Somalia

Airstrikes target al-Shabab bases in central Somalia after clashes, sources say WARSHEEKH, Somalia — Airstrikes struck villages in the Warsheekh district of Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, targeting al-Shabab fighters who had recently infiltrated the area, local sources said. The strikes were concentrated around the Jabad-godane area, which in recent days had been occupied by the militant group, according to the sources. The air campaign followed ground clashes between government troops and fighters loyal to al-Shabab as…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali security agencies say nearly 10,000 police officers have been mobilized to secure Mogadishu’s local council elections on Dec. 25, a vote billed as the capital’s first direct, one-person, one-vote poll in more than 50 years. Speaking to reporters Sunday, Internal Security Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Farataag) said the Somali Police Force has finalized a citywide security plan to safeguard voters, polling stations, election workers and critical infrastructure throughout the Banadir region.…

JALALAQSI, Somalia — Heavy fighting broke out early Sunday in the central Somali town of Jalalaqsi as forces loyal to the district commissioner clashed with armed clan militias following the detention of a traditional community elder, according to officials and witnesses. Residents said they awoke to sustained gunfire as the two sides exchanged fire around district government buildings in Jalalaqsi, in the Hiiraan region. The violence began after local authorities detained a leading elder, prompting members of his clan to…

African Union council assesses Somalia security mission and funding challenges ADDIS ABABA — The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) convened a special session Thursday to review the evolving situation in Somalia and assess the operations of the African Union Mission for Support and Stabilization in Somalia (AUSSOM), with a sharp focus on the mission’s funding pressures and next steps. Officials briefed the PSC on recent political developments in Somalia, the financial strain facing AUSSOM and potential…

Somalia, Egypt deepen ties in Cairo talks, eye embassy move to Mogadishu and stronger security coordination CAIRO — Somalia and Egypt pledged to advance a broader strategic partnership after their foreign ministers met Saturday on the sidelines of the Second Ministerial Conference of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum, focusing on economic cooperation, security coordination and regional stability. Somali Foreign Affairs Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali and Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel Atty discussed plans to…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed Somalia’s ties with China as “historic” and “steady,” saying the relationship is rooted in mutual respect and sustained cooperation as the two countries marked 65 years of diplomatic relations this week. In an exclusive interview with CGTN, Mohamud described China as a consistent and reliable partner since Somalia’s early days of independence, noting that Chinese-funded infrastructure remains central to daily life and economic activity. “China has supported…

Mass Displacement in North Darfur Amid Escalating Conflict The humanitarian crisis in Sudan's North Darfur has escalated as over 107,000 people have been forced to flee due to deteriorating security conditions. The region has been gripped by conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). An estimated 107,294 people have fled El-Fasher and nearby areas. The RSF has taken control of the city, exacerbating the security situation. The conflict has been ongoing since April 2023,…

Tabaarak ICT Solutions earns ISO 9001:2015, signaling a higher bar for Somalia’s digital transformation MOGADISHU, Somalia — Tabaarak ICT Solutions has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Quality Management System, a milestone announced on Nov. 17, 2025, at a high-level event in Mogadishu attended by government officials, academic leaders and partners from across the public and private sectors. The recognition formalizes the company’s commitment to internationally accepted standards of quality, accountability and…

Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Tottenham was overshadowed by a worrying injury to Alexander Isak, who left the field with an apparent left ankle problem less than 15 minutes after coming on and moments after putting his team in front in the Premier League on Saturday. The Sweden striker, described as British soccer’s record signing, was introduced at halftime and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a crisp left-foot finish. As Isak struck, Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven slid in and caught the forward’s ankle. Isak did…

Political Tensions Rising in Somalia: Analyzing the Kismayo Confrontation The recent National Consultation Conference held in Kismayo serves as a crucial litmus test for Somalia's political future. This section delves into the key players involved, the stakes at hand, and the implications for the country's governance structure. The conference gathered a diverse coalition, highlighting significant political rifts. Concerns over governance failures and delayed elections have been voiced. The directive for an…