African Union endorses Somalia's peacekeepers drawdown pause request

The African Union has endorsed Somalia’s request to the UN Security Council for a three-month tactical pause to a drawdown of international troops fighting the Al-Shabaab terrorist group in the country’s central regions amid military setbacks, Anadolu Agency reports. In a communiqué issued by the African Union’s Peace and Security Council late on Thursday, the African Union Transition Mission in
| Africa, African Union, AU

US offers $5m reward for info on deputy Al-Shabaab leader in Somalia

The State Department, on Thursday, offered a reward of up to $5 million for information on Abukar Ali Adan, the deputy leader of the Somalia-based militant group, Al-Shabaab, Anadolu Agency reports. “Up to $5 Million for Info on Abukar Ali Adan. Help us find this terrorist key leader. Help us stop this terrorist key leader,” the Rewards for Justice Program said. “In
| Africa, Asia & Americas, News

Iran announces restoration of diplomatic ties with Djibouti after 7-year hiatus

Iran, on Friday, announced the resumption of diplomatic relations with Djibouti after a seven-year hiatus caused by the East African country’s backing for Saudi Arabia’s execution of a prominent Shia cleric in 2016, Anadolu Agency reports. Iran and Djibouti agreed to restore diplomatic ties late Thursday during a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and his Djiboutian counterpart, Mahamoud
| Africa, Djibouti, Iran

UK announces $6.2m to support Somalia in counter-terrorism

The UK, on Tuesday, announced the equivalent of $6.2 million in funding to support Somali security forces as they combat terrorism and work to restore stability in areas liberated from the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, Anadolu Agency reports. The UK Government has announced a further £5 million in funding for the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Trust Fund to support
| Africa, Europe & Russia, News

EU withholds food aid in Somalia after widespread theft uncovered by UN

The European Union has temporarily suspended funding for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Somalia, two senior officials told Reuters on Monday. The move follows a UN investigation which discovered widespread theft and misuse of aid meant to avert famine. The European Commission gave more than $7 million in aid to the WFP operations in Somalia last year, a fraction
| Africa, EU, Europe & Russia

4.3m people displaced internally in Somalia due to drought, insecurity: Report

A quarter of all people in Somalia are now displaced due to drought and conflict, as the country’s displacement crisis hits record levels, according to a UK-based humanitarian organisation, Anadolu Agency reports. The Islamic Relief said, in its latest report which was released late Wednesday, that more than 4.3 million people are internally displaced within Somalia – the highest figure
| Africa, International Organisations, News

Somalia suspends Chairwoman of National Athletics Federation

4×400 metres mixed relay race final held during the 17th World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar on September 29, 2019. [Serhat Çağdaş – Anadolu Agency] " data-medium-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20190929_2_38477303_48028790.jpg?resize=500%2C333&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1" data-large-file="https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/20190929_2_38477303_48028790.jpg?resize=933%2C622&quality=85&strip=all&zoom=1&ssl=1" />The Somali Olympic Committee announced, Wednesday, that it has suspended the Chairwoman of the Somali Athletics Federation for selecting an "unskilled" female athlete to represent the country at the FISU World University Games
| Africa, Asia & Americas, China

US airstrike kills 5 Al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia

An airstrike carried out by US Africa Command (AFRICOM) on Thursday resulted in the death of five Al-Shabaab terrorists in a remote area near Galcad region of Somalia, Anadolu Agency reports. The AFRICOM said in a statement that the airstrike was in support of Somalia National Army forces engaged by the terrorist organisation, and was conducted at the request of
| Africa, Asia & Americas, News

UN appeals for urgent funds to deliver life-saving aid to drought-stricken Somalia

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), on Tuesday, appealed for urgent humanitarian funds to assist drought-stricken Somalia, where half of the country's population is at risk of losing vital life-saving assistance due to funding shortages, Anadolu Agency reports. The OCHA said the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for this year is only 30.5 per cent funded ($793
| Africa, International Organisations, News

