News
242Breaking news, politics, security, diplomacy, and major developments from Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and beyond
AUSSOM Commander Warns Al-Shabaab Still Poses Major Threat to Somalia
AUSSOM commander Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma says Al-Shabaab has failed to seize territory from Somali and AU forces since March 2025, while warning that the group remains a major threat.
Somalia joins IGAD ministers for regional talks in Djibouti
Somalia joined IGAD foreign ministers in Djibouti for the 74th extraordinary session, focusing on regional security, cooperation and institutional reforms amid growing challenges in the Horn of Africa.
Somalia’s intelligence agency says it dismantled Al-Shabaab networks in Mogadishu
Somali authorities have stepped up security operations in Mogadishu in recent years, targeting suspected militant cells and seeking to prevent attacks before they are carried out.
William Ruto Reportedly Rejects Meeting Request from Puntland President Said Deni
Kenyan President William Ruto has reportedly declined a meeting request from Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni, as Nairobi signals that it does not want to become directly involved in Somalia’s growing political disputes.
Somalia Is Source of Horn of Africa Instability, Says Somaliland President Irro
Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro has accused Somalia’s federal government of lacking authority beyond Mogadishu and described Somaliland as a stable regional security partner during a speech in Washington.
Towfiiq Party Rejects Exclusion from Galmudug Re-Run Election, Calls for Intervention
Political organisation Towfiiq, led by Sheikh Shaakir, has rejected its exclusion from the Galmudug re-run election and accused the electoral commission of bias, urging President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to intervene.
Trump Nominates Devin Kennington as New US Ambassador to Somalia
US President Donald Trump has nominated career diplomat Devin Kennington as the next US ambassador to Somalia, with his appointment now awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
HirShabelle Election Crisis Deepens as Guudlaawe Secures JSP Nomination
Political tensions in HirShabelle have intensified after President Ali Guudlaawe received the JSP presidential nomination card, as opposition figures from Hiiraan challenge the electoral process and accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of abandoning a political agreement.
Eritrea Warns of UAE’s Expanding Port and Military Presence in Africa
Eritrea has accused the UAE of expanding its strategic influence across Africa through ports and military facilities, warning that Abu Dhabi’s growing maritime presence goes beyond economic interests.
Hirshabelle Vice President Accuses Hassan Sheikh of Breaking Political Promise
Hirshabelle Vice President Yusuf Ahmed Hagar “Dabageed” has rejected the current election process, warning that polls cannot proceed without a political agreement over power-sharing disputes between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.
Outgoing Turkish ambassador says Somalia-Turkey ties entering strategic new phase
Turkey’s outgoing ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktaş, says bilateral relations have entered a new strategic phase, expanding beyond traditional aid into security, investment, energy, infrastructure and trade.
Al-Shabaab Emerges as Al-Qaeda’s Deadliest Affiliate Amid Rising Violence in Somalia
Al-Shabaab remains Somalia’s most powerful non-state armed group and the world’s deadliest Al-Qaeda affiliate, with more than 2,300 political violence events recorded in Somalia since January 2026, ACLED says.
Towfiiq Party Led by Sheikh Shaakir Excluded from Galmudug Repeat Election
The National Independent Electoral Commission has announced 12 political organizations eligible to participate in Galmudug’s repeat election, with the Towfiiq Party led by Sheikh Mohamed Shaakir Ali Hassan notably absent from the list.
Somalia Warns Terrorists Are Using AI, Drones and Encrypted Apps to Plan Attacks
Abukar Baalle has warned that terrorist groups are rapidly exploiting artificial intelligence, drones, social media and encrypted communications to recruit fighters and plan attacks.
Somali Forces Seize Key Positions in Middle Shabelle Offensive Against Al-Shabaab
Somali government forces have captured Geel-gub and several strategic positions in Middle Shabelle as the military intensifies operations to push Al-Shabaab out of key areas.
China Sides With Egypt in Nile Dam Dispute With Ethiopia
China has backed Egypt’s right to protect its water security amid the unresolved dispute with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, strengthening Cairo’s diplomatic position as tensions over the Nile and Red Sea continue to grow.
Eritrea Accuses UAE of ‘Port Colonialism’ as Abu Dhabi Expands Influence Across Africa
Eritrea has accused the UAE of pursuing “port colonialism” across Africa, questioning Abu Dhabi’s expanding investments and strategic presence at key ports along the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and East Africa.
Somalia Stands by Turkey as Anti-Ankara Protests Spread
Somali cabinet ministers have strongly defended the country’s strategic relationship with Turkey following anti-Turkey protests in Jubaland and South West state, including the burning of the Turkish flag.
Somali pirates release hijacked MV Sward after months in captivity
Somali pirates have released the MV Sward near Garacad after holding the vessel and its 17 crew members for months, amid renewed concerns over rising piracy off Somalia’s coast.
U.S. Warns Al-Shabaab Threat Could Extend Beyond Somalia
The United States is closely monitoring growing links between jihadist groups across Africa, warning that the movement of fighters, money, weapons and technology could allow militants in Somalia to expand their threat beyond the country's borders.