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2021-01-20 01:01 | News | AccessNow
President cements foreign policy ambitions with business and humanitarian help on the continent A poster for the popular Turkish soap opera ‘Adi Mutluluk’ (‘It’s Called Happiness’) The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency distributes food aid to an orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in May 2020 © Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Recep Tayyip Erdogan, centre, is welcomed by the then president
2021-01-18 08:01 | Ethiopia, Politics/Diplomacy, Somalia | SomTribune
The Threat is Real What Brought the United States Back to Somalia? Counterterrorism and Great Power Competition Somalia Must Lead The Way Forward Improve Governance. With Somalia perennially ranked worst in the world for corruption , Somali leaders must instill greater accountability and transparency in government finance and operations. Somalia’s 400-page National Development Plan provides a comprehensive analysis and prescription
2021-01-13 17:01 | Law & Order, Politics/Diplomacy, Somalia | SomTribune
Japan is top of the list Japan holds the top spot for 2020.
TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images The unstoppable UAE ‘Every person for themself’ The best passports to hold in 2021 are: 1. Japan (191 destinations)
2. Singapore (190)
3. South Korea, Germany (189)
4. Italy, Finland, Spain, Luxembourg (188)
5. Denmark, Austria (187)
6. Sweden, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Ireland (186)
7. Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom, Norway,
2021-01-11 11:01 | Travel, coronavirus, pandemic | EgyptIndependent
Comment: As blockading states agree to end their irrational boycott of of Qatar, Rami Khouri highlights how diplomacy and statecraft also helped preserve the ancient Nabataean Arab Kingdom. This week's agreement to end the boycott of Qatar by four Arab countries is important and historic, and reflects a striking combination of old ways and new realities in
2021-01-08 23:01 | Comment | Al-Araby
In a sign of the changing political fortunes of a man who was once a pariah, Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki has proven to be a staunch ally of Ethiopia’s Nobel Peace Prize winner and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, giving his troops much-needed support to fight the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in Tigray. (Getty Images).The conflict in Tigray has devastated
2020-12-28 20:12 | Africa, Abiy Ahmed, Eritrea | SomTribune
“It’s all about modesty for me. As a Muslim, being modest is a major thing and I just wanted to showcase to everyone that you can be modest and be into fashion because the hijab itself – apart from representing Islam – represents beauty.” The Burberry campaign in 2019 portrayed motherhood IMAGE COPYRIGHT: TXEMA YESTE Ikram said she has
2020-12-27 21:12 | Art/Literature, Somaliland | SomTribune
[OHCHR] Geneva -- "While we welcome the Ethiopian Government's statement that there would be unimpeded humanitarian access, in line with the agreement with the UN signed on 29 November, this needs to be to all areas of Tigray where civilians have been affected by the fighting," Bachelet said, noting that two humanitarian assessment missions were able to enter Tigray on
2020-12-22 13:12 | News | AllAfrica
Mogadishu (SONNA)- The problem of access to clean potable water will be a thing of the past for thousands of local communities of El-Ma’aan village in Bal’ad District, HirShabelle State of Somalia, after the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) put up 5 wells under its Quick Impact Projects (QIPs). Speaking during the handover of the 5 wells project
2020-12-21 07:12 | News, World | sonna
The UAE Foreign Minister told his Pakistani counterpart that the travel visa suspensions were 'temporary'. UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed said that visa restrictions rolled out by the Emirates last month are only a 'temporary' measure to curb the spread of the coronavirus. The state-run WAM agency cited bin Zayed saying
2020-12-20 15:12 | News | Al-Araby
Mogadishu(SONNA)-Somali Police Force has on Sunday marked 77th anniversary of its founding and shared congratulations and best wishes through different ways as though the annual celebration of the establishment of such occasion was not held due to COVID-19, SONNA reported. The Acting President and Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman, Prime Minister, Mohamed Hussein Roble and Commissioner of
2020-12-20 12:12 | News | sonna
Mogadishu (SONNA): The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Thursday hosted Brig. Gen. Richard Otto, the outgoing Contingent Commander of Ugandan troops in Somalia, who is also the AMISOM Sector 1 Commander, to a farewell dinner and hailed him for his outstanding contribution to the peacekeeping mission. The AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Diomede Ndegeya presided over a sendoff
2020-12-20 08:12 | News, World | sonna
