Author: Abdihakim Kalale

During a military operation in the Lower Shabelle region on Saturday, Somali security forces dismantled several al-Shabab courts, targeting the group’s illegal judicial systems and unauthorized checkpoints. The coordinated operation involved Somali police, military, and intelligence units at Ali Mahdi Park, Balad Amin, and nearby areas where al-Shabab had set up courts. Security officials reported that the extremist group used these tribunals to summon and intimidate local residents. “We have demolished the group’s sham courts established in these areas. They will no longer be able to set up such courts in the future,” a government official told state media. The…

On Sunday, a spokesperson for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) declared that the paramilitary group would seek a military solution to the ongoing conflict rather than engage in further negotiations with the Sudanese army. This announcement followed the army’s incursion into the Kadaru and Halfaya districts, located north of Khartoum Bahri, on Wednesday. Reports also indicated intense fighting in central Khartoum’s Al-Muqrin neighborhood.In a video statement, Mohamed Al-Mukhtar Al-Nur, spokesperson for the RSF negotiation team, said, “We sought peace, but since they have chosen war, we are prepared. There will be no negotiations after today; we will meet them on…

The Defense Minister of Somalia, Abdulkadir Mohammed Nur, emphasized the significance of Turkiye’s unwavering support, describing it as essential to Somalia’s national security and development. Speaking during his visit to Azerbaijan for the 5th Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2024) in Baku, Nur highlighted the strong bond between Somalia and Turkiye, calling the Turkish people “brothers.” Nur, reflecting on his time spent in Turkiye, commended the relationship between the two nations, particularly Turkiye’s role in aiding Somalia’s military reform and counterterrorism operations. He praised Turkiye for its consistent support since President Erdoğan’s visit in 2011, stating that the collaboration has…

A car bomb explosion in Mogadishu claimed six lives, leaving the city in shock. Witnesses reported that the explosion near the National Theater in the Hamarweyne district on Saturday caused extensive damage, killing six and injuring five others. The explosion occurred in a crowded area, leading to widespread panic. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. The bomb-rigged car, parked near the National Theatre and approximately one kilometer from the president’s office, detonated with devastating effects. Three Separate Attacks in Somalia on the Same Day In addition to the car bomb explosion in Mogadishu, another bombing…

On September 27, 2024, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of the Federal Republic of Somalia delivered a powerful address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation in tackling global challenges. He commenced his speech by congratulating UNGA President Philemon Yang and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to collaborative efforts during his tenure. In his address, Prime Minister Barre highlighted a range of pressing global issues, including escalating conflicts and humanitarian crises, exacerbated by climate change and economic disparities. He called for a united response to these challenges, aligning with the session’s theme,…

Somalia’s claims about Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland were strongly refuted by Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie. He dismissed the accusations as “unfounded” and accused Somalia of trying to “distract from internal political tensions” by stirring up “hostility.” In defense of the agreement, Ambassador Taye addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly, stating that the MoU is “based on Somalia’s existing political framework” and is intended to promote “shared growth and prosperity in the region.” He added, “Similar agreements have been made with other states.” “I categorically reject these baseless allegations against my country. Ethiopia’s name cannot…

Sudanese Army Takes Control of Kadru, Cutting RSF Supply Line The Kadru neighborhood in Khartoum Bahri, north of Sudan’s capital, served as a crucial supply route for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to access petroleum from the Khartoum refinery. On Friday, the Sudanese army announced its successful capture of the area. This victory follows just two days after the army crossed from Omdurman into the twin cities of Khartoum and Bahri in what is considered the largest military operation since the conflict erupted in the capital. Following the capture of Kadru, the Sudanese army shared footage on Facebook, showcasing its…

A humanitarian crisis has been triggered by the relentless shelling of El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s Darfur province, by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). For five consecutive months, the city has endured a deadly barrage of artillery fire, leaving its infrastructure in ruins and dozens of people dead. The RSF launched a major offensive against El Fasher in May, aiming to seize control of the strategically vital city. Since April 2023, the RSF and the Sudanese army have been locked in a power struggle. Although the death of RSF commander Ali Yaqoub in June led to a temporary lull…