Sudan: Burhan reiterates rejection of Kenya's chair of IGAD Quartet

The head of Sudan's Transitional Sovereignty Council, army commander General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, has reiterated his rejection of Kenya's chairmanship of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Quartet High-Level Delegation for the Peace Process in Sudan, tasked with mediating the crisis in his country. Burhan made his comment amid ongoing fighting between his troops and the Rapid Support Forces in
| Africa, Kenya, News

Casualties feared as twin blasts rock Somalia town

Multiple casualties are feared after two huge bomb blasts rocked Somalia's south-western town of Bardhere in the Gedo region on Wednesday, Anadolu Agency reports. The explosions targeted a base housing the Somali national army and Ethiopia's forces serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), according to State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Adan Aw Hirsi. "Our
| Africa, News, Somalia

UAE promotes economic and security interests through regional ports

Ports operated by the giant companies DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean coasts are being developed to serve the economic and security interests of the UAE, Le Monde has reported. According to Arabi21, the report by the French newspaper said that DP World is continuing to expand towards Kenya. It is, apparently, on
| Middle East, News, UAE

World leaders congratulate Turkish President Erdogan on reelection victory

The leaders of Qatar, Hungary, Somalia and Pakistan were among the first heads of state and government on Sunday to congratulate President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is leading in the presidential runoff election. "My dear brother, congratulations on your victory, and I wish you success in your new term, and that you achieve in it what the brotherly Turkish people
| Asia & Americas, Hungary, Middle East

Russia, Somalia mull establishment of platform for trade cooperation

Somali Foreign Minister, Abshir Omar Jama, said on Friday that he discussed a possibility of creating trade platforms with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, at a meeting in Moscow, Anadolu Agency reports. Speaking at a news conference, Jama said the Russian establishment of such a platform would allow Russian and Somalia trade operators and businesses to interact more effectively and
| Africa, Europe & Russia, News

Edna Adan Ismail from Somaliland wins Templeton Prize

Edna Adan Ismail, 85, from Somaliland, won the 2023 Templeton Prize on Tuesday – the first African woman to win the prestigious award, Anadolu News Agency reports. The nurse, midwife, activist and former politician was honoured for her contributions to women's health. "Every many achievements include the founding of the Edna Adan University and Edna Adan Hospital, which has significantly
| Africa, News, Somaliland

Somalia sees an intertwined destiny with the Turkiye people

Turkiye, which has a deep-rooted historical connection with Somalia, has gained an indispensable place in the hearts of Somalis through bilateral relations built on mutual trust, friendship and a win-win understanding. Millions of Somalis around the world express their unwavering gratitude for the unconditional support provided by Turkiye, under the leadership of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. As a reflection
| Africa, Article, Europe & Russia

Scarcity of Financing Slow Down ATMIS Somalia Exist

Somali National Army soldiers at the Atmis Sector 6 headquarters in Kismayo on October 13, 2022. AU says it will delay withdrawal of its sanctioned military forces in Somalia. PHOTO | STEVE OTIENO | NMG UN special session Deliver a full transition Strategies, concrete actions Amisom peacekeepers in Somalia preparing for night patrol in 2019. Questions of accountability are starting to emerge as different
| Conflict/Crime, Law & Order, Somalia

UN Chief says fasting showed him 'true face of Islam'

UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said joining Muslims as they fast during Islam's holy month of Ramadan showed him "the true face of Islam", Anadolu News Agency reports. "The sense of peace, the sense of solidarity, the sense of generosity that I witnessed in the communities hosting refugees, and also the resilience, the courage of the refugees themselves was extremely inspiring,"
| International Organisations, News, UN

President Bihi Calls For Somaliland-Owned Negotiated Settlement to the Las Anod Situation

Speaking at the Iftar dinner which he hosted on Sunday night at the Presidency in Hargeisa, President Muse Bihi reiterated his determination to seek a peaceful settlement to the conflict in Laascaanood. As he addressed a gathering of hundreds of Sheikhs and Islamic scholars, the President confirmed his long-held position on the situation. “The people of Somaliland and I are
| Somaliland, Las Anod, Shabaab

