swift

Mogadishu (AX) — In the home stretch before the African Union forces exit, global partners are scrambling to lock down plans for a fresh strategy in Somalia. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is on deck to succeed ATMIS come January 2025. It’s a linchpin effort aimed at resisting the relentless Al-Shabaab insurgency threatening Somalia’s fragile peace.The African Union's Peace and Security Council has given two thumbs up to AUSSOM's strategic playbook, known as CONOPs. This mission’s…

There’s growing chatter around Mandera’s prolonged border closure, with local leaders pushing to lift this directive. They believe reopening the border could spark business opportunities and bolster revenue collection. The border, shut down over a decade ago, hasn't entirely halted illegal trade, claim both leaders and residents. This persistent underground activity continues to impact lawful businesses and has wider economic consequences. The government initially sealed the border to throttle Al Shabaab terror threats and…

KISMAYO, Somalia - The UN's top aid worker in Somalia has called for swift action to prevent a disaster in Somalia in the midst of an impending drought. Adam Abdelmoula, Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary-General and UN-Residential and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, said about 3.4 million people are expected to be affected by the drought in the country. Extreme dry conditions and water scarcity are reported in 34 districts; the hardest hit areas are Somaliland, Northeastern State, Galmudug,…