Author: Abdihakim Kalale

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his country’s commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening state institutions during his remarks at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Saturday. He emphasized Somalia’s growing resilience and international engagement, while expressing gratitude to Türkiye for its ongoing support. Speaking to global leaders and diplomats, Mohamud said Somalia has shifted from the brink of collapse to a state of fragility, noting improvements in security and governance, despite challenges. “Somalia and Türkiye are real partners built on mutual interests,” he said, underscoring Türkiye’s critical role in training and equipping Somali forces. Mohamud acknowledged international backing from the…

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has expressed readiness to work alongside the region’s newly appointed Interim Administration while emphasizing its continued institutional independence. TPLF Chairperson Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) made the remarks during a gathering on Thursday following the appointment of Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede as the new President of the Interim Administration. He succeeds Getachew Reda, whose departure comes after months of internal friction between the interim government and the TPLF. In an apparent effort to ease political tensions, Debretsion called for cooperation and unity in addressing Tigray’s urgent priorities. “We are prepared to work in a coordinated manner…

Authorities in Somaliland have condemned Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre’s planned visit to LasAnod, calling it a “provocative” move amid ongoing tensions over the contested Sool region. In a statement issued Thursday, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the visit as a violation of Somaliland’s claimed territorial control and warned it could disrupt regional stability. “Such actions threaten ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the Horn of Africa,” the statement read. LasAnod, located in eastern Sool, has been at the center of a dispute between Somaliland and local clans. In August 2023, Somaliland forces were pushed out…

According to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha Ukraine and Somalia formally established diplomatic ties during the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkey on April 11, 2025. Ukraine and Somalia officially established diplomatic relations on April 11 during the Antalya Diplomatic Forum in Turkey, as announced by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on X . “I signed relevant protocol with Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar,” Sybiha posted on his official X account. “We appreciate Somalia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The move marks a significant expansion of Ukraine’s diplomatic outreach in Africa, where…

Sudanese military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan visited Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in Asmara on Thursday for talks centered around the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations. According to a statement from Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, the discussions, held at the presidential palace in Asmara, focused on the situation in Sudan, peace efforts, and regional and international concerns. Burhan emphasized that the visit was aimed at updating the Eritrean leadership on the developments in Sudan and expressing gratitude for Eritrea’s unwavering support for Sudan’s unity. In comments to the Eritrean News Agency, Burhan…

Ethiopia is once again facing a major internal conflict, this time in its Amhara region — one of the country’s most influential and populous areas — where government forces are battling Fano militias in a deadly and drawn-out rebellion. The Fano, a loosely organized armed movement rooted in Amhara nationalism, has launched a widespread offensive across the region since mid-March, prompting violent clashes with federal troops. Although the Ethiopian military claims to have repelled the offensive and killed hundreds of fighters, residents and local sources report to AP that fighting continues in multiple towns and rural districts. Originally emerging during…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Antalya, Türkiye, on Thursday evening to take part in the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which officially kicked off on Friday under the theme “Reclaiming Diplomacy in a Fragmented World.” The forum runs through April 13 and gathers leaders, diplomats, and thinkers from around the world to address pressing global challenges through dialogue. According to Somali Presidential Spokesperson Abdirahman Adam Ali, President Mohamud will deliver a keynote speech at the forum and hold a series of bilateral meetings with world leaders to advance Somalia’s foreign policy objectives. “The President will use this opportunity to…

Somalia has signed a $306.5 million debt relief agreement with the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF), marking a major step forward in the country’s ongoing economic reform agenda, according to officials in Mogadishu. The agreement, signed Wednesday in Kuwait, involves the restructuring of Somalia’s debt to the Abu Dhabi-based financial institution, which supports economic development and financial stability among Arab member states. While the AMF did not disclose the specific terms of the restructuring, Somalia’s Ministry of Finance hailed the deal as a “critical milestone” in the nation’s recovery process. Finance Minister Bihi Egeh described the agreement as “fundamental to re-engagement…

