President

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held separate telephone calls with the King of Jordan and the Amir of Qatar as regional tensions spiked following Iranian missile strikes, the presidency said Monday. In statements issued by Villa Somalia, the president and his counterparts discussed the deteriorating security climate across the Middle East and stressed the need to reduce tensions and intensify diplomatic efforts to preserve stability. The Somali leader reaffirmed Mogadishu’s support for both Jordan and…

KISMAYO, Somalia — Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe has invited federal lawmakers from his state to a consultative meeting in Kismayo as political tensions mount over Somalia’s electoral process ahead of the 2026 vote. In a letter dated March 1, 2026, Madobe’s office called on members of both houses of the federal Parliament who represent Jubaland constituencies to convene for discussions on the national political situation and preparations for the coming elections. The outreach comes amid intensifying…

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hosted an iftar meeting at the Presidential Palace with leaders of political organizations, days after high-level talks with the opposition-aligned Somali Future Council collapsed without agreement, officials said. The gathering at Villa Somalia centered on Somalia’s political trajectory and efforts to advance the country’s fledgling democratic process, according to a statement from the presidency. The administration framed the session as a forum for open dialogue on…

HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia — President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro urged Somalilanders to close ranks on Thursday as regional opposition intensifies to Israel’s recognition of the territory, calling unity essential to defend “nationhood and statehood” amid mounting diplomatic pressure across the Horn of Africa. “There are many conflicts going on around North Western State of Somalia. We have not harmed anyone, we have not taken anything from anyone,” Irro said in a speech in Hargeisa. “What is needed is…

Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 HARGEISA (AX) — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro on Thursday called for an immediate end to clan fighting in the Waqdaria and Shidan areas of Lasqoray district in the Sanaag region, urging all sides to respect the sanctity of Ramadan as casualties mounted in days of escalating tension. “I call on those who have been killing each other to stop the fighting, because the blood of Islam is forbidden,” Irro said, framing the appeal in religious terms and stressing…

Israel accredits first North Western State of Somalia ambassador, deepening ties after recognition JERUSALEM — Israel has granted diplomatic accreditation to Dr. Mohamed Omar Haaji Mohamud, the first ambassador of North Western State of Somalia to Israel, formalizing a new phase in relations less than two months after Israel became the first country to recognize the self-declared republic. Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday that the appointment follows the establishment of diplomatic relations on Dec. 26, 2025,…

Malawi launches fresh investigation into Chikangawa military plane crash that killed former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others in June 2024, citing gaps in earlier probes. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango on Tuesday announced a new, comprehensive review of the Chikangawa crash after a government audit found previous inquiries did not provide clear, conclusive explanations for the accident. The minister said a government review of earlier findings — including the national…

PARIS — The head of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, has resigned after months of mounting crises at the world’s largest museum, including a high-profile robbery of French crown jewels, the French presidency announced. President Emmanuel Macron accepted Des Cars’ resignation, with the Elysee hailing it as “an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs appeasement and a new strong impetus to carry out major security projects.” Macron appointed Des Cars to lead the Louvre in 2021. Des Cars had come…

Sheinbaum says Mexico has ‘all the guarantees’ for 2026 World Cup after cartel leader’s death sparks unrest MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said there is “no risk” to visitors and “all the guarantees” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to proceed in the country, after the capture and death of Mexico’s most-wanted cartel leader triggered roadblocks, arson and security clashes, notably in Jalisco state. Sheinbaum, speaking at a morning news conference, said the situation was continuing to normalize even as…

Puntland State accuses Somali president of fueling tensions over election plan AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State on Tuesday accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of stoking political tensions after the federal government rejected a proposed timetable for local council elections as “illegal,” escalating a long-running rift over power-sharing and control of the electoral process. In a sharply worded statement, Puntland State’s interior ministry said the schedule issued by Somalia’s federal electoral and boundaries…