West Africa

Somalia’s development bank taps Deloitte for first-ever audit as it pivots from aid to investment The Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank has hired Deloitte for its first external audit, a landmark step for the state-owned lender as it seeks to cement transparency, strengthen governance and attract global investor confidence. SDRB said the independent audit began in December and will culminate in a published report in early 2026. The engagement with Deloitte covers not only financial statements but also internal…

LAS ANOD, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged North Western State of Somalia’s leaders to return to talks with Mogadishu during a landmark visit Sunday to Las Anod, offering compromise on “everything” except Somalia’s unity, which he declared nonnegotiable. “I am open to dialogue and compromise on everything,” Hassan Sheikh said, “except the unity of the country.” He framed national unity as a red line even as he pledged flexibility on political and administrative questions that have long strained relations with…

Somali forces repel al-Shabab attack in Middle Shabelle after pre-dawn blast, ministry says JOWHAR, Somalia — Somali government forces repelled an al-Shabab attack on military positions in the Jabad Godane area of Middle Shabelle early Sunday after a pre-dawn explosion triggered hours of heavy fighting, the Defense Ministry said. In a statement, the ministry said the Somali National Army (SNA) “successfully foiled the assault” and now has full control of the area. Officials said the attack began with an explosion believed to…

Puntland State orders defected officers to return weapons as federal alignment deepens in Las Anod Police commander warns of “dangerous” consequences amid rift over assets, loyalty and command GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State authorities have ordered military officers who have defected to the federal government to immediately hand back weapons, vehicles and bases, warning that failure to comply could trigger serious security repercussions. The directive, delivered by Puntland State Police Commander Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire,…

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State authorities on Saturday released the names and photographs of nearly 50 foreign Islamic State fighters captured during military operations in the Calmiskaat mountains of the Bari region, days after declaring the yearlong campaign against the group largely complete. Security officials said the detainees hail from at least seven countries, underscoring the transnational reach of Islamic State’s Somalia branch. The largest contingents presented were from Ethiopia and Morocco. Ethiopia: 18…

Puntland State orders defected officers to return weapons, warns of ‘dangerous’ consequences amid Las Anod realignment GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland State authorities have ordered military officers who defected to Somalia’s federal government and its newly recognized Northeastern Regional State to immediately surrender weapons, vehicles and bases, warning that failure to comply could trigger serious security repercussions. The demand, delivered by Puntland State Police Commander Gen. Mumin Abdi Shire, accuses the officers of…

At Las Anod inauguration, Somalia’s president condemns Israel over North Western State of Somalia and vows to defend unity LAS ANOD — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Saturday attended the swearing-in of Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, as president of the Northeastern Regional State, using the ceremony to project federal authority and denounce foreign interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. Hassan Sheikh condemns Israel’s recognition of North Western State of…

Envoys from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Sudan attend Las Anod inauguration, signaling support for Somalia’s unity LAS ANOD, Somalia — Ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Sudan arrived in Las Anod on Saturday to attend the inauguration of Abdikadir Ahmed Aw-Ali, known as Firdhiye, the newly elected president of Somalia’s Northeastern Regional State, in a show of diplomatic backing for the region’s evolving political order. The envoys’ visit underscores international support for Somalia’s federal institutions and…

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 LAS ANOD, Somalia — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened a high-level, closed-door consultation Friday night with traditional elders from the Northeastern State, urging them to anchor reconciliation and grassroots security as the federal government moves to consolidate authority in the long-contested region. The meeting in Las Anod — part of the president’s landmark visit to the city — centered on reconciliation, security and the consolidation of the state-building process after years of conflict…

Armed Puntland State troops storm Garowe police station in bid to free detained soldiers; at least 3 injured Garowe attack underscores discipline and reintegration strains after anti-ISIS campaign in Calmiskaad mountains GAROWE, Puntland State — At least three soldiers were injured Friday when armed members of Puntland State’s Duufaan Brigade attempted to force their way into the central police station in Garowe to free two comrades detained earlier for possession of alcohol, according to police and security sources. The…