visits

A New Chapter for AU-Somalia Relations: A Landmark Visit Mogadishu, March 23, 2025 — In a visit that many anticipate will forge a deeper bond between nations, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the newly appointed Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, made his way to Mogadishu. His arrival on this sunny Saturday marks his inaugural visit to Somalia since taking on this prestigious role. It was early February 2025 when Youssouf ascended to the AU's chair,…

Chinese Naval Influence in Africa: Navigating New Waters In the intricacies of global geopolitics, one wonders how a nation's reach can expand across continents, oceans, and cultures. In recent years, the Chinese Navy has embarked on a series of goodwill visits to numerous African ports. But what do these naval forays signify? The visits aren't merely ceremonial; they are the tendrils of growing military alliances. These endeavors strengthen military cooperation and support peacekeeping…

In a fervent display of leadership and commitment, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud set foot in Aden Yabaal district, nestled within the Middle Shabelle region, on a brisk Tuesday morning. His arrival marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s relentless military campaign against the notorious Al-Shabaab insurgents. Accompanied by a select group of high-ranking military commanders whose stern visages illustrated the gravity of their mission, the president has…

Diplomatic Overtones: Ethiopia and Somalia's Renewed Bond In a gesture of renewed camaraderie, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met on Thursday in the bustling heart of Mogadishu. As their nations work towards mending a relationship frayed by Ethiopia's recent sea access arrangement with North Western State of Somalia—an autonomous region Somalia still emphatically claims—a path toward cooperation cautiously unfolds. Arriving robustly on a sunny Thursday, Prime…

Ethiopian Prime Minister Makes First Visit to Somalia Since Resolving Red Sea Access Dispute MOGADISHU, Somalia - After what seemed like an endless stalemate, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has touched down in Somalia, turning a new page in regional diplomacy. The backdrop? A once-bitter rift over Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions involving the Red Sea—an issue finally laid to rest after comprehensive dialogues. Traveling on the wings of Ethiopian Airlines, PM Abiy arrived at the…

Hargeisa (AX) – In a move fueled by a desire for peace and community unity, a distinguished delegation from North Western State of Somalia, fronted by Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, made its significant arrival in Erigavo on Monday. Their mission? To foster harmony and integrate local clan militias into the national fold. This effort is not just a show of political theater; it includes a cadre of seasoned military officers and respected government officials. Their strategy involves engaging in meaningful conversations…

Pope Francis' Journeys Through Africa Is there something profoundly inspiring about the presence of a leader who chooses to step into spaces marred by unrest and uncertainty, in the name of peace and understanding? Pope Francis has exemplified this courage through his relentless travels across the globe. Notably, his sojourns in Africa, a continent rich with culture yet fraught with challenges, highlight his unwavering commitment to rebuild bridges through faith and compassion. Exploring the Papal Visits to Africa Over…

International diplomacy often finds its most compelling narratives in the intimate settings of academia. It was in such an environment that the Somali Ambassador to Pakistan, Sheikh Noor Muhammad Hassan, graced the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore (UET) with his presence on February 6, 2025. The day was not just a formal visit; it was a confluence of cultural dialogues and intellectual exchanges, captured beautifully in an evocative photograph where Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir handed a souvenir to the…

Somali President Arrives in Uganda for Talks on Security and Economic Ties KAMPALA — In a gesture that underscores the evolving dynamics of East African diplomacy, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud touched down in Uganda this past Friday. Invited by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the visit highlights the determination of both leaders to fortify ties—especially against a backdrop of regional upheaval and economic aspirations. The encounter between Mohamud and Museveni was not merely…

KISMAYO, Somalia - In a series of moves reminiscent of a political chess game, Jubaland's President, Ahmed Madobe, boarded a private jet to Kenya this past Saturday. It's an eventful debut abroad since his re-election—a victory that Mogadishu's powers-that-be seemingly view through a skeptical lens. Upon touching down in Nairobi, Madobe rolled up his sleeves, ready to mull over political hot potatoes with diplomats from a medley of countries and international bodies. Chalice in one hand, olive branch in…