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Abdulaziz Billow

Produced by Abdulaziz Billow

August 27, 2015
Somalia to Ban Female Genital Mutilation

Hope at last for girls in Somalia as the government signals its intentions to ban female genital mutilation, a brutal practice girls in Somalia have been forced to undergo for years. If the new law is enacted, those found practicing the act would face criminal charges. Abdulaziz Billow reports
August 27, 2015
Somalia to Ban Female Genital Mutilation

If the new law is enacted, those found practicing the act would face criminal charges
August 19, 2015
Somali Refugees Sail Home From Yemen

Originally fleeing their country for Yemen to escape war, poverty - about 30,000 have returned to Somalia after facing similar turmoil in their adoptive nation
August 19, 2015
Somali Refugees Sail Home From Yemen

Somali refugees who fled their country for Yemen to escape war and poverty are facing similar turmoil in their adoptive country and now want to return to their homeland. About 30,000 have been able to return to Somalia, some with the help of the Somali business community. Abdulaziz Billow was in Yemen and reports for VOA.
August 17, 2015
Somalia Declared Free of Polio

The World Health Organization has announced that Somalia is free of the polio virus, after no cases of the illness were reported in the past year. Now, the Somali Ministry of Health and its partners say they hope to announce full eradication of the virus in the next three years. Abdulaziz Billow reports for VOA from Mogadishu.
July 03, 2015
Somalia Hires First Six Female Prosecutors

Senior law officials want the women to pay special attention to crimes against women and children, which usually go unpunished in Somalia
July 03, 2015
Somalia Hires First Six Female Prosecutors

In a nation long marred by conflict, corruption and impunity, Somalia's government is hoping to rebuild the country's justice system and, for the first time, has brought on board six female prosecutors. VOA's Abdulaziz Billow reports.
June 30, 2015
Blind Somali Journalist Defies Odds in Mogadishu

Reporting from Somali capital for past decade, Abdifatah Hassan Kalgacal has been working at one of Mogadishu's leading radio stations covering parliament
June 30, 2015
Blind Somali Journalist Defies Odds in Mogadishu

Despite improving security in the last few years, Somalia remains one of the most dangerous countries to be a journalist – even more so for someone who cannot see. Abdulaziz Billow has the story of journalist Abdifatah Hassan Kalgacal, who has been reporting from the Somali capital for the last decade despite being blind.
June 21, 2015
Extremists Attack Mogadishu Compound

Attackers detonate explosive-laden vehicle outside intelligence training base in Shibis district; police say two gunmen apparently lost their way, were attacking civilian house close to their target
May 23, 2015
FIFA Trains Somali Referees

With the professional training, some referees can officiate major league matches in their home countries
May 23, 2015
FIFA Trains Somali Referees

As stability returns to the once lawless nation of Somalia, the world football governing body, FIFA, is helping to rebuild the country’s sport sector by training referees as well as its young footballers. Abdulaziz Billow has more from Mogadishu.
May 20, 2015
Somalia Listed as Worst Country for Maternal Health

Ranking based on statistics for condition of mothers, child mortality, education and women’s income in Somalia
May 20, 2015
Somalia Listed as Worst Country for Maternal Health

Somalia’s health institutions collapse but the government and international partners The British aid group Save the Children ranks Somalia as the worst country on Earth for being a mother. The ranking is based on statistics for maternal health, child mortality, education and women’s income in Somalia. Nearly 25 years of instability has seen Somalia’s health institutions collapse but the government and international partners hope to soon change this narrative. Abdulaziz Billow reports for VOA.
April 29, 2015
Somali Hotel Chain Owner Strives to Make a Difference

Owner of chain of hotels and restaurants is helping to bring change to once-deadly Mogadishu
April 29, 2015
Somali Hotel Chain Owner Strives to Make a Difference

Many in the Somali diaspora are returning home to make a new life despite the continuing risks. Since 2011 when a military campaign against Al-Shabab militants began making progress, members of the diaspora community have come back to open hospitals, schools, hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Abdulaziz Billow in Mogadishu profiles the owner of a chain of hotels and restaurants who is helping to bring change to the once-deadly Somali capital.
April 21, 2015
At Least 7 Dead in Mogadishu Restaurant Bombing

Targeted restaurant, located near Hotel Central, is popular with employees at Somalia's presidential palace
April 20, 2015
7 Killed as al-Shabab Targets UNICEF Bus in Somalia

UN envoy to Somalia says attack is clear sign of complete disregard for lives of people working for Somalia's humanitarian and development needs
April 08, 2015
Night Basketball Returns to a Safer Mogadishu

For the first time in decades, young basketball players in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, are enjoying better security and are playing tournaments at night - attracting more fans. For years, warlords and terrorists groups denied young Somalis the ability to even play sports. Abdulaziz Billow reports from Mogadishu.
April 08, 2015
Night Basketball Returns to a Safer Mogadishu

For first time in decades, young basketball players in Somali capital enjoying better security and playing tournaments after dark, attracting more fans

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