Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday cast doubt on the opposition’s decision to organize a planned protest in Mogadishu on the same day direct local elections were underway in SouthWest state and talks were scheduled in the capital. Speaking on the country’s political and security climate, Hassan Sheikh congratulated South West State residents for what he described as their calm participation in Sunday morning’s “one person, one vote” polls across several districts. He described the vote as…

Sarah JohnsonSunday May 10, 2026 The journalists said they were arrested and assaulted by counter-terrorism police in Mogadishu on Friday. Photograph: Tony Karumba/AFP/Getty Images A Somali journalist who reported on a woman’s claim that she was being tortured in prison was detained by authorities and beaten with pistols, along with two other reporters, in what media groups say is the latest sign of an escalating crackdown on press freedom. Mohamed Bulbul was arrested on Friday evening in a restaurant in central Mogadishu…

Sunday May 10, 2026 Baidoa (AX) — Somalia’s Southwest State opened a new chapter in its political history on Sunday as voters went to the polls for direct elections to choose members of the regional House of Representatives and district councils, a significant break from the country’s entrenched indirect voting system. The ballot was being conducted in 13 districts across Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions. The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission said 376,212 voters had registered to take part,…

Remarks by Moez Doraid, UN Women Regional Director for Arab States – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva Beirut/Geneva – Standing in Lebanon, I have seen firsthand how women and girls are being killed and displaced even as a fragile ceasefire holds, a pattern that violates the most basic civilian protections under international law. Although a ceasefire took effect on 17 April, reports show that 25 women have been killed and 109…

By Margaret KalekyeSunday May 10, 2026 A search operation is under way in Mandera after suspected militia opened fire on a Nissan matatu, killing six people and injuring several others in a brazen attack that has triggered a major security response. The National Police Service said it has deployed a multi-agency team, including specialised units, to pursue the attackers and comb the area for clues as investigators piece together what happened. “We are committed to bringing them to justice and ensuring they face the full…

Sunday May 10, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s federal government on Sunday stood firm behind its decision to confine planned opposition rallies in Mogadishu to a single location, arguing that scattered protests across the capital could threaten civilians, choke essential services and ignite street-level confrontations. In a statement, the Ministry of Information said the administration recognized citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, expression and political participation. It added, however, that those…

The Federal Government of Somalia says it supports citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, free expression, and political participation — but warns that planned actions in Mogadishu threaten to cross that line. Peaceful protest, the government insists, is a legitimate democratic tool and will be permitted when conducted lawfully and orderly. To enable demonstrations while protecting public safety and the capital’s normal functions, authorities designated Engineer Yarisow Koonis Stadium as the appropriate…

Sunday May 10, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on Saturday accused the federal government of seeking to curb and contain planned protests in Mogadishu, saying any effort to limit peaceful demonstrations would amount to a breach of citizens’ constitutional rights. His remarks came as tensions deepened between the government and opposition leaders over the location of Sunday’s protest. Authorities have directed demonstrators to assemble at Konis Stadium, but opposition figures insist…

Saturday May 9, 2026 Somalia’s ambassador to Ankara, Fathudin Ali Mohamed, (C) attends the session on the bill at Parliament, Ankara, Türkiye, May 7, 2026. (AA Photo) Turkey’s Parliament on Thursday gave its approval to an in-kind grant support agreement with Somalia, underscoring the deepening ties between Ankara and the Horn of Africa country as lawmakers pointed to a relationship that now spans trade, security and development. The debate in the Turkish Parliament drew remarks from across the political spectrum, with…

By IRENE MWANGISaturday May 9, 2026 A passenger vehicle traveling in Mandera East Constituency came under a deadly ambush on Saturday morning, leaving at least six people dead and several others nursing injuries after suspected gunmen opened fire. The attack took place at Beer-Awayon village on the road connecting Mandera town and Arabia town, where the vehicle was headed before it was struck by heavy gunfire. According to preliminary reports, armed assailants intercepted the vehicle and opened fire, killing several…