Somalia

According to Hassan, Somalia remains ready to receive all confirmed citizens whose asylum claims have been rejected, but said non-citizens should instead be returned to their countries of origin.

The European Union has imposed stricter visa rules on Somali nationals, extending processing times to 45 days and suspending key visa privileges over what it describes as insufficient cooperation on the readmission of irregular migrants.

Somalia opposition lawmakers have condemned the three-year prison sentence handed to social media activist Sacdiya Bajaaj, arguing the ruling threatens freedom of expression, raises questions about judicial independence, and warrants review by a higher court.

Libya has long functioned as a major transit hub for migrants and refugees attempting to reach Europe across the Mediterranean Sea, with the country’s northern coast serving as a key departure point for smugglers’ boats.

According to KeNHA, the engagement focused on the exchange of experiences and best practices in key areas of road sector management, including planning, financing, procurement, project implementation, maintenance, asset management and road safety.

Regional security featured among the key issues, particularly as countries in the region continue efforts to address threats posed by armed groups and other cross-border challenges.

FIFA confirmed that Artan would receive the compensation allocated to referees selected for the tournament, recognising the work he had completed during the preparation period before the competition began.

The Council subsequently called for the suspension of the current electoral process being implemented by the government, which it said lacks agreement among key political stakeholders and risks producing disputed outcomes.

Somalia has condemned a reported visit by Somaliland officials to Jerusalem and plans to open a diplomatic mission there, saying the move violates its constitution, international law and the country's sovereignty.

Sudan's goals came through Nashwa Abbas and Fatin Fadol, but they were unable to stop Somalia from claiming a convincing victory in the final group-stage encounter.

IGAD said it was concerned over developments that could affect Somalia’s territorial integrity and called for restraint as tensions continue over Somaliland’s international engagements.

The officials stressed that their withdrawal should not be interpreted as opposition to the fisheries strategy itself, but rather as a response to the way the process has been managed and implemented.

The Arab Parliament reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while rejecting any actions that could weaken those principles.

Somalia said it was following reports of contacts between the Israeli administration and Somaliland authorities, stressing that only the government in Mogadishu has the legal mandate to represent Somalia in international affairs.

The OIC said the establishment of the mission in occupied Jerusalem contravenes the UN Charter and resolutions governing the territory’s status. The organisation stressed that Jerusalem remains occupied under international law and rejected any actions aimed at altering its status.

The meeting brought together a delegation of business leaders and investors from Italy who were in Somalia to attend a conference on trade and investment cooperation between Somalia and Italy.

The funding comes from the Central Emergency Response Fund, which is used when urgent humