Somalia

Standoff threatens Somalia’s election talks as UN calls for urgent dialogue MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s latest push to unlock political talks on elections hit a new snag Sunday after a security dispute grounded delegations from Puntland State and Jubaland, prompting the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) to urge swift, good-faith dialogue to keep negotiations on track. In a statement posted on social media, UNTMIS said preparatory teams from the two regional states were unable to reach…

Passenger Flights Resume at Khartoum International Airport Sudan's Khartoum International Airport witnessed the arrival of its first passenger flight since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023. This marks a significant milestone following extensive conflicts between the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The flight was operated by Sudan Airways from Port Sudan. Onboard was Prime Minister Kamil Idris. The return signifies renewed airport operations. Background of the Conflict The civil war heavily…

Jubaland frees opposition Senator Ilyas Bedel Gaboose after 16 months, signaling reconciliation push KISMAYO, Somalia — The Jubaland administration on Sunday released federal senator and opposition figure Ilyas Bedel Gaboose after nearly 16 months in detention, a move officials cast as an attempt to defuse tensions and promote political reconciliation in the semi-autonomous region. Gaboose, who had been under house arrest since 2024, was freed in Kismayo. Hours later, Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe convened…

Somalia blocks planes carrying Jubaland, Puntland State security teams from landing in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government on Monday blocked two planes carrying security personnel for the presidents of Jubaland and Puntland State from landing at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, citing national security concerns ahead of planned political talks in the capital. Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the arrival of a heavily armed contingent tied to the two regional leaders posed an…

Somalia bars planes carrying Jubaland, Puntland State security from Mogadishu ahead of talks MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government on Sunday defended its decision to block two planes carrying security personnel for the presidents of Jubaland and Puntland State from landing in Mogadishu, citing strict protocols in place for the capital ahead of a planned national consultative meeting. The Ministry of Interior said the aircraft were transporting armed personnel and weapons in violation of security rules governing…

Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 Mogadishu — The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia urged the federal government and regional leaders to prioritize dialogue on elections and other national issues after a security dispute prevented advance teams from Puntland State and Jubaland from arriving in the capital for a planned consultative forum. In a brief statement posted on social media, UNTMIS said it regretted that preparatory delegations from the two semi-autonomous regions were unable to reach Mogadishu because…

Somalia Blocks Armed Personnel Ahead of National Dialogue This article examines the recent actions taken by the Somali government to block armed personnel and weapons from entering Mogadishu in preparation for a crucial national dialogue. The decision emphasizes public safety and adherence to security protocols. Somali government cites public safety as a key reason for the blockade. Involved parties include leaders from Puntland State and Jubbaland states. The government reaffirms commitment to stability in…

Somali president consults Cabinet after aircraft carrying leaders’ guards turned back MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has launched closed-door consultations with his Cabinet after aircraft carrying advance security personnel for the presidents of Puntland State and Jubaland were denied clearance to land in Mogadishu, a move that has intensified strains with the federal member states. Government officials said the talks are focused on the political, security and governance implications of the…

Urgent Call for Humanitarian Access in Jonglei, South Sudan The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a strong call for an immediate halt to military operations in Jonglei State. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for de-escalation to facilitate safe humanitarian access, which is critical for delivering food assistance to those in dire need. The call comes amid rising tensions that threaten the safety of around two million residents. Nearly 60 percent of the population faces crisis levels of…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Jubaland and Puntland State regional administrations on Sunday accused the federal government of blocking planes carrying their soldiers and presidential security guards from landing in the capital, an escalation that threatens a planned high-level consultative conference on elections. Both regional states said aircraft transporting advance delegations and security details were ordered to turn back shortly before landing at Aden Adde International Airport. The orders, they said, were unsafe, politically…