Somalia

Mogadishu races to deliver voter cards as Dec. 25 Banadir local elections near MOGADISHU — Nearly 200,000 registered voters in Banadir have received official voting cards ahead of the Dec. 25 local council elections, Somalia’s National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC) said Saturday, easing fears that delays could keep many Mogadishu residents from the polls. The vote will be the first time Mogadishu residents directly elect their local council and mayor — a milestone the commission has called historic.…

Puntland State maritime force seizes boat with explosives off Eyl, arrests seven GAROWE, Somalia — The Puntland State Maritime Police Force on Saturday intercepted a boat off the coast of Eyl district carrying explosives and materials used to manufacture improvised explosive devices, detaining seven people, according to authorities. Preliminary reports indicated the seized cargo included various chemical substances commonly used in the production of high-impact explosives. The vessel was crewed by two Yemeni nationals and…

Somalia: In Baidoa, a New Income Tax Tests Public Trust in a Time of Insecurity and Joblessness BAIDOA, Somalia — A new personal income tax in Somalia’s South West State is colliding with the hard math of life in Baidoa: few formal jobs, persistent insecurity, and threadbare public services. Authorities say the measure is essential to build a functioning state. Many residents hear it as a bill for services they cannot see. The policy, announced recently in Baidoa — the interim capital of South West State — applies to…

DHOBLEY, Somalia — Kenya’s deputy army commander, Maj. Gen. Mohamed Hassan, wrapped up a two-day operational visit to Kenya Defence Forces troops deployed in Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, delivering a message of discipline, vigilance and troop welfare as the mission supports Somalia’s security transition against al-Shabab. Hassan inspected positions at the Dhobley Main Operating Base and forward locations in Afmadhow, Beles Qoqani, Tabda and Hoosingo on Dec. 9 and 10. He…

Somalia rejects Israeli claim of contacts, says no ties with Israel Saturday December 13, 2025 MOGADISHU (AX) — Somalia’s government has forcefully denied having any ties or communications with Israel, rebutting a public assertion by an Israeli official that the two sides have been in contact. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar, widely known as Ali Balcad, said Thursday there is “no truth” to the suggestion that Israel and Somalia maintain channels of communication. His remarks followed comments by Israeli…

MOGADISHU — The Somali National Electoral Commission said Thursday night that 20 political organizations have formally submitted candidate lists for the Banadir local council elections scheduled for December 25, closing the candidate registration phase for the Mogadishu-area vote. In a statement, the commission confirmed that candidate registration has concluded, capping a two-week extension granted last month to give parties more time to finalize their slates. A total of 61 political organizations registered earlier this…

MOGADISHU — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed said Friday that an opposition coalition conference planned in Kismayo will focus on forging a unified political vision and a credible path to national elections, rejecting claims the gathering is meant to form a parallel government. “The objective of the Kismayo conference is to agree on a common vision, particularly on elections, not to form a new government,” Sharif said in remarks to reporters, framing the meeting as a push for a viable, fair and inclusive electoral…

Haaland penalty completes City comeback in Madrid as Alonso’s Real sink deeper into trouble Erling Haaland’s second‑half penalty sealed a 2-1 comeback win for Manchester City over Real Madrid on a feverish Champions League night at the Bernabéu, tightening the pressure on Xabi Alonso after another bruising defeat. Real Madrid struck first through Rodrygo, his first goal in 33 club appearances, but City answered through academy midfielder Nico O’Reilly’s assured equaliser before Haaland punished a clumsy Antonio Rüdiger…

Eritrea Announces Withdrawal from IGAD, Citing Long-Standing Grievances ASMARA, Eritrea — Eritrea has formally notified the Intergovernmental Authority on Development that it is withdrawing from the regional bloc, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday, accusing IGAD of failing its mandate and being used against certain member states, particularly Eritrea. In a statement, the ministry said Eritrea’s decision follows years of disillusionment with the Horn of Africa organization, which it claims has “reneged on its…

MOGADISHU — Puntland State security forces have destroyed more than 100 Islamic State (ISIS) bases in the Cal-Miskaad mountains during a yearlong sweep that has sharply degraded the group’s capabilities, the region’s police chief said Thursday. Police Commander Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire, speaking one year after Puntland State launched Operation Hilaac, said the offensive has eliminated key fighters and reduced ISIS’s military capacity by nearly 85 percent. He said weapons caches, supply depots and facilities used to manufacture…