African Union peacekeepers hit by explosion in Somali capital

An African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) convoy was hit by an explosion in the capital, Mogadishu, on Monday, with no word yet on possible casualties, Anadolu News Agency reports. Osman Ahmed, a security officer in Mogadishu, told Anadolu over the phone that the convoy was hit near Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department headquarters in the capital. "They were targeted
| Africa, African Union, International Organisations

How China Is Buying the World

Vice President Kamala Harris African tour was intended to shore up US support in Africa amid widespread Chinese influence within the continent. REUTERS Honduras is the latest country to fall under the sway of China. Shutterstock China oversaw the financing and construction of the Coca-Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant in Ecuador. Xinhua/Shutterstock Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe (L) sits with his predecessor Gotabaya
| Politics/Diplomacy, World News/International, China Influence

A distracted World Forgets Plight of Somalia Drought Victims

‘When you have children, you have no choice’. Trapped between ruthless militants and the worst drought in four decades, a young Somali mother made an agonising decision. Aisha’s impossible choice Women at an unnamed camp in northern Somalia. There are no aid agencies at this desert settlement. Foreign Correspondent: Matt Davis ‘By then it’ll be too late’ The remnants of a river on the
| Nature/Environment/Resources, Somalia, Conflict

US Secretary of State meets Ethiopia officials to repair ties

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Wednesday met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, and other officials in the capital, Addis Ababa, as both countries look to repair ties following war in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region, Anadolu News Agency reports. "Probably the most important thing is to deepen the peace that has taken hold in the north," Blinken told
| Africa, Asia & Americas, Ethiopia

Somali ‘Rehab’: Re-education Camps Where Children Are Locked Up, Beaten and Abused

Westernised children of Somalis are being forcibly detained for years ‘back home’ in unregulated, brutal dhaqan celis sites where sexual abuse is rife It was not until Fadumo* was sitting in an unfamiliar room on Mogadishu’s outskirts, and the smile vanished from her mother’s face, that the 16-year-old realised she was not going on holiday to Dubai. Fadumo ‘Do you know where we
| Civil/Human Rights, Social Issues, Somali

Somaliland: 50 More Cheetahs Rescued from Avaricious Smugglers

More than 50 cheetahs rescued from the illegal wildlife trade have been relocated to a compound in Somaliland, East Africa, amid a report that reveals global demand for exotic pets remains high. Two siblings — Cizi and Bagheer — brought into the Cheetah Conservation Fund as cubs were rescued by the Somaliland government in 2020 and are among the first to
| Law & Order, Nature/Environment/Resources, Somaliland

Stop human traffickers, Pope Francis says after Italy's migrant shipwreck

Pope Francis on Sunday called on authorities to stop human traffickers operating in the Mediterranean, as he expressed his sorrow over last week's migrant boat disaster off Italy's Calabrian coast, in which dozens of people were killed. "I renew my appeal to prevent such tragedies from happening again. May traffickers of human beings are stopped," the pope said in his weekly address
| Afghanistan, Africa, Asia & Americas

72 Hours With the President of the Most Dangerous Country in the World

INSIDE VILLA SOMALIA: Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says the county’s factions can find peace, political Islam need not be violent and democracy can grow. Here’s his exclusive interview with the Observer Debris in the streets of Mogadishu after a car bombing targeted the education ministry on 29 October 2022. Photograph: Hassan Ali Elmi/AFP/Getty Images The skyline of Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. Photograph: Girma Berta Mohamud,
| Somalia, Conflict, development

How Somaliland’s Oil Find Can Reset the Regional Balance

The presence of oil in Somaliland has been confirmed by a recent exploration. The discovery has raised the stakes in Somaliland’s claim for independence from Somalia as it holds the potential for a new stream of revenue for the semi-autonomous state. But the oil exploration is deepening the rift with Somalia, which claims sovereignty over the region. Michael Walls answers
| Economy/Business, Somaliland, ethiopia

