In a landmark diplomatic move that reverberates across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, Israel has become the world’s first country to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Announced on December 26, 2025, this historic decision ends more than three decades of international isolation for the breakaway […]
In a landmark moment for Somali democracy, residents of Mogadishu turned out in significant numbers on December 25, 2025, to participate in the capital’s first direct municipal elections since 1969. This “one-person, one-vote” poll represents a pivotal step toward restoring universal suffrage in Somalia, a country that has grappled with decades of conflict, clan-based indirect […]
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia| In a momentous display of regional diplomacy amid the swirling currents of the Nile River’s contentious waters, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took center stage at the grand opening ceremony of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on September 9, 2025. Joined by a cadre of influential African leaders, President Mohamud’s presence […]
In a heart-wrenching incident that underscores the dire risks faced by migrants seeking better lives, seven Ethiopian migrants succumbed to hunger and thirst during a treacherous boat journey from Somalia to Yemen, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Wednesday. This devastating loss adds to the alarming toll of over 350 migrant deaths and […]
Moyale, Kenya| Two South Korean nationals who were abducted from the border town of Odda in Moyale, Marsabit County, nine months ago are reportedly being held captive in Somalia by suspected members of the Al Shabaab terrorist group. The victims, identified as Mr. David Lee and his mother-in-law, Ms. Hiwi Sokk Cheon, were kidnapped on […]
In a move that significantly escalates tensions in the Horn of Africa, the Federal Government of Somalia has issued a new directive barring holders of Taiwanese passports from entering or transiting through its airspace—including the self-declared independent region of Somaliland. The measure, which came into effect on April 30, 2025, was formalized through a Notice […]
•The Visit of Such Nature by a High-Ranking Federal Government Official Last Happened Over 40 Years Ago LasAnod, Somalia| In a landmark moment for Somalia’s political landscape, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived in LasAnod on Saturday, marking the first visit by a sitting Somali premier to the city in more than four decades. The […]
Garowe, Somalia| Puntland has strongly opposed Somalia’s National Identification Card registration initiative, calling it a politically motivated scheme that threatens the region’s autonomy. The semi-autonomous state warned its residents against participating in the program, arguing that it is legally questionable, financially burdensome, and a potential tool for political manipulation. In an official statement on Tuesday, […]
Mogadishu, Somalia| Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Mogadishu’s Xamar-Jajab district while en route to join Somali National Army (SNA) troops in Hirshabelle for Iftar. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday, has once again highlighted the persistent security threats posed by the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group, Al-Shabaab. The Attack and Its […]
Mogadishu, Somalia| The European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM-S) recently conducted an intensive military exercise, codenamed “Silent Thunder,” aimed at bolstering the capabilities of its Force Protection Unit (FPU) and refining ROLE 1 medical procedures. This initiative underscores the mission’s commitment to maintaining high levels of security, operational effectiveness, and readiness in a volatile […]
