Features

Revealed: Officials at Ministry of Information implicated in fraud, embezzlement of public funds

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The Office of the Attorney General of Somalia announced on 22 June that it has filed a case against two officials from the Ministry of Information and a senior military officer at the Banadir Regional Court.

Profile: General Jim'ale Jama Takar – A key figure in Puntland's political conflict

GAROWE (HORN OBSERVER – A violent clash between Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF) loyal to President Said Abdullahi Deni's and military units supporting the opposition resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, with over 15 others sustaining injuries on Tuesday, according to local…

Rape is normal in Somalia, as state fails to pass laws that protect women and girls

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations (UN) has called for increased protection against sexual violence for all Somalis.

Somalia: Wanla-Weyn Deputy Commissioner killed in ambush, weapons looted as clan conflict escalates in Lower Shabelle

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The deputy district commissioner of Wanla-Weyn, Hashim Mohamed Shareero, met a tragic end in an ambush near Bulo Hansho village while returning from Mogadishu on Friday night, as confirmed by local officials.

Somalia's Profitable charcoal trade benefits government and Al-Shabaab: Report

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The lucrative charcoal trade in Somalia serves as a significant source of revenue for both the government and the militant group Al-Shabaab, a new investigation report has revealed.

Danish-Somali citizen arrested after beheading mother in Kismayo

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – A Danish-Somali man was apprehended by police in the Somali port town of Kismayo, for the alleged beheading of his mother, according to the police.

SOMALIA: Al-Shabab siege at Mogadishu beachside hotel leaves at least 15 dead, dozens injured

Mogadishu, Somalia (Horn Observer) Fighters from the armed group al-Shabab launched a six-hour siege at a beachside hotel in Mogadishu on Friday night, resulting in the death of more than 15 individuals and leaving over 30 others injured

Safety and Empowerment: Journalists in Somalia flourish with support from Canada

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – Despite Somalia being one of the most perilous countries for journalists in Africa, Galkayo city was once known as the second deadliest place for media professionals in the country. But now this central Somalia city has emerged as a beacon of progress, witnessing a growing…

Rival militia fighting claims 15 lives in Somalia's Lower Shabelle Region

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – The Lower Shabelle region of Somalia witnessed a violent confrontation between two rival clans, resulting in the loss of at least 15 lives and leaving numerous civilians injured, according to locals and officials in the region.

No neutral reporting, Jubbaland authorities tell journalists amid UNSOM funded conference

KISMAYO (HORN OBSERVER) – Journalists and media rights defenders were taken aback when authorities in Kismayo, Jubbaland, announced a ban on independent coverage of the ongoing conflict between government forces and al-Shabaab in the region.

Rape and militia attack unleash fear and anger in Somalia's Hiiraan province

BELEDWEYNE (HORN OBSERVER) – In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through the Hiiraan region of Somalia, the peaceful community of Bilaal village was shattered by a brutal attack on the house of Abdiasis Ahmed Adde's family.

Local travelers stranded, flights suspended as tensions mount in Somalia's Gedo

DOOLOW (HORN OBSERVER) – Hundreds of local travelers in the troubled Gedo region of Somalia have found themselves stranded in various towns for the fourth day, due to the suspension of local flights.

Corruption allegations, abuse prompt Somalia's Information Minister to offer resignation - sources

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - Sources within the Somali government have revealed that Daud Aweys, the Minister of Information, offered his resignation to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud last week.

Political fragmentation looms as Somalia faces constitutional crisis

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) Somalia finds itself once again on the precipice of a political fragmentation as tensions escalate between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration and the regional states, following Villa Somalia's unilateral decision to change the constitution and abolish…

Uganda initiates inquiry after deadly al-Shabaab raid on Somalia's Buulo Mareer army base

KAMPALA, Uganda (HORN OBSERVER) President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda expressed his dismay over the deadly assault carried out by al-Shabaab on Ugandan peacekeepers in Somalia on Friday.

Somalia's dubious rush to Russia for weapons amid Ukraine invasion

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a surprising move, war-torn Somalia has turned to Russia for an undisclosed request of weapons and ammunition, raising concerns among diplomatic circles, the Horn Observer has learnt.

Russia Offers Military Support for Somalia to Fight Terrorism

By Kestér Kenn Klomegâh Russia shows readiness to supply Somalia's army with military weapons and other necessary equipment for fighting its war against terrorism in the country and possibly in the Horn of Africa, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the offer after talks with his Somali…

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

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…

Opinion: Puntland at a Crossroads: Urgent Calls for Negotiation

By; Mohamed Abdiqafar Haji Hussein:: In the past three days, numerous events have unfolded, which, if they persist, could lead to unfavorable outcomes. On May 15, 2023, the Puntland Political Forum, consisting of politicians from within and outside the country, issued a statement urging the President…