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A roadside bomb has struck a minibus near Somalia's capital, killing at least six people, according to police and witnesses. The vehicle was reportedly carrying passengers from Mogadishu to a funeral in a nearby town when it ran over the explosive at Hawa Abdi village   "So far we know the blast killed six people and injured others," Farah Hassan, a police officer, told Reuters news agency. "The death toll may rise". There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast, which occurred on a road used frequently by government and security vehicles. For more than a decade, al-Shabab has been fighting to overthrow Somalia's internationally recognised government. The al-Qaeda-linked armed group used to control most parts of the country but, since 2011, its fighters have been pushed out of most large towns and cities including Mogadishu. However, it has continued to carry out deadly suicide bombings and assassinations in the capital and its sur

Al-Shabab Abuses Dozens of government and security officials as well as former electoral delegates and clan elders who had been involved in the 2016 electoral process, were assassinated; Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for some of the killings. Al-Shabab conducted targeted and indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure using improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide bombings, and shelling, as well as assassinations, particularly in Mogadishu and Lower Shabelle, which resulted in over 750 civilian deaths and injuries, according to the UN. Abuses against Children Somali federal and regional authorities unlawfully detained children simply for alleged ties to Al-Shabab and at times prosecuted in military courts, children for terrorism-related offenses. The government failed to put in place juvenile justice measures, notably for children accused of Al-Shabab-related crimes. Sexual Violence Internally displaced women and girls remain at particular ri

The first major form of modern Somali music began in the mid-1930s, when Somaliland was a part of the British Somaliland protectorate. This style of music was known as dhaanto, an innovative, urban form of Somali folk dance and song. This period also saw the rise of the Haji Bal Bal Dance Troupe, which became very influential over the course of its long career. Introduction of melody in modern Somali song is credited to Abdullahi Qarshe, who is recognised for introducing the kaban (oud) as an accompaniment to Somali music. Qarshe is revered by Somalis as "father of Somali music". Many qaraami songs from this era are still extremely popular today. This musical style is mostly played on the kaban (oud). Prominent Somali kaban players of the 1950s include Ali Feiruz and Mohamed Nahari.  Bands such as Waaberi and Horseed have gained a small following outside of the country. Others, like Ahmed Ali Egal, Maryam Mursal and Waayaha Cusub have fused traditional

Tripple Emergencies in Somalia  While simultaneously suffering from the coronavirus pandemic, flooding and a locust crisis, Somalia, could well see a rise in the number of people who are susceptible to human trafficking. As more people find themselves in vulnerable circumstances as a result of displacement from floods, drought and conflict, it is assumed that some of them are likely to seek “greener pastures” it is anticipated that in this state of vulnerability they could become susceptible to human trafficking and exploitation.  Many Somalis are trafficked across the borders and are often moving along the southern and northern routes through Sudan, South Sudan and Kenya. On the other hand there are some Somalis and a lot of Ethiopians travelling to Yemen along the eastern route that pass through Somalia and also fall prey to exploitation. 

Cinema of Somalia  Storytelling is an ancient custom in Somali culture. Love of cinema in Somalia is but a modern, visual incarnation and continuation of this well-established oral tradition. The earliest forms of public film display in Somalia were Italian newsreels of key events during the colonial period in Italian Somaliland. Examples of such works include Somalia: Gheledi (1913), Somalia italiana (1913), Somalia: Le bellezze del fiume Nebi (1913), Sotto la Croce del Sud - Somalia Italiana (1926), Visioni della Somalia italiana (1929) and Viaggio di S.M. il Re in Somalia (1934) In the late 1950s there was some collaboration between Rome's Cinecitta and the first Somali directors. As a consequence, in 1963 Hajji Cagakombe's Miyi Iyo Magaalo ("The Countryside and the City" or "Town & Village"), a Somali-Italian co-production, was the country's first full-length feature film Somaliwood A new generation of more entertainment-o

Somali and Somali People 1) Music – Somalia is a well-known country of folk music. 2) The Camel is Important – The camel is the most important animal to the Somali people. They use it for so many different things, including transportation, food, and earning money. Sometimes the status of a person is determined by whether they owned a camel too.  3) Forests and Waterfalls – When most foreigners think about Somalia, they just think of poor people and barren landscapes in the desert. But Somalia actually has a lot of beautiful forests and waterfalls too, such as the Lamadaya waterfall. 4) Weddings – Food is a very important element of weddings in Somalia. The family of the bride will often slaughter animals and serve the meat of the animals to the wedding guests. Bread will also be served as well. Families like to make these big celebrations, which is why they invite the poor as well as people connected to the bride and groom. 5) Education Diversity – About two-thirds of the

