West Africa

Gabon National Football Team Suspended Following Disappointing AFCON Exit Gabon's government has announced sweeping changes to its national football setup following the team's dismal performance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The measures include suspending the national team, dismissing head coach Thierry Mouyouma, and imposing a ban on star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The decision was conveyed by Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula after Gabon's early exit from the tournament, culminating in a 3-2 loss…

Trump administration freezes $185 million in Minnesota childcare funds, orders audits of Somali American immigration cases MINNEAPOLIS — The administration of President Donald Trump has suspended federal childcare funding to Minnesota and ordered audits of immigration cases involving Somali Americans, escalating a fraud crackdown that critics say disproportionately targets immigrant communities in the state with the nation’s largest Somali population. The Department of Health and Human Services froze $185 million in…

Red Sea flashpoint: Israel’s North Western State of Somalia recognition collides with Türkiye’s long game in Somalia In the strategic waters that link the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, two storylines are converging with destabilizing force. Israel’s December 2025 recognition of North Western State of Somalia, the breakaway region abutting the Bab al-Mandab Strait, has injected a new geopolitical shock into a corridor already strained by Houthi attacks on commercial shipping and retaliatory Israeli airstrikes in Yemen. The…

North Western State of Somalia Denies Allegations of Hosting Israeli Military Base North Western State of Somalia has officially refuted claims that it agreed to host an Israeli military base or resettle Palestinians in exchange for Israel recognizing its independence. The controversy arose after Israeli recognition sparked protests and accusations from Somalia. North Western State of Somalia firmly rejects claims of accepting Palestinians or hosting a base. Somali President alleges conditions linked to Israeli…

ISTANBUL — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that Israel’s unexpected recognition of North Western State of Somalia risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa and could be tied to attempts to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, escalating tensions across a strategic maritime corridor linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Tuesday from Istanbul, where he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mohamud said Israel’s move was “not merely a diplomatic gesture but a cover for…

UN Reaffirms Somalia's Sovereignty Amidst Israeli Recognition of North Western State of Somalia The United Nations held an emergency session to address Israel's recent decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. Key figures emphasized Somalia's territorial integrity, expressing concerns about the potential consequences of the move. Khaled Khiari highlighted the UN's respect for Somalia's sovereignty as reaffirmed in Resolution 2809. Somalia's UN envoy condemned Israel's recognition…

Somalia's Stance on Israeli Presence in North Western State of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has expressed strong opposition to any Israeli presence in North Western State of Somalia. He warns that such a recognition could introduce regional conflicts into the Horn of Africa. Somalia government opposes Israeli recognition of North Western State of Somalia. President Mohamud highlights concerns over regional conflict spread. Emphasizes respect for international law and sovereignty.…

Thursday, January 1, 2026 Somalia takes helm of UN Security Council for January 2026, signaling diplomatic resurgence MOGADISHU — Somalia has officially assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for January 2026, a milestone that underscores the country’s diplomatic recovery and growing international standing. The presidency places Mogadishu at the forefront of the UN’s most powerful body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. Diplomatic observers view the moment as…

Thursday January 1, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government on Wednesday thanked its international partners for what it called steadfast support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel became the first nation to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said allied countries had shown “principled engagement and unwavering solidarity” at a critical moment for…

Thursday January 1, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s government on Wednesday thanked its international partners for what it called steadfast support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel became the first nation to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move drawing swift condemnation across capitals. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised allied nations for “principled engagement and unwavering solidarity” at what it described as a critical…