West Africa

ISTANBUL — Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that Israel’s unexpected recognition of North Western State of Somalia risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa and could be tied to attempts to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, escalating tensions across a strategic maritime corridor linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. In an interview with Al Jazeera on Tuesday from Istanbul, where he met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mohamud said Israel’s move was “not merely a diplomatic gesture but a cover for…

UN Reaffirms Somalia's Sovereignty Amidst Israeli Recognition of North Western State of Somalia The United Nations held an emergency session to address Israel's recent decision to recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. Key figures emphasized Somalia's territorial integrity, expressing concerns about the potential consequences of the move. Khaled Khiari highlighted the UN's respect for Somalia's sovereignty as reaffirmed in Resolution 2809. Somalia's UN envoy condemned Israel's recognition…

Somalia's Stance on Israeli Presence in North Western State of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has expressed strong opposition to any Israeli presence in North Western State of Somalia. He warns that such a recognition could introduce regional conflicts into the Horn of Africa. Somalia government opposes Israeli recognition of North Western State of Somalia. President Mohamud highlights concerns over regional conflict spread. Emphasizes respect for international law and sovereignty.…

Thursday, January 1, 2026 Somalia takes helm of UN Security Council for January 2026, signaling diplomatic resurgence MOGADISHU — Somalia has officially assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for January 2026, a milestone that underscores the country’s diplomatic recovery and growing international standing. The presidency places Mogadishu at the forefront of the UN’s most powerful body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. Diplomatic observers view the moment as…

Thursday January 1, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government on Wednesday thanked its international partners for what it called steadfast support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel became the first nation to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said allied countries had shown “principled engagement and unwavering solidarity” at a critical moment for…

Thursday January 1, 2026 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s government on Wednesday thanked its international partners for what it called steadfast support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity after Israel became the first nation to formally recognize North Western State of Somalia as an independent state, a move drawing swift condemnation across capitals. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised allied nations for “principled engagement and unwavering solidarity” at what it described as a critical…

White House weighs revoking U.S. citizenship for Somalis convicted of fraud amid Minnesota probe The White House said Wednesday it is examining whether to revoke the U.S. citizenship of Somalis convicted of fraud in Minnesota, as the administration escalates a wide-ranging investigation into alleged abuse of federal social service programs. Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokesperson, told Fox News the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department are “looking at” denaturalization, calling it “a tool at the…

Malaysia’s Anwar condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, warns against forced transfer of Palestinians MOGADISHU — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday condemned Israel’s decision to recognize the self-declared Somali region of North Western State of Somalia, linking the move to what he described as plans for the forced transfer of Palestinians, according to Anadolu Agency. Speaking at a news conference, Anwar said the maneuver violates international law and humanitarian principles.…

Trump administration freezes Minnesota childcare funds, orders Somali citizenship audits MINNEAPOLIS — The Trump administration has frozen $185 million in federal childcare funding to Minnesota and ordered audits of immigration cases involving Somali Americans, escalating a fraud crackdown that state leaders and advocates say risks unfairly targeting a single immigrant community. The Department of Health and Human Services announced the funding freeze Tuesday, citing viral allegations by conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley…

Somalia staged one of its largest nationwide demonstrations in years on Tuesday as tens of thousands rallied against Israel’s recognition of North Western State of Somalia, a move that Mogadishu and more than 20 other countries condemned as an assault on Somalia’s sovereignty. The protests came as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Turkey for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aimed at shoring up diplomatic support. Mass gatherings were reported in Mogadishu, Baidoa, Guriel, Dhusamareeb, Lasanod and Buhoodle,…