Somali

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s Independent National Electoral Commission on Thursday issued a formal warning to district administrations across the Banadir region, ordering them to ensure an open campaign environment and unhindered distribution of voter cards as the election period intensifies in Mogadishu and its surrounding districts. In a directive circulated to local officials, the Commission said political organizations and candidates are legally entitled to campaign without interference, and citizens must be able to…

DOHA, Qatar — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Doha on Friday to attend the Doha Forum, a global platform that convenes leaders and experts to debate international security, shifting geopolitical dynamics and development cooperation. His visit is expected to include high-level talks with Qatar’s leadership and engagement with international partners on Somalia’s priorities. Upon landing at Hamad International Airport, Mohamud was welcomed by senior Qatari officials, according to Somali authorities. Officials…

Democrats condemn Trump’s remarks about Somali Americans as ‘xenophobic,’ warn rhetoric aids extremists Senior Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday condemned President Donald Trump’s strongly derogatory comments about Somali Americans and Somalia, calling the remarks “xenophobic and unacceptable” and warning they could endanger U.S. interests. In a joint statement, Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, Rep. Sara Jacobs, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and Sen. Cory Booker said Trump’s rhetoric targeted Somali Americans, including immigrants and refugees,…

Army raids deal major blow to al-Shabab in central Somalia GALGADUUD, Somalia — Somali government forces say they destroyed al-Shabab hideouts and secured a key roadway during an operation in central Somalia, marking a fresh setback for the extremist group as the army intensifies its campaign across Galmudug state. Troops from the Somali National Army’s 242nd Battalion led the raid along the corridor between Cali Yabaal and the Geeriile junction, targeting what officials described as a supply store and shelters used by the…

Somalis among those arrested in Minneapolis immigration operation, DHS says MINNEAPOLIS — People of Somali origin are among those arrested in a Minneapolis immigration crackdown, federal officials said Thursday, days after President Donald Trump used derogatory language about Somali immigrants and said he wanted them sent “back to where they came from.” The Department of Homeland Security said the Minneapolis arrests began Monday, offering its first statement on the operation. Officials did not provide a total number of…

Somalia graduates 23rd Darwish police cohort in Djibouti as security build-up accelerates ahead of 2026 vote MOGADISHU — Somali Police Commissioner Brig. Gen. Asad Osman Abdullahi on Thursday attended a graduation ceremony in Djibouti marking the completion of training for the 23rd batch of the Somali Police Darwish forces, underscoring a push to professionalize Somalia’s security services as the country prepares for a landmark one-person, one-vote election in 2026. The Darwish cohort completed rigorous training in Djibouti…

Somalia, Yemen hold high-level defense talks in Cairo to bolster Red Sea, Gulf of Aden security Mogadishu (AX) — Somali Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met his Yemeni counterpart, Lieutenant General Mohsen Mohammed Ahmed Al-Daari, in Cairo on Thursday for high-level talks aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and tightening maritime security across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s most vital shipping corridors. The talks, attended by the Commander of the Somali National Armed Forces, Major General…

Somalia’s Prime Minister Responds to Trump Remarks as Immigration Raids Begin in Minnesota Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has responded to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump about Somali immigrants, as reports indicate U.S. immigration authorities are preparing enforcement operations aimed at Somali communities in Minnesota. Trump, speaking during a cabinet meeting, said he does not want Somalis in the United States and told them to “go back to where they came from.” He described Somalia as “a bad country” and…

Mogadishu — A rare cesarean section complication has been confirmed in Somalia after a 30-year-old woman developed scar endometriosis, a painful condition in which endometrial tissue grows in a surgical incision, according to a new case report by Dr. Abdirahman Omar Moallim of Kaafi Hospital and Dr. Mohamed Ali Kahiye of Sahan Diagnostic Center. The case underscores an emerging risk in Somalia’s maternal health system as cesarean deliveries rise, especially in urban centers. Scar endometriosis is often mistaken for a hernia…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s prime minister on Wednesday defended his government’s decision to stay silent in the face of recent inflammatory remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has escalated attacks on Somali immigrants living in the United States. Speaking at the Sixth Youth Leadership and Innovation Summit 2025, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said Mogadishu had no interest in turning Trump’s comments into a political confrontation that could amplify his rhetoric. “It is easier to ignore President Donald…