Somalia
19 stories related to this topic, newest first.
The GuardianPhotographs Show Eid Celebrations in Mogadishu
Images taken by photographer Mohamed Gabobe document public festivities marking the Islamic festival in Somalia's capital. The pictures focus on residents participating in events separate from ongoing conflict and drought conditions reported elsewhere in the country.
middleeasteye.netSomaliland Holds First Independence Day After Israeli Recognition
Somaliland marked its 35th self-declared independence anniversary on May 18, 2026, with a military parade in Hargeisa. The event followed Israel's December recognition of the territory as an independent state.
rediff.comPiracy Incidents Rise Off Somalia Coast in April and May
Piracy has returned off Somalia's coast with multiple attacks on merchant vessels in April and May. Joint naval patrols have reduced presence due to other regional commitments.
themandarin.com.auSomalia Government and Opposition Fail to Agree on Electoral Commission Structure
High-level negotiations between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and opposition leaders concluded Wednesday inside Mogadishu's Halane compound without bridging differences over the electoral commission. Both sides agreed to reconvene Thursday after internal consultations. Tensions…
Atlantic CouncilUS Africa Command Holds Joint Training Exercise in Libya
US Africa Command conducted Flintlock 2026 in Sirte, Libya, bringing together Libyan forces from rival factions for the first time. The exercise focused on hostage rescue and counterterrorism operations. The Atlantic Council reported the event highlights ongoing security challeng…
naturalnews.comStrait of Hormuz Closure Delays Nutrition Supplies for Somali Children
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of war in the Middle East in late February has doubled shipping times for therapeutic nutrition products used to treat severe acute malnutrition in Somalia. Delivery times for therapeutic milk and Ready to Use Therapeutic…
mg.co.zaSomali Government Moves to Prevent Planned Opposition Protest in Mogadishu
The opposition coalition issued a statement on 11 May 2026 accusing authorities of restricting constitutional rights ahead of a planned demonstration in solidarity with residents displaced by forced evictions. The group insisted the protest would remain peaceful and warned that b…
thehindu.comSomali Forces Fire on Crowds After Government Postpones Elections
Somali security forces opened fire with live ammunition on crowds demanding elections, as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term nears its May 15 expiration. The current regime canceled elections, prompting protests. @MarioNawfal reported the events, citing RN Intel.
indianexpress.comSomalia Holds Woman Activist Without Charge After Prison Interview
Sadia Moalim Ali, 27, remains in Mogadishu central prison more than three weeks after her arrest for social media criticism of the government. She described being stripped, beaten and held for two days in a two-square-metre punishment cell known as cellula della morte. Human righ…
Al JazeeraDrought, Conflict and Aid Cuts Drive Hunger in Southern Somalia
Three failed rainy seasons have doubled malnutrition rates in Somalia, forcing more than 300,000 people from their homes since January. International aid organizations have halted operations in Kismayo displacement camps following U.S. funding reductions ordered last year.
thehindu.comSomalia PM Dismisses Information Minister Daud Aweis, Appoints Abdifatah Qasim Mahmoud
Somalia's Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre dismissed Information Minister Daud Aweis and appointed lawmaker Abdifatah Qasim Mahmoud as replacement. The government announced the change on May 6, 2026, after consultations with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The new minister assume…
thehindu.comSomali National Army Kills 13 Al-Shabaab Fighters in Mudug Operation
Somali National Army troops backed by local militia fighters killed at least 13 Al-Shabaab members during a large-scale operation on Wednesday in the Boorey area of the central Mudug region. The site lies about 120 kilometers from Bahdo. Officials said the action formed part of t…
citizen.co.zaPirates Seize Palau-Flagged Tanker MT Honour 25 Off Somalia With Indonesian Captain Aboard
Captain Ashari Samadikun sent a voice note warning of an attack on April 21 before the vessel was seized. His wife Shanty Shanaya received a video call three days later showing him surrounded by heavily armed pirates. The MT Honour 25 was traveling from Oman to Somalia.
680news.comKenyan Health Secretary Supports Reopening Border with Somalia to Enhance Trade
Kenya's Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale endorsed plans to reopen the border with Somalia, stating it would improve trade and movement of goods and people. The border has been closed since 2011 due to security issues. Recent government steps include allowing limited exports ah…
thehindu.comSomali Pirates Hijack Togo-Flagged Oil Tanker in Gulf of Aden
Somali pirates seized the MT Eureka oil tanker off Yemen's coast, marking the second such incident in 10 days. The vessel is being steered toward Somalia, amid a resurgence of piracy in the region. Security officials attribute the increase to distractions from Houthi attacks on s…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewUN Humanitarian Chief Arrives in Mogadishu for Talks on Somalia Aid Needs
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher arrived in Mogadishu on Monday to start a mission addressing Somalia's humanitarian challenges and aid financing. He was received by Somali officials at the airport. The visit includes dialogues on aid r…
middleeasteye.netAbdullahi Mohamed Noor Resigns as Senior Adviser to Somali President
Abdullahi Mohamed Noor announced his resignation as senior adviser to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on April 27, 2026, in Mogadishu. He cited political obstacles and deadlock as reasons, warning of threats to Somalia's stability. The move comes less than 20 days before t…
middleeasteye.netUKMTO Reports Incident Involving Cargo Ship Off Somalia Coast
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported an incident southeast of Eyl, Somalia, involving a cargo ship approached by two small craft. Armed individuals were on board the crafts, with one approaching within 600 meters. The event occurred 83 nautical miles from…
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewSomalia Threatens Bab el-Mandeb Strait Access Restrictions
Somalia has threatened to prevent certain countries from accessing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The strait handles 12% of global maritime trade, serving as a key route for tankers, cargo ships, and containers between Asia and Europe. The threat follows Israel's recognition of Somali…