East Africa

The undisclosed source in the military leaked a report that resulted in immediate disciplinary measures. This incident sparked debates about Somaliland's foreign relations, especially with Western nations.The military reiterated its neutral stance in politics, highlighting that foreign policy falls under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Abdillahi stated, "We regret any confusion caused and assure our international and local partners that our foreign relations are based on peaceful cooperation and adherence…

AX - Between May 2023 and May 2024, there have been 28 cases of violations against Somali journalists, including killings and arrests, highlighting Somalia as one of the most perilous environments for journalists. The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) unveiled its yearly report, entitled "Somali government breached media legislation it formerly supported, undercutting Press Freedom," on Friday, May 3, 2024, World Press Freedom Day. As per the FESOJ report, three journalists lost their lives: one in Abudwaq District,…

In Mogadishu, locals have begun digging up bodies at Bulusia School cemetery, following a mysterious government directive to clear the area. One of the bodies unearthed belongs to popular comedian Abdi Muriidi Dheere (Ajakis), who passed away last September. His family has reburied his remains in a more secure location to avoid further disruptions. Those taking part in the exhumation stated that the government has not explained why they were told to empty the cemetery, where a number of prominent individuals, such as the…

In a recent development, the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) revealed the capture of illegal weapons and the dismantling of a suspected pirates' network in the coastal area of Eyl. This region is notorious for launching assaults on ships. Details about the number of confiscated weapons and their intended use were not disclosed by the Puntland naval forces. The incident took place in northeast Somalia, which is a known stronghold for ISIS and al-Shabab extremist groups. The PMPF confirmed that regional authorities are…

In Mogadishu, a gunman fatally shot Somali police officer Adan Omar Ahmed, known as Adan Biit, at a restaurant near the heavily guarded School Polizia camp on Friday night. The assailant fled before police arrived, and no arrests have been made yet. Abdulaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, leader of the Southwest administration, and former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed have denounced the officer's killing and demanded a swift investigation. No organization has taken credit for the murder.

In Bosaso, Somali naval forces in Puntland intercepted illicit arms and detained a group of suspected Somali pirates in a security operation along the coast. The action took place in Eyl, a coastal town believed to be a hub for attacks on ships. Authorities are hunting down the pirates responsible for a $5 million ransom from the MV Abdullah, a Bangladeshi vessel seized in March. The Puntland navy did not disclose the number of weapons seized or their intended use due to the region's presence of ISIS and al-Shabab. They also…

The Houthis are launching drone and missile strikes on ships in solidarity with Palestinians, targeting vessels heading to Israeli ports within their reach. Israeli threats to invade Gaza have led to fears the conflict could spread, prompting international calls for a ceasefire. Negotiations between Hamas and Israel have stalled due to key points of contention. The Houthi spokesperson cited the lack of a permanent ceasefire as a reason for targeting ships bound for Israeli ports. Violence in Gaza has resulted in thousands of…

In a historic move, Djibouti has become the 149th nation to form diplomatic ties with Uzbekistan. On May 2, both countries signed a Joint Communiqué to solidify this new relationship, as confirmed by Akhror Burkhanov, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The agreement was formally signed by Ulugbek Lapasov, the Uzbekistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, and Mohamed Siad Doualeh, Djibouti's Permanent Representative to the UN. This partnership is based on the principles of the UN Charter and…

Kenyan President William Ruto has delayed the reopening of schools due to ongoing heavy rains and floods that have claimed over 200 lives. During his state of the nation address, President Ruto mentioned the grim forecast from meteorological reports, warning of the potential impact of Cyclone Hidaya on coastal regions in the near future. Floods have ravaged Kenya and other East African nations, forcing over 150,000 individuals into camps for safety. Originally scheduled to open this week, schools will remain closed for an…

In Banjul, the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have expressed their opposition to any actions that violate Somalia's sovereignty, especially the dubious memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The Ministers gathered for a preliminary meeting ahead of the fifteenth session of the Islamic Summit Conference of the OIC in Banjul, Gambia, from May 2 to 3, under the theme "Strengthening Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development." As per the meeting's…