Somali journalist Abdalle Ahmed Mumin faces judicial harassment

Members of AFEX: ADISI-Cameroon Africa Freedom of Information Centre Association for Media Development in South Sudan Center for Media Studies and Peace Building Collaboration on International ICT Policy in Eastern and Southern Africa (CIPESA) Freedom of Expression Institute Gambia Press Union (GPU) Human Rights Network for Journalists – Uganda Institute for Media and Society International Press Centre Journaliste en danger Media Foundation for West Africa Media Institute of Southern Africa Media Rights Agenda West African
| News

Turkiye condemns 'heinous' terrorist attacks in Somalia

Turkiye, on Friday, strongly condemned "heinous" terrorist attacks targeting military bases in Somalia's central Galgaduud region, Anadolu News Agency reports. "We are deeply saddened to learn that many soldiers lost their lives and were injured in the terrorist attack that took place today against the military bases in the Galgaduud region of Somalia," said a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement. Some
| Africa, Europe & Russia, News

Weapons Contractors Kill 11,000 Children While Reading Fairy Tales

A UN report recently revealed that at least 11,000 children have been killed or maimed in the US-backed War in Yemen. At the same time, the weapons contractors that helped create this massacre are reading fairy tales to British children! You probably already know that, as reported by Alex Kane for In These Times in 2019, “Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s
| Behind The Headlines, Foreign Affairs, News

President Hassan opens the annual meeting of the Judiciary

Share Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who opened the annual meeting of the country’s judiciary, noted the importance of the Somali government in the unification of the judiciary and the implementation of justice. The President said that the Federal Government has taken important steps to […]
| Local

Minister of Planning listens to reports from the Ministry staff

Share Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The Minister of Investment Planning and Economic Development of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E Mohamud Abdirahman (Beenebeene) heard a report from the leadership and technicians of the SCRP and Biole Projects. The leadership of both parties shared with the Minister the progress of the projects, the preliminary activities that are […]
| Local

Ethiopia’s Tigray forces begin handing over heavy weapons

by Tesfa-Alem Tekle January 11, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – Forces in Ethiopia’s northernmost Tigray region on Wednesday announced starting the handing over of heavy weapons to the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) as part of an African Union-led peace process. The disarmament process is a central part of the peace deal signed last November between the federal government and the Tigray
| Africa, News, Ethiopia

It’s Time to Get Serious About Eritrea

Almost every U.S. administration pays lip service to Africa, but few sustain attention. “Africa’s success and prosperity is essential to ensuring a better future for all of us,” declared President Joe Biden at last month’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. Africa has many success stories and ready partners—Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Somaliland, and South Africa are […] The post It’s Time to
| Africa, Politics/Diplomacy, Somaliland

Laas Geel Is Somaliland’s Best Kept Secret

Laas Geel in Somaliland is Africa’s best-kept secret; these intriguing cave paintings fascinate people all over the world Hailing from thousands of years ago, Laas Geel in Somaliland is Africa’s best-kept secret. While Africa is famous for wildlife and national parks, stretching deserts, incredible waterfalls, heart-thumping safari adventures, and diverse ethnic groups, Somaliland is barely […] The post Laas Geel Is
| Art/Literature, Somaliland, Travel/Migration

Education Minister : We are grateful to Egyptian Government for providing 450 scholarships to Somalia

Share Mogadishu(SONNA)-The Minister of Education, Culture, and Higher Education, Farah Sheikh Abdukadir has expressed his gratitude to the government of Egypt for their commitment to providing 450 scholarships to Somalia on an annual basis. “We are very pleased to announce this historic agreement between the governments of Egypt and Somalia to provide educational opportunities to […]
| Local

Tigray rebels start handing over weapons to Ethiopian army

Surrendering weapons is a central part of the November ceasefire agreement which seeks to end a conflict that has killed thousands Tigrayan rebels have begun handing in heavy weapons, a key part of an agreement signed more than two months ago to end a deadly conflict in northern Ethiopia, a spokesperson for the rebel authorities said. The demobilisation of Tigray forces is
| News

