Somalia denies reports of covert talks with al-Shabab

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s presidential envoy for countering extremist ideology on Thursday rejected reports that the federal government is holding secret negotiations with al-Shabab, calling the claims false and meant to mislead the public. Aweys Mohamed Omar said the government has not entered discussions with the militant group and has no plans to do so. The rumors, which circulated widely on social media and in several local outlets, suggested informal contacts were underway. Omar said the reports were designed to erode…

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed opposes Mogadishu direct election proposal citing legal, security concerns

MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has rejected the government’s plan to hold one-person, one-vote elections in Mogadishu this month, warning the process lacks legal consensus, adequate security and public confidence. The vote would be the capital’s first direct election in more than 50 years. In an interview with the BBC Somali Service, Sharif — a leading member of the Council for Somalia’s Future, a coalition that includes the Somali Salvation Forum as well as the Puntland State and Jubaland…

Mogadishu girls’ basketball game highlights fight against gender-based violence

Girls’ basketball game in Mogadishu doubles as rally against gender-based violence MOGADISHU, Somalia — A girls’ basketball match in Mogadishu’s Shibis district became a platform for visibility and protection on Thursday as the Somalia Sisterhood initiative used sport to spotlight the fight against gender-based violence during the global 16 Days of Activism campaign. Two teams, Somalia Sisterhood and Super Sign, faced off in an energetic game attended by officials from the Benadir Regional Administration, the Somali Police…

Somalia Enacts Law Creating an Independent National Human Rights Commission

Thursday December 11, 2025 MOGADISHU (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has signed into law the establishment of the Independent National Human Rights Commission, capping a legislative process completed by both houses of the Federal Parliament and the Council of Ministers. The presidential assent came Tuesday and coincided with the country’s observance of International Human Rights Day. Mohamud said the commission’s creation reflects Somalia’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens. He…

Raid by U.S.-trained Somali forces kills dozens of civilians

You are an elite, award-winning international journalist and a meticulous senior editor. Your job is to transform raw source material into a publish-ready article that meets the highest AP-standard editorial and technical requirements. PHASE 1 — ANALYSIS AND FORMAT DECISION Read the source text thoroughly. Identify the core themes, dominant purpose, crucial facts, data points, and human or structural angles. Based solely on this analysis, select exactly one article format from the list below. Always choose Football…

Somali Journalists Union Joins 16-Day Campaign to Improve Gender-Based Violence Reporting

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The National Union of Somali Journalists concluded its participation in the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a slate of trainings, safeguarding measures and a human rights colloquium that union leaders say will strengthen protections for women journalists and raise ethical reporting standards across Somalia. Backed by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, the Nov. 25–Dec. 10 campaign combined practical newsroom interventions with public awareness efforts aimed at confronting…

7 Breakfast Foods to Help Burn Belly Fat Over 50

Based on the content of the provided text, the format that best matches it is Healthy Eating. This is because the text focuses on science-informed nutrition, practical tips for healthy eating specifically geared towards individuals over 50, and includes actionable advice about breakfast foods that support fat loss and overall health. By Ali Musa Axadle Wellness Desk – Health & Nutrition Monitoring.

16 Days of Activism ends with NUSOJ human rights forum advancing gender justice

NUSOJ caps 16 Days of Activism with human rights colloquium, deepening gender justice push in Somalia’s media The National Union of Somali Journalists has closed an intensive 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a human rights colloquium in Mogadishu, framing a clear agenda: empower women journalists, reshape newsroom culture, and elevate ethical coverage of gender-based violence across Somalia. Backed by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, the union’s November 25–December 10 effort combined…

Somalia reports 50+ deaths, 1,000+ children infected in recent diphtheria outbreak

Thursday, December 11, 2025 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched an emergency diphtheria vaccination drive in the Banadir region as an expanding outbreak kills at least 50 people in recent weeks and infects more than 1,000 children, officials said. The five-day campaign begins Monday, Dec. 15, and will deploy teams to neighborhoods, health centers and schools in Mogadishu and surrounding districts. The ministry urged parents to ensure children are vaccinated, calling diphtheria “a…

7 “bad” foods that are surprisingly good for your health, experts say

The content of the source aligns best with the Healthy Eating format. It discusses common misconceptions about various foods often deemed "unhealthy" and provides evidence-based insights from a registered dietitian, contextualizing them within a broader understanding of nutrition and wellness. The focus centers on practical tips regarding food choices, making it suitable for a health-oriented audience. 7 "Unhealthy" Foods That Are Actually Good For You Many foods receive a bad reputation despite offering significant…