JOWHAR- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), based in HirShabelle State of Somalia will coordinate with the Somali National Army (SNA) and HirShabelle State police to secure elections and boost safety and confidence among the public and election officials. Somalia is soon planning to hold nationwide indirect elections where 101 clan caucuses will elect a Member of Parliament
2020-12-19 11:12 | News | sonna
BAIDOA(SONNA): Youth representatives from across Southwest State of Somalia have converged in Baidoa to attend a one-day youth community engagement workshop supported by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to encourage youth participation in peacebuilding and community work. The event was aimed at inspiring Southwest State youth to engage in decision making at district and regional levels during the
2020-12-16 11:12 | News, World | sonna
JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED BY HIS EXCELLENCY UHURU KENYATTA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA AND HIS EXCELLENCY MUSE BIHI ABDI, PRESIDENT OF SOMALILAND ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL VISIT TO KENYA FROM 13TH TO 14TH DECEMBER, 2020 1. At the invitation of His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta , President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi ,
2020-12-15 16:12 | Kenya, Politics/Diplomacy, Somaliland | SomTribune
Mogadishu(SONNA)-China and Somalia on Monday celebrated the 60 th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two nations that started December 14, 1960, SONNA reported. The Chinese Embassy organized very colorful event on this occasion and attended by senior Somali Government officials, diplomats, experts from think tanks and China-Somalia associations and other dignitaries in Mogadishu. Somali
2020-12-15 11:12 | News | sonna
Mogadishu (SONNA) – Minister of Defense of the Federal Government of Somalia Hassan Hussein Haji has bid farewell to a contingent of Gor Gor Commandos who will undergo training in Turkey, SONNA reported. Somalia has strong diplomatic relations with the Turkish government and is playing a key role in building and strengthening the Somali National Army.
2020-12-15 07:12 | News, World | sonna
Mogadishu (SONNA) -The bilateral cooperation between China and Somalia has thrived in diverse fields as both countries achieve mutual benefits, an envoy said on Monday. Qin Jian, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia said that a time-honored friendship between the two nations has witnessed fruitful outcomes. “China and Somalia have always enjoyed a long friendship,” Qin said during a reception held
2020-12-15 05:12 | News, World | sonna
Mogadishu(SONNA)-President of the Federal Republic of Somali, and President of People’s Republic of China exchanged congratulatory massages of 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries that dates back on December 14, 1960, SONNA reported Monday. President Farmajo wrote the letter blew to his counterpart, president Xi On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic friendship between
2020-12-14 16:12 | News | sonna
Somalia and the United Nations (UN) on Saturday renewed commitment to accelerate efforts to provide universal health coverage (UHC) for all Somalis. The government in collaboration with the UNICEF, WHO, UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and partners also urged other health and development partners to do the same. Mamunur Malik, WHO Representative for Somalia said in a joint statement issued in
2020-12-14 07:12 | News, World | sonna
[UNHCR] I am deeply alarmed about the safety and well-being of Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, who have been caught in the conflict in the Tigray region. For over a month, UNHCR and humanitarian partners have had no access to the four Eritrean refugee camps inside Tigray, putting the safety and survival of the refugees at great risk.
2020-12-12 10:12 | News | AllAfrica
US military forces are drawing down to 2,500 in Iraq and Afghanistan before January 20th “The ability to fly strategic bombers halfway across the world in a nonstop
mission, and to rapidly integrate them with multiple regional partners
demonstrates our close working relationships and our shared commitment to
regional security and stability,” said the head of U.S. Central Command
Gen. Frank McKenzie in a
2020-12-11 19:12 | Conflict/Crime, Somalia | SomTribune
Saudi Arabia will 'inevitably' establish ties with Israel, Jared Kushner said. Saudi Arabia normalising ties with Israel is an "inevitability", senior presidential advisor Jared Kushner said on Thursday.
"Israel and Saudi Arabia coming together and having full normalisation at this point is an inevitability, but the timeframe… is something that has to be worked out," Kushner
2020-12-11 17:12 | News | Al-Araby
In the report, Auditor General Mohamed Ali reveals that 55% of all MDAs did not submit their financial statements for audit in accordance with the law. Most of the MDAs, the AG said offered no explanation for the failure.
