Somalia

Kenya-Somali Maritime Dispute

Kenya-Somali Maritime Dispute

The maritime boundary dispute between Kenya and Somalia has been a contentious issue in the Horn of Africa, drawing significant attention due to its geopolitical and economic implications. At the heart of the dispute lies a 100,000 square-kilometer triangular area in the Indian Ocean, believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves. The disagreement centers on how the maritime boundary should be drawn: Kenya argues for a parallel line extending eastwards along the latitude, while Somalia insists on a boundary line that follows its land border’s southeastern trajectory. The origins of the dispute can be traced back to differing…
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Senior African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officials conclude visit to Jowhar and Baidoa, pledge to restore peace in Somalia

Senior African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officials conclude visit to Jowhar and Baidoa, pledge to restore peace in Somalia

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and security in Somalia. During a recent field visit to Jowhar and Baidoa, the administrative capitals of Hirshabelle and South West States, Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of ATMIS, along with Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma ATMIS Force Commander pledged to enhance the capacity of the Somali Security Forces and intensify military offensives against Al-Shabaab. “The African Union will never abandon Somalia and its people in their quest for peace and stability,” said…
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President El-Sisi Welcomes Somali President for Official Visit to Egypt

President El-Sisi Welcomes Somali President for Official Visit to Egypt

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the President of the Republic of Somalia, Dr.Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is on an official visit to Egypt for several days, at Ittihadia Palace, where an official reception ceremony was held and national anthems were played. The two presidents held discussions, during which they confirmed the strength and solidity of the historical relations between Egypt and Somalia, as well as the mutual keenness to support them at various levels, and to build on the outcome of the Somali president's visit to Egypt last January. The Spokesman for the Presidency said President El-Sisi affirmed Egypt's position…
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Baidoa Youth Hub: From Agricultural Depot, Militia Hideaway And Khat Storage Site To Centre For Young Somalis

Baidoa Youth Hub: From Agricultural Depot, Militia Hideaway And Khat Storage Site To Centre For Young Somalis

The Baidoa Youth Hub is located at the end of Wakaladda Biyaha Street in the heart of Baidoa. At its main entrance, there is a constant stream of young Somalis passing through. Their easygoing energy and smiles match the fresh paint and well-maintained trees and buildings which house the Hub’s modern facilities. These include state-of-the-art technology training rooms, a well-stocked library, a football pitch, conference room and a cafeteria. The current state – and use – of the space is in stark contrast to the building’s chaotic past. “This establishment has faced numerous challenges before emerging as the Baidoa Youth…
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Somali and Kenya Forces Kill Al Shabaab in Four Regions

Somali and Kenya Forces Kill Al Shabaab in Four Regions

The Somalia National Army (SNA) and Jubaland Security Forces, supported by Kenya Special Forces, have successfully thwarted a coordinated dawn attack by the militants. The assault, which targeted four regions—Harbole, Mido, Bulo Haji, and Bar Sanguni—resulted in the deaths of 103 Al Shabaab fighters and the capture of 28 others. The joint forces, working in unison, managed to neutralize the threat posed by the attackers and secure the areas. During the operation, a substantial cache of weaponry was seized, including RPGs, PKMs, AK-47s, and various other firearms. The 28 captured militants are currently undergoing interrogation, with authorities hopeful that this…
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ATMIS Initiates Investigation into Tragic Incident in Buulo Mareer

ATMIS Initiates Investigation into Tragic Incident in Buulo Mareer

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has expressed deep concern over a tragic incident that occurred in Buulo Mareer on July 17, 2024. The incident resulted in the loss of two civilian lives and injury to another. Media allegations have emerged linking ATMIS to these unfortunate events. In response, ATMIS has launched a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident. The Mission has assured all stakeholders that the findings of this investigation will be made public upon its conclusion. ATMIS extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, offering them strength during this difficult time. The…
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Somalia: United Nations Trains Baidoa Civil Aviation Firefighters

Somalia: United Nations Trains Baidoa Civil Aviation Firefighters

Twelve Somalia Civil Aviation Authorities, Airport Fire Rescue personnel from South West State have successfully completed a Airport Fire and Rescue course conducted by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) Aviation Services to enhance Somalia’s safety aviation sector. The course held in Baidoa - the administrative capital of South West State – is a continuation to a two-month firefighting training held earlier in Mogadishu. It is part of UNSOS’s ongoing efforts to build local capacity to ensure services at the Shaati Gaduud International Airport in Baidoa meet international standards. “This team has already received a comprehensive eight-week training…
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Somaliland: Olympian Sir Mo Farah ‘Heartbroken’ To See Impact of Climate Change on Children in His Homeland

Somaliland: Olympian Sir Mo Farah ‘Heartbroken’ To See Impact of Climate Change on Children in His Homeland

On a journey back to his birthplace, Save the Children ambassador Sir Mo Farah said it was heartbreaking to witness the devastating impact climate change is having on driving up child malnutrition rates in Somaliland. Farah also saw first-hand the vital care that is giving hope to families fighting for their children’s lives. The four-time Olympic gold medallist visited Gabiley in Somaliland where he spent his early years, meeting mothers and their children who were receiving treatment at a health centre run by Save the Children. There, mothers told him heart-wrenching stories of how recurring droughts and floods caused by…
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Somalia: Two Killed in ATMIS Convoy Attacked

Somalia: Two Killed in ATMIS Convoy Attacked

A joint logistics convoy involving personnel from ATMIS (African Union Mission in Somalia), UPDF (Uganda People's Defence Force), and SNAF (Somali National Armed Forces) fell victim to a Command Wire Improvised Explosive Device (CWIED) yesterday along the Mogadishu-Buffow-Barawe route. The attack claimed the lives of two individuals and causing injuries to personnel from both ATMIS and SNAF. All casualties have since been evacuated to medical facilities for treatment, with efforts underway to provide necessary care and support. In response to the incident, condolences have been extended to the families of the deceased, while prayers are offered for the swift recovery…
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ATMIS hands over Abdalla Birolle Military Base to Somali Army

ATMIS hands over Abdalla Birolle Military Base to Somali Army

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has handed over the Abdalla Birolle Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF). The military base, previously under the responsibility of ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), is the fourth to be transferred as part of the Phase Three drawdown. The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (DSRCC), Siyuvile Bam, presided over the handover of the base. ATMIS Sector Two Commander Brig. Seif Salim Rashid transferred control to SNA representative Major Muhudin Ahmed. At the symbolic event were representatives from the United…
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