East Africa

In Mog, Somali authorities nabbed 21 social media influencers for spreading clan-based insults and causing chaos online. Both men and women were rounded up by the Banadir Regional Police, their mugshots plastered on the Somali Police's Facebook page.These influencers, labeled troublemakers, are stewing in custody as court dates loom, while more troublemakers are on law enforcement's radar for similar charges of "social discrimination."A pal of a detainee, a TikTok pro, spilled to BBC Somali Service that the arrests stemmed…

Turkish media slam the government's project, but reports reveal Somalia donated more land in 2015 than Turkey plans to give now. Turkey will build an embassy and provide land to Somalia costing over $6m, as per a deal presented to the Turkish parliament on Monday. The agreement, signed in 2022, states that Turkey will make this contribution in exchange for land donated by Somalia in 2015. The largest Turkish diplomatic mission in the world, built in Mogadishu, cost $65m and covered more than 61,000 sqm. In return, Somalia…

Ethiopia boosts relationship with North Western of Somalia, turning consulate in Hargeisa into embassy, escalating tension with Somalia. Ali Marehaan of North Western of Somalia confirmed the upgrade, signaling a move towards recognition. Celebrations for North Western of Somalia's independence also hinted at the diplomatic shift. The decision was revealed by President Muse Bihi Abdi in a speech. Ethiopia and North Western of Somalia signed an agreement for a Naval Base in return for recognition. Recent Ambassador…

Somalia Seeks Strong Security Partnerships with Russia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia expressed interest in collaborating with Russia on security, social, and humanitarian issues. The President acknowledged the significant role Moscow plays in assisting Somalia in achieving socio-economic stability. During a meeting in Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Russia's Ambassador to Djibouti and Somalia, Mikhail Golovanov, discussed the importance of cooperation between the two countries to maintain…

In Somalia, a new leader has been appointed by Al-Shabaab, the militant group controlling central and southern regions. The new army commander, possibly Guled Ilkacase, will oversee ground operations with uncertain strategies. This change may be due to internal disputes within the group. There is little information available about Guled Ilkacase, but he is respected within the group and is said to have spent time with Al-Shabaab fighters in Galgala, Northeastern State. Northeastern State, a relatively stable region, has…

In Bosaso, a Northeastern State military court handed down sentences on four individuals linked to the al-Shabab militant group. One suspect, Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed (Qeyliye), was found in collaboration with the Northeastern State leader of al-Shabab. Qeyliye was found responsible for driving the vehicle that transported gunmen for planned attacks, leading to the deaths of two people in Bosaso. He received a death sentence. Abdikhadar Mohamed Shire, also implicated as a driver for al-Shabab, received a 15-year prison…

Somalia's intelligence agency, NISA, is undergoing a significant overhaul as the new director, Abdullahi Sanbalolshe, makes key leadership changes to strengthen the organization in the face of security challenges. The reshuffle includes the appointment of Muhiyidin Warbac as the new deputy director, bringing his expertise in counterterrorism to enhance strategic objectives. Abdifitah Shawe has been named head of the Benadir region, focusing on improving security in Mogadishu. Abdikadir Hayow is the new head of security at…

In Las Anod, the head of the SSC-Khatumo government, Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye, cautioned North Western of Somalia about starting another conflict in Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn, vowing to protect their territories. Firdhiye addressed the SSC-Khatumo community in Rome, Italy, affirming that they will overcome the North Western of Somalia military in case of an assault in SSC areas. Moreover, Firdhiye mentioned that the recently established SSC administration is actively working to bring peace and stability to the…

North Western of Somalia's Search for Global Recognition: Recent Events Explored In a major breakthrough, North Western of Somalia's President revealed Ethiopia's plan to acknowledge the region as an independent state. This declaration was made during the 33rd anniversary celebration of North Western of Somalia's self-proclaimed independence from Somalia. Although the Ethiopian government has not issued an official statement confirming this diplomatic advancement, recent ambassadorial appointments hint at the shift.…

In Mogadishu, Federal and State leaders are analyzing the effects of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops as they pull out of the nation. At least 5,000 ATMIS soldiers have departed so far under the Somali Transition Plan (STP), with another 5,000 scheduled to leave by June 2024. The remaining troops are expected to exit by December 2024, transferring security duties to the Somali National Army (SNA). In Dhusamareb, regional state ministers for security and police met with central government…