Somali government and African Union troops have seized a critical port town from al-Shabab, dealing another blow to the Islamist militant group. The pro-government forces seized the town of Merca on Monday, according to a tweet posted by the African Union Mission in Somalia . Residents confirmed to VOA that al-Shabab fighters have fled the […]
Somali, AU Troops Capture Port Town From Al-Shabab
Posted August 27th, 2012 at 10:10 am (UTC-5)
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New Somali Parliament Sworn In
Posted August 20th, 2012 at 12:55 pm (UTC-5)
Somalia’s new parliament was sworn in Monday, as the country moves ahead with efforts to establish a stable, permanent government. Two hundred eleven lawmakers took office in a ceremony held under tight security at the Mogadishu airport, to prevent attacks by the militant group al-Shabab. Another 64 seats have yet to be filled in a […]
New Somali Parliament to Hold First Session
Posted August 20th, 2012 at 8:00 am (UTC-5)
Somalia’s new parliament begins its work Monday, as the country moves ahead with a plan to establish a stable, permanent government. A selection committee has named only 225 lawmakers for the 275-seat body, but officials say that is enough for the parliament to convene. In an interview with VOA , Constitution and Reconciliation Minister Abirahman […]
New Somali Parliament to Hold First Session
Posted August 20th, 2012 at 4:00 am (UTC-5)
Somalia’s new parliament begins its work Monday, as the country moves closer to completing a complex plan to establish a stable, permanent government. A selection committee has named about 220 lawmakers for the 275-seat body, but officials say that is enough for the parliament to convene. The lawmakers are expected to vote for a new […]
UN: Battle for Key Somali Port Appears ‘Imminent’
Posted August 14th, 2012 at 11:55 am (UTC-5)
A U.N. humanitarian official for Somalia says fighting for control of al-Shabab’s largest remaining stronghold appears “imminent.” In a statement Tuesday, U.N. official Mark Bowden says he is “deeply concerned” about reports of civilian casualties in Port Kismayo caused by naval gunfire and airstrikes. He calls for all parties to minimize the conflict’s impact on […]
UN: Battle for Key Somali Port Appears ‘Imminent’
Posted August 14th, 2012 at 8:25 am (UTC-5)
The U.N. humanitarian chief for Somalia says fighting for control of al-Shabab’s largest remaining stronghold appears “imminent.” In a statement Tuesday, U.N. official Mark Bowden said he is “deeply concerned” about reports of civilian casualties in Port Kismayo caused by naval gunfire and airstrikes. He called for all parties to minimize the conflict’s impact on […]
UN Chief ‘Seriously Concerned’ by Somali Transition Delays
Posted August 14th, 2012 at 3:00 am (UTC-5)
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says he is “seriously concerned” about delays in selecting Somalia’s new parliament, and says political leaders need to work in the best interest of the Somali people. Mr. Ban said in a statement that he is encouraged by the progress Somalia has made in its transition. But he says that […]
Well-Known Somali Journalist Killed
Posted August 12th, 2012 at 11:35 am (UTC-5)
Gunmen have killed a well-known journalist in Somalia, which has become one of the most dangerous places for media professionals in the world. Unidentified assailants gunned down Yusuf Ali Osman, widely known as Farey, in the Dharkenely district of Mogadishu on Sunday. Osman, a past director of Radio Mogadishu, was working for Somalia’s Ministry of […]
UN Condemns Murder of Somali Comedian
Posted August 2nd, 2012 at 3:45 pm (UTC-5)
The United Nations’ envoy to Somalia is strongly condemning the murder of a well-known Somali comedian apparently for his sarcastic remarks about al-Shebab Islamic extremists. Abdi Jeylani Malaq, known as Marshale, was shot dead outside his home in Mogadishu Tuesday. No one has claimed responsibility. U.N. envoy Augustine Mahiga calls the killing “simply unacceptable.” He […]
Somali Assembly Overwhelmingly Adopts Constitution
Posted August 1st, 2012 at 8:00 am (UTC-5)
Somali leaders have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that sets the stage for a more powerful and representative government. Ninety-six percent of a special constituent assembly voted in favor of the measure Wednesday, ahead of a U.N. deadline for completing a government transition. Last week, the U.N. Security Council said Somalia’s political transition was at […]
