Maanta Media

The United Nations' Special Envoy for Somalia, Catriona Laing, delivered a grim message to the Security Council regarding the alarming rise in civilian casualties in the troubled Horn of Africa country during the past year. The situation is primarily attributed to the ongoing insurgency led by jihadist group Al-Shabab and the conflicts in the breakaway province of Somaliland. In this article, we delve into the details of this concerning issue and the efforts being made to address it. The Ongoing Crisis: Somalia has been grappling with a protracted and brutal insurgency by the extremist group Al-Shabab since the start of the 21st century. Despite being driven out of major cities in 2011 and 2012, Al-Shabab continues to operate in vast rural areas, particularly in central and southern regions. The group consistently carries out attacks targeting government officials, civilians, and security forces, contributing to the rising civilian casualties. President's Pledge: Somali Preside...

In a significant development, the Ugandan military has initiated a court martial trial for two of its high-ranking army officers accused of "cowardice" in the aftermath of a deadly attack on peacekeepers by the militant organization Al Shabaab in Somalia. The trial is currently taking place in Mogadishu, Somalia, temporarily serving as the location for this court martial. The accused officers, Major Steven Oluka and Major Zadock Obor, who were commanding officers of military bases in southwest Somalia, are facing two counts of cowardice following an Al Shabaab attack that led to the tragic deaths of 54 peacekeepers. The General Court Martial (GCM), presided over by Brigadier General Robert Mugabe, is conducting this trial. According to the official statement issued by the Ugandan military in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, the two senior commanders are alleged to have failed to inspire the military officers and soldiers under their command to fight bravely when confronted b...

In a significant development at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with a group of religious experts on Friday to discuss the ongoing conflict against the extremist group al-Shabaab. The President expressed gratitude to the scholars for their support in the government's efforts against what he referred to as the adversaries of Islam and Somalia. President Mohamud emphasized the scholars' crucial role as inheritors of Somalia's esteemed religious legacy. He urged them to utilize their expertise and influence to combat the radical ideology of al-Shabaab, which he described as rooted in ignorance and violence. Responding to the president's call, the religious experts declared their solidarity with the government's mission to fight al-Shabaab and restore stability to the country. Condemning the crimes committed by the extremist group, the scholars asserted that such activities are contrary to the teachings of I...

The UAE has again manifested unparalleled devotion and commitment to the international humanitarian agenda, notably in support of women affected by conflict situations. In one such latest display of goodwill, the UAE announced new humanitarian initiatives in Chad, along with a handsome contribution of $10.25 million to the United Nations, with a focus on extending requisite succor to Sudanese women refugees severely hit by the crisis engulfing Sudan at the moment. UAE: A Holistic Approach in Humanitarian Aid Contributions by the UAE are more than just financial; they work to focus on a holistic approach that underlines healthcare, psychosocial support, and sustainable empowerment of the affected communities. This contribution indeed shows that the UAE does not only look at relief but at long-term community resilience. It certainly is a reflective approach toward humanitarian aid, whereby resources are used effectively to target immediate and future needs of women and children in any cr...