Ethiopians living in Somalia have become the subject of physical violence, verbal threats and intimidation since Somaliland consented to give Ethiopia access to its coastline at the beginning of this year, members of the Ethiopian community tell VOA Somali Service. Under the deal, reached on New Year’s Day, Ethiopia will be able to lease 20...
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Kenya Airways adds direct Somalia-UAE cargo flights.
Kenya Airways (KQ) has started ferrying cargo directly between Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, as it seeks to expand its cargo business. The airline has launched a weekly flight effective Friday, February 9, with plans to increase to twice a week in April. The national carrier has partnered with...
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Alleged civilian massacre reported in Ethiopia as US calls for investigation
The U.S. is calling for an investigation into an alleged massacre of civilians in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where a local rights group says more than 80 people were killed last week following clashes between soldiers and armed groups. The U.S. ambassador to Ethiopia, Ervin Massinga, said Friday that the “U.S. government is deeply concerned” by...
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Conference of the Council of Presidential Candidates, Traditional Elders, and Jubaland Intellectuals in Mogadishu, Somalia
Conference of the Council of Presidential Candidates, Traditional Elders, and JubalandIntellectuals in Mogadishu, Somalia. On February 6, 2024, a gathering of the Jubaland Council of Presidential Candidates, Traditional Elders and Politicians was held. The conference was convened to tackle pressing matters impacting the region, focusing on pivotal aspects of the political landscape, security, and the...
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BBC journalist paid to help at least 15 Somali criminals fight deportation from Britain
A BBC editor was hired as an expert witness to help at least 15 Somalian criminals fight deportation and remain in the UK, it has emerged. Mary Harper, Africa editor for the BBC’s World Service, was paid to give expert evidence for Yaqub Ahmed, a Somali gang rapist, during his five-year legal battle to remain...
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Two vessels freed following Somali pirate hijackings
The rise in pirate activity off Somalia suggests the impact of the Gaza war continues to spread across the region. One Sri Lankan and one Iranian vessel are reported to have been freed following hijackings by Somali pirates. Seychelles forces rescued a Sri Lankan fishing boat on Monday, according to President Wavel Ramkalawan’s office. Meanwhile,...
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Tribal allegiances and sports: The impact on inter-state football games in Somalia
The ongoing inter-state football games in Somalia have sparked a heated debate surrounding the nature of the federal states in Somalia and the influence of tribal allegiances. These discussions have brought to light the complexities faced by Somali youth, who find themselves supporting federal states based on their tribal connections rather than their place of...
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First licensed Somali-owned day care in state damaged in south Minneapolis fire
Hours after her home burned down, Hawo Gurey stood on the sidewalk looking at the remains trying to figure out how to rebuild. Not for herself, though. She was more concerned about the families that had come to rely on the day care business that was also housed inside the property. “This is very devastating....
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Attacks fuel fears of return of Somali piracy, but analysts say surge is unlikely
In early December, a Maltese-flagged merchant ship was hijacked off the coast of Somalia. It is believed to be the first successful attack on a merchant ship in the region since 2017. Gerry Northwood, a former captain who commanded warships in the region with Britain’s Royal Navy, told Reuters the attacks indicate that pirates “think...
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Officials: Airstrike in Somalia kills at least 20 Al-Shabab militants
A military strike killed at least 20 al-Shabab militants in central Somalia, regional and military officials said Thursday. “Somali military forces, supported by international partners, conducted the airstrike in the town of Galhareri, targeting sites the militants used to manufacture improvised firearms, bombs and other explosives,” Galmudug Regional Security Minister Mohamed Aden Gaboobe told VOA...