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Articles by Abdulaziz Osman
Somalia, Ethiopia to restore diplomatic ties amid AU mission agreement
Somalia announced that obstacles to Ethiopia's participation in the new African Union mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) have been overcome, and the final stage of the composition and size of Ethiopian forces is expected to be sorted out shortly. Somalia previously threatened to expel Ethiopian troops from the African Union peacekeeping mission unless Ethiopia renounced its controversial memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia.
Somali Americans gear up for US elections
Somali Americans in Minnesota last month took part in a town hall involving Democratic and Republican party representatives encouraging them to participate in the 2024 election, arguing the stakes are high for them and their grandchildren.
Somali Army Captures Elbur District, a Major Al-Shabab Base Original
The Somali government said its army captured a major al-Shabab base in central Somalia, marking a significant victory in its military offensive against the al-Qaida linked group. On Friday, Somalia's army, alongside security forces from the country's central Galmudug region, entered the historic district of Elbur, about 400 kilometers (249 miles) north of the capital Mogadishu, shortly after al-Shabab militants hastily fled the district.
Sandstorms Swallowing Somali Coastal Town
Embed The code has been copied to your clipboard. width px height px No media source currently available 0:00 0:02:59 0:00 Residents of Hobyo, Somalia, say drifting sandstorms are burying their homes, schools and shops and threatening the existence of the coastal town. Abdulkadir Zubeyr and Abdulaziz Osman have this story, narrated by Salem Solomon. Share Sandstorms Swallowing Somali Coastal Town
Somalia Reopens National Blood Bank to Address Critical Shortage
Somalia reopened the National Blood Bank Saturday for the first time in more than 30 years, in a significant move to address the shortage of blood supplies and save lives. Somalia Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who inaugurated the fresh start for the center in Mogadishu, said it’s a crucial achievement for his nation, which has been grappling with frequent disasters and violent incidents that require adequate blood supplies.
Kandidat Wali Kota yang Mantan Pengungsi Asal Somalia Ingin Cetak Sejarah di AS
Nadia Mohamed, anggota Dewan Kota St. Louis Park, Minnesota ingin menjadi wali kota keturunan Somalia pertama dalam sejarah negara bagian itu. Mohamed, 26, datang ke St. Louis Park, di pinggiran barat kota Minneapolis, sebagai pengungsi ketika ia berusia 10 tahun. Pada tahun 2019, ia mencatat sejarah dengan menjadi anggota pertama di dewan kota itu yang Muslim dan keturunan Somalia. Ia juga anggota dewan paling muda yang pernah terpilih selama ini.
បេក្ខជនអភិបាលក្រុងជាអតីតជនភៀសខ្លួនសូម៉ាលីសង្ឃឹមថានឹងបង្កើតប្រវត្តិសាស្ត្រ
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Former Refugee, Somali Mayoral Candidate Hopes to Make History
A Somali woman announced her candidacy for mayor of St. Louis Park, a city in the U.S. state of Minnesota. If elected, she would become the first Muslim and Somali mayor in the state. Mohamud Mascadde has this story from Minneapolis, narrated by Salem Solomon
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Attacks Beachfront Hotel in Somalia's Capital
Somalia security forces are trying to neutralize al-Shabab militants who attacked a beachfront hotel in Mogadishu on Friday evening. Witnesses told VOA's Somali Service that the assault began with at least two explosions outside the Pearl Beach Hotel, followed by gunmen storming the hotel. Gunfire was heard with an unknown number of people trapped inside the building, witnesses said, while others escaped through the back doors and windows.
Al-Shabab Attacks Beachfront Hotel in Somalia’s Capital Original
Somalia security forces are trying to neutralize al-Shabab militants who attacked a beachfront hotel in Mogadishu on Friday evening. Witnesses told VOA’s Somali Service that the assault began with at least two explosions outside the Pearl Beach Hotel, followed by gunmen storming the hotel. Gunfire was heard with an unknown number of people trapped inside the building, witnesses said, while others escaped through the back doors and windows.
