Search Results - Somalia
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Somalia ( Somali Soomaaliya; Arabic ???????? a?-?umal), officially the Republic of Somalia ( Somali Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliya, Arabic ??????? ???????? Jumhuriyyat a?-?umal) and formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Kenya to the southwest, the Gulf of Aden with Yemen to the north, the Indian Ocean to the east, and Ethiopia to the west. In antiquity, Somalia was an important center for commerce with the rest of the ancient world. Its sailors and merchants were the main suppliers of frankincense, myrrh and spices, items which were considered valuable luxuries by the Ancient Egyptians, Phoenicians, Mycenaeans and Babylonians with whom the Somali people traded.[6][7] According to most scholars, Somalia is also where the ancient Kingdom of Punt was situated.[8][9][10][11] The ancient Puntites were a nation of people that had close relations with Pharaonic Egypt during the times of Pharaoh Sahure and Queen Hatshepsut. The pyramidal structures, temples and ancient houses of dressed stone littered around Somalia are said to date from this period.[12] In the classical era, several ancient city-states such as Opone, Mosyllon and Malao that competed with the Sabaeans, Parthians and Axumites for the wealthy Indo-Greco-Roman trade also flourished in Somalia.[13] The birth of Islam on the opposite side of Somalia's Red Sea coast meant that Somali merchants, sailors and expatriates living in the Arabian Peninsula gradually came under the influence of the new religion through their converted Arab Muslim trading partners. With the migration of fleeing Muslim families from the Islamic world to Somalia in the early centuries of Islam and the peaceful conversion of the Somali population by Somali Muslim scholars in the following centuries, the ancient city-states eventually transformed into Islamic Mogadishu, Berbera, Zeila, Barawa and Merka, which were part of the Berberi civilization. The city of Mogadishu came to be known as the City of Islam,[14] and controlled the East African gold trade for several centuries.[15] In the Middle Ages, several powerful Somali empires dominated the regional trade including the Ajuuraan State, which excelled in hydraulic engineering and fortress building,[16] the Sultanate of Adal, whose general Ahmed Gurey was the first African commander in history to use cannon warfare on the continent during Adal's conquest of the Ethiopian Empire,[17] and the Gobroon Dynasty, whose military dominance forced governors of the Omani empire north of the city of Lamu to pay tribute to the Somali Sultan Ahmed Yusuf.[18] In the late 19th century after the Berlin conference had ended, European empires sailed with their armies to the Horn of Africa. The imperial clouds wavering over Somalia alarmed the Dervish leader Muhammad Abdullah Hassan, who gathered Somali soldiers from across the Horn of Africa and began one of the longest colonial resistance wars ever. Somalia was never formally colonized.[19][20][21] The Dervish State successfully repulsed the British empire four times and forced it to retreat to the coastal region.[22] As a result of its fame in the Middle East and Europe, the Dervish state was recognized as an ally by the Ottoman Empire and the German empire,[23][24] and remained throughout World War I the only independent Muslim power on the continent. After a quarter of a century holding the British at bay, the Dervishes were finally defeated in 1920 when Britain for the first time in Africa used aeroplanes when it bombed the Dervish capital of Taleex. As a result of this bombardment, former Dervish territories were turned into a protectorate of Britain. Italy similarly faced the same opposition from Somali Sultans and armies and did not acquire full control of parts of modern Somalia until the Fascist era in late 1927. This occupation lasted till 1941 and was replaced by a British military administration. Northern Somalia would remain a protectorate while southern Somalia became a trusteeship. The Union of the two regions in 1960 formed the Somali Democratic Republic.