For the second consecutive day, intense fighting between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in the nation’s capital on Friday. Following a significant military offensive on Thursday, which saw army forces advance across the White Nile and Al-Fatihab bridges from Omdurman, capturing positions on the Khartoum side, the combat has now centered in the Al-Maqran district west of central Khartoum. Friday’s assault aimed to dislodge the RSF, who are fiercely defending Al-Maqran with snipers positioned in high-rise buildings. Heavy artillery bombarded paramilitary concentrations across the capital, while the army deployed infantry and aircraft to target…

Africa’s Ongoing Struggle with Nuclear Waste Dumping The issue of nuclear waste dumping in Africa has become increasingly alarming as various countries and corporations exploit the continent’s lenient regulations and vast coastlines. Here’s a closer look at the countries involved, the impacts on local populations, and notable incidents that have brought this crisis to light. Countries Involved in Nuclear Waste Dumping Notable Cases and Events Impacts of Nuclear Waste Dumping in Africa The ongoing issue of nuclear waste dumping in Africa is a complex and urgent crisis that requires international attention and action. Collaboration among African nations and global partners…

Due to Ethiopia’s reluctance to relinquish its controversial agreement with Somaliland, Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has ruled out any imminent possibilities for direct negotiations over their maritime dispute with Ethiopia. The deal, which involves Somaliland leasing 20 kilometers of its coastline to Ethiopia for 50 years, lies at the center of the controversy. Signed in January 2024, the agreement grants Ethiopia, a landlocked country, access to the sea for both naval and commercial purposes. In return, Ethiopia was expected to recognize Somaliland’s independence, though Addis Ababa has yet to make any formal declaration. “This reckless move undermines Somalia’s…

Sudan’s Sovereign Council leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, firmly rejected any participation in peace negotiations with nations that have supported the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during its ongoing conflict with the Sudanese army. Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, al-Burhan stated, “It will not be acceptable to the government and people of Sudan for any country or organization that supported the war or participated in the killing and displacement of Sudanese people to participate [in the peace process].” Although he did not specify any nations by name, al-Burhan implied that support for the RSF came through…

African leaders have called for urgent action to address the growing funding gaps in malaria elimination efforts. The request was made during a high-level fireside discussion organized by the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The outgoing chairman of ALMA, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, presided over the session. The leaders expressed concerns over the substantial budgetary shortfalls and the increasing impact of climate change on malaria control. They stressed the need for accelerated efforts to overcome these challenges and stay on track toward malaria eradication. In their…

Following a major ground offensive, the Sudanese army announced on Thursday that it had made significant progress in both Omdurman, the country’s twin city, and Khartoum. This was part of a larger effort to regain control of the two cities after months of fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Backed by airstrikes and artillery fire, army infantry units crossed Nile River bridges early Thursday morning from Omdurman into Khartoum and Khartoum Bahri, according to military sources who spoke to Sudanese Journal. The sources reported that the army had secured new positions in both towns, including key locations in…

History, Achievements, and Member States Establishment and Founding: Founded in 1986, the Intergovernmental Authority for Drought and Development (IGADD) was established in response to the recurrent droughts and famine that plagued the Horn of Africa. In 1996, IGADD evolved into the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) to broaden its scope beyond drought response to encompass peace, security, and socio-economic development in the region. Achievements: IGAD has made significant strides in fostering regional cooperation, peace, and security. Some of its key achievements include: Peace and Security Initiatives: IGAD has facilitated peace agreements in South Sudan and Somalia, helping to mitigate conflict…

To become a future green metropolis, Mandera County’s afforestation program has been deemed sustainable, surpassing those of first-world cities Liverpool and Melbourne. The Mandera municipality’s greening effort was featured in the Living Green for Climate Change category, where it competed against programs from Melbourne, Australia, and Liverpool, UK. The celebration took place on September 25 in Utrecht, Netherlands, during the Future Green City World Congress, which attracted over 3,000 professionals from around the globe. Initiated by former governor Ali Roba, the Mandera program was later continued under Governor Mohamed Khalif’s administration. With the goal of addressing the long-term effects of…