Bomb Blast in Somalia Kills 4 During Eid Celebrations At least four civilians were killed and more than 15 others were wounded in a bomb blast during Eid al Fitr celebrations outside the Somali town of Baidoa, witnesses said. Two of the dead are children, according to reports from the scene.The explosion occurred on Sunday afternoon as people performed traditional dances in a field near an internally displaced persons camp north of the town. Somalia observed Eid al Fitr on Saturday but festivities continue for three days according to Islamic traditions.Earlier on Sunday, a police general survived a roadside explosion targeting his vehicle in Mogadishu.  General Ali Hersi Barre and his bodyguards escaped unhurt following the explosion. There was no immediate claim responsibility for either attack Sunday, but security officials suspect al-Shabab was behind the blasts.

Miss Somalia, Miss Africa Utah Jawahir Ahmed (Somali: Jawaahir Axmed; Arabic: جواهر احمد‎) is a Somali-American model. Ahmed was born in 1991 in Logan, Utah to Somali parents. Her family had moved to the United States earlier that year, as the civil war in Somalia began. For her post-secondary education, Ahmed is studying at the Utah State University on a scholarship. Majoring in Health Education with a specialization in Health Sciences, she hopes to eventually serve as a health adviser for Engineers Without Borders. Ahmed is concurrently working for AmeriCorps and the CPASS college preparation program. Ahmed is signed to the Stars Talent Group modeling agency. In 2013, she represented Somalia in the Miss Africa Utah pageant, which she wound up winning. She again served as Miss Somalia in the 2013 Miss United Nations USA pageant.

Somalia looks to first full elections in 51 years, despite COVID-19 crisis In its latest situation report, the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday put the number of confirmed cases in Somalia at 1,502, with 59 deaths.  Even before the outbreak, more than 5 million Somalis required humanitarian assistance, Mr. Swan said, as the country continued to deal with the al-Shabaab terrorist insurgency and a major locust invasion that is putting food production in peril.  Nevertheless, the Federal Government and Federal Member States have responded quickly to the crisis “within their means,” he said, with Prime Minister Hassan Khaire leading a National COVID Task Force and the six regional states participating in national-level coordination efforts.  UNSOM head James Swan at the Security Council on 21 May 2020.He says that despite severe COVID-19 effects, Somalia is making progress on State-building priorities including preparing for one-person-one-vote elections, by UNSOM. 

Somalia’s coronavirus lockdown has led to a huge increase in female genital mutilation (FGM), with circumcisers going door to door offering to cut girls stuck at home during the pandemic, according to Plan International. The crisis is undermining efforts to eradicate the practice in Somalia, which has the world’s highest FGM rate, with about 98% of women having been cut, the charity warned.FGM, which affects 200 million girls and women globally, involves the partial or total removal of the external genitalia. In Somalia the vaginal opening is also often sewn up – a practice called infibulation. FGM is one of the most extreme manifestations of violence against girls and women.  “It’s a lifetime torture for girls. The pain continues until the girl goes to the grave. It impacts her education, ambition ... everything.” The UNFPA, which estimates 290,000 girls will be cut in Somalia in 2020, said the spike was also linked to Ramadan, which is a traditional time for girls to be c

The Minorities Until recently, many people perceived Somalia as a country who share one culture, one language and one religion. This was the impression given during previous regimes in order to sustain the illusion of homogeneity. One of the things that were deliberately downplayed was the existence of minority groups. Although the population of minority groups living in Somalia has not as yet been established, estimates indicate that they constitute one third of the total Somalia population; approximately 2,000,000 people.  The minority groups include Bantu, Bravenese, Rerhamar, Bajuni, Eyle, Galgala, Tumal, Yibir and Gaboye. These groups continue to live in conditions of great poverty and suffer numerous forms of discrimination and exclusion. The Socio economic problems faced by minority groups in Somalia existed prior to the armed conflict that continues in parts of Somalia following the overthrow of the dictator Siyad Barre in 1991, and the subsequent collapse of a Soma

The story of two weddings in Somalia, with traditions old and new When it comes to weddings, Somalia has many approaches. Some couples stick with tradition while others go for more modern marriage ceremonies.  Both weddings have the same pressures: buying outfits, inviting guests, finding a venue and arranging feasts - but each tells a unique story of family, community and tradition. In Somali culture, many people also believe that getting married in the run-up to Ramadan ensures additional blessings on the couple, making the happy occasion even more special. In a tradition going back generations, they all gather in the shade of a large tree to decide whether they are a suitable match.  One in a small desert village and the other in a busy city, while highlighting everyday life in different parts of the country. It also contrasts traditional ways of life with modern ideas that come from younger Somalis and social media.

