Somalia

Somalia: Jubaland releases federal senator after 16 months, seeks to calm tensions Jubaland frees Senator Ilyas Bedel Gaboose after prolonged house arrest in Kismayo President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe frames move as reconciliation, meets with Gaboose and Sheikh Dahir Ahmed Abdullahi Detention stemmed from challenge to Madobe’s re-election; release comes amid constitutional strains and ahead of 2026 polls KISMAYO, Somalia — The Jubaland administration on Sunday released federal senator and prominent opposition figure…

North Western State of Somalia leader departs for UAE, seeks deeper ties as regional stakes rise HARGEISA, Somalia — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, left for the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday at the head of a high-level delegation that includes cabinet ministers and senior advisers, his office said, in a visit aimed at deepening economic and political ties with Abu Dhabi. Abdullahi is traveling at the formal invitation of the UAE government and is expected to attend a…

Devastating Landslide Claims Over 200 Lives in Eastern Congo A catastrophic landslide at a mineral mine in North Kivu, eastern Congo, has resulted in the deaths of over 200 people, including miners, market traders, and children. This tragedy underscores the precarious working conditions prevalent in the region's resource-rich landscape. 227 bodies have been recovered following the landslide. The incident occurred at the Rubaya coltan mine, a significant global supplier. Safety and labor issues are rampant in…

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…