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Saudi Arabia backs Somalia’s unity as region pushes back against Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia RIYADH — Saudi Arabia on Tuesday reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejecting any attempts to undermine the country’s unity or create parallel entities — a stance that underscores growing regional opposition to Israel’s recent recognition of North Western State of Somalia. In a Cabinet meeting chaired by King Salman, the Kingdom voiced support for the outcome of an…

RIYADH — Türkiye and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s one-day visit to the kingdom, rejecting what they called separatist moves and parallel structures that threaten the Horn of Africa nation’s unity. In a statement released Wednesday by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate following Erdogan’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, the leaders stressed their “unwavering support” for the Federal Republic of Somalia and…

CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, jointly rejecting Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia during a high-level meeting in Cairo. The talks, held ahead of the Egypt–Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, centered on bilateral relations and regional flashpoints including Somalia, Sudan and Gaza, according to the Egyptian presidency. Both leaders cast their…

GALKAYO, Somalia — Authorities in Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland State region on Tuesday executed a woman convicted of murdering a 14-year-old domestic worker, a rare use of the death penalty against a woman that has reignited nationwide debate over child protection and household labor. Hodan Mohamud Diiriye, 34, was shot by firing squad in the central city of Galkayo after a court found she beat to death teenager Saabirin Saylaan late last year. Officials said the sentence was carried out under qisas, an Islamic legal…

DUBAI — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi Irro attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday for the second consecutive year, underscoring Hargeisa’s push for international visibility despite objections from Somalia’s federal government and amid worsening tensions with the United Arab Emirates. The annual forum, one of the world’s most prominent gatherings on governance and public policy, brings together global political leaders, major corporations and international…

MOGADISHU — Mogadishu City Club and Horseed Sports Club will contest the Jaranaal Da’uud Tournament final on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, with the Somali Football Federation unveiling an updated format that guarantees a decisive result on the day — extra time and, if needed, penalties — as part of a broader bid to raise standards across the domestic game. In a letter signed by SFF Chairman Ali Shiino and circulated Saturday, the federation confirmed both clubs’ participation in the final and detailed the match regulations designed…

MOGADISHU — Brig. Gen. Elio Manes assumed command Friday of the European Union Training Mission in Somalia, a handover EU officials said keeps momentum behind Somalia’s push to take greater responsibility for its own security. Manes took over from Brig. Gen. Sofia Westermark during a formal ceremony at EUTM-S headquarters in Mogadishu. The transfer followed standard operational procedures to ensure continuity in a mission EU officials describe as central to Somalia’s long-term security reform and institution-building. In his…

Minneapolis — Federal authorities have arrested 16 people in Minnesota on charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers amid protests tied to U.S. immigration enforcement operations, including a Somali American woman who went viral for describing her identity as “bananas and rice,” officials said. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests Wednesday as federal agents stepped up enforcement efforts in Minneapolis following days of unrest. The Justice Department said the individuals were charged…

MINNEAPOLIS — Federal authorities arrested 16 people in Minnesota, including a Somali American woman who went viral for describing her identity as “bananas and rice,” as part of a widening crackdown after protests tied to U.S. immigration enforcement operations, officials said Wednesday. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrests, saying the defendants face federal charges of assaulting, resisting or impeding federal law enforcement officers. The enforcement push comes amid escalating clashes between demonstrators…

Somalia hosts Horn of Africa finance ministers in Mogadishu, with energy trade at center of agenda MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday closed the 27th Horn of Africa Initiative Forum of finance ministers, the first time the high-level regional meeting has been held in Mogadishu, in a session that put regional energy trade at the heart of economic integration efforts. Officials said convening the forum in the Somali capital signaled growing international confidence in Somalia’s security and…