visits

DJIBOUTI — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Djibouti on Wednesday for talks with President Ismail Omar Guelleh, a visit framed by rising tensions across the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East and coming as the United States warns of heightened security risks in the region. Villa Somalia said the trip reflects the longstanding ties between the two neighbors and a shared vision for regional cooperation, solidarity and stability. The two leaders are expected to hold discussions aimed at reinforcing…

U.S. SOCAFRICA chief meets Jubbaland leader in Kismayo to deepen fight against al-Shabab KISMAYO, Somalia — The commander of U.S. Special Operations Command Africa met Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe in Kismayo on Monday to discuss ongoing military operations against al-Shabab and expanded security cooperation in southern Somalia, officials said. Maj. Gen. Claude K. Tudor Jr.’s visit comes amid intensified counterterrorism efforts in the Jubbaland region, where Somali forces, backed by international partners,…

AU commander tours recaptured Somali town of Mubarak after joint offensive against al-Shabab MOGADISHU — The commander of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on Friday visited the newly secured town of Mubarak in Lower Shabelle to assess troop readiness after a joint operation that pushed al-Shabab fighters from key positions south of Mogadishu. Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma toured security positions in and around Mubarak with senior Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) commanders, meeting soldiers…

GENEVA — Iran’s foreign minister arrived in Geneva for a second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States on Monday, Iranian state television said, as Washington intensifies political and military pressure on Tehran and regional tensions simmer. Tehran said the Oman-mediated exchanges will take place today, with Washington pushing to broaden the agenda beyond the nuclear file to include Iran’s ballistic missile program and support for regional proxies. The two sides resumed contacts this month after a previous…

DOHA, Qatar — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Doha on Friday for an official visit aimed at deepening Somalia’s partnership with Qatar as Mogadishu seeks stronger security, economic and political support in a shifting regional landscape. Qatari officials welcomed Mohamud and his delegation in the capital, where the Somali leader is set to hold high-level talks with Qatar’s leadership. The agenda centers on expanding cooperation across core sectors — security, the economy and political stability — as Somalia…

Ethiopian intelligence chief makes surprise visit to Mogadishu amid regional tensions MOGADISHU, Somalia — Ethiopia’s intelligence chief arrived in the Somali capital Tuesday on an unannounced visit to deliver a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, officials said, in a move that underscores rising diplomatic strains across the Horn of Africa. Redwan Hussein, who heads Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, met with Mohamud at the presidential compound, Villa…

HARGEISA, North Western State of Somalia — Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar arrived in Hargeisa on Wednesday, nearly two weeks after Israel announced it had recognized North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, in a visit that immediately sharpened diplomatic tensions across the Horn of Africa. Saar is expected to meet North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and hold a joint news conference later in the day, according to a North Western State of Somalia diplomatic source cited…

DHOBLEY, Somalia — Kenya’s deputy army commander, Maj. Gen. Mohamed Hassan, wrapped up a two-day operational visit to Kenya Defence Forces troops deployed in Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, delivering a message of discipline, vigilance and troop welfare as the mission supports Somalia’s security transition against al-Shabab. Hassan inspected positions at the Dhobley Main Operating Base and forward locations in Afmadhow, Beles Qoqani, Tabda and Hoosingo on Dec. 9 and 10. He…

U.S. and Greenland pledge ‘mutual respect’ as ambassador visits Nuuk amid Trump’s interest in buying island The United States and Greenland pledged to rebuild ties on the basis of “mutual respect” as Washington’s new ambassador to Denmark made his first visit to the Arctic island, a diplomatic outreach that follows President Donald Trump’s public interest in acquiring the semi-autonomous territory. Ambassador Kenneth Howery, a co-founder of PayPal who recently took up his post in Copenhagen, met in Nuuk with Greenlandic…

U.S. Praise in Bosaso, Local Anger in Sanaag: A Test of Counter‑ISIS Strategy in Somalia BOSASO, Somalia — In a carefully choreographed visit this past weekend, senior U.S. officials flew into Puntland State’s bustling port city of Bosaso to laud the region’s role in combating Islamic State fighters and protecting Somalia’s northern maritime approaches. The delegation — led by Ambassador Richard Riley and including Major General Claude Tudor and the head of U.S. special operations in East Africa, Colonel Benander — met with…