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1. Media Rights Groups Call for Probe Into Shooting of VOA Reporter in Puntland
November 19, 2009
International media rights groups are expressing shock and concern over reports a journalist working for VOA's Somali Service in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland may have been deliberately shot by the police. Tuesday's shooting of reporter Mohamed Yasin Ishaq in the Puntland-administered part of Galkayo in central Somalia has sparked alarm among international media groups already distressed by deteriorating working conditions for journalists in Somalia. The head of the Africa Desk for the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders, Ambroise Pierre, tells VOA reports a Puntland police of... (read more)
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2. Somali Pirates Attack US-Flagged Ship Once Again
November 18, 2009
A U.S.-flagged container ship which was hijacked by Somali pirates seven months ago has been attacked again off the coast of Somalia. Pirates were unsuccessful in their second attempt to hijack the Maersk Alabama. US-flagged Maersk Alabama arrives at Port of Mombasa, Kenya (File)U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, based in Bahrain, says four pirates riding in a fast skiff came within 270 meters of the American-flagged container ship early Wednesday morning. Maersk Alabama was about 965 kilometers off the northeast coast of Somalia and was steaming toward the Kenyan port city of Mombasa when it cam... (read more)
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3. EU to Train Somali Security Forces
November 17, 2009
The European Union plans to train hundreds of Somali security forces
and possibly expand its anti-piracy mission off Somalia's coast in an
effort to bring stability to the war-torn Horn of Africa nation. The agreement to train
Somali forces was reached during a meeting of European Union defense
ministers in Brussels. The details of the plan remain sketchy, but the
idea is to train the Somalis in Uganda in close collaboration with the
Ugandan government - a main supplier of African Union peacekeeping
troops in Somalia.EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana addresses the media at the European Cou... (read more)
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4. Afghanistan, Iraq Rated Among Most Corrupt Nations
November 17, 2009
An international watchdog group says Afghanistan and Iraq, two countries that receive billions of dollars in international aid, are among the world's most corrupt nations.In its annual corruption report, Transparency International named Somalia as the world's most corrupt country, scoring a low rating of 1.1 on a 10-point scale. It was followed closely by Afghanistan at 1.3, Burma at 1.4, and Sudan and Iraq, which were tied for fourth with scores of 1.5.The group rates New Zealand as the country least afflicted by corruption, giving it a score of 9.4, followed by Denmark at 9.3, and Singapore... (read more)
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5. Al-Shabab Accuses ONLF of Aiding Islamist Rival in Somalia
November 17, 2009
The spokesman for Somalia's militant al-Shabab group in Kismayo says members of the Ethiopia-based rebel group, Ogaden National Liberation Front, are fighting alongside one of the factions of al-Shabab's former Islamist ally, Hizbul Islam, in the south of the country. The accusation runs counter to Ethiopia's claim that the ONLF has ties to al-Shabab. Al-Shabaab fighters on patrol in Mogadishu (File)Al-Shabab's spokesman for the Jubba regions, Hassan Yacqub, spoke to local reporters late Monday, following a day of heavy fighting between the militant group and forces led by Islamist lea... (read more)
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6. Somali Pirates Free Spanish Boat With 36 Crew
November 17, 2009
Piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of SomaliaSomali pirates have freed a Spanish fishing boat with 36 crew members after holding them for more than six weeks.Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero announced the ship's release at a news conference Tuesday.He said the MV Alakrana is sailing toward safe waters and that all of its crew members are "safe and sound."Earlier Tuesday, pirates holding the ship told reporters they had received a multimillion dollar ransom for its release. Asked whether a ransom was paid, Mr. Zapatero said "the government did what it had to do."... (read more)
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7. Annual Report Finds Sub-Saharan Africa Especially Hard Hit by Corruption
November 17, 2009
The non-governmental organization Transparency International has issued its annual Corruption Perceptions Index. Somalia ranks as the most corrupt country at the bottom of the 180-nation list, with New Zealand as the nation perceived to be the least corrupt. Transparency International's annual report offers a snapshot of how corrupt a country's government is perceived by international institutions including the World Bank, the World Economic Forum and the Asian and African Development Banks. This year's list includes 180 nations. Patrick Berg is a program coordinator for Transparency Inte... (read more)
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8. Laser technology to combat Somali Pirates
November 18, 2009
US drones outfitted with infrared, laser and radar targeting begin patrol on Somali pirates. For the first time, sophisticated U.S. military surveillance drones capable of carrying missiles have begun patrolling waters off Somalia in hopes of stemming rising piracy.
Three ships have been seized in a week off Africa's lawless eastern coast and Vice Adm. Robert Moeller, the deputy commander for the U.S. Africa Command, said pirates continue to pose a significant challenge.
