Council

UN Security Council to meet on Iran as U.S. pulls some personnel from Middle East bases The U.N. Security Council is expected to convene for a briefing on the situation in Iran at the request of the United States, according to a scheduling note cited by a spokesperson for the Somali presidency. The move comes as the U.S. withdraws some personnel from regional bases amid heightened tensions and warnings from Tehran that it would target American facilities if struck. A U.S. official said some drawdowns are underway. Qatar…

The African Union’s Peace and Security Council on Tuesday condemned Israel’s unilateral recognition of North Western State of Somalia and urged the decision be immediately revoked, warning it threatens Somalia’s sovereignty and risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa. In a communiqué issued after its 1324th meeting, held Jan. 6 at ministerial level, the council rejected any action undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and stability of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It called on AU member states and…

UNITED NATIONS — Somalia on Friday assumed the rotating presidency of the U.N. Security Council for January, its first time at the helm since serving on the council in 1971-72. Calling the moment historic, Somalia’s U.N. ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman said the presidency follows the country’s return to the council after 54 years and “is a significant milestone.” He said Somalia’s election and stewardship “symbolizes Somalia’s commitment to strengthening multilateralism.” Osman said that over the past year Somalia has sought…

Thursday, January 1, 2026 Somalia takes helm of UN Security Council for January 2026, signaling diplomatic resurgence MOGADISHU — Somalia has officially assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for January 2026, a milestone that underscores the country’s diplomatic recovery and growing international standing. The presidency places Mogadishu at the forefront of the UN’s most powerful body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. Diplomatic observers view the moment as…

Two moments, six decades apart, tell a single story about Somalia’s unbending idea of itself. In 1964, a young Somali soldier bled to keep the national flag from touching the ground. On Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, a diplomat stood at the United Nations Security Council to insist that no one can redraw Somalia’s map. Both acts — one on a battlefield near Togwajaale, the other in the world’s most formal chamber of diplomacy — were rooted in the same doctrine: sovereignty as a lived creed, not a slogan. Hero Mohamed Abdulle Xalane…

African bloc on UN Security Council condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, urges reversal UNITED NATIONS — The three African members of the UN Security Council — Algeria, Sierra Leone and Somalia — joined by Guyana, sharply condemned Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, calling the move a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. In a joint statement delivered at an emergency Security Council session on Monday, Somalia’s…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s National Consultative Council on Monday condemned Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, calling the move an illegal affront to Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to security across the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Middle East. In a communiqué issued after a series of meetings in Mogadishu, the council described Israel’s step as a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity and international law, citing the Provisional Constitution as well as the charters of the United…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s National Consultative Council on Monday condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia, calling the decision an illegal act that threatens security across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the wider Middle East. In a communiqué issued by the Office of the Prime Minister after meetings in Mogadishu, the council said the move violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reaffirmed what it called a non-negotiable national stance on unity rooted in the…

Somalia condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warns of regional security risks MOGADISHU — Somalia’s National Consultative Council on Monday rejected Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, calling the move illegal and a direct challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty that could destabilize security across the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the wider Middle East. In a communiqué issued after meetings in Mogadishu, the council said Israel’s decision violates the Provisional Constitution of…

MOGADISHU — Somalia’s main opposition coalition, the Somali Salvation Forum, on Thursday condemned the Banadir Regional Council elections scheduled in Mogadishu, calling the process neither free nor fair and accusing the government of staging a one-party vote. Speaking at a press conference in the capital, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire said the planned Banadir elections lack constitutional grounding and fail basic democratic standards. He argued that what began as a competitive process had narrowed to a lopsided…