Somalia

Analysis: Turkish Intelligence Flags ‘Unprecedented Fragility’ in Somalia as Ankara’s Stakes Deepen ANKARA, Turkey — A new intelligence academy report in Turkey warns that Somalia faces “unprecedented fragility,” identifying a confluence of security, political and institutional risks that could shape the trajectory of the country’s stability — and the future of Ankara’s most ambitious partnership in Africa. The assessment, titled “A Multidimensional Partnership Model,” acknowledges gains in the Turkey–Somalia relationship…

Somalia says it maintains direct contacts with North Western State of Somalia, seeks political solution amid rising Horn of Africa stakes MOGADISHU — Somalia’s government is engaging in direct and regular contact with authorities in North Western State of Somalia and pursuing a negotiated political settlement, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar Balcad said in an interview published Saturday. Speaking to Doha News, Balcad reaffirmed the federal government’s position that North Western State of Somalia remains part…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government moved to clarify its position on the Western Sahara dispute, saying statements circulating in media do not reflect its official stance and emphasizing that policy is communicated only through formal government channels. In a press statement issued Saturday, authorities urged media outlets and the public to rely on verified government communications on international affairs. The clarification comes amid heightened regional scrutiny of diplomatic alignments across Africa and renewed…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalis reacted with anger and disbelief Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump described Somalis as “garbage” and said “we don’t want them in our country,” remarks delivered during a cabinet meeting a day earlier that drew condemnation across Mogadishu and beyond. Trump, who has a long record of inflammatory language, also said Somalis “just run around killing each other” and declared “their country stinks,” intensifying a wave of rhetoric he has aimed at immigrants following last week’s shooting…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday accepted the credentials of eight newly appointed ambassadors, signaling renewed momentum in Somalia’s diplomatic outreach during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. The envoys represent Egypt, Indonesia, Sweden, Cuba, Canada, Finland, Norway and Spain. In welcoming them, Mohamud underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral ties and urged close coordination with Somali institutions to support peace, trade and regional…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday issued a formal warning to district administrations across the Banadir region, ordering them to ensure an open campaign environment and unhindered distribution of voter cards as the election period intensifies in Mogadishu and its surrounding districts. In a directive circulated to local officials, the Commission said political organizations and candidates are legally entitled to campaign without interference, and citizens must be able to…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somali National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has extended the free period for obtaining the National Identity Card until Jan. 31, 2026, the agency’s deputy director general announced Thursday. Deputy Director General Abdirahman Said Ahmed said the decision is intended to widen public access to the ID program and ease pressure on registration sites as demand grows. “The National Identity Card issuance service has been extended for two months for the benefit of the Somali…

NAIROBI — At least 79 people, including 43 children, were killed when a drone strike hit a school, a hospital and nearby homes in the city of Kalogi in Sudan’s South Kordofan state, local authorities said, as fighting between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces intensifies. The South Kordofan government said a drone fired four missiles into the city, striking a densely populated area in addition to the education and health facilities. Officials described the attack as a “heinous crime” and blamed the Rapid…

Saturday December 6, 2025 Borama, North Western State of Somalia — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Saturday canceled a planned Xeer Ciise book launch and commemoration set for December 14 in the port town of Saylac, after two days of deadly protests in Borama left at least 10 people dead in clashes between security forces and civilians. Speaking to reporters in Hargeisa, Irro said he was honoring a request from traditional elders who arrived in Borama earlier Saturday and urged…

DOHA, Qatar — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Doha on Friday to attend the Doha Forum, a global platform that convenes leaders and experts to debate international security, shifting geopolitical dynamics and development cooperation. His visit is expected to include high-level talks with Qatar’s leadership and engagement with international partners on Somalia’s priorities. Upon landing at Hamad International Airport, Mohamud was welcomed by senior Qatari officials, according to Somali authorities. Officials…