With the monsoon season now ended, there have been a rash of attacks as pirates return to the open seas. More than... (read more)
Author: Shane Ennerson
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9. Ogaden Rebels say 626 Ethiopian Troops Killed in Clashes
November 16, 2009
A rebel group in Ethiopia's restive Ogaden region says it has killed 626 government troops in heavy fighting near the border with neighboring Somalia. The government has dismissed the claim as 'a complete fabrication'.A communiqué sent to news agencies by e-mail says a multi-front offensive launched by the Ogaden National Liberation Front November 10th is still in progress. The communiqué, believed to be sent from ONLF offices in Europe, says 626 Ethiopian troops have died, and the statement says the battlefields are littered with bodies of soldiers.It describes ONLF casualties... (read more)
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10. Somalia Terrorist Group Suspected in Killing of Puntland Judge
November 13, 2009
Shabab militia patrol Bakara Market in Mogadishu (Oct 2009 file photo)Security forces in Somalia's northern semi-autonomous region of Puntland say three people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a judge late Wednesday in the commercial port town of Bosasso. The assassination may be linked to a Puntland cell of al-Shabab, a militant group linked with al-Qaida.According to witnesses, two masked gunmen ambushed the judge, Sheik Mohamed Abdi Aware, as he left a mosque. Aware died after being shot several times in the head and chest. In a separate incident in ... (read more)
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11. Aid Groups Alarmed Over Delay in Somali Famine Relief
November 10, 2009
A 15 Oct 2009 photo of a woman feeding her child at a new IDP camp at Guraale, in Somalia's Galgadud regionAid groups are raising increasing alarm over a delay in international food aid towards famine-stricken Somalia. Concerns over the misdirection of aid to an Islamic militant group has threatened contributions from the United States and other Western donors. The World Food Program says nearly half the Somali population is in need of emergency food relief. Ongoing lawlessness, plus a brutal drought has left much of central and southern Somalia with a severe food deficit, threatening mi... (read more)
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12. Somali Pirates Deny Arms Seizure
November 10, 2009
A man who says he is a Somali pirate on board a cargo vessel seized off the coast of Somalia has told VOA that the ship was not carrying weapons. Maritime experts had speculated the ship was illegally transporting arms to Somalia. The company that manages the vessel says it is negotiating with the pirates.Piracy in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of SomaliaVOA spoke by phone to a man who says his name is Issa Abdi Ahmed. He says he is a pirate on board the cargo ship al-Mizan, which was seized by pirates. An arms expert said Monday he believed the ship was carrying weapons to Somalia, in c... (read more)
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13. Eyewitness: Somali Pirates Tried to Seize Plane, Passengers
November 10, 2009
An eyewitness account of an attempted plane hijacking last week in Somalia's northern semi-autonomous Puntland region suggests would-be hijackers were members of a pirate gang, whose operations have been affected by the increased international naval patrols in the Gulf of Aden.Last Tuesday, about 30 passengers boarded a commercial plane in the northeastern town of Bosasso for a short flight to neighboring Djibouti.Among the passengers was Yusuf M. Hassan, a Somali-American journalist and the former managing editor of Garowe Online Web site. Hassan tells VOA he noticed two German journalists o... (read more)
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14. Somali Pirates Continue Long-Range Attacks
November 10, 2009
For the second day in a row, Somali pirates have attacked a ship in the
northern Indian Ocean, nearly halfway between Somalia and India.International
piracy monitors say a Danish-flagged container ship, the MV Nele
Maersk, came under attack Tuesday more than 1,800 kilometers east of
Mogadishu.The reports say pirates opened fire with assault rifles but the ship increased speed and escaped. No casualties were reported.On Monday, Somali pirates attempted to hijack a crude oil tanker, the BW Lion, in the same area.The
pirates have gradually extended their reach using so-called mother
ships, from ... (read more)
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15. Eritrea is Focus of Brussels Meeting
November 09, 2009
Sudan, Eritrea, and SomaliaInternational experts and politicians are in Brussels for a two-day meeting on ways to harmonize European and American policy on Eritrea and other parts of the Horn of Africa. The meeting is sponsored by Europe External Policy Advisors, a Brussels-based research group. It is being held amid mounting international concern about Eritrea's human-rights policy and allegations the Eritrean government supports Islamist insurgents in neighboring Somalia.In August, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned the Eritrean government would face sanctions if it c... (read more)
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16. Somali Pirates Launch Longest-Range Attack
November 09, 2009
Somali pirates have carried out their longest-range attack to date, firing on an oil tanker 1,850 kilometers off the coast of Somalia.NATO and European Union anti-piracy forces say pirates attacked the ship in the Indian Ocean Monday, some 740 kilometers northeast of the Seychelles islands.A pirate skiff boat holding seven pirates in the Gulf of Aden, off Somalia (File)The reports say pirates in at least two skiffs approached the tanker and attacked it with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. The vessel took evasive maneuvers and escaped.No casualties were reported. The EU says a spotter p... (read more)
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17. Al-Shabab Tightens Grip in Somalia
November 02, 2009
