Monday June 1, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s widening political standoff drew fresh international concern Monday, as key partners pressed the federal government and opposition leaders to return to talks and settle on an election roadmap without delay. In a joint statement released June 1, the United Kingdom, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia, the European Union, Sweden, Switzerland and Norway said Somali leaders must place the national interest above partisan divisions at a sensitive moment for…

Monday June 1, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Military Court on Sunday opened proceedings in a case involving two Ethiopian nationals accused of ties to al-Shabab, prosecutors said. Military prosecutors named the defendants as Hamza Ibrahim Ali, also known as Abuu Irshad, and Nasri Abdirahman Ali, also known as Abuu Safiya. Both men are from Harar, Ethiopia, and are fluent in Somali, according to prosecutors. Security officials said the pair were detained in Baidoa, the capital of Bay region, during a planned operation…

Sunday May 31, 2026 Baidoa (AX) — An emergency security meeting was convened in Baidoa on Saturday by commanders of the Somali National Army’s 60th Division, hours after fierce clashes erupted between federal government forces and troops aligned with former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. The session was aimed at tightening security in the city, improving coordination among security agencies and forestalling any fresh attacks following the morning confrontation. Military officials said…

by Zach LebowitzThursday May 28, 2026 What begins as a rehearsal in a Minneapolis art space quickly opens into something larger: a celebration of Somali tradition, a meditation on diaspora, and a performance built to feel like a wedding afterparty brought to life. Nadira Hussein and Maryan Yusuf’s new work reimagines a Gaaf — the customary Somali celebration that follows a wedding — blending music, dance, cultural references, audience participation and newly invented twists. Members of the Saanta Collective perforn at the…

Thursday May 28, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Saadiq Omar Hassan Joon, a Somali lawmaker and former Banadir police chief, has cautioned President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud against meddling in the coming election in Galmudug, as political tensions sharpen in Dhusamareb. Writing on Facebook on Wednesday, Saadiq Joon linked peace in Dhusamareb, the Galmudug capital, with calm in Mogadishu’s Wardhigley district, home to the presidential palace. “Oday Hassan, the peace in Dhusamareb and the peace in Wardhigley are interconnected, you…

Wednesday May 27, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s political standoff has entered another waiting period, but mediators say the effort to bring the federal government and opposition back to the table is still alive. On Tuesday, traditional elders involved in the process met with leaders of the Somali Future Council, saying the talks have been slowed by logistical and procedural hurdles rather than derailed. Garaad Jamac Garaad Ali, who is part of the mediation team, said the main setback has been the incomplete formation of…

Wednesday May 27, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s top leadership joined worshippers in the capital Wednesday morning as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre attended Eid al-Adha prayers alongside government officials and hundreds of others at the Mosque of Islamic Solidarity in Mogadishu. After the prayers, Mohamud extended holiday greetings to Somalis and offered prayers for peace, prosperity and lasting development in every part of the country. “We will never forget to remind ourselves of…

Tuesday May 26, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s Supreme Court has upheld the results of Southwest State’s House of Representatives election, endorsing the figures released by the electoral commission after reviewing complaints and supporting documents tied to the vote. In a ruling issued Monday, the court said it had considered objections to the electoral process, written submissions and reports from the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission before determining that the outcome was consistent with Somali…

Tuesday May 26, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — In a meeting that underscored the enduring power of words in Somali public life, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday sat down with leading Somali poets and literary figures to discuss how arts and literature can help deepen public awareness, support state-building and reinforce national identity. Mohamud used the occasion to commend Somali poets for what he described as decades of service in defending national unity, safeguarding cultural heritage and delivering messages that…

Saturday May 23, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — In a meeting that underscored mounting attention to rights protections in Somalia, Somali Police Force chief Brig. Gen. Asad Osman Abdullahi held talks with leaders of the Independent National Human Rights Commission on cooperation in safeguarding human rights, improving accountability and strengthening oversight of detention facilities. The commission was represented by Chairperson Dr. Maryam Qaasim, Deputy Chairperson Mohamed Harun, Director General Mustafa Ahmed and other…