West Africa

Somalia Cabinet reviews security, lauds Mogadishu vote, approves Uganda, Saudi pacts MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Council of Ministers held an extraordinary meeting Monday to review the national security situation, assess recent operations against extremist groups and mark the completion of one-person, one-vote local council elections in the Banadir region, government officials said. Chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the session signaled the political weight the…

Manchester City’s grip on the Premier League title race loosened on Sunday as a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad left Pep Guardiola’s side six points behind leaders Arsenal. Across the league, late goals defined the day: Liverpool and Fulham traded stoppage-time strikes in a 2-2 thriller, while Tottenham Hotspur were pegged back at home by Sunderland. Brentford surged with a statement win at Everton, and Newcastle United finished strong to see off Crystal Palace. Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea Fulham 2-2 Liverpool Leeds…

Somali president holds unannounced talks with ex-leader Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, signaling push for national dialogue MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met behind closed doors late Sunday with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Mogadishu, an unannounced encounter that signals a possible easing of political tensions as the country grapples with overlapping security, governance and constitutional challenges. The meeting brought together two of Somalia’s most influential political figures after months…

Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia is not mere diplomatic theater. Announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the move inserts the Middle East’s most combustible politics into the Horn of Africa and raises the stakes along the Red Sea—one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors. For Somalia, which maintains a One Somalia policy with near-universal international backing, the gambit threatens national unity. For North Western State of Somalia, it offers symbolism without sovereignty at a…

Somali Future Council urges Hassan Sheikh to convene election talks within a month, warns of crisis GAROWE, Somalia — The Somali Future Council on Monday renewed its call for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to convene all political stakeholders within a month to agree on a clear and timely electoral framework, warning that further delay risks a constitutional and security crisis as the country nears another transfer of power. In a statement issued after a meeting of the Future Council’s Technical Committee in Garowe, members…

In a grave response to recent violence, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has condemned the fatal attack that occurred in the Kasuwan Daji community of Niger State. This tragic incident not only claimed lives but has also heightened fears over security in the region. The attack, which took place in the early hours, left multiple residents dead and several others kidnapped, inciting outrage and calls for action. President Tinubu, deeply concerned about the safety of his citizens, has called for an urgent and coordinated…

BOSASO, Somalia — A roadside explosion struck a mine-sweeping vehicle on the new road linking Bosaso and Dhaadaar on Sunday morning, killing at least three members of Puntland State’s security forces and wounding more than five others, officials said. The blast occurred as security units were conducting a clearance operation along the route, according to security sources. The vehicle was working to detect and neutralize suspected explosives when the device detonated. Those killed include Jama Mohamed Caduur, known as…

Saudi, Somali foreign ministers reaffirm support for Somalia’s sovereignty in Riyadh talks Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during high-level talks in Riyadh on Sunday, underscoring a shared commitment to the Horn of Africa nation’s unity and stability amid rising regional tensions. Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi Ali met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah…

Senegal, the defending Africa Cup of Nations champions, survived an early scare at the weekend to beat Sudan 3-1 and became the first nation to secure a place in the 2025 quarterfinals. The victory, secured after Senegal regrouped following a nervy opening period, puts the West African side through to the last eight with matches remaining in the group stage. The result also underscored Senegal’s depth and experience in tournament conditions as they absorbed pressure early and produced the decisive finishing that has defined…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali National Army Danab special forces killed 15 al-Shabab militants and captured eight others in a targeted raid late Saturday in Jilib district, a long-held stronghold of the extremist group in southern Somalia, the Defense Ministry said. The overnight operation zeroed in on militant positions inside the strategic town, part of a continuing campaign to degrade al-Shabab’s leadership, logistics and capacity to launch attacks. Casualties: 15 militants killed, eight captured, according to the Defense…