US Names Somali American National Small Business Person of Year
The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Abdirahman Kahin, a Somali American restaurant chain owner in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the National Small Business Person of the Year for 2023. Mohamud Mascadde in Minneapolis and Abdulaziz Osman Washington have more in this report, narrated by Salem Solomon. Videographers: Abdulaziz Osman and Mohamud Mascadde
Event Brings Diaspora Together to Support East Africa
For many people who have emigrated to the United States, helping their native countries is a big part of their lives. Recently a group of East Africans gathered to discuss ways to assist those back home. Abdulaziz Osman has the story, narrated by Salem Solomon. Videographer: Jafar Fidow
Removal of Omar from Key Committee Sparks Mixed Reaction Original
Somali Americans living in the United States have mixed reactions to the removal of congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, from the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The Republican-led House of Representatives removed Omar from the panel Thursday after her past anti-Israel comments. "We're not removing her from other committees," House Speaker Kevin McCarthy told reporters.
Somalia Welcomes Killing of IS Leader Original
Somalia’s government welcomed the death of Bilal al-Sudani, the Islamic State group leader killed by U.S. special operations forces in a remote part of northern Somalia on Wednesday night. “It’s a very positive and welcoming,” Hussein Sheikh Ali, national security adviser for Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told VOA Somali on Thursday.
Amid Clashes in Mogadishu, Analysts Warn Somalia Could Slip Back into Civil War
WASHINGTON / MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - Politicians and analysts warn that clashes in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, between the federal government and supporters of opposition presidential candidates could escalate the country’s political crisis into a full-blown conflict. Tension has been simmering in the city for months over delayed elections. The country’s political leaders remain deadlocked on how to proceed despite months of encouragement and pressure from U.N. officials and Western diplomats.
Huge Explosion Rocks Hotel in Somali Capital
Reports from Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, say a huge explosion has occurred near a popular hotel on the road to the airport. Witnesses say the massive blast occurred near Hotel Afrik, a popular hotel near a busy security checkpoint to Mogadishu airport. Initial reports say suspected al-Shabab gunmen stormed the hotel and a fierce exchange of gunfire between security forces and gunmen was taking place inside. Details are still coming in.
9 Killed in Seven-Hour Siege of Mogadishu Hotel
Somalia’s government announced the end of a seven-hour deadly siege in the capital Mogadishu Sunday night, which left nine people dead. Mohamed Nur Galal, a well-known retired general and former defense minister, was among those confirmed killed in the attack on the popular Hotel Afrik. The hotel, located along a strategic road linking downtown Mogadishu with the international airport, is frequented by politicians, lawmakers and senior civil servants.
Amid Pandemic, Minneapolis Permits Mosque to Broadcast Call to Prayer During Ramadan
WASHINGTON/MINNEAPOLIS - For the first time in history, the Muslim community in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis will hear the sound of “Adhan” — the call to prayer — over outdoor loudspeakers during the month of Ramadan, which is scheduled to begin Thursday night amid Minnesota’s stay-at-home order to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Somali Therapist Sees Mental Health as Key to Rebuilding the Country
WASHINGTON - After nearly three decades of war, many Somalis carry invisible scars from exposure to violence. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 Somalis is affected by some sort of mental illness, a figure that is higher than other low income, war-affected countries. Despite the need, the country only has five mental health centers and a handful of trained psychiatrists practicing. One Somali mental health practitioner is trying to change this.
After Taliban, Will Al-Shabab Negotiate?
The Taliban and the United States have reached an unlikely agreement which will allow some U.S. troops to leave Afghanistan, and pave the way for a dialogue with the Afghan government for what could be a historic process to solve the country’s long-running conflict. In Somalia, some observers wonder: Could this be a model for ending wars waged by jihadist groups like al-Shabab's battle for a strict Islamist state? Would al-Shabab even be willing to negotiate?
