terrorism

Somali President on U.S. Commitment in Fight Against al-Shabab Why should the United States maintain its involvement in the complex struggle against al-Shabab? To answer this question requires an understanding of Somalia's geopolitical realities, economic imperatives, and, perhaps, a dose of human empathy. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, a stalwart leader with unmistakable resolve, finds himself at the helm of a nation riddled with challenges. Al-Shabab, an insidious al-Qaeda affiliate, lurks…

In the ever-turbulent Horn of Africa, a new chapter unfolds as Somalia and Egypt ink cooperation to tackle a mutual adversary: the formidable al-Shabaab. It’s a partnership seasoned with more than just agreements on paper; it’s a blend of strategic foresight and a dash of cairo-esque optimism. Let’s take a moment to delve into this intriguing alliance. As the sun set on an eventful Sunday, both nations laid their cards on the table, announcing their resolve to unite against the specter of terrorism. The details were…

When two leaders put pen to parchment in the vibrant heart of Cauri on a sunny Thursday, it was more than mere ink gracing paper; it was the birth of a potent promise. Egypt and Somalia ushered in a new era of camaraderie with a vibrant joint political declaration, underscoring their alliance with fervent assurances of military support as part of a pact born from their covenant sealed in mid-August 2024. Who would have thought yesterday’s rivals would become tomorrow’s allies?In this bold scheme, Egypt pledges its formidable…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for a reevaluation of the definition of terrorism in the UK, citing an alarming evolution in the nature of threats facing the nation. He delivered his remarks from Downing Street, emphasizing that the current legal framework is outdated, primarily addressing threats from organized terrorist groups or specific extremist ideologies. However, an unsettling new breed of assailant has emerged—individuals who become radicalized by obsessively consuming disturbing online content, often in…

In an era where every magnifying glass is trained on global security, President William Ruto is striking the chord for greater unity among Horn of Africa nations to square up against shared woes like terrorism and organized crime. Seems like a tall order, doesn’t it? After a tête-à-tête with Ethiopia's intelligence czar, Ambassador Redwan Hussien, at the prestigious State House, Nairobi, Ruto pulled out all the stops to reinforce Kenya's promise of working hand in glove with both regional and worldwide partners. His…

The recent diplomatic exchange between Somalia and Egypt marks a step forward in their partnership. Highlighting efforts to strengthen Somali governance and boost its economic resilience, this conversation builds on meaningful discussions many moons ago, when Fiqi journeyed to Cairo. Egypt's longstanding role as a steadfast ally in Somalia's rebuilding has been characterized by the provision of training programs and support aimed at empowering state institutions. Foreign Minister Abdelatty emphasized that countering…

Colonel Yahya Mohamed, the Deputy Director of Kenya's National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), recently shed light on the evolving tactics of terrorist organizations, emphasizing their rapid adaptation to technological advancements. During the Fourth Dushanbe Conference in Kuwait, Mohamed noted that these groups are harnessing encrypted communications, drones, and digital currencies to avoid detection and fund their operations. Kenya's strategic geographical location, sharing borders with countries like Somalia, places it…

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has voiced strong objections to a recent decree from the Nigerien government, which greenlights the formation of a database targeting individuals suspected of terrorist activities. The organization argues that this legislation seriously infringes upon essential human rights by utilizing "overly vague criteria" for determining who gets placed on the list, consequently "denying due process" to those affected. Ilaria Allegrozzi, a Senior Researcher specializing in the Sahel region, expressed concern…

  Somali and Turkish officials have inked a bilateral pact to bolster cooperation in the realm of financial intelligence. Captured at the signing event in Ankara, we have Amina Mohamed Ali, at the helm of Somalia’s Financial Reporting Center (center), alongside Hassan Keymak, who steers Turkey’s Financial Intelligence Unit (MASAK) (right).  Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia and Turkey have cemented an accord to elevate collaboration on financial intelligence sharing. This landmark agreement, signed in Ankara, unites Somalia's…

Ruto Engages with Somalia's President Amid Rising Terrorism by al Shabaab On Thursday, September 5, President William Ruto convened with Somalia's leader, Hassan Mohamud, during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, China. Their dialogue covered pivotal matters concerning regional security, especially the escalating threats posed by extremist factions like Al-Shabab. Both heads of state reflected on the achievements of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), with Kenya actively…