News
221Breaking news, politics, security, diplomacy, and major developments from Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and beyond
Somalia Draws a Red Line: No Israeli military base in Somaliland
Somalia has rejected any Israeli move to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, with deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala vowing that Mogadishu will defend the country’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
Somaliland Offers 2,000 Troops for Gaza Force if US or Israel Makes Request
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi says his administration is ready to provide up to 2,000 troops for a planned international stabilization force in Gaza if formally requested by the United States or Israel.
Somali Parliament Speaker Condemns Burning of Turkish Flag Amid Rising Tensions
Somalia’s parliamentary speaker Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jamaa has condemned the burning of the Turkish flag during protests in Jubaland, warning that the incident could damage relations between Mogadishu and Ankara.
Soldier’s Killing Sparks Outrage Over Clan Revenge in Somalia
The killing of Somali National Army soldier Ahmed Shire Hussein in Middle Shabelle has triggered widespread outrage, with politicians, elders and public figures condemning the alleged clan revenge attack and calling for justice.
Sagal Abdi-Wali Poised to Make History as Labour Picks Her for Ex-PM Starmer’s Former Seat
Somali-born politician Sagal Abdi-Wali has been selected as Labour’s candidate for Keir Starmer’s former seat, putting her on course to become the first Somali MP in the UK Parliament if she wins the October 8 by-election.
Somaliland Arrests Prominent Journalist Over Critical Report, Drawing Condemnation
Somaliland police have arrested prominent journalist Hassan Gallaydh during a university graduation ceremony, triggering criticism from opposition figures and renewed concerns over worsening press freedom and the treatment of journalists.
Explosion Hits Key Somali Town Amid Lull in Government War on Al-Shabaab
A landmine explosion at a construction site in Beledweyne, central Somalia, has killed one person and injured two others, raising fresh security concerns in the Hiiraan region.
Somali Interior Minister Survives Impeachment Motion After Speaker Cancels Proposal
Somalia’s parliament has cancelled a motion seeking the removal of Interior Minister Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh after several lawmakers reportedly denied signing or supporting the proposal.
Somali Army Acquires Advanced Turkish-Made ALKAR 120mm Mortar System
Somalia's national army has reportedly acquired the advanced Turkish-made ALKAR 120mm mortar system, marking a new step in growing defence cooperation between Mogadishu and Ankara.
Egypt Presses Somalia to Free Eight Sailors Held by Pirates on Hijacked Ship
Egypt has urged Somalia to intensify efforts to secure the release of eight Egyptian sailors held for months aboard the hijacked MT Eureka off the Somali coast.
Airstrike targets key Al-Shabaab meeting site in southern Somalia
An airstrike has targeted a suspected Al-Shabaab meeting site outside Baidoa, with local sources reporting casualties and the destruction of weapons and military vehicles.
Somalia Warns of Resurgent Piracy as Attacks Rise Off Puntland Coast
Somalia has condemned a resurgence of piracy off Puntland, warning that attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden have increased since August and pose a growing threat to ships and their crews.
Two Somali Men Helped Build Al-Shabaab-Houthi Weapons and Training Ties
Two Somali men reportedly played key roles in deepening ties between Al-Shabaab and Yemen’s Houthis, facilitating weapons requests, military training and direct contacts between the two groups.
Al-Shabaab Launches Series of Attacks on Kenyan Security Positions in Northeast
Al-Shabaab militants reportedly attacked multiple Kenyan security and military positions across Wajir, Garissa and Mandera overnight, highlighting renewed security concerns along Kenya’s border with Somalia.
Somalia weighs financial and travel sanctions against ousted South West leader Laftagareen
Somalia’s federal government is considering financial and travel restrictions against ousted South West leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and his political allies, amid escalating tensions and recent armed clashes in Baidoa.
Turkish Warship Docks in Mogadishu Days After MV Lutuf Freed From Pirates
A Turkish naval warship has arrived in Mogadishu days after the pirate-held MV Lutuf was freed, highlighting Türkiye's expanding role in Somalia's maritime security and offshore energy operations.
Somalia’s President Heads to New York for UNGA 2026 Amid Election Crisis at Home
Somalia’s membership of the Security Council, which runs until the end of 2026, has provided the government with an opportunity to directly participate in deliberations on major international security issues.
Somali government, opposition near political deal on democratic transition task force
Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups are nearing a political agreement to establish a Democratic Transition Task Force, as talks continue over elections and the country’s political future.
Somalia Says Ankara Declaration Has Replaced Ethiopia-Somaliland Deal
Somalia says the Ankara Declaration now governs its relationship with Ethiopia, shifting attention away from the disputed 2024 Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement and toward negotiations over Addis Ababa's access to the sea.
Former Somali Spy Chief Warns Doolow Drone Attack Could Have Regional Fallout
Former Somali intelligence chief Fahad Yasin warns that the alleged Doolow drone strike could have far-reaching political and security consequences for Somalia and neighbouring countries.