Somalia

Somalia confirms talks on Red Sea security pact with Saudi Arabia, Egypt MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has confirmed it is negotiating a proposed three-way security agreement with Saudi Arabia and Egypt focused on Red Sea security and expanded military cooperation, a government spokesperson said. The framework, which officials say is still being finalized, is designed to strengthen strategic security coordination, deepen military ties and reinforce the three countries’ joint role in regional stability.…

TRIPOLI, Libya — Libyan security forces have rescued more than 200 migrants from a clandestine underground prison in the southeastern town of Kufra, exposing what authorities described as brutal and degrading detention conditions along one of the world’s deadliest migration routes. Officials said the detainees — including women and children from sub-Saharan Africa, primarily Somalia and Eritrea — were found in multiple cells nearly three meters below ground. Some had been held for up to two years. The suspected trafficker…

LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday condemned threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump to impose new taxes on allied nations, including the United Kingdom, over a dispute involving Greenland, calling the measures “wrong” and a risk to alliance relations. Speaking at a Downing Street news conference, Starmer said he had told Trump directly that the tariff threats were unacceptable and jeopardized transatlantic solidarity at a time when unity among NATO allies matters. He warned that coercive economic…

Libya rescues more than 200 migrants from underground prison in Kufra as abuse allegations mount TRIPOLI, Libya — Libyan security forces have rescued more than 200 migrants from a clandestine underground detention site in the southeastern town of Kufra, where authorities say victims were held in brutal, degrading conditions for months and, in some cases, years. Security officials said the migrants were discovered in an improvised prison nearly three meters (about 10 feet) below ground, allegedly run by a Libyan trafficker.…

Somali president offers talks with North Western State of Somalia but rules out secession LAS ANOD, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday reaffirmed that the country’s territorial unity is not open to negotiation, saying the federal government is ready for dialogue with all Somali parties but will not entertain discussions on secession. Speaking at the inauguration of the leadership of a newly established administration in the city of Las Anod, Mohamud said Mogadishu is prepared for “dialogue at all…

Somalia’s development bank taps Deloitte for first-ever audit as it pivots from aid to investment The Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank has hired Deloitte for its first external audit, a landmark step for the state-owned lender as it seeks to cement transparency, strengthen governance and attract global investor confidence. SDRB said the independent audit began in December and will culminate in a published report in early 2026. The engagement with Deloitte covers not only financial statements but also internal…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali government forces repelled an early-morning al Shabaab raid on a military position in Middle Shabelle on Tuesday and later secured the area, the Defence Ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said fighters from the al Qaeda-linked group mounted a dawn assault on Somali National Army (SNA) positions in the Jabad Godabe area, triggering heavy exchanges of fire before troops pushed the militants back. The ministry did not provide casualty figures from the clash. Independent sources in the region…

LAS ANOD, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged North Western State of Somalia’s leaders to return to talks with Mogadishu during a landmark visit Sunday to Las Anod, offering compromise on “everything” except Somalia’s unity, which he declared nonnegotiable. “I am open to dialogue and compromise on everything,” Hassan Sheikh said, “except the unity of the country.” He framed national unity as a red line even as he pledged flexibility on political and administrative questions that have long strained relations with…

Opinion: The January Deadline That Could Reconfigure Somalia’s Future MOGADISHU — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Las Anod this week was more than a symbolic return to a city at the crossroads of North Western State of Somalia and Somalia’s Northeast State. It was a reminder that the country’s cohesion is being tested by simultaneous crises: a looming domestic showdown over the electoral roadmap and a geopolitical shock after Israel recognized North Western State of Somalia as an independent state on Dec. 26,…

Somali forces repel al-Shabab attack in Middle Shabelle after pre-dawn blast, ministry says JOWHAR, Somalia — Somali government forces repelled an al-Shabab attack on military positions in the Jabad Godane area of Middle Shabelle early Sunday after a pre-dawn explosion triggered hours of heavy fighting, the Defense Ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said the Somali National Army (SNA) “successfully foiled the assault” and now has full control of the area. Officials said the attack began with an explosion believed to…