Somalia Anticipates Move Towards Stability

By Michelle Vu

Conflict-torn Somalia announced on Tuesday that the opposing Islamic militant group has been scattered and it does not expect further major fights.

Somalia’s government with the help of Ethiopian troops has dispersed the Islamic fighters that up until two weeks ago controlled most of southern Somalia, reported The Associated Press.

The hardline Islamic group is believed to have ties with al-Qaida and has been accused of sheltering al-Qaida and foreign Islamic fighters.

For the past 15 years, Somalia has not had an effective government, but instead suffered from warlords and from the Islamic militant group.

In a symbolic victory last week, Somalia’s prime minister entered the capital Mogadishu which was formerly a stronghold for the Islamic group.

“The situation in Somalia is unpredictable,” said Norwegian Church Aid’s Kari Oyen, in a report on Saturday. “Although the interim government with the support of the Ethiopian government troops advances and controls important Somali cities, it is highly uncertain how and when the Islamic Courts Union troops will resist.”

NCA, an Action by Churches Together member, is the only international aid agency present in the Gedo region, the second largest region in the country in Somalia. NCA has responded to the conflict by providing humanitarian aid to the thousands of people displaced by the clashes including plastic sheeting, blankets, cooking utensils and household items. The aid agency has also purchased water containers to supply up to 1,000 families which are expected to arrive in Nairobi this week.

Despite the fighting, no mass migration from Somalia has been reported.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo