security

Security lapse exposed as Al‑Shabaab storms NISA detention centre near Mogadishu’s seat of power MOGADISHU — Grainy, extended video footage verified by Somali security agencies has revealed how Al‑Shabaab militants slipped into the capital and mounted a daring raid on Godka Jilacow, a detention facility run by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), underscoring fresh questions about gaps in urban security and the growing sophistication of the Islamist group. The footage, circulated by state media and checked…

In Mogadishu, a conversation about heat, water and peace MOGADISHU — Under the late-morning sun that bakes the coastal capital, diplomats, government ministers, peacebuilders and community activists gathered in a hotel ballroom that has seen its share of history. The occasion was modest by international standards — a one-day “Climate Talk” convened by the German Embassy — but the setting and the stakes were unmistakable: in Somalia, where climate shocks and political fragility intersect, even a discussion can be an act of…

Somalia welcomes Egypt’s security backing as new AU stabilization mission looms MOGADISHU — Somalia on Sunday publicly thanked Egypt for a message of solidarity that included promises of military equipment, training and an expected troop contribution to a forthcoming African Union stabilization mission as Mogadishu seeks to reassert control over territory long contested by insurgents. The gesture, framed by Somalia’s Foreign Ministry as evidence of “historic and deep-rooted ties,” arrives as African Union planners prepare…

Somalia’s president heads to UN with security gains and a moral case on Gaza Mogadishu’s message to New York MOGADISHU — As world leaders converge on the United Nations General Assembly this week, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud departs for New York carrying two intertwined narratives: a plea for continued international backing for Somalia’s fragile state-building and a sharp moral rebuke over the war in Gaza that echoes across the Global South. For Mogadishu, the UNGA trip is part diplomacy, part scoreboard.…

New airstrip in Buur Hakaba offers hope — and a test of resilience — in Somalia’s restless south BUUR HAKABA, Somalia — In the sun-baked plains between Baidoa and the coast, a strip of compacted earth has suddenly become more than a patch of ground. On a warm Sunday morning this week, local leaders and residents cut a ribbon on Buur Hakaba’s first-phase airport — a modest airfield that community members and the Southwest state government say will be a lifeline for trade, education and elections in a part of Somalia long…

Reinforcing Unity: Egypt and Sudan Stand Firm on Nile Waters Amidst GERD Tensions CAIRO — In a display of solidarity, Egypt and Sudan held crucial discussions on Wednesday, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to shared water security amidst ongoing tensions surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River. This gathering, conducted under the "2+2" consultation framework, brought together key officials from both nations, highlighting their collaborative resolve. An Urgent Matter of Water Security…

Somalia's Leap into the Digital Age: E-Visa System Set to Transform Travel and Trade In a significant stride towards modernizing its immigration framework, Somalia has officially announced the launch of its Electronic Visa and Travel Authorization System (E-Visa/ETAS), set to take effect on September 1, 2025. The unveiling marks a progressive move to digitalize processes in a nation eager to welcome the world with open arms amid security and infrastructural challenges. A Step Towards Global Integration The announcement…

Djibouti's Diplomatic Mission in Somalia: A Step Toward Regional Stability BELEWEYNE, SOMALIA — In a move indicative of the deepening ties between Djibouti and Somalia, Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Abdukadir Hussein Omar, touched down today in Beledweyne, a city that stands as both a cradle of Somali history and a strategic locus in the ongoing security dynamics of the Horn of Africa. A Diplomatic Welcome in Beledweyne The minister's arrival at Ugaas Khaliif Airport was marked by a warm reception from regional authorities.…

Strengthening Bonds: UAE and Somalia Forge Deeper Ties Amid Regional Shifts In a move resonating with diplomatic significance, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to Mogadishu. The high-level meeting unfolded against the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics, underscoring the evolving socio-political landscape of the Horn of Africa. Deepening Diplomatic Relations The discussions took place at the heart of Somali leadership—the…

Strengthening Ties: Somalia and Sudan's Security Partnership in a Troubled Region In a region where instability and conflict often dominate headlines, a significant diplomatic step was taken this week as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in substantial discussions with Maj. Gen. Ahmed Ibrahim Ali Mufadal, Sudan's Director General of National Intelligence Service. The meeting underscores a potential pivot towards more strategic alliances in combating shared security threats in the Horn of Africa. A Crucial…