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Southwest State suspends cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, third region to cut ties Move follows Puntland State and Jubbaland amid disputes over constitutional changes; Mogadishu yet to respond Southwest State said it acted over alleged federal interference and military mobilization in its territory. BAIDOA — Southwest State on Tuesday announced it has suspended all cooperation with Somalia’s federal government, becoming the third regional administration to sever formal ties with Mogadishu amid…

Puntland State forces clear Bosaso–Qardho highway after soldiers’ pay protest; at least one wounded BOSASO, Somalia — Puntland State security forces on Saturday dispersed soldiers protesting unpaid wages and reopened a key highway linking Bosaso and Qardho, ending a blockade that had halted traffic and stranded motorists for nearly a day. At least one protester was injured in a brief confrontation, authorities and preliminary reports said. The soldiers had sealed off the strategic route on Friday, choking movement on one of…

Missile hits U.S. Embassy in Baghdad’s Green Zone, officials say BAGHDAD — A missile struck inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone on Saturday, igniting smoke visible over the area and damaging parts of the complex, according to Iraqi security officials. An Iraqi security source told Al Jazeera the attack destroyed part of the embassy’s air defense system. Separately, two security officials told The Associated Press the projectile hit a helipad within the compound. The officials spoke on condition…

Saturday March 14, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. state of West Virginia to develop the country’s critical mineral resources, officials said. The agreement, signed by Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Dahir Shire Mohamed and West Virginia Senate Secretary Kris Warner, sets a framework for cooperation in the exploration, extraction and processing of minerals. Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama led Somalia’s delegation.…

Premier League title race tilts Arsenal’s way as Manchester City draw with Nottingham Forest; Newcastle halts Manchester United’s run; João Pedro hat trick powers Chelsea; West Ham takes vital derby win. Arsenal opened a seven-point cushion over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League after a scrappy 1-0 win at Brighton, capitalizing on City’s 2-2 home draw with struggling Nottingham Forest. The Gunners have played one game more, but Wednesday’s swing tightens their grip on a title fight defined by thin margins. At…

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held separate telephone calls with the King of Jordan and the Amir of Qatar as regional tensions spiked following Iranian missile strikes, the presidency said Monday. In statements issued by Villa Somalia, the president and his counterparts discussed the deteriorating security climate across the Middle East and stressed the need to reduce tensions and intensify diplomatic efforts to preserve stability. The Somali leader reaffirmed Mogadishu’s support for both Jordan and…

MOGADISHU — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hosted an iftar meeting at the Presidential Palace with leaders of political organizations, days after high-level talks with the opposition-aligned Somali Future Council collapsed without agreement, officials said. The gathering at Villa Somalia centered on Somalia’s political trajectory and efforts to advance the country’s fledgling democratic process, according to a statement from the presidency. The administration framed the session as a forum for open dialogue on…

Thursday February 26, 2026 Photo via Arsenal.com Mogadishu (AX) — Arsenal have confirmed Somali-British midfielder Maalik Hashi has signed his first professional contract with the club, marking a significant milestone for the 17-year-old and a landmark moment for representation within the Premier League side’s academy pathway. Hashi, who progressed through Arsenal’s academy ranks, becomes the first player of Somali descent to come through the club’s youth system and sign professional terms with the north London team. The…

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting at the Presidential Palace that formally opened a consultative conference with leaders of the Somali Future Council, launching talks aimed at resolving disputes over elections and constitutional reform. The government-opposition dialogue — expected to run several days — begins amid rising political tension and with fewer than three months left in the government’s term, a compressed timeline that has…

Qatar’s emir backs Somalia’s security, territorial integrity in call with President Mohamud MOGADISHU — Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday reaffirmed Doha’s support for Somalia’s security and territorial integrity during a phone call with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, according to Somali and Qatari officials. Officials said the leaders reviewed recent developments and discussed efforts to strengthen security, stabilize the country and preserve the unity of Somali territory. Sheikh Tamim conveyed…