Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan police arrested a 37-year-old dual citizen of Somalia and Australia, Nasir Egeh, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation, authorities said Thursday. The Kenya Police Service said Egeh was intercepted at Terminal 1A after arriving from Australia via Johannesburg on a Kenya Airways flight. He was flagged by an active immigration control alert issued on Jan. 30, 2026, linked to a case of obtaining money by false pretenses, according to a police…

Kenya to reopen Somalia border in April after 15-year closure, Ruto says MANDERA, Kenya — Kenya will reopen its border with Somalia in April, President William Ruto said Thursday, pledging tight security as his government moves to revive formal cross-border trade after years of closures tied to al-Shabab attacks. Speaking at the NYOTA Capital Disbursement event in Mandera, Ruto said he will personally officiate the reopening of the Mandera Border Post, which has been shut since 2011. “We cannot trade with closed borders. For…

All 55 survive as plane overruns Mogadishu runway, comes to rest in knee-deep surf MOGADISHU, Somalia — All 55 people aboard a Starsky Aviation Fokker 50 escaped unharmed after the aircraft overran the runway at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport and came to a stop in shallow water along the capital’s seashore, Somali officials and passengers said. The plane reported a technical problem shortly after taking off on Tuesday and turned back toward the airport, the Somali Civil Aviation Authority said. During the…

Thursday February 12, 2026 MOGADISHU (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is set to travel to Addis Ababa for the 39th African Union Summit of Heads of State and Government, where he will spotlight Somalia’s recent security gains and restate the country’s position on sovereignty and foreign interference. The summit brings together leaders from 55 African nations for the continent’s top political forum. Officials said the president is scheduled to address Somalia’s progress on security sector reform, the effects of…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud unveiled a three-pronged diplomatic and legal campaign to overturn Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warning the move threatens Somalia’s sovereignty and the security of the Red Sea corridor. He said Mogadishu is acting in close coordination with partners led by Saudi Arabia to contain what he called a reckless escalation. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Mohamud said any recognition of the self-declared Republic of North Western State of Somalia as an independent…

CAIRO — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egypt’s defense minister, Gen. Abdel Mageed Saqr, on Wednesday attended a military formation ceremony for Egyptian troops preparing to deploy to Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The event, held in Egypt, was also attended by Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ahmed Khalifa and senior commanders, according to a statement from the Egyptian military spokesman. During the visit, officials received a detailed briefing on the preparation…

MOGADISHU — Somalia has won a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term, a diplomatic milestone that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday cast as proof of the country’s renewed standing on the continent and beyond. In a national address, Hassan Sheikh said the election reflects Somalia’s growing credibility and the reemergence of its voice in regional affairs after years of rebuilding state institutions. “This victory demonstrates the significant progress of Somalia’s diplomacy and…

Former Somali premiers warn reforms timetable is unrealistic, urge consensus on elections MOGADISHU — Two former Somali prime ministers sharply criticized the federal government’s push to complete sweeping constitutional and political changes before the current term ends, warning that the roughly three months remaining are insufficient and risk deepening instability. Speaking at an event in Mogadishu on Wednesday, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said the administration’s reform agenda — including a constitutional…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Turkish Navy warships docked at Mogadishu’s seaport Tuesday, marking a new phase in Somalia–Turkey security cooperation as the allies expand joint maritime operations alongside deepening energy ties in Somali waters. The vessels were formally welcomed Wednesday by a high-level Somali delegation led by State Minister for Defense Omar Abdi Ali. Somali National Army Commander Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, who also oversees the navy and coast guard, attended alongside senior naval officers and…

Emergency Landing Incident at Mogadishu Airport An aircraft carrying 55 people overran the runway at Aden Abdulle International Airport and ended up in shallow water. A technical issue shortly after takeoff necessitated the emergency landing. The Fokker plane was operated by Starsky Aviation. The incident occurred 15 minutes into the flight bound for Gaalkacyo. No injuries were reported; everyone was safely evacuated. Details of the Incident After experiencing technical difficulties, the crew attempted to…