Somalia

U.S raises concerns over physical assault, threats on its diplomats in Somalia

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a recent security incident, the U.S Embassy in Mogadishu expressed deep concern after security personnel accompanying the Somali Prime Minister and the Southwest State President assaulted diplomatic and security staffers from the American Embassy.

Opinion: A Historic Yet Sorrowful Day for Puntland: Prioritizing Personal Interests Over those of the Region.

By: Mohamed Abdiqafar Haji Hussein On May 25, 2023, Puntland State held a historic election. Puntlanders in 30 districts lined up in the election lane even before the election started. It has been 50 years since Puntlanders last voted in an election based on one person, one vote. The Puntland constitution…

Somalia: Locals say al-Shabaab militants seize control of Bulo Mareer town in bold attack

MOGADISHU (Horn Observer) – The al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab has reportedly taken control of Bulo Mareer town, located approximately 110km (about 68 miles) from the capital city, Mogadishu, after a daring attack on Friday, according to local residents

Aid groups urge governments to increase response to Horn of Africa's severe hunger crisis

London UK (Horn Observer + Kaab TV) As global leaders gather for the Horn of Africa High Level Pledging Conference in New York this week, aid organizations are sounding the alarm and calling on governments to urgently escalate their response to the world's largest hunger crisis.

Somalia: Ethiopian troops donate food and medicine to Beletweyne residents

Beletweyne, 25 May 2023 – Troops from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have donated food items and medical supplies to people driven out of their homes by raging floods in Beletweyne.

Somalia: Puntland takes historic step with first direct election in 54 Years

BOSASO, Puntland (Horn Observer) – A wave of anticipation and hope swept across Puntland today as its citizens eagerly lined up to cast their votes in the region's first direct election in 54 years. Departing from the traditional clan elders' selection process, this historic milestone marks…

Somali Police detains 2 TV journalists in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Somalia (Horn Observer) Somalia police in Mogadishu on Thursday morning detained two Somali Journalists working for the Five Somali TV, a local TV, while on duty, the latest in a series of violations against the press in Somalia.

Somalia: Journalists face intimidation and threats of prosecution for reporting allegations of corruption and injustices in Mogadishu

MOGADISHU, Somalia 25 May 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) strongly condemns a recent surge in attacks including threats, intimidation, and even misuse of the prosecutor's office against journalists who have been courageously reporting on allegations of corruption, injustices, and…

Treasury Designates Terror Operatives and Illicit Charcoal Smugglers in Somalia

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted 26 individuals and entities connected with the terrorist group al-Shabaab, including 15 financial facilitators and operatives, four charcoal smugglers, and seven of their associated companies.…

Somalia: Over 1 million people internally displaced in Somalia in record time - NRC

A toxic mix of conflict, severe drought and devastating floods has forced more than 1 million people in Somalia to flee their homes in just 130 days – a record rate of displacement for the country.

With limited prospects for peace, Laascaanood fighting continues to cause displacement

Mogadishu, (Horn Observer) The conflict between Somaliland forces and Dhulbahante fighters in Laascaanood shows no signs of abating as more families continue to flee the fighting, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Horn of Africa: Over 7 million children under the age of 5 remain malnourished across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia

NAIROBI/JOHANNESBURG, 23 MAY 2023 - Children in the Horn of Africa are living through an unprecedented large-scale crisis of hunger, displacement, water scarcity, and insecurity. More than 7 million children under the age of 5 remain malnourished and in need of urgent nutrition support, and over 1.9…

Somali ambassador to Saudi Arabia resigns citing 'inappropriate behavior' by president's chief protocol

Mogadishu, Somalia (Horn Observer) In a shocking turn of events, Salim Maow Haji, the renowned Somali ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, tendered his resignation on Monday.

Opinion: President Deni's Controversial Election Plans in Puntland: A Quest for Power

By: Mohamed Abdiqafar Haji Hussein The President of Puntland, Said Abdulahi Deni, was elected January 8, 2019 in a process to which all stakeholders agreed. The moment he was elected, the candidates running against him congratulated him. The election was not based on "one person, one vote,"…

AU Special Representative visits ATMIS soldiers in Nairobi Hospitals

Nairobi – The senior leadership of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) yesterday visited soldiers receiving treatment in various hospitals in Kenya's capital, Nairobi.

Time for Somaliland and the Dhulbahante to Talk - ICG

By Crisis Group The Somaliland army and militias associated with the Dhulbahante people have been fighting for control of Las Anod, capital of Somaliland's Sool region, since February. The conflict began after the Dhulbahante said they wish to join Somalia rather than be governed any longer by Somaliland,…

Urgent assistance is needed to help communities affected by historic Shabelle river flooding in Somalia

19 May 2023, Mogadishu - The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Hirshabelle State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management have called for urgent assistance to help communities affected by flooding in the town of Belet Weyne in Hirsahbelle State, Somalia.…

Somaliland detains critical female journalist, SJS calls for her unconditional freedom - statement

MOGADISHU, Somalia 18 May 2023 – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) condemns the arbitrary detention of female journalist, Busharo Ali Mohamed, who is held at Hargeisa police station since Monday 15 May 2023 as we call for her immediate and unconditional freedom.

Somalia: Southwest executes two men in Baidoa

Baidoa (Horn Observer) Southwest State of Somalia has on Thursday executed two men who were found to have committed murders in the regional state, according to the prosecutors.

Hargeisa court remands female journalist in custody for seven more days

Hargeisa (Horn Observer) A court in Hargeisa, Somaliland, on Wednesday remanded female Somali-British journalist, Busharo Ali Mohamed (popularly known as Bushaaro Baanday) in custody for another seven days, according to colleagues and opposition members who visited her in the police custody.