Wednesday May 13, 2026 left Ayan Farah. Photo: Christofer Wallentin. right Asmaa Jama. Photo: Tom Whitson “From a country with the history that Somalia has, where a lot of film prints, visual and cultural material have been destroyed, it can feel hard to feel like you’ve got an artistic lineage” ArtReview sent a questionnaire to artists and curators exhibiting in and curating the various national pavilions of the 2026 Venice Biennale, the responses to which will be published daily in the leadup to and during the Venice…

In a tragic incident that has heightened concerns over civilian safety, an airstrike by the Nigerian military in Tumfa market, Zamfara State, has reportedly led to the deaths of at least 100 civilians. Amnesty International is urgently calling for an investigation into the strike, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of attacks that have taken a heavy toll on innocent lives. However, military officials have refuted claims of civilian casualties in this latest operation. This aerial bombardment coincided with another…

Wednesday May 13, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — The United States has pushed back against reports that it is serving as a direct mediator in talks between Somalia’s federal government and opposition leaders, even as political friction grows over elections and the country’s transition process. Acting U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Justin Davis said this week that Washington is not hosting or leading any mediation between Somali political parties. Davis said U.S. officials have held discussions with both sides to better assess the…

In a tragic incident in Nigeria's northwest Zamfara state, at least 100 civilians lost their lives due to a military airstrike targeting the bustling Tumfa market, Amnesty International reported on Tuesday. The organization has called for an urgent investigation into the incident. This devastating airstrike, which occurred Sunday in the remote Zurmi district, marks the second time in a month that a crowded market in northern Nigeria has been hit, resulting in numerous casualties. According to Amnesty, medical…

Wednesday May 13, 2026 The UAE has strongly denounced the hijacking of an oil tanker off the Yemeni coast, a vessel carrying several Egyptian sailors, and its later diversion into Somali territorial waters. In its statement, the UAE said the incident amounts to a direct threat to maritime security and to the safety of international shipping lanes. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the UAE's full solidarity with Egypt and with the families of the kidnapped sailors, and its support for efforts aimed at…

Wednesday May 13, 2026 Hargeisa (AX) — North Western State of Somalia police said Tuesday they had arrested several people accused of firing gunshots in Hargeisa amid protests surrounding the city council’s انتخاب of a new mayor and deputy mayor. Police spokesman Abdiaziz Sheikh Ismail said officers had already identified those suspected of opening fire in the capital on Monday night. He said some were in custody while others were still being tracked down. “Last night, shots were fired in the capital by suspects who have…

Hussien ElkabanyTuesday May 12, 2026 Egypt said Monday that an oil tanker carrying eight Egyptian sailors was seized off Yemen’s coast and transported to Somalia, deepening concerns over a renewed spike in maritime insecurity in the region. “Egypt is closely monitoring the hijacking of the tanker M/T Eureka from Yemeni territorial waters, which was taken to Somali territorial waters,” the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. The ministry said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had directed Egypt’s embassy in…

Nik MartinTuesday May 12, 2026 Somali pirates have turned large dhows into floating bases, extending their reach and giving them a platform from which to target commercial vesselsImage: EU NAVFOR/Handout/dpa/picture alliance With ships already diverting around Africa to steer clear of conflict zones in the Middle East, piracy off Somalia is surging again. The comeback is adding pressure across global supply chains, driving up insurance bills, lengthening voyages and forcing operators to spend more on security. For the…

Tuesday May 12, 2026 Hargeisa (AX) — Hargeisa’s city council installed Abdirisaq Mohamed Farah Wiwaa as the city’s new mayor on Tuesday, just hours after members moved to oust former Mayor Abdikarin Ahmed Mooge and his deputy from office. In the same extraordinary session at Hargeisa City Hall, councilors also chose Aden Jamaac Haddi Mideeye to serve as deputy mayor. Speaking after the vote, Wiwaa said the meeting had concluded calmly and vowed to focus on improving services in North Western State of Somalia’s capital.…

The acquittal of former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah, who faced a $6 million corruption investigation, has ignited discussions surrounding the integrity of the judicial system. A civil society organization, the Independent Societal Watch Advocates, has characterized the verdict as a testament to judicial independence, asserting that justice should not be confined to mere convictions. This perspective comes in the wake of significant backlash from the ruling Unity Party, particularly from its Youth Chairperson, Melvin…