The governor of the Mudug region in Somalia's Puntland, Governor Ahmed Muse Nur has been killed along with three of his bodyguards in a suicide car bombing claimed by armed group al-Shabab, according to the police and a security official. Al-Shabab has been fighting for years to topple Somalia's internationally-recognised central government and frequently carries out bombings in Somalia and elsewhere in the region. The group wants to establish its own rule in the Horn of Africa country, based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law.Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, was driven out of Mogadishu in 2011 and lost most of its strongholds, but still controls vast swathes of the countryside. Its members have promised to overthrow the government in Mogadishu and have carried out numerous attacks in the capital. 

Kenya Shuts Borders With Tanzania, Somalia Over COVID-19 Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta announced Saturday that the country's coronavirus measures would be extended and its borders with Tanzania and Somalia closed. Kenya shut its borders with Somalia and Tanzania as the country strives to stem further spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile experts have warned that Somalia -- a fragile, under-resourced state already facing an armed insurgency, a locust invasion and flooding -- is unable to cope with an outbreak. Shutting the border could effectively strengthen those corridor divisions even though Kenya argued it was simply protecting its people. Somalia, too, has faced rising cases, blowing from 26 only in mid-April to 1284 by Friday night. Mogadishu has not given the figures on the number of those tested.

Aerial Spraying to Stop Desert Locust Invasion Somali officials say they have deployed helicopters to spray new swarms of desert locusts that are eating crops and threatening the country’s fragile food supply.  This aerial spraying will focus on areas in the central Somali region of Galmudug, Puntland in the northeast, and the self-declared republic of Somaliland, the minister said. Experts have said the desert locust invasion that began last year is the worst East Africa has seen in at least 25 years. Neighboring Ethiopia also began spraying locust-infested areas this week.  Early this year, after extreme rainfall that created favorable breeding conditions, swarms of desert locusts from the Arabian Peninsula began rampaging across East African countries.  In February, the pests traveled to Somalia and were seen flying over land used for grazing animals in a remote part of Somalia, forcing the country to declare a national emergency. Somalia’s minister of agriculture says t

Brush up on your knowledge of Africa, starting with these interesting facts about Somalia! The formal name of the country has changed from Somali Democratic Republic to Federal Republic of Somalia. It has a total area of 246,201 square miles (637,657 square kilometres), which is slightly smaller than Texas… Somalia has the longest coastline on the continent’s mainland. Somalia is flat in the south but go north and you’ll see mountains that reach more than 6,500 feet (2,000 metres). Ancient rock paintings, dating back 5000 years, have been found in the northern part of Somalia. Laas Geel complex is the most famous, containing some of the earliest rock paintings on the continent. Agriculturally Somalia produces bananas, corn, sorghum (type of grain), coconuts, cattle and also fish. The country exports livestock, hides, fish, bananas and charcoal.

SOMALIA CUISINE  Somali cuisine varies from region to region and is a fusion of different Somali culinary traditions, with some East African, Arab, Turkish, Indian and Italian influences. It is the product of Somalia's tradition of trade and commerce.  Some notable Somali delicacies include sabayad, lahoh/canjeelo, xalwo, sambuusa, Bariis iskukaris, and Muqmaad (beef jerky). Somali meals, generally always cooked by the women, are meat driven. (Vegetarianism is relatively rare). Goat, beef, lamb and sometimes chicken is fried in ghee, or grilled or broiled. It is spiced with turmeric, coriander, cumin and curry and eaten with basmati rice for lunch, dinner and sometimes breakfast. BREAKFAST  Breakfast (Quraac) is an important meal for Somalis, who often start the day with some style of tea (shaah) or coffee (Qaxwa). The tea is often in the form of haleeb shai (Yemeni milk tea) in the north.  The main dish is typically a pancake-like bread (canjeero or canjeel

Basketball  The Somalia national basketball team is a member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Although the squad has yet to pass the qualifications stages for the FIBA World Championship, it won a bronze medal in the 1981 FIBA Africa Championship, when Somalia hosted the tournament. The team also participates in the basketball event at the Pan Arab Games. In January 2013, national basketball team player Faisal Aden scored 59 points against the Rwanda squad. This remains the global scoring record in an official international FIBA match. Football  Football is the most popular sport amongst Somalis. The first football teams in Somalia were established in the 1930s by the Italian colonial authorities. The competitions were basic in structure, and were associated with the anti-colonial movement after WW2. The Somali Youth League (SYL), the nation's first political party, had put together a team of local youth to play against the Italian expatria

