Somalia

HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia — A woman, her sister and three young girls were killed early Monday when a fire ripped through their corrugated-iron home in Hargeisa’s 26 June district, authorities said. The blaze, which broke out in neighborhood 150 before dawn on Jan. 5, quickly engulfed the modest structure and nearby tin-walled huts packed closely together, leaving the family little chance to escape, according to the Hargeisa Fire Department. Fire officials said the children who died were girls ages 12, 7 and…

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…

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…

Escalation in Sudan: Over 114 Dead in Darfur Clashes Sudan's conflict continues to ravage the Darfur region, claiming the lives of over 114 people within a week. Clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified, leading to devastating consequences for civilians. Sudan has been embroiled in conflict since April 2023. The RSF recently took control of the army's last stronghold in Darfur. The latest attacks were marked by drone strikes and regaining territory.…

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…

Turkey monitors Yemen, Somalia as Erdogan, Saudi crown prince discuss regional crises and ties ANKARA — Turkey is “closely” following developments in Yemen and Somalia, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a phone call Sunday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stressing the importance of stability and protecting both countries’ territorial integrity, according to Turkey’s Communications Directorate. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations along with regional and global issues, the directorate said. Erdogan…

Olmo and Lewandowski strike late as Barcelona win derby; Villarreal rise to third; Celta routs Valencia BARCELONA — La Liga leader Barcelona left it late but left Cornellà with the points, beating Espanyol 2-0 in the city derby on Saturday behind an 86th-minute stunner from Dani Olmo and a stoppage-time clincher from Robert Lewandowski. Former Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, jeered throughout by the home crowd after his summer switch across the city, was Barcelona’s other match-winner with a string of saves that frustrated…