Somalia Senate Speaker Accuses Government Institutions of Failing to Uphold the Law
MOGADISHU, April 26 - Somalia’s upper chamber speaker has returned to the political spotlight with a blistering attack on state institutions, accusing them of widespread disregard for the law as the country edges toward a critical electoral moment.
Senator Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, a seasoned and influential figure in Somali politics, said he had been away from public duties while recovering from health-related problems. His reappearance comes as tensions intensify between federal leaders and opposition figures over…
Somali man arrested near U.S.-Canada border in fraud, piracy-linked case
Sunday April 26, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — U.S. authorities say they have arrested a Somali national facing passport fraud allegations and suspected of ties to a 2012 piracy case, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The man, identified as Said Jama Ahmed, was detained near the U.S.-Canada border after an off-duty Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer noticed him, officials said in a statement on Friday.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested Ahmed on the evening of April 14, 2026, several miles south…
Chornobyl remains at risk 40 years after the disaster
Four decades after Reactor 4 exploded at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster is once again shadowed by danger.
At 01:23am on 26 April 1986, an explosion tore through the reactor during a failed safety test, blasting apart the roof and sending a vast cloud of radioactive material into the atmosphere.
Radiation spread west and north across Europe for days, while neighbouring Belarus absorbed the heaviest share of the fallout.
Soviet authorities waited 36 hours…
Somalia Deploys Turkish-Trained Elite Forces to Gedo Region
LUUQ, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has sent Turkish-trained elite Gorgor, or “Eagle,” commandos to the strategic district of Luuq in the Gedo region, a move that underscores a sharper military push in an area long marked by security concerns and political disputes.
Security officials said the first plane carrying the specialized troops touched down in Luuq early Sunday, with more flights expected in the coming days to increase the number of forces on the ground. The deployment comes on the heels of the arrival of…
Somalia and Oman hold talks to strengthen ties and regional cooperation
Sunday April 26, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali met with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, in Muscat on Saturday for talks aimed at broadening bilateral ties and deepening cooperation in several priority areas.
The discussions, held at the Omani Foreign Ministry headquarters, came during Abdisalam’s official visit to Oman and centered on shared interests spanning diplomacy, development and regional security.
The two ministers also reviewed developments in the Horn…
Villa Somalia-Backed Candidate Arrives in Baidoa for Southwest State Presidential Race
BAIDOA, Somalia — Aden Madobe, Speaker of Somalia’s House of the People, landed in Baidoa on Sunday, setting the stage for a closely watched push to capture the South West State presidency, with what is widely seen as support from Villa Somalia.
Madobe, a seasoned politician and senior member of the Justice and Social Partnership (JSP) party, was greeted by local officials in the heavily secured regional capital. Although he has not publicly announced his candidacy, his arrival is being read by political observers as a clear…
Somali minister accuses Puntland State forces of using excessive force in Badhan
Sunday April 26, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s trade minister, Jamal Mohamed Hassan, has accused Puntland State security forces of firing on civilians in Badhan, in the Sanaag region, during unrest tied to a planned visit by Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni.
In a statement, Jamal denounced what he called “unacceptable” violence, saying troops used live ammunition against residents who had opposed Deni’s trip to the town earlier this week. No deaths or injuries have been officially confirmed.
“The act of…
New strikes hit Lebanon after six killed in south
A fresh wave of Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon on Saturday, Lebanese state media said, after earlier attacks killed six people despite a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that had only recently been extended.
The latest strikes came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to "forcefully attack Hezbollah targets", following accusations by the army that the group had violated the truce.
Earlier, Lebanon's health ministry said that "Israeli enemy strikes on a truck and a…
Somali leaders attend Murusade Ugaas inauguration in Mogadishu
Sunday April 26, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Saturday attended the inauguration of Murusade sub-clan traditional chief Ugaas Abdirisaq Ugaas Abdullahi in Mogadishu, joining opposition leaders and traditional elders at the ceremony.
The gathering brought together a wide range of figures from across Somali regions, among them government officials, opposition representatives and customary leaders, underscoring the event’s broader national weight.
Hassan Sheikh…