state

Kismayo, Somalia — The Jubbaland regional administration on Saturday accused Somalia’s federal government of unconstitutional interference in the affairs of federal member states, warning that the moves threaten the country’s federal system and national unity as Parliament debates sweeping constitutional changes. In a statement issued by the Jubbaland presidency, the regional authority said Mogadishu lacks the mandate to unilaterally amend the Provisional Constitution or restructure the system of governance. Somalia’s…

Egypt condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warns of Red Sea destabilization Friday February 6, 2026 CAIRO — Egypt on Thursday condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of North Western State of Somalia, calling it a violation of international law that infringes on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and risks undermining stability across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty delivered the warning during talks in Cairo with Somali…

In Mogadishu’s Dec. 25 municipal vote, the promise of direct democracy met the reality of centralized power. Marketed as a landmark step toward universal suffrage and a prelude to Somalia’s 2026 presidential contest, the election in the Banadir region looked—by design and outcome—like a nomination process dressed up as a popular mandate. That tension goes to the core of Somalia’s electoral dilemma: in a fragile state without a census, credible registries or impartial institutions, the rush to “one person, one vote” can…

The Committee to Protect Journalists on Friday urged Namibian authorities to protect press freedom after two recent incidents it said reveal a worrying reluctance by officials to face public scrutiny. The CPJ named the expulsion of reporter Jemima Beukes from President Netumbo Nandi‑Ndaitwah’s official residence and online threats against journalist Tracy Tafirenyika as examples that threaten Namibia’s reputation for independent journalism. During a photo session outside a Cabinet meeting at State House on Feb. 2, Beukes…

CAIRO — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, jointly rejecting Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia during a high-level meeting in Cairo. The talks, held ahead of the Egypt–Türkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, centered on bilateral relations and regional flashpoints including Somalia, Sudan and Gaza, according to the Egyptian presidency. Both leaders cast their…

In the harsh light of midday in Hariro, a settlement carved into the rock and dust of Somalia’s Bari region, Mahado Cilmi Matan tightens the cloth walls of a shelter stitched from branches and tin. The hut barely holds her and her 11 children. Shade is thin, cold seeps in at night, and the wind picks at the seams. A year after war began in the Almiskad mountains above them, the family is still displaced and living without income, pushed to the edge by conflict and a relentless drought. “There is no food available,” Mahado…

North Western State of Somalia eyes trade deal with Israel after recognition HARGEISA, Somalia — North Western State of Somalia expects to sign a trade partnership with Israel after receiving formal recognition from the Middle Eastern nation and is prepared to offer access to key natural resources as part of the pact, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi told Reuters. Israel recognized North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared independent region in northern Somalia, in late December. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu…

DUBAI — North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilaahi Irro attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Tuesday for the second consecutive year, underscoring Hargeisa’s push for international visibility despite objections from Somalia’s federal government and amid worsening tensions with the United Arab Emirates. The annual forum, one of the world’s most prominent gatherings on governance and public policy, brings together global political leaders, major corporations and international…

Somalia pledges inclusive dialogue as Jubaland, Puntland State allege flight blocks ahead of election talks MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to preserving national unity and advancing an inclusive political dialogue, even as tensions rise with the Jubaland and Puntland State regional administrations over security arrangements before planned election talks. In a statement, the government said it remains fully committed to an open, broad and constructive consultative…

U.S. walks diplomatic tightrope on Somalia unity after Israel’s North Western State of Somalia move WASHINGTON — The United States reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel’s surprise decision on Dec. 26 to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move that jolted regional diplomacy across the Horn of Africa. In comments to the BBC, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said Washington maintains a “good working relationship” with North Western State of…