Garowe (WDN) — Puntland has sharply challenged the Federal Government of Somalia’s account of the release of the MV Lutuf, alleging that the vessel was not rescued in a military operation but released after a ransom was paid to the pirates who had held it hostage. The Puntland Ministry of Security condemned the reported ransom...
Nairobi (WDN) — Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen and Djibouti have held a two-day meeting in Nairobi focused on strengthening maritime security across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, a strategic corridor vital to regional and global trade. The meeting, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with support from the European...
When the apartheid regime of Israel brought its villainous flag and the most oppressive sign of the world today was brought to our shores, we woke up. We woke up to the alarming dark diplomatic cloud on the horizon. Hearing the agony of innocent Palestinian children’s cries; heeding the wailing mothers’ weeping call and feeling...
Mogadishu (WDN) — Somalia is facing a potentially decisive security test: can its government build a national military capable of replacing the foreign forces that have carried much of the burden of the country’s fight against Al-Shabaab? Uganda’s military chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced that Uganda intends to withdraw all its troops from Somalia...
Mogadishu (WDN) — Turkey’s decision to deploy two warships to waters off the Horn of Africa has triggered a new debate in Somalia over the real purpose of Ankara’s expanding maritime role—and whether the operation will protect Somalia’s territorial waters or deepen concerns over foreign access to its marine resources. The Turkish Navy is sending...
Addis Ababa (WDN)– Somalia’s money-transfer companies (Hawala), a vital financial lifeline for Somalis around the world, connecting the diaspora to families, communities, and businesses, have faced significant financial restrictions from the Ethiopian government, threatening an important channel for remittances and cross-border financial support. Ethiopia’s National Bank has issued a striking warning against 17 money-transfer companies...
Mogadishu (WDN) — A Somali family has been struck by tragedy after consuming suspected contaminated camel meat and bone marrow brought from Eldheer in Galgaduud region, leaving two children dead and three others hospitalized in Mogadishu. The family was brought to the capital on Thursday after several members reportedly became seriously ill. According to information...
Garowe (WDN) – A powerful magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the Gulf of Aden early Friday, sending seismic tremors through a region already known for intense geological activity and raising fresh questions about the vulnerability of Somalia’s northeastern coastline. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake occurred at 12:07 a.m. local time on Friday,...
Addis Ababa (WDN) – Ethiopia’s determination to secure reliable access to the sea is becoming one of the most consequential geopolitical issues in the Horn of Africa. As Africa’s second-most populous country, Addis Ababa has repeatedly argued that remaining landlocked imposes significant economic and strategic costs. Yet its pursuit of maritime access has also generated...
Nairobi (WDN) — Former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has launched a forceful counterattack against the Federal Government of Somalia, rejecting allegations that he or forces loyal to him have collaborated with Al-Shabaab and warning Ethiopian troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) against becoming embroiled in...