Somalia: Sufi Muslim Leaders Surrender to Government
The leaders of a Sufi Muslim group turned themselves into the custody of the Somali government Saturday after fighting left 22 people dead in central Somalia. Moallim Mohamud Sheikh, the spiritual leader, and Sheikh Mohamed Shakir, the chief of Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jamaa (ASWJ), are in the custody of the Somali national army in the town of Dhusamareb after the group’s militias were overpowered in a battle with government forces. Dhusamareb is the administrative capital of Galmudug state.
Somalia's Sufi Muslim Leaders Surrender to Government
The leaders of a Sufi Muslim group turned themselves into the custody of the Somali government Saturday after fighting left 22 people dead in central Somalia. Moallim Mohamud Sheikh, the spiritual leader, and Sheikh Mohamed Shakir, the chief of Ahlu-Sunna Wal-Jamaa (ASWJ), are in the custody of the Somali national army in the town of Dhusamareb after the group’s militias were overpowered in a battle with government forces. Dhusamareb is the administrative capital of Galmudug state.
Somalia: Car Bomb Targets Turkish Engineers Outside Mogadishu
At least three people were killed and more than 20 others, including Turkish nationals, were wounded when a car bomb targeting foreign nationals exploded Saturday in the town of Afgoye, 30 kilometers outside of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack. Two Somali officials confirmed the causalities to local media.
Car Bomb Targets Turkish Engineers Outside Mogadishu
- At least three people were killed and more than 20 others, including Turkish nationals, were wounded when a car bomb targeting foreign nationals exploded Saturday in the town of Afgoye, 30 kilometers outside of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack. Two Somali officials confirmed the causalities to local media.
Sebagai Bentuk Solidaritas, Guru Non-Muslim AS Ikut Berpuasa
WASHINGTON DC (VOA) — Seorang guru SMA non-Muslim di negara bagian Minnesota ikut berpuasa pada bulan Ramadan sebagai bentuk solidaritas kepada para pelajar Muslimnya. Di SMA Internasional Wellstone di Minneapolis, dimana 40 persen siswanya adalah warga Amerika keturunan Somalia, seorang guru non-Muslim ikut berpuasa pada bulan Ramadan untuk menunjukkan sikap solidaritasnya kepada siswa-siswinya.
Non-Muslim Teacher Fasts During Ramadan to Support Muslim Student
The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. A non-Muslim high school teacher in the state of Minnesota is fasting during the high holy month of Ramadan to show support for his Muslim students. Abdulaziz Osman has the story.
US Says Airstrike in Somalia Killed 8 Militants
The U.S. military said it conducted an airstrike Saturday in Somalia, killing at least eight al-Shabab militants. No civilians were involved in the airstrike near Gandarhse, a coastal area south of Mogadishu, according to the U.S. Africa Command. The military said the strike was conducted in close coordination with the Somalia government to degrade al-Shabab's freedom of movement. So far this year, the U.S. military has conducted at least 40 airstrikes against al-Shabab in various parts of Somalia.
Mosques Encourage Vote as Part of Last Pitch to Midterm Voters
Mosques in the Midwest U.S. state of Minnesota are urging worshipers and people of color to vote in Tuesday's midterm election. In the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis, Sheikh Abdirahman Sharif, the imam of Dar Al-Hijra Islamic center, focused his Friday sermon on voting.
Mosques Encourage Vote as Part of Last Pitch to Midterm Voters
Mosques in the Midwest U.S. state of Minnesota are urging worshipers and people of color to vote in Tuesday's midterm elections. The move is part of a last pitch to voters as local candidates try to swing voter support to help reshape the country.
Sonalia, Eritrea Restore Diplomatic Ties
Somalia and Eritrean leaders agreed Saturday to resume their diplomatic ties and open embassies in their capitals. The decision was made during a summit in Asmara, Eritrea, where Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo began a historic three-day visit Saturday. The two nations have not had diplomatic ties for nearly 15 years.
Somalia Leader Makes Historic Trip to Eritrea
Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo began an historic three-day visit to Eritrea on Saturday, where he holds talks with his counterpart in Asmara. Eritrea's information minister announced on Friday that Somalia's leader was invited by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. "Somalia is ready to write a new chapter of its relations with Eritrea," Somalia's presidential spokesman Abdinur Mohamed said Saturday on Twitter.
