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Somalia’s federal government schedules April 2026 state elections amid electoral talks

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's federal government has scheduled April 2026 state elections, sharpening the debate over the country's election timetable and whether political institutions can move from announcements to implementation. The plan also raises questions about election administration, including how polling and legal procedures will be managed across a contested political environment. Those concerns are closely tied to constitutional reform, because mandate timing and electoral rules are now part of the same…

Somalia again condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia as illegal under international law

ANKARA — Somalia on Tuesday denounced Israel’s decision to recognize the breakaway North Western State of Somalia region, calling it a clear breach of international law and a fresh example of Tel Aviv’s disregard for global norms, according to the country’s justice minister. Somali Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Moallim Mohamud, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the “Türkiye-Africa Strategic Dialogue” program organized by the National Intelligence Academy (MİA) in Ankara, said Mogadishu would…

Somalia reiterates condemnation of Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia as violating international law

Somalia on Tuesday condemned Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, calling it a violation of international law and vowing to defend the country’s territorial integrity as diplomatic fallout widened across the Horn of Africa. Speaking in Ankara on the sidelines of the Türkiye-Africa Strategic Dialogue organized by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Academy (MİA), Somali Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Moallim Mohamud said the move underscored what he…

Persistent drought in Kenya leaves families hungry as livestock die

Tuesday February 10, 2026 Kenya’s deepening drought has left more than 2 million people facing hunger, with cattle-keeping communities in the northeast the hardest hit, according to the United Nations and other agencies. Stark images of emaciated livestock along the arid frontier near Somalia have shocked a region where climate extremes increasingly set the pace of daily life. For many families, the rains have grown shorter and more erratic in recent years, exposing entire districts to prolonged dry spells. In such cycles,…

Somalia Opens First Bowling Alley as Middle Class and Diaspora Returnees Rise

Mogadishu’s first modern bowling alley rolls a fragile normal into Somalia’s capital On a recent evening in Mogadishu, the sharp crack of falling pins echoed under neon lights as a circle of friends filmed each other’s turns and burst into laughter. They were young, many born or raised abroad, taking in a scene that was once unimaginable in a city long defined by checkpoints and curfews: carefree recreation in public. The Feynuus Bowling Center, which opened last year, has become a symbol of Mogadishu’s cautious revival — a…

Somalia’s Parliament Weighs Constitutional Reforms as Federal Elections Approach

Somalia’s Parliament Debates Federalism Revisions as 19 Lawmakers Are Suspended MOGADISHU — Somalia’s bicameral Parliament held a joint session Saturday to debate proposed amendments to the Provisional Constitution, zeroing in on federalism and power-sharing even as tensions flared over the process with the suspension of 19 lawmakers earlier in the day. The sitting — the seventh of the current parliamentary term and the 11th joint meeting of the Upper House and the House of the People — focused on Chapter Four of the draft…

At least 10 injured as Baidoa, Somalia security forces clash with armed group

BAIDOA, Somalia — At least 10 people were wounded after two days of heavy fighting between Southwest state security forces and armed militia groups rocked Baidoa, shuttering businesses, snarling transport and cutting communications in parts of the city, residents and local officials said. The clashes erupted Wednesday and continued into Thursday, beginning as a land dispute before spiraling into broader unrest with political undertones, according to witnesses. Residents reported the use of heavy weapons in several…

Somalia’s intelligence agency arrests man identified as former al-Shabab leader’s son

Somalia arrests alleged son of ex–al-Shabab leader after street-robbery video in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency has arrested a man identified as the son of former al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi Godane, accusing him of involvement in street crime and insecurity in the capital, officials said Tuesday. The suspect, named by authorities as Abdifitaah Ahmed Godane, was detained after security cameras captured him and another man robbing a mobile phone from a young girl in a…

Barcelona win at Elche as Atlético drop more away points in La Liga

Barcelona beats Elche 3-1 to stay four points clear in La Liga as Torres and Rashford score Barcelona retained its lead at the top of La Liga with a 3-1 win away to Elche on Saturday night, a result built on early incision from Lamine Yamal and finished off by Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford. The victory lifts Barcelona to 55 points, four ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, which plays Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. Yamal opened the scoring early, settling Barcelona into a rhythm that soon produced a flurry of chances.…

Opposition Blocks Somali Parliament Debate on Constitutional Amendments, Sparking Chaos

Somalia parliament descends into chaos as opposition blocks constitutional debate in Mogadishu MOGADISHU — Somalia’s lower house erupted into chaos Monday as opposition lawmakers shut down the opening of a debate on sweeping constitutional amendments, occupying the speaker’s seat, blocking entrances to the chamber and forcing the suspension of proceedings. The confrontation came as Parliament prepared to take up proposed changes to chapters five through nine of the provisional constitution — a politically charged package…