Al-Shabaab fighters on patrol in Mogadishu, 30 Oct 2009Somalia's al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militants are tightening their grip on areas of the country they already control, imposing new rules and punishing people they say are violating their radical brand of Islamic law. Some observers believe until a more powerful group emerges to bring law and order to the country, ordinary Somalis are not likely to challenge al-Shabab's violence-driven agenda.In recent months, al-Shabab militants have carried out violent acts they describe as "just punishments" for Somalis who violated Sharia - Islamic la... (read more)
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18. Frankincense Oil, Buy Frankincense Oil, Pure Frankincense essential oil
November 02, 2009
Frankincense Oil Frankincense essential oil is steam distillated from the gum resins of Boswellia trees. It is also known as Olibanum and is native to the Red Sea region, growing throughout North East Africa and produced in Somalia, Ethiopia, South Arabia, China and India. The name Frankincense is derived from the French 'franc', meaning 'pure' and the Latin 'incensium', meaning 'to smoke'. It has been used extensively as an incense in religious purposes for centuries and aids in meditation and prayers. Pure Frankincense essential oil is thin and light yellow i... (read more)
Author: Ankur Tandon
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19. Somali Pirates Move Kidnapped British Couple to Land
October 31, 2009
Somali pirates say they have moved a kidnapped British couple onto land, to await negotiations for their rescue after demanding $7 million in ransom.The pirates spoke by phone to news agencies Saturday. Paul and Rachel Chandler were headed to Tanzania on a trip that started in the Seychelles when they sent a distress signal October 23 off the coast of Somalia. Their yacht, the Lynn Rival, later was found empty in waters off East Africa.Chandler has since spoken several times to reporters and said he and his wife are doing well. In recent months, France and the United States have us... (read more)
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20. Somalia Prime Minister Says Government Will Crackdown on Piracy
October 30, 2009
Somalian Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke (file photo)A British couple kidnapped by pirates off the coast of the Seychelles are reportedly being held about 320 kilometers north of the Somali capital Mogadishu. Speaking in London, Somalia's prime minister said his government will do everything within its means to end piracy off its coast. But analysts say much has to change in Somalia before piracy can be halted. Speaking in London, the prime minister of Somalia's transitional government, Omar Sharmarke, said his government "will do everything it can" to return the British cou... (read more)
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21. Somali General Confirms Kenya Recruiting Soldiers
October 23, 2009
A Somali general says 1,500 young men have been recruited from Kenya on his government's behalf and are receiving military training in Kenya. The statement contradicts earlier denials by both governments that such recruitment is taking place. A leading human rights group says the Kenyan government is not only aware of the recruitment drive, but it is facilitating it. The commander of Somali military forces, General Yusuf Dhumal, told reporters in Mogadishu late Thursday that Somalia and Kenya are cooperating in efforts to recruit potential soldiers for the Somali government from Kenya's Nor... (read more)
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22. Rise in Somali Piracy Contributes to Increase Worldwide
October 22, 2009
The rise in piracy off the Somali coast has resulted in more global piracy cases in 2009 than in all of 2008, according to a maritime watchdog group. Despite the rise in attacks, the number of successful hijackings has fallen. The International Maritime Bureau of the International Chamber of Commerce, reports 306 piracy incidents have been reported in the first three quarters of 2009 compared to 293 reported in all of 2008. The group attributes the jumps in total attacks from last year to Somali pirates. Attacks in the Gulf of Aden have nearly doubled, and attacks east of the Somali coast ha... (read more)
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23. Another Ship Hijacked Off Somali Coast
October 22, 2009
Suspected Somali pirates have hijacked a Panama-flagged ship off Africa's east coast.International maritime officials say the MV Al Khaliq was seized Thursday about 330 kilometers west of the Seychelles islands. Officials say the ship is carrying 26 crew members -- 24 Indians and two Burmese.A pirate skiff boat holding 7 pirates in the Gulf of Aden, off Somalia (File)The European Union's anti-piracy mission says crew members radioed for help before losing contact. An EU aircraft that flew over the scene reported seeing six pirates on board and the Al Khaliq towing two pirate skiffs.The ... (read more)
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24. Somalia Peacekeepers Accused of Firing Into Civilian Areas
October 22, 2009
Somalis stand by man injured during heavy fighting between Islamic insurgents and Somali government forces backed by African Union soldiers in Mogadishu, 22 Oct 2009At least 20 people were killed and as many as 70 wounded in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, during what witnesses say was one of the worst fighting in recent months. African Union peacekeepers are being increasingly blamed for causing deaths and injuries among civilians. Even the most battle-hardened residents describe the early morning fighting between African Union peacekeepers and al-Shabab militants as one of the most frightenin... (read more)
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25. UN Official Says World Failing Somali IDPs
October 21, 2009
A top human-rights official for the United Nations says the international community is failing in its duty to internally displaced persons in Somalia. More than 1.5 million people in Somalia are believed to be IDPs. Walter Kalin, the UN Sec. General's representative on internally displaced persons (File)The Representative of the U.N. Secretary General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Walter Kalin, is concluding a week-long visit to the region focused on the plight of Somali IDPs. The U.N. official issued a plea to the rest of the world to redouble its efforts to assist tho... (read more)
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