Homeland Security to Decide Legal Protections for 500 Somalis in US
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is due to decide Thursday whether it will extend temporary legal protections to about 500 Somalis who sought refuge in the United States. The majority of those who would be affected live in Minnesota, which is home to the nation's largest community of Somali Americans.
Somalia: Pair of Deadly Car Bombs Rip Mogadishu
By Abdulaziz OsmanAt least six people have been killed — including five of the attackers — in two assaults Saturday near the presidential palace in Mogadishu, witnesses said. According to those on the scene, a speeding car exploded at a security check point near Peace Garden, a public park, followed by heavy gunfire between gunmen and security forces. Reports say the security forces engaged with the gunmen and repulsed the attack on their check point.
Pair of Deadly Car Bombs Rip Mogadishu
At least six people have been killed — including five of the attackers — in two assaults Saturday near the presidential palace in Mogadishu, witnesses said. According to those on the scene, a speeding car exploded at a security check point near Peace Garden, a public park, followed by heavy gunfire between gunmen and security forces. Reports say the security forces engaged with the gunmen and repulsed the attack on their check point.
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Launches Deadly Assaults in Somali Capital
By Abdulaziz OsmanMore than 15 people have been killed and more than two dozen others were wounded in two assaults Saturday on the compound of Somalia's interior and security ministries in capital city Mogadishu, according to witnesses. The first attack began when gunmen set off huge explosions outside the main gate of the interior ministry building before three militants stormed it. Smoke was seen rising above the scene.
Al-Shabab Raid on Somalia Military Base Kills Several Soldiers
At least four Somali soldiers were killed and more than 10 others were wounded when al-Shabab militants stormed a military base in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland in northeastern Somalia, witnesses said Saturday. The militants began the raid at midnight on the Bali-Khadar base near the Galgala mountains of the Bari region. Sources said the Puntland soldiers stationed there were forced to retreat, but later recaptured the base from the militants.
32 Children Rescued from al-Shabab
A U.S.-backed operation by Somali special forces has freed 32 children who were kidnapped by militant group al-Shabab. Somali Information Minister Abdirahman Omar Osman said Friday that Somali forces rescued the kids from a school in the Middle Shabelle region. "The militants were indoctrinating the children, but now they are safe and are in the hands of the government," he said in a phone interview with VOA's Somali Service.
AU: Over 100 Shabab Militants Killed in Base Attack
The African Union force in Somalia says soldiers killed more than 100 al-Shabab militants who attacked a military base Thursday. Officials and residents say the militants set off a car bomb and then tried to storm the Ethiopian base in the village of Halgan, about 260 kilometers north of Mogadishu. Colonel Joseph Kibet, a spokesman for the AU force AMISOM, told VOA's Somali service that Ethiopian and Somali government troops drove back the pre-dawn assault.
US Retailer Aims to Give Tech Experience to Immigrant Teens
A major U.S. electronic retailer says it wants to help immigrant and underprivileged teens gain the technology skills they'll need for the job market. Best Buy, in partnership with a local nongovernmental organization known as the Brian Coyle Center, has opened a tech center in Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside area. The center provides after-school computer classes for teens in the area, many of whom come from East African immigrant families.
Somalia: Report: ONLF Rebel Leader Illegally Extradited to Ethiopia
By Abdulaziz OsmanThe controversial extradition of a prominent ONLF rebel leader to Ethiopia was illegal, a report by a Somali parliamentary commission said Saturday. Abdikarim Sheikh Muse, a top member of Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), which is based in Ethiopia, was handed over to Ethiopian authorities on August 28, after he was detained by Somali security forces in the central Somali town of Galkayo on August 23.
Report: ONLF Rebel Leader Illegally Extradited to Ethiopia
The controversial extradition of a prominent ONLF rebel leader to Ethiopia was illegal, a report by a Somali parliamentary commission said Saturday. Abdikarim Sheikh Muse, a top member of Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), which is based in Ethiopia, was handed over to Ethiopian authorities on August 28, after he was detained by Somali security forces in the central Somali town of Galkayo on August 23.
