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Saturday, February 7, 2026 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s lower house of parliament has suspended 19 lawmakers for repeatedly disrupting legislative sessions, a move that underscores deepening political rifts over contentious constitutional amendments. The decision was issued in an official letter from acting speaker and second deputy speaker Abdullahi Omar Abshirow, who said the lawmakers were barred from attending several upcoming sessions after causing chaos during a sitting on Feb. 2. The letter said the members violated…

In Mogadishu’s Dec. 25 municipal vote, the promise of direct democracy met the reality of centralized power. Marketed as a landmark step toward universal suffrage and a prelude to Somalia’s 2026 presidential contest, the election in the Banadir region looked—by design and outcome—like a nomination process dressed up as a popular mandate. That tension goes to the core of Somalia’s electoral dilemma: in a fragile state without a census, credible registries or impartial institutions, the rush to “one person, one vote” can…

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 MOGADISHU, Somalia — Scuffles and shouting erupted during a joint session of Somalia’s parliament on Wednesday after the speaker moved to advance a package of constitutional amendments that opposition lawmakers said would extend political mandates, forcing the session’s abrupt suspension. The confrontation underscored the high stakes surrounding long-delayed efforts to finalize Somalia’s provisional constitution. The country has operated under the temporary charter since 2012, and repeated attempts to…

Barcelona returned to the top of La Liga with a 3-0 win over bottom-of-the-table Real Oviedo, capitalizing on two second-half errors in heavy rain at Camp Nou and capped by a spectacular acrobatic finish from Lamine Yamal. Monday January 26, 2026 An acrobatic Lamine Yamal strike makes it 3-0 to Barcelona against Real Oviedo. Photograph: Albert Gea/Reuters The victory lifts Barcelona to 52 points, one ahead of Real Madrid, with Atlético Madrid third on 44. It also underscored the growing influence of 18-year-old Yamal and the…

Starmer says Trump should apologize for ‘insulting’ claim NATO allies stayed off Afghanistan front lines LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday said President Donald Trump should apologize for claiming European allies stayed “a little off the front lines” in the war in Afghanistan, a rare public rebuke that underscored fresh strain across the Atlantic. Calling the remarks “insulting and frankly appalling,” Starmer said that if he had “misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise.” He…

Somalia says its forces killed more than 130 al-Shabab fighters and repelled a major assault on the strategic coastal town of Kudhaa in the Lower Juba region after a prolonged battle that stretched beyond 24 hours, the Defense Ministry said Thursday. The joint operation, led by Somali National Army units and Jubbaland regional security forces with backing from international partners, broke an attempted overrun by the al-Qaida-linked group in one of its most active southern strongholds, according to the ministry. The Defense…

Saturday January 17, 2026 European troops land in Greenland as transatlantic rift deepens over Trump’s acquisition push NUUK, Greenland — Soldiers from France, Germany and other European nations have begun arriving in Greenland to bolster the Arctic island’s security, a rapid show of force that underscores widening disagreement between the United States and its European allies over President Donald Trump’s stated desire to acquire the semiautonomous Danish territory. France has sent 15 soldiers and Germany 13, with Norway…

White House pauses immigrant visas for dozens of countries as it revives “public charge” scrutiny WASHINGTON — The White House on Wednesday ordered an immediate pause on immigrant visas for nationals of dozens of countries, including Somalia and Haiti, as the Trump administration moves to tighten long-standing “public charge” rules and restrict permanent entry for applicants deemed likely to rely on government benefits. The suspension targets those seeking to immigrate permanently and does not appear to apply to temporary…

Somalia cancels UAE-linked security and defense deals tied to Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo ports MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government has annulled security and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates connected to several strategic ports, saying the deals violated the country’s sovereignty, national unity and political independence. The Cabinet decision cancels port-related arrangements involving Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo Move follows an immigration probe into alleged unauthorized use of Somali territory linked…

Mogadishu — Somalia’s federal government has canceled security and defense agreements with the United Arab Emirates tied to the strategic ports of Berbera, Bosaso and Kismayo, citing serious violations of the country’s sovereignty, national unity and political independence. The Cabinet decision, taken Monday in Mogadishu, annuls “all agreements and cooperative arrangements” related to the three ports, according to an official statement. The move was based on “reports and strong evidence regarding wrongful actions that…