Somalia

Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia is not mere diplomatic theater. Announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the move inserts the Middle East’s most combustible politics into the Horn of Africa and raises the stakes along the Red Sea—one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors. For Somalia, which maintains a One Somalia policy with near-universal international backing, the gambit threatens national unity. For North Western State of Somalia, it offers symbolism without sovereignty at a…

BOSASO, Somalia — A roadside explosion struck a mine-sweeping vehicle on the new road linking Bosaso and Dhaadaar on Sunday morning, killing at least three members of Puntland State’s security forces and wounding more than five others, officials said. The blast occurred as security units were conducting a clearance operation along the route, according to security sources. The vehicle was working to detect and neutralize suspected explosives when the device detonated. Those killed include Jama Mohamed Caduur, known as…

Saudi, Somali foreign ministers reaffirm support for Somalia’s sovereignty in Riyadh talks Monday, Jan. 5, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity during high-level talks in Riyadh on Sunday, underscoring a shared commitment to the Horn of Africa nation’s unity and stability amid rising regional tensions. Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdisalam Abdi Ali met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah…

Turkey monitors Yemen, Somalia as Erdogan, Saudi crown prince discuss regional crises and ties ANKARA — Turkey is “closely” following developments in Yemen and Somalia, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a phone call Sunday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, stressing the importance of stability and protecting both countries’ territorial integrity, according to Turkey’s Communications Directorate. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations along with regional and global issues, the directorate said. Erdogan…

Deadly landmine blast kills at least 7 civilians near Ceeldheer in central Somalia CEELDHEER, Somalia — At least seven civilians were killed and several others were wounded Sunday when a vehicle traveling in a convoy struck a landmine on the outskirts of Ceeldheer district in central Somalia’s Galgaduud region, local officials said. Authorities said the injured were evacuated to Mogadishu for treatment. Details on the number of wounded and the extent of their injuries were not immediately available. Security officials blamed…

MOGADISHU — Federal ministers and lawmakers from North Western State of Somalia’s regions of Sool, Sanaag and Awdal on Saturday condemned Israel’s decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, pledging full support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Speaking at a news conference in Mogadishu, the officials called the move unacceptable and an attempt to divide Somalia, aligning themselves with the federal government’s position rejecting any action they said undermines the country’s…

Sunday January 4, 2026 Hargeisa (AX) — Two members of North Western State of Somalia’s House of Representatives on Saturday accused the government of intimidation and repression in the Awdal region after reports that a young man in Borama was arrested for raising a Palestinian flag during street celebrations marking Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia. MP Mohamed Abiib and MP Maydhane said the youth was detained in Borama, the regional capital of Awdal, after displaying the Palestinian flag while other…

UNITED NATIONS — Somalia on Friday assumed the rotating presidency of the U.N. Security Council for January, its first time at the helm since serving on the council in 1971-72. Calling the moment historic, Somalia’s U.N. ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman said the presidency follows the country’s return to the council after 54 years and “is a significant milestone.” He said Somalia’s election and stewardship “symbolizes Somalia’s commitment to strengthening multilateralism.” Osman said that over the past year Somalia has sought…

India rejects claims of talks with North Western State of Somalia, denies any move toward recognition NEW DELHI — India has dismissed viral social media posts claiming New Delhi held official talks with North Western State of Somalia and was preparing to recognize the self-declared republic, calling the reports “fake” and urging the public to be vigilant against misinformation. In a brief fact-check posted on X, formerly Twitter, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected assertions that Prime Minister Narendra Modi…

When Global Rules Weakened: North Western State of Somalia and India’s Perspective Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia is more than a bilateral gambit. It is a marker of a world in which the “rules-based international order” no longer restrains hard power or strategic ambition. In the Horn of Africa, at the mouth of the Red Sea, a long-standing diplomatic taboo has been broken—and the global reaction has revealed how much sway norms have lost over interests. The shift predates this moment. By 2026,…