Somalia: At Least 20 Killed in Mogadishu Blasts
By Abdulaziz OsmanAt least 20 people, including a Somali politician, were killed Saturday in a pair of car bomb explosions in Somalia's capital, two weeks after a huge bomb killed more than 350 people in the city. Madobe Nunow, interior minister of Southwest state in Somalia, was among the dead, officials said. More than 40 people were injured in the two explosions in Mogadishu.
Pair of Car Bombs Rip Mogadishu
Two car bombs exploded Saturday in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, killing unknown numbers of people. Witnesses said gunmen stormed Nasa-Hablod hotel after detonating a car filled with explosives at the entrance. Initial reports say at least 10 people were killed in the first explosion and 6 others were injured. Witnesses said gunmen are fighting inside. Security forces cordoned off the area. A local reporter told VOA he saw nine dead people.
Somalian Army Confirms Civilian Casualties in Friday Raid
The Somalian army says its forces, supported by U.S. troops, mistakenly shot dead 10 Somalis, including three children, during an operation near the town of Bariire early Friday morning. General Ahmed Jimale Irfid, the Somalia army chief who spoke to VOA exclusively from Mogadishu confirmed that 10 civilians including children and elderly people were killed during a joint raid at a farm in Bariire town, about 55 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu. “It was not a deliberate action.
Somalia: U.S. Says Airstrikes Kill 7 Al-Shabaab Fighters
By Abdulaziz OsmanThe U.S. military says seven al-Shabab militants have been killed in a series of airstrikes in southern Somalia. The military's Africa Command says U.S. forces conducted three precision airstrikes Wednesday and Thursday in Jilib, a town about 200 kilometers south of Mogadishu. It says the strikes were conducted in coordination with Somali forces and killed seven al-Shabab fighters.
Suspected US Airstrike Targets Al-Shabab in Somalia
The government of Somalia said its forces, in coordination with a suspected U.S. airstrike, killed a number of al-Shabab militants. The government said President Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo authorized a coordinated strike with international partners against militants in the Jilib area, in southern Somalia. "Our security forces killed seven militants, including a senior al-Shabab leader responsible for multiple bombings in Mogadishu," said a statement from the Information Ministry released Thursday.
Somalia: Official - Security Forces Minimize Car Bomb Attack in Mogadishu
By Abdulaziz OsmanAt least three people were wounded Thursday after a car packed with explosives blew up in Mogadishu. Somali authorities said the car exploded at Maka al-Mukaramah, Mogadishu's busiest street, minutes after it was stopped by intel forces.
Official: Security Forces Minimize Car Bomb Attack in Mogadishu
At least three people were wounded Thursday after a car packed with explosives blew up in Mogadishu. Somali authorities said the car exploded at Maka al-Mukaramah, Mogadishu's busiest street, minutes after it was stopped by intel forces. A Somali official who asked not to be named told VOA, "The alleged attack was thwarted when security forces who were closely following the car in the city prevented it from proceeding." The official said the target of the suspected attack was not yet clear.
Somalia: Al-Shabaab Militants Kill Provincial Governor in Mogadishu
By Harun Maruf And Abdulaziz OsmanAl-Shabab militants have shot dead a provincial governor and his brother in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Mohamed Ali Elmi, the governor of Galgadud region in central Somalia, and his brother were gunned down in Mogadishu’s Yaaqshid neighborhood Friday night, witnesses said. The governor was visiting relatives when gunmen who trailed him opened fire. Witnesses said the gunmen fled before security forces arrived.
Al-Shabab Militants Kill Provincial Governor in Mogadishu
Al-Shabab militants have shot dead a provincial governor and his brother in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. Mohamed Ali Elmi, the governor of Galgadud region in central Somalia, and his brother were gunned down in Mogadishu’s Yaaqshid neighborhood Friday night, witnesses said. The governor was visiting relatives when gunmen who trailed him opened fire. Witnesses said the gunmen fled before security forces arrived.
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