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LAS ANOD, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged North Western State of Somalia’s leaders to return to talks with Mogadishu during a landmark visit Sunday to Las Anod, offering compromise on “everything” except Somalia’s unity, which he declared nonnegotiable. “I am open to dialogue and compromise on everything,” Hassan Sheikh said, “except the unity of the country.” He framed national unity as a red line even as he pledged flexibility on political and administrative questions that have long strained relations with…

At Las Anod inauguration, Somalia’s president condemns Israel over North Western State of Somalia and vows to defend unity LAS ANOD — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Saturday attended the swearing-in of Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, as president of the Northeastern Regional State, using the ceremony to project federal authority and denounce foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. Hassan Sheikh condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of…

Envoys from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Sudan attend Las Anod inauguration, signaling support for Somalia’s unity LAS ANOD, Somalia — Ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Sudan arrived in Las Anod on Saturday to attend the inauguration of Abdikadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, the newly elected president of Somalia’s Northeastern Regional State, in a show of diplomatic backing for the region’s evolving political order. The envoys’ visit underscores international support for Somalia’s federal institutions and…

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 LAS ANOD, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened a high-level, closed-door consultation Friday night with traditional elders from the Northeastern State, urging them to anchor reconciliation and grassroots security as the federal government moves to consolidate authority in the long-contested region. The meeting in Las Anod — part of the president’s landmark visit to the city — centered on reconciliation, security and the consolidation of the state-building process after years of conflict…

LAS ANOD, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived in Las Anod on Friday, a highly symbolic visit to the administrative capital of the Northeastern Regional State that underscores Mogadishu’s expanding political and security engagement in Somalia’s contested northern regions. The federal leaders are in the city to attend the inauguration of Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, who was elected president of the Northeastern Regional State last year. The ceremony has drawn…

North Western State of Somalia’s Irro urges African, Arab states to recognize region after Israel’s move Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro on Tuesday called on African and Arab countries to recognize North Western State of Somalia, arguing the region has earned international acceptance and should no longer be overlooked after Israel’s decision to formally recognize it. Speaking at a consultation meeting with former foreign ministers at the presidential palace in…

President Catherine Connolly has congratulated Jessie Buckley on her Golden Globe win for best actress in a drama for Hamnet, hailing the achievement as a fresh high point for Ireland’s film industry. “Congratulations to Jessie Buckley on her wonderful achievement in winning a Golden Globe at this year’s ceremony in Los Angeles,” Connolly said in a statement. “This award is a fantastic recognition of Jessie Buckley’s outstanding work, and of the continued exceptional success of the whole Irish film industry. May I further…

Somalia asks Saudi Arabia to act against North Western State of Somalia leader, warns against any Israeli military presence MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has formally asked Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to take action against North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Cirro, drawing a comparison to how Riyadh has dealt with Yemen’s separatist leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi, the country’s defense minister said. Defense Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, said…

Puntland State president vows measured response amid Somalia’s political uncertainty AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni pledged a restrained, experience-driven response to political shifts at home and abroad, warning that unilateral constitutional changes by Somalia’s Federal Government risk deepening divisions at a critical moment for the country’s statehood. Speaking to a youth forum in Garowe, the regional capital, Deni said Puntland State’s record since its formation will continue to guide…

BEIJING — China reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and invited President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Beijing, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned against any separate arrangements sought by North Western State of Somalia with Taiwan, according to statements from both governments. Wang delivered the message during a phone call Sunday with Somalia’s foreign minister, Abdisalam Dhaay, held while the Chinese diplomat was traveling in Africa. Both sides said China remains fully committed…