News
89Breaking news, politics, security, diplomacy, and major developments from Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and beyond
Turkish parliament approves two-year military mission extension in Somalia
Turkey’s parliament has approved a two-year extension of its military mission in Somalia, allowing Turkish forces to continue supporting counterterrorism, anti-piracy and security operations until 2028 as Ankara reinforces its long-standing defense partnership with Mogadishu.
Mumbai Court Sentences 44 Somali Pirates to Life Imprisonment, Praises Indian Navy Rescue Operations
A special court in Mumbai has sentenced 44 Somali nationals to life imprisonment for piracy, hostage-taking and related offences. The court praised the Indian Navy for its swift anti-piracy operations that rescued hostages and protected international shipping routes.
Federal troops, Puntland forces clash near Bosaso amid political standoff
Federal government-aligned troops and Puntland forces clashed in Bari region after a convoy was stopped near Bosaso, amid rising tensions between Puntland and Somalia’s federal government.
Somalia Election Talks Resume as Government and Opposition Seek Deal on One Person, One Vote System
Somalia’s federal government and opposition groups resumed election talks in Mogadishu, agreeing on key principles but remaining divided over the electoral model, constitutional framework and management of the next national vote.
Israel to Build First Desalination Plant in Somaliland’s Port City of Berbera
Somaliland says Israel will support the construction of Berbera’s first seawater desalination plant, a major water project aimed at tackling shortages and strengthening cooperation between the two sides.
Egypt, Eritrea and Somalia Discuss Horn Security as Ethiopia Stays Out
Egypt, Eritrea and Somalia have held high-level talks on Horn of Africa security, Red Sea stability and regional cooperation as diplomatic alignments shift and Ethiopia remains outside the discussions.
Erdogan asks parliament to renew Turkish troop mandate in Somalia
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted a motion to parliament seeking a two-year extension of Turkish military deployment in Somalia, citing counterterrorism, piracy and maritime security cooperation.
Regional Parliament Strips Fahiima Quuje of Immunity After High-Profile Defection to Somaliland
Somalia’s Northeastern regional parliament has voted to strip former SSC-Khaatumo supporter Fahiima Yusuf Quuje of her parliamentary immunity after she resigned, renounced the Greater Somalia cause, and announced her return to Somaliland, deepening political tensions over Las Anod.
Somali deputy speaker accuses deputy police chief of fueling unrest in Lower Shabelle region
Somalia’s second deputy speaker of parliament accused senior security officials of involvement in unrest in Lower Shabelle, but a senior police commander denied the allegations and accused the lawmaker of making false claims.
Somali-British Healthcare Worker Jailed After Smuggling Sister Into Ireland
A Birmingham-based Somali healthcare worker has been jailed for 18 months after helping her sister enter Ireland using another person’s Swedish passport. Her defence said the woman was fleeing Somalia to escape a forced marriage.
Somali Elders Demand Review of DP World Port Deal as Somalia’s Third-Largest Port Shuts Down
Traditional elders in Puntland’s Bari region have called for an independent review of the DP World agreement governing Bosaso Port, while President Said Abdullahi Deni defends recent port fee increases as essential for financing expansion and modernization.
Somali COVID Fraud Suspect Abdikerm Eidleh Transferred to U.S., Faces Minnesota Court
A Somali man accused of playing a leading role in the $250 million Feeding Our Future COVID-19 fraud scheme has been transferred from Somalia to the United States. Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh is expected to make his first appearance before a federal court in Minnesota on Friday.
Somaliland Launches Cybersecurity Overhaul After Houthi-Linked Foreign Ministry Hack
Somaliland has announced new measures to strengthen government cybersecurity after hackers targeted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website, exposing growing concerns over digital threats linked to regional geopolitical tensions and the territory’s expanding international partnerships.
Djibouti Mourns Veteran Defence Minister Who Died in Paris Hospital
Djibouti has declared national mourning following the death of Defence Minister Hassan Omar Mohamed Bourhan in a Paris hospital. The veteran statesman served in senior government positions for nearly four decades and played a central role in the country’s defence, security and regional diplomacy.
Former Somali security adviser says Somalia must build independent security capacity as AU mission faces funding crisis
Former Somali National Security Adviser Hussein Moalim warned that Somalia’s security future depends on the government’s ability to reduce reliance on foreign troops and build strong national security institutions.
China Opens Duty-Free Market to Somali Fish as Somalia Secures Landmark Trade Deal
Somalia has secured duty-free access for fish exports to China after signing a landmark trade agreement expected to boost seafood exports, attract investment and strengthen the country’s blue economy.
Somaliland President Urges UK to Support Recognition, Says Independence Drive Is Irreversible
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) has urged the United Kingdom to play a more active role in supporting Somaliland’s recognition, saying the territory’s decades-long statehood campaign is irreversible while reaffirming closer ties with Britain.
Former Somali President Sharif Defends UAE Ties, Rejects Claims Abu Dhabi Is Backing Somalia’s Opposition
Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has defended the United Arab Emirates’ longstanding partnership with Somalia, rejecting allegations that Abu Dhabi is backing opposition politicians. He warned that worsening ties with the UAE could undermine Somalia’s security, economy and diplomatic interests while calling for dialogue over confrontation.
Somali, U.S. forces kill seven al-Shabab militants in Lower Shabelle region
Somalia’s defense ministry said Danab commandos killed seven al-Shabab militants, including a commander, in Lower Shabelle, while U.S. Africa Command confirmed a coordinated strike near Sablaale.
Somalia’s Third-Largest Port Shutdown Enters Tenth Day as Puntland Tax Dispute Disrupts Trade
Bosaso Port, Somalia’s third-largest commercial gateway, has remained closed for ten days as traders protest new Puntland taxes and DP World port fees, disrupting trade, closing markets, and raising fears of shortages and wider economic damage across northeastern Somalia.