“There were payment vouchers along with supporting documents that were not cancelled by stamping them with a dated “PAID Stamp” to prevent
2020-12-10 19:12 | News, Corruption, Federal Government of Somalia | SomaliAffairs
Journalists under fire Squashing dissent Conflict in Tigray Museveni’s tenacious grip African creatives and media stalwarts honoured IN BRIEF If you enjoyed reading this piece, check out the related episode of Africa Brief, our monthly audio discussion with IFEX Regional Editor Reyhana Masters about some of the key issues impacting Africa’s free expression landscape. We recorded this episode on Monday
2020-12-10 16:12 | News | IFEX
Mogadishu(SONNA) Recently, Chinese Ambassador Qin Jian to Somalia interviewed by the Somali National Television, answered the questions on fruitful results achieved by the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Somalia. The interview is as follows: 1, On December 14th, 1960, Somalia was the first country in East Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China. Historically, the relationship
2020-12-10 11:12 | ARTICLES, News, News Bulletin | sonna
Greek Migration Minister Notis Mitarachi said that Somali asylum seekers were aallegedly using "subsidised tickets and visas paid for by NGOs". The Greek government on Tuesday accused Turkey of encouraging Somali migration through promotion campaigns and visa offers, and then allowing the migrants to continue on to Greece.
2020-12-09 21:12 | News | Al-Araby
[Dalsan Radio] On December 6th, 2020, Ambassador Qin Jian to Somalia interviewed by the Somali National Television, answered the questions on fruitful results achieved by the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Somalia, brilliant achievements of 20th anniversary of the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation, and the Belt and Road Initiative, introduced the Fifth Plenary Session of 19th
2020-12-09 16:12 | News | AllAfrica
Mogadishu(SONNA) Somalia and its international partners met in Mogadishu on 7th December 2020 for the Somalia Partnership Forum (SPF). The participants reviewed developments since the last SPF, the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic, and agreed specific priorities taking into account the upcoming Federal indirect election. International partners recognised Somalia’s achievements and on-going progress in implementing security sector reforms, recovering
2020-12-08 06:12 | News, News Bulletin, Politics | sonna
Mogadishu (SONNA): Somali Partnership Forum starts in Mogadishu today to discuss the electoral process, Justice, Security and Economic development of the country. The session was chaired by the Prime minister of the federal republic of Somalia H.E Mohamed Hussain Roble and joined by the Government’s top officials, Heads of federal member states and members of the international community in
2020-12-07 09:12 | News, World | sonna
China(SONNA) The Chinese Ambassador to Somalia H.E Qin Jian has commented on the diplomatic ties between Somalia and China as long standing historically for both countries. According to a post on his twitter, Amb Qin Jian stressed the importance of strengthening the relations and cooperation between Somalia and China in terms of various aspects, since it’ 60 th
2020-12-07 08:12 | News, News Bulletin, Politics | sonna
The government of Somaliland promptly welcomes the opportunity to strengthen partnership with upcoming United States administration, since US President Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of nearly all US troops from Somalia by 15 January 2021, while also President Trump has issued similar orders to reduce US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon newsreel reported. According to Geeska
2020-12-06 15:12 | Politics/Diplomacy, Somaliland | SomTribune
The Taiwan Technical Mission in the Republic of Somaliland held its opening ceremony earlier this week – December 1st – in its headquarters located in Hargeisa. His Excellency, Ambassador Allen C. Lou, Representative of the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland, and the Honorary Liban Yusuf Osman, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, jointly opened the
2020-12-06 14:12 | Health, Somaliland | SomTribune
Mogadishu (SONNA)- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) under sector two have officially launched a major road works repair on the five kilometers Dhobley town to Dhobley airstrip road as well as renovation works of the airstrip runway to accommodate increasing air traffic and ease movement of goods and people. Speaking when he flagged off the Civilian Military Cooperation
2020-12-06 10:12 | News, World | sonna
WorldRemit, a leading digital cross-border payments business has announced that its customers in Nigeria can now receive remittances in foreign currency (USD) through its cash pick up providers. Following the announcement of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) a day before, WorldRemit quickly adapted to the new requirements making it the first digital service to offer its customers worldwide the
2020-12-06 10:12 | News, World | sonna
United Nations (SONNA)- Ahead of a high-level debate on cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in peace and security, the Security Council today encouraged the two organizations to further strengthen their coordination in a mutually supportive manner across the range of possible responses to conflict. In a presidential statement (document S/PRST/2020/11 ) issued by President Matamela
2020-12-05 05:12 | News, World | sonna
Mohamed, who is also known as “Engineer Ismail”, was recently listed by the US government as a “specially designated global terrorist”, a step that freezes any assets he may have in US jurisdictions and bans Americans from doing any business with him.