The Trump administration is grappling with internal divisions over the future of U.S. operations in Somalia, as recent gains by Al Shabab militants reignite debate over America’s long-term role in the fragile Horn of Africa nation. Some senior officials at the State Department are reportedly pushing for the closure of the U.S. embassy in Mogadishu and a withdrawal of most diplomatic staff, citing increased threats to safety after Al Shabab recently regained control of several areas. However, others, particularly within the National Security Council, argue that such a move could undermine Somalia’s central government and trigger wider instability. The U.S.…

Somalia Emerges as Strategic Partner in Türkiye’s Expanding Aerospace and Energy Vision Satellite imagery reviewed by intelligence experts has revealed the presence of two major Turkish installations on the Somali coast — one believed to be a logistics hub near Kismaayo, and the other, in the Jamaame dunes, suspected to be the site of a planned Turkish spaceport. The project, first announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in November 2024, aims to establish a space launch facility close to the equator, where launch trajectories are more efficient. The Somali government confirmed the existence of the spaceport agreement weeks after…

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), South Sudan’s main opposition party, has announced a temporary leadership structure while First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar remains under house arrest. A group of senior party members meeting in Juba on Wednesday endorsed Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol as the interim chairperson, saying the move is necessary to prevent a leadership vacuum within the party. The decision comes amid deepening internal divisions. Several top SPLM-IO leaders, including Interior Minister Angelina Teny, Mining Minister Martin Abucha, and Secretary-General Regina Kaba, boycotted the meeting. Despite their absence, a faction aligned with Kuol—including Federal Affairs Minister…

As Sudan’s civil war deepens and humanitarian conditions worsen, former Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has appealed to the international community to adopt a robust “London Action Plan” that would prioritise a civilian-led path to peace. His plea comes just days before an international humanitarian summit on Sudan, scheduled for April 15 in London and co-hosted by the United Kingdom, the European Union, France, and Germany. Hamdok warned that the conflict, now nearing its second anniversary, has reached a dangerous tipping point. He reiterated that no military solution exists, urging world leaders to recognise that only a democratic transition can preserve…

Sudan has taken its conflict with the United Arab Emirates to the world stage, accusing Abu Dhabi of aiding paramilitary forces responsible for mass atrocities in Darfur. The Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) opened hearings this week into Sudan’s request for emergency measures against the UAE. According to Sudanese officials, the UAE’s alleged military and logistical support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has made it complicit in what Khartoum calls a campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide targeting the Masalit community in West Darfur. Sudan’s Information Minister, Khalid al-Aiser, stated during a press briefing in Khartoum that his…

Sudan’s army chief and head of the Sovereignty Council, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, hosted Egypt’s General Intelligence Director Hassan Mahmoud Rashad in Port Sudan for high-level talks on regional cooperation and post-war recovery. The meeting follows recent military advances by the Sudanese Armed Forces, who have regained control over strategic areas, including all of Sennar and Al Jazirah states, as well as most of Khartoum, after pushing out the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Rashad reportedly delivered a message from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, focusing on boosting bilateral relations and expanding cooperation between the two neighbouring countries. Sudan’s Sovereignty…

Algeria and Somalia have jointly requested an emergency session of the United Nations Security Council to address the aftermath of recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory. According to a statement from Algeria’s state-run news agency, the move came following coordination with the Arab Group at the UN headquarters in New York. The emergency session is expected to take place Thursday morning under the current presidency of the Security Council. The A3+ Group at the UN—which includes Algeria, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana—has previously reaffirmed its support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial unity, and independence. In March, the bloc also called for…

The Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) initiative, valued at over $25 billion (about Ksh3.2 trillion), was envisioned as a transformative infrastructure project linking Kenya with landlocked Ethiopia and South Sudan through modern highways, railways, pipelines, airports, and resort cities. However, the deteriorating security situation near the Somali border, particularly along the Lamu-Garissa route, has brought development to a near standstill. Since construction began in 2021, at least 16 people—including Kenyans and foreign engineers—have been killed in militant attacks, while dozens more have been injured. Despite its ambitions, only 10% of the Lamu-Garissa road has been paved. Military escorts are now…