Somalia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday renewed his demand for maritime access, telling regional leaders at the ongoing African Union Summit that Ethiopia’s future depends on securing a direct route to the sea. Calling the issue “existential” for the continent’s second-most populous nation, Abiy linked Ethiopia’s economic ambitions and stability in the wider Horn of Africa to a resolution of its landlocked status. “The security and stability of the Horn of Africa depend on Ethiopia gaining sea access,”…

Saturday, February 14, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused unnamed neighboring states of trying to leverage Israel’s December recognition of North Western State of Somalia for “short-term interests,” warning that Somalia’s territorial integrity is a nonnegotiable red line. In an interview with the London-based Arabic daily Asharq al-Awsat, Hassan Sheikh said the fallout from Israel’s move had tempted some regional actors to test Somalia’s unity and the wider region’s stability. “Some countries in…

MOGADISHU — The United Kingdom has announced £6 million in additional humanitarian funding to help drought-affected communities in Somalia, as escalating climate pressures deepen food insecurity across the country. The pledge came during the first official visit to Somalia by the UK Minister for International Development and Africa, Baroness Jenny Chapman. Chapman held high-level talks in Mogadishu with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and senior officials, and met humanitarian and security partners. She outlined the UK’s…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkey has deployed M48 and M60 Patton main battle tanks to Somalia, with a shipment arriving at Mogadishu’s port this week in a move that signals a sharp expansion of Ankara’s military footprint in the Horn of Africa. Footage obtained by Axadle and corroborated by eyewitnesses showed the armored vehicles being offloaded and moving in a heavily guarded convoy through the capital. The deployment is aimed at securing high-stakes aerospace and satellite infrastructure under development in Somalia, according…

Somalia’s president condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, urges AU to reject external interference ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday urged African Union member states to “firmly reject” external meddling in the continent’s affairs, denouncing Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and international law during the second Italy-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa. Hassan Sheikh said Africa’s progress must be…

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Somalia was elected Wednesday to the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term, a diplomatic milestone that positions the Horn of Africa nation at the center of decision-making on the continent’s most urgent security challenges. In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the vote reflects renewed confidence in Somalia’s role and its growing contribution to Africa’s peace and security agenda. The government thanked AU member states for their support, with…

ADDIS ABABA — Somalia’s foreign minister, Abdisalam Ali, on Friday chaired the sixth A3 high-level ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Assembly, as African leaders moved to tighten coordination at the United Nations Security Council. Somalia currently serves as coordinator of the A3 — the three African non-permanent members of the Security Council: Somalia, Liberia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo — a role that places Mogadishu at the center of efforts to advance Africa’s priorities in New…

Nile River Boat Tragedy in Northern Sudan A tragic accident on the Nile River claimed the lives of at least 21 people when a boat sank between two villages in northern Sudan. The local government and eyewitnesses have provided details, highlighting the dire state of river transportation in the region. 21 bodies have been recovered according to River Nile State's report. The boat was traveling between Tayba al-Khawad and Deim al-Qarai. A total of 30 people were on board when the accident occurred. Search and…

Kenya to Reopen Border with Somalia After 15-Year Closure Kenya's decision to reopen its border with Somalia marks a significant step toward mending regional ties and enhancing security cooperation. The closure, initially instituted due to security concerns, is set to end in April, facilitating cross-border movement. Closure enforced in 2011 due to al-Shabab attacks. Upcoming April reopening announced by President William Ruto. Initial reopening plan in May 2023 reversed after attacks. A History of Conflict…

AU Reaffirms Somalia’s Sovereignty Amid North Western State of Somalia Recognition Controversy The African Union’s Peace and Security Council has firmly maintained Somalia's sovereignty, rejecting any moves to recognize North Western State of Somalia as independent. This decision comes in response to contentious international actions affecting the region. The AU condemned Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. The council emphasized that no actor can change the territorial…