the notorious Al-Shabaab militants, who have long disrupted peace in the…

In the vibrant, bustling heart of Mogadishu, news has surfaced about significant diplomatic maneuvers between the Somali government and Syria after the dramatic shift in power in December 2024. Following the fall of Assad's reign, there is renewed hope for strengthened connections. This news, echoing across the globe, resonates in the corridors of diplomacy and among those longing for peace. While chatting with Al Jazeera, Somalia’s remarkable Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, expressed a hopeful outlook on building…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a generous gesture, Japan has equipped Somalia's Police Force's Mine Action Unit with essential gear aimed at boosting their ability to spot and defuse bombs, a move aimed at bolstering safety and security across the nation.On a bustling Thursday in Mogadishu, Somali Police Chief Brigadier General Asad Osman Abdullahi accepted the donated arsenals and praised Japan's significant contribution. "We cannot thank Japan enough for providing this crucial support," he expressed. "This donation is a fundamental…

In the hubbub of Mogadishu, news has just dropped that Somalia’s cabinet decided to lift the ban on chemical fertilizers. This move aims to cranking up efficiency in agriculture, tackling food shortages, and minimizing how climate change has been throwing curveballs at farming in the region. Announced with a bit of fanfare on Thursday, this policy is a linchpin in the government's plan to breathe new life into the agriculture sector. This sector, by the way, is the bread and butter for over 70% of the people, plus it makes…

Islamic State Ramps Up Recruitment in Somalia, Targets Al-Shabaab NAIROBI, Kenya - The aggressive recruitment of foreign soldiers by the Islamic State in Somalia is highlighted in a recent United Nations report, spotlighting a growing threat across the Horn of Africa and setting off alarm bells about potential regional turmoil. Previously, IS-Somalia was cash-strapped, struggling to recruit combatants, yet now boasts an expansionist zeal surpassing Al-Shabaab, who are currently under siege by the Somali National Army and…

This past Sunday, a mortar attack rocked a military base in central Mogadishu, frequented by officials from the African Union (AU), United Nations, and various international entities, tragically ending the lives of at least two individuals and injuring several others. The terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, immediately claimed responsibility for the assault, highlighting their unyielding aggression in destabilizing Somalia’s government and infrastructure. Despite some headway in the federal government’s offensive to subdue…

Turkey Sets Its Sights on Building Stronger Bonds with Africa at the Djibouti Summit Next week, Turkey's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, will set out for Djibouti to engage in significant dialogues at the Turkey-Africa ministerial meeting, aiming to strengthen ties between Ankara and the African continent, as officials noted. Turkey, a NATO ally, has been increasingly active on African soil in recent times. Its presence is marked by a hefty climb in trade — nearly eight times higher than before. It's also known…

In a high-profile meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi cemented plans to bolster their countries' trade and investment ties. They also issued a collective plea for peace, urging a halt to hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon.The Egyptian presidency revealed that the duo inked a pact designed to boost and safeguard shared investments. They also witnessed the creation of a supreme coordination council, aiming to tighten bonds between Riyadh and…

In Asmara, Eritrea, on October 9, 2024, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki held bilateral meetings to discuss enhancing military cooperation and strengthening their relationship amidst regional shifts. Credit: Villa Somalia Somalia's leader, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, touched down in Asmara, Eritrea, this past Wednesday for a formal visit. Since taking the helm in 2022, this marks his fourth voyage. It's likely geared toward boosting a developing alliance among Somalia,…