Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened leaders from several federal member states and the Banadir regional administration on Sunday in Mogadishu, following Israel’s steps toward recognizing North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, according to the president’s office. In a closed-door briefing, Hassan Sheikh told the assembled leaders that the Israeli move violated Somalia’s territorial integrity and statehood. He said the federal government was pursuing a coordinated response grounded in…

Somalia’s president has condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia as a “naked invasion,” warning that Mogadishu will not allow its territory to be used as a base for Israel to pursue regional conflicts. Addressing an emergency joint session of parliament on Sunday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of committing the “greatest abuse” of Somalia’s sovereignty in the nation’s history and referred to Israel as an “enemy.” Lawmakers…

Garowe, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has launched a broad diplomatic and political push to reinforce the country’s unity and sovereignty after Israel moved to recognize North Western State of Somalia, a step Mogadishu says violates international law and Somalia’s territorial integrity. Officials said the president has been in regular contact with leaders of foreign governments and international organizations to urge opposition to the recognition. Somalia’s government argues the move undermines principles of…

Liverpool 2-1 Wolves: Wirtz breaks duck as Slot’s side hold off late surge after Jota tribute ANFIELD — Florian Wirtz finally opened his Liverpool account and Ryan Gravenberch struck the opener before a nervy finish, as Liverpool edged Wolves 2-1 in a match framed by a moving tribute to the late Diogo Jota and a bleak milestone for the visitors’ winless season. Wolves, competitive throughout and adventurous after the break, fell to a record that underlines the scale of their struggle. Their 18th match without a win from the…

Somalia’s unity finds fresh backing — and an opening — after an external push to recognize a breakaway entity stirred a swift international backlash this week. The flurry of statements, arriving around Dec. 26, rallied behind Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, offering Mogadishu and the Waqooyi-beri (northeastern) administration a rare moment to convert diplomatic momentum into concrete political, security and governance gains. The reaction followed what Somali commentators describe as an Israeli initiative,…

MOGADISHU — The European Union on Saturday said respecting Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity is “key to the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa,” after Israel recognized the breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia as an independent state a day earlier. In a statement, the EU said it “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” in line with Somalia’s Constitution and the charters of the African Union…

Chaos and Despair as Congolese Refugees Flee to Rwanda Renewed violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has forced thousands of Congolese to seek refuge in Rwanda. Despite a peace deal mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, fighting continues, causing untold human suffering. Approximately 1,000 Congolese have arrived at the Nyarushishi refugee camp in Rwanda. The conflict has been fueled by the M23 rebel group's aggressive advances. Rwanda-backed M23 has captured major areas, worsening the…

US Airstrikes Target Daesh Forces in Northwestern Nigeria The United States has escalated its involvement in Nigeria's ongoing security crisis by launching airstrikes against Daesh-linked terrorists. Announced by President Donald Trump, these strikes represent a notable intervention in a region plagued by violence. The airstrikes specifically targeted Daesh-linked forces believed to be responsible for attacks on Christian communities. President Trump characterized the operation as "powerful and deadly," but offered…

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said the United States will not rush to follow Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia’s independence, signaling Washington will keep the issue under review even as pressure mounts from allies and some U.S. lawmakers. Speaking to U.S. media, Trump acknowledged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for the United States to mirror Israel’s move. But he described North Western State of Somalia’s status as “politically and geographically complex” and said his…

Is North Western State of Somalia’s Recognition the Issue, or Has Somali Leadership Already Failed? North Western State of Somalia’s recognition debate has become a convenient flashpoint for Somali politics, but the harder truth is internal: For more than three decades, successive leaders in Mogadishu have failed to prioritize a consent-based national settlement. North Western State of Somalia declared separation in 1991. Thirty-four years on, the central questions are less about external recognition and more about whether…