strengthen

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is stepping up efforts to work closely with the Somali National Army (SNA). Their mission? To tackle the Al-Shabaab militants who've recently made some troubling advances. The Al-Shabaab group has snagged some key locations, including Moqokori, Adan Yabaal, and Mahas. Yet, they took a hit in Barire, losing a hefty number of fighters while giving up control. Somalia's Defense Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, had a pow-wow with the…

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,…

Mogadishu (AX) – A multitude of Arab League envoys converged in Mogadishu on Wednesday to kickstart the Arab League Council of Ambassadors, aiming to bolster diplomatic ties between Somalia and the Arab world. Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Maalam Faqi, extended heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Abdullah Al-Otaibi, who heads the Arab League mission in Somalia, for spearheading this significant endeavor. Minister Faqi highlighted the council’s pivotal role in fostering Arab solidarity and reinforcing cooperative…

But for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, addressing both the local and international audience, has led him to firmly articulate Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access, insist on cultivating regional peace, and navigate the tricky waters of having an adversary-turned-friend in Somalia. This week, Ethiopia celebrated its New Year and National Sovereignty Day. In a televised speech, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that any nation contemplating an invasion should think not once, but ten times. Although he refrained from naming…