An Epidemic of Child Starvation in Kenya

The words “Stabilization Ward” are painted in uneven black letters above the entrance, but everyone in this massive refugee camp in Kakuma, Kenya, calls it ya maziwa: The place of milk. Rescue workers and doctors, mothers and fathers, have carried hundreds of starving children through the doors of this one-room hospital wing, which is sometimes so crowded that babies and toddlers
| Africa, News, World

Somali, Egyptian FMs meet in Cairo

Share Mogadishu(SONNA)-Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Abshir Omar Jama and his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry on Monday held talks in Cairo and discussed Egypt’s support to Somalia in areas of mitigating terrorism and drought. Egypt’s Foreing Minister said that his Government affirmed its full support for Somalia in efforts to combat terrorism […]
| Local

Reporters Without Borders: 'Iraq, Syria at the forefront of countries killing journalists'

Iraq and Syria have ranked high among the most dangerous countries for journalists, according to a report by Reporters Without Borders published on Friday. The report indicated that 1,668 journalists were killed worldwide between 2003 and 2022 – an average of 80 journalists annually. The report stated that Iraq and Syria alone recorded: "The deaths of more than one-third of
| Afghanistan, Africa, Asia & Americas

Pentagon: China 'significantly' increased engagement with Middle East in 2021

China has "significantly" increased efforts to engage with countries in the Middle East, according to a report by the Pentagon released yesterday. The Pentagon's annual "China Military Power" report to Congress found that Beijing and its military increased engagement with countries in the region, particularly Iraq. "As Beijing's economic interests expand in areas like Africa, Latin America, Central Asia and
| Asia & Americas, China, Middle East

Internal Affairs minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi reaches Baidoa city

Share Baidoa (SONNA) – The Minister of Interior, Federalism and Reconciliation of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E Ahmed Moalim Fiqi recently reached Baidoa, the Southwest State of Somalia. The Minister was welcomed at the Shaatigaduud airport by the Minister of Internal Affairs of Southwest State Mr, Abdullahi Haji Hassan. The Minister went to Baidoa […]
| Local

Minister of Interior reaches Baidoa city

Share Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The Minister of Interior, Federalism and Reconciliation of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E Ahmed Moalim Fiqi recently reached Baidoa, the Southwest State of Somalia. The Minister was welcomed at the Shaatigaduud airport by the Minister of Internal Affairs of Southwest State Mr, Abdullahi Haji Hassan The Minister went to Baidoa […]
| Local

Somalia welcomes the agreement reached by Ethiopian government and the TPLF

Share Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The Federal Republic of Somalia welcomes the announcement of the peace agreement reached by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) that ends the armed conflicts, and stressing that this agreement fulfils the aspirations of the Ethiopian people for development and prosperity […]
| Local

President Hassan Sheikh meets his Egyptian counterpart

Share SONNA – The President of the Republic of Somalia, H.E ⁦‪Hassan Sheikh Mohamud‬⁩ met his Egyptian counterpart, H.E Abdelfatah Elsisi‬⁩ on the sidelines of the Arab Summit in Algeria. ‎The two Presidents discussed strengthening various aspects of bilateral relations and exchanging views on the developments in various regional issues of common interest. Share
| Local

Heat and tremors: Survivors of Somalia deadly car bombings narrate harrowing stories

It was a Saturday afternoon, with many people busy in the hustle and bustle of the Somali capital when one of its central road junctions shook with the force of twin car bombings that left dozens dead. The Al Qaeda-linked terrorist group, Al-Shabaab, claimed responsibility for the attack in Mogadishu that killed 120 people and injured over 300 others. Authorities
| Africa, Article, Europe & Russia

President Hassan Sheikh calls on the Somali people to stand together and support each other

Share Mogadishu, (SONNA) – The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reiterated his call last night for all Somali people to stand up for the rescue of their people who suffered from the terrorist bombings, and unite to provide support and care to the families, children and parents left behind […]
| Local