Somali

U.S. halts some Somalia aid after WFP warehouse demolished; Mogadishu disputes theft as 75 tons recovered MOGADISHU/WASHINGTON — The United States said it is pausing further assistance that benefits Somalia’s federal government after a dispute over the demolition of a World Food Programme warehouse at Mogadishu Port, escalating tensions with a key partner battling hunger and insecurity. The State Department’s top foreign assistance official said on X that Somali government officials destroyed a U.S.-funded WFP facility and…

Mogadishu — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday night forcefully rejected Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warning the move threatens Somalia’s unity and regional stability and renewing his call for direct dialogue with leaders in Hargeisa to resolve decades-old grievances. In a nationally broadcast address, Hassan Sheikh said Somalia would not accept any attempt to divide the country through unilateral foreign action. “The Federal Republic of Somalia is one country, free and…

Somali president rejects Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, urges dialogue to protect unity MOGADISHU — Somalia’s president on Thursday night forcefully rejected Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, calling the move a threat to Somalia’s unity and regional stability while renewing a call for direct talks with North Western State of Somalia’s leaders to resolve decades-old grievances. In a nationally broadcast address, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia would not accept any…

MOGADISHU — Somali religious scholars led thousands of demonstrators in Mogadishu on Wednesday to protest Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, denouncing the move as foreign interference that threatens Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and religious identity. The demonstration, staged at Daljirka Dahson in the heart of the capital, drew clerics, traditional elders, intellectuals and residents from across Mogadishu. Protesters carried banners and chanted that North Western State of Somalia — the northwestern…

U.S. suspends assistance to Somali government, alleging destruction of WFP warehouse and seizure of 76 metric tons of food aid WASHINGTON — The United States has suspended all assistance to Somalia’s federal government, alleging Somali officials destroyed a U.S.-funded World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse and illegally seized 76 metric tons of food aid meant for vulnerable people, according to a State Department announcement Wednesday. The State Department cited the destruction of a WFP warehouse and seizure of aid as the…

Egypt warns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia threatens regional peace, urges AU condemnation Egypt warned Tuesday that Israel’s decision to recognize the breakaway North Western State of Somalia region poses “a serious threat” to regional and international peace and security, pressing the African Union to take a unified stand against the move. Egypt called Israel’s recognition a “flagrant violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty and a “dangerous precedent.” Cairo rejected any attempt to link the move to…

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (AX) — The Trump administration is preparing to deploy about 2,000 federal immigration agents to Minnesota, significantly expanding enforcement operations in the state as federal officials renew scrutiny of alleged welfare and child care fraud linked to nonprofits run by members of the Somali community, according to two law enforcement officials familiar with the plans. The operation, expected to center on the Twin Cities, will include personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S.…

Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia upends Horn of Africa politics — and tests Somalia’s path forward HARGEISA and MOGADISHU — The split screen was stark. In late December, flags rose over Hargeisa and crowds flooded the streets after Israel announced it would formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. In Mogadishu, tens of thousands rallied beneath Somali and Palestinian flags, denouncing the move as a violation of sovereignty and a dangerous precedent for the region.…

Somalia Cabinet reviews security, lauds Mogadishu vote, approves Uganda, Saudi pacts MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Council of Ministers held an extraordinary meeting Monday to review the national security situation, assess recent operations against extremist groups and mark the completion of one-person, one-vote local council elections in the Banadir region, government officials said. Chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the session signaled the political weight the…

Somali president holds unannounced talks with ex-leader Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, signaling push for national dialogue MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met behind closed doors late Sunday with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in Mogadishu, an unannounced encounter that signals a possible easing of political tensions as the country grapples with overlapping security, governance and constitutional challenges. The meeting brought together two of Somalia’s most influential political figures after months…