The listing says the 36-year-old is the group’s senior explosives expert, head of al-Shabaab’s media wing and a key
2020-12-03 19:12 | News, Al-Shabaab, Danab Commandoes | SomaliAffairs
The deal between the UN and Ethiopia follows heavy fighting and thousands of refugees who have fled to neighbouring Sudan. In a breakthrough a month after a deadly conflict cut off Ethiopia’s Tigray region from the world, the United Nations on Wednesday said it and the Ethiopian government have signed a deal to allow "unimpeded" humanitarian
2020-12-03 10:12 | News | Al-Araby
[allAfrica] Cape Town -- The United Nations has received approval from the Ethiopian government for "unimpeded, sustained and secure access for humanitarian personnel and services to vulnerable populations in [government-] administered areas in Tigray and bordering areas of Amhara and Afar regions", according to the agreement that was seen and reported Wednesday by AFP.
2020-12-02 14:12 | News | AllAfrica
[Gain] The Republic of Kenya is located in East Africa and borders Uganda to the east, Tanzania to the south and Ethiopia and Somalia to the north. With a population of more than 47.6 million people sprawled across 580,367 square kilometres, Kenya is the 29th most populous country in the world. Prior to the advent of COVID-19, it was showing
2020-12-02 09:12 | News | AllAfrica
The agreement between federal states and the federal government reached two months ago concerned arranging indirect elections for MPs at capitals of each federal state.
“The federal government of Somalia understands that as a result of the Kenyan government’s political interference in the internal affairs of Somalia, Jubbaland State President has reversed his position on the election agreement that was reached
2020-12-01 14:12 | News, Kenya, Somalia | SomaliAffairs
Mogadishu (SONNA) -Turkey’s state-run aid agency has helped set-up a state-of-the-art laboratory at a university in the Somali capital Mogadishu. According to a statement from the Turkish Embassy, Mehmet Yilmaz, the Turkish ambassador to Somalia, cut the ribbon along with other Somali officials to officially open the laboratory. “Glad to participate in the opening ceremony of water, soil, asphalt
2020-12-01 05:12 | News, World | sonna
Mogadishu (SONNA)- The Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education of Somalia to support a local project by Education Above All (EAA) Foundation aimed at providing quality primary education to Somalian children. The MoU also aims to provide alternative basic education to older children and
2020-11-30 05:11 | News, News Bulletin, Politics | sonna
MOgadishu(SONNA) The Federal Government of Somalia notes the Kenyan government’s attempt to infringe upon the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia and hereby expresses its deep regret with the Kenyan government’s continuous interferences in the internal and political affairs of Somalia. Therefore, the Federal Government of Somalia summons its Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya and instructs
2020-11-29 19:11 | News, News Bulletin, Politics | sonna
Mogadishu (SONNA) -The State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Mr. Balal Mohamed Cusman, headed the Somali delegation participating in the 47th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which was launched on Friday in Niamey, Niger. The session, which will continue on November 27-28, will focus on the title (United
2020-11-29 07:11 | News, World | sonna
Mogadishu (SONNA) – AMISOM Political Affairs Unit has concluded a training aimed to equip traditional elders with skills to mediate and resolve conflicts and disagreements in their communities. The four-day training on reconciliation and conflict management, held in Baidoa, attracted over 40 traditional elders in the Southwest State of Somalia. The AMISOM Political Unit and the AMISOM Civilian Sector
2020-11-28 08:11 | News, World | sonna
US troops in Somalia primarily train and advise local Somali forces as they battle al Qaeda’s largest affiliate Al-Shabaab.
The US military also carries out airstrikes against Al-Shabaab and the local ISIS affiliate in the country, killing a top al Shabaab leader in a targeted strike in September.
The Pentagon has yet to officially announce troop cuts in Somalia but defense officials
2020-11-27 18:11 | News, AFRICOM, Al-Shabaab | SomaliAffairs
[African Arguments] The onset of a shooting war between Ethiopia's National Defense Force (ENDF) and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which began on 4 November 2020, was predictable. The surprise so far has been the reluctance of Ethiopia's leadership under Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, to accommodate appeals for de-escalation. On 25 November, the Prime Minister
2020-11-27 04:11 | News | AllAfrica