Somalia’s president visits Qatar for high-level strategic partnership talks

DOHA, Qatar — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Doha on Friday for an official visit aimed at deepening Somalia’s partnership with Qatar as Mogadishu seeks stronger security, economic and political support in a shifting regional landscape. Qatari officials welcomed Mohamud and his delegation in the capital, where the Somali leader is set to hold high-level talks with Qatar’s leadership. The agenda centers on expanding cooperation across core sectors — security, the economy and political stability — as Somalia…

Iran, U.S. to Hold Oman Talks Amid Deep Rifts, War Fears

MUSCAT, Oman — Iran and the United States are set to open high-stakes talks in Oman on Friday aimed at defusing a renewed nuclear standoff, but a deep dispute over the agenda — especially Iran’s missile program — is already clouding prospects for progress and raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict. While both sides have signaled readiness to return to diplomacy, Washington wants any understanding to address far more than uranium enrichment. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the talks should encompass Iran’s…

Saudi Arabia cautions against external meddling in Somalia’s internal affairs

Saudi Arabia warns against foreign interference in Somalia as Israel’s North Western State of Somalia move draws backlash RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its backing for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity on Tuesday, rejecting any foreign interference in the Horn of Africa nation’s internal affairs and opposing actions that could undermine its territorial integrity. The position was outlined at a meeting of the Saudi Cabinet chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, which endorsed the outcomes of an…

Somalia’s Federalism Dilemma: Decentralization Without Escaping Authoritarian Legacy

Decentralization Without Detachment: How Somalia’s Federal Experiment Risks Repackaging Authoritarian Rule Somalia’s embrace of federalism was meant to end the abuses of centralized power, redistribute authority closer to citizens, and lower the stakes of political competition. Three decades on, the core problem is not the federal model itself but decentralization without cultural detachment from the authoritarian habits entrenched under military rule. Power has been dispersed in form yet reproduced in practice—personalized,…

Kenya reopens Somalia land border after 15-year closure for miraa trade

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has reopened its land border with Somalia for the trade in miraa, or khat, ending a 15-year suspension in a move officials cast as a landmark step for regional commerce and rural livelihoods. The decision, cleared by Kenya’s National Security Council, immediately restores road access for miraa exports through Mandera, Liboi and Kiunga — key crossing points that had been closed to overland shipments. Traders say the reopening will cut costs, expand market reach and curb the influence of cartels that…

Beledweyne Police Arrest Final Two Suspects in Gang Rape Case

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia — Police have arrested the final two suspects in a gang rape case that ignited public fury across Somalia after a video linked to the assault circulated widely on social media, authorities said Friday. In a statement, Beledweyne police identified the men as Abdishakur Hassan Ibrahim and Mohamed Awale Omar. They were the last at large in the case, which previously saw three other suspects detained, police said. The arrests bring all identified suspects into custody as the investigation proceeds. The case…

Election Accord Among Elites Could Legitimize Somalia’s Fragile State

In Mogadishu’s Dec. 25 municipal vote, the promise of direct democracy met the reality of centralized power. Marketed as a landmark step toward universal suffrage and a prelude to Somalia’s 2026 presidential contest, the election in the Banadir region looked—by design and outcome—like a nomination process dressed up as a popular mandate. That tension goes to the core of Somalia’s electoral dilemma: in a fragile state without a census, credible registries or impartial institutions, the rush to “one person, one vote” can…

3 Expert Tips for Effective Weight Loss from a Nutritionist

The source text predominantly focuses on practical guidance for effective weight loss, emphasizing simplicity and sustainability. Given that it provides actionable tips from a registered dietitian, along with insights about human behavior regarding dieting, the most suitable format is Healthy Eating. This aligns with the themes of science-informed nutrition, practical tips, and culturally diverse examples related to wellness trends. Embracing Simplicity: The Key Rules for Effective Weight Loss Feeling overwhelmed by various…

Saudi Arabia Backs Somalia’s Unity, Opposes Moves Undermining Its Sovereignty

Saudi Arabia backs Somalia’s unity as region pushes back against Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia RIYADH — Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any attempts to undermine the country’s unity or create parallel entities — a stance that underscores growing regional opposition to Israel’s recent recognition of North Western State of Somalia. In a Cabinet meeting chaired by King Salman, the Kingdom voiced support for the outcome of an…

Somali intelligence kills senior al-Shabaab finance operative in Lower Shabelle

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said Thursday its forces killed a senior al-Shabab operative who ran the militant group’s financial extortion network in the Banadir region, which includes the capital, Mogadishu. The operative, identified as Ahmed Dhubad Xidig, also known as “Sheikh Aadan Dheere,” was killed in a targeted raid by NISA’s elite Gaashaan special forces in the Daniga Baaloow area of Lower Shabelle on Jan. 27, the agency said in a statement. According to NISA, the operation…