Somalia has recorded 35 new Covid-19 cases and one death in the last 24 hours. Minister Fowziya said that 24 of the cases were recorded in Banadir region, 8 in the breakaway region of Somaliland and 3 in Puntland regional state. Twenty five of the new cases are male while 10 are female. This brings the total number of cases in the country to 1089 and the death toll to 52. One hundred and twenty one people have fully recovered from the disease. The minister reiterated her daily call to the Somali people to follow the instructions of the Ministry of Health in order to stay safe and contain the spread of the deadly virus.

Mohamed Hassan has been described as one of the freedom fighters of Kenya who funded the nationalist movement Kenya African Union (KAU) and the Mau Mau, a major nationalist revolutionary movement that originally sought to reclaim land that the British settlers had taken away from them in the 1950s. The group would eventually contribute to Kenya’s independence. Despite his enormous contributions, when discussing the history of Kenya’s struggle for independence, Hassan is usually ignored and this is mainly because he is Somali. According to historians, Somalis in Kenya, who are over 2 million currently, were largely ‘ostracised’ after Kenya gained independence. This was caused by the Shifta War that followed a desire by the Somalis to join the larger Somalia. In 1962, a year before Kenya’s independence, a referendum was held to find out whether Somalis, who were then living in North Eastern Kenya and cut off from the greater Somalia, wanted to remain Kenyan or to rejoin Somal

Kismayo National Park There are several wild life reservations in the country of Somalia. Among these, the Kismayo National Park in southwest Somalia can satisfy the hunger of a tourist who does not want to leave an African nation without visiting a game reserve. The specialty of this park is along with usual African wild life roaming wild asses can make you hold your breathe. Kismayo is located on the southern coast of Somali. It is famous for being an Al-Shabaab stronghold and is known to have experience fighting between the militia and government forces. In spite of the conflict, Kismayo is home to a national park.  Kismayo National Park is home to some of the unique species of wildlife and plants even though most are common to East African countries.  The park is 17 miles from Kismayo town and has experienced massive poaching of its animals by poachers. The park is home to the Somali Shee a native of the park. Other animals such as lions, zebras, and wild boars can also

The former famous goalkeeper was killed while observing Ramadan prayers in a mosque Former Somalia goalkeeper Abdiwali Olad Kanyare has been shot dead by unknown gunmen in a mosque located in Afgoye, near the nation's capital Mogadishu. The Somali Football Federation (SFF) confirmed the shooting which happened on Thursday evening and the death of Kanyare, who was also an administrator with a Caf B coaching license. He was killed while observing Ramadan prayers and the gunmen fled immediately after the incident

The culture of Somalia is an amalgamation of traditions in that were developed independently since the proto-Somali era through interaction with neighboring and far away civilizations.  Due to Somalia's proximity to and close ties with the Muslim world, many Somali men also wear the Thawb (khamiis in Somali), a long white garment common among Muslims. Traditionally Somali attire for men consisted of two sheets (often plain white), one draped over the shoulder and the other tied around the waist. The sheet sometimes had embroidery, patterns or laced borders. This attire is no longer common though it can be found in some rural communities. When not dressed in Westernized clothing such as jeans and t-shirts, Somali men typically wear the macawis (ma'awiis), which is a sarong-like garment worn around the waist and a large cloth wrapped around the upper part of their body. On their heads, they often wrap a colorful turban or wear the koofiyad, an embroidered

Masjid al-Qiblatayn also known as Labo-qibla mosque is a mosque in Zeila, situated in the northwestern Awdal region of Somalia.The construction of this Mosque is tied to the History of Islam in Somalia. In Zeila, A Dir city, the mosque Masjid al-Qiblatayn is known as the site of where early companions of the Prophet, and the local Somalis, established a mosque shortly after the first Migration to Abyssinia. By the 7th century, a large-scale conversion to Islam was taking place in Somalia, first spread by the Dir People, from their construction of this mosque, to the rest of the nation afterwards. The mosque, which translates to "Mosque of the two Qiblahs", dates its construction to the 7th century CE, shortly after the Hijrah of Muslims to what was then Abyssinia. It is one of the oldest mosques in Africa. It contains the tomb of Sheikh Babu Dena. Though now mostly in ruins, the edifice features two mihrabs: one oriented to the north toward Mecca, and the other or

Bana Abdalla Ali, who tirelessly championed basketball in Somalia and promoted sports among youngsters in a nation beset by civil war, died on April 28 in London,He was 54. His death came after he had contracted the novel coronavirus, his family said. Mr. Ali had been treated at the Royal Free Hospital in London for almost a month. A basketball enthusiast and a well-known player in Mogadishu before Somalia’s civil war began, he at various points over the years served as both the secretary general and head of marketing for Somalia’s national basketball team and was also a member of the East and Central Africa’s Inter City Basketball Committee.  Mr. Ali was also a member of the Africa department of the International Basketball Federation, or FIBA Africa, which is part of the world governing body, FIBA, for the sport. Just this year, FIBA Africa said that Mr. Ali had for the first time helped attain corporate sponsorship for the Somali men’s senior national team, enabling it t

Interesting Facts About Somalia When eating, people in Somalia scoop the food from their bowl using their first three fingers. Some will roll a banana leaf and use that for scooping. Urban Somalis will use silverware while dining, but many would rather use their fingers. Nomads in Somalia consider the country’s pastureland available to all. If a family digs a water well, it is not considered the property of all. It would just belong to the family. Since the beginning of the Civil War in the early 1990’s, not one tourist visited Somalia until 2010, when a man from Canada Mike Spencer Brown arrived, shocking authorities by declaring himself a tourist.  The only industries that exist in Somalia are fish and meat canneries, mild processing plants, leather tanning factories, and electrical and pharmaceutical factories. More than half of the residents of Somalia are self-employed. They are farmers, herders, and independent business owners Women in Somalia have shown a remarkable

7 REASONS TO FAST DURING RAMADAN  Fasting in Ramadan develops in a person the real spirit of social belonging, of unity and brotherhood, and of equality before God Develops a Healthy Lifestyle Fasting has numerous, scientifically proven, benefits for our physical health and mental well-being. The time, length and nature of the Islamic Fast all contribute to its overall positive effect. Elevates the Spirit Fasting elevates the human spirit and increases our awareness of God. It strengthens our will-power as we learn to rise above our lower desires.  Cultivates Love It cultivates in us the principle of sincere Love, because when we observe Fasting, we do it out of deep love for God.  Develops Adaptability Fasting in Ramadan enables us to master the art of mature adaptability and Time-Management. Develops Compassion  Fasting inculcates in us patience, unselfishness, and gratitude. When we fast we feel the pains of deprivation and hunger, and learn how to endure it patiently. S

How much does Somali people know about the islands in their Motherland. Sacadin (Sa'ad ad-din) island is located off the coast of the northwestern Awdal region of Somalia. Sa'ad ad-Din Islands also known as Zeila Archipelago is made of 6 small islands all of which are low-lying and have sandy beaches.. iladalxis borama jigjiga goobweyn hargeisa  bosaso Somalia is a lovely country Allah has given natural resources, Alhamdulillah Somalia stood up .🤝🇸🇴🇸🇴❤️😍💯 Sacadin island is the most beautiful island around the world, look how its so amazing and beautiful. it's in Awdal region.

As of April 30, Somalia had 601 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 28 deaths reported. The country is also scheduled to hold general elections in late 2020 or early 2021, possibly the country’s first open election in 50 years. Somali authorities should use World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2020, to commit to ending arbitrary arrests and harassment of journalists. Since mid-April 2020 alone, authorities arbitrarily detained three journalists, accused two of various crimes, and prohibited a local radio station from broadcasting in a local dialect. Journalists seeking to report on security issues and human rights abuses have regularly faced harassment and intimidation and many have been compelled to resort to self-censorship.  The Somali government should ensure that the public is kept informed and that people are allowed to express their views, including to criticize the government’s response to COVID-19. 

Ambassador Augustine Mahiga, the Tanzanian politician, diplomat and former UN Special Representative for Somalia from 2010 to 2013 has passed away at his home on Friday in the Tanzanian capital Dodoma. He was 74. According to a statement signed by Tanzania's President, John Magufuli, Mahiga died in hospital after falling ill at his home on Friday morning. Augustine Philip Mahiga was born on August 28, 1945. He graduated from the University of East Africa in Dar es Salaam in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts (Education) before completing his Masters of Arts at the University of Toronto in Canada. He went on to receive a PhD in International Relations from the University of Toronto in 1975. Upon his return to Tanzania, he worked as a lecturer at the University of Dar-es-Salaam before working with the Tanzanian High Commission and later the Tanzania Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. In 1993 he was promoted to the rank of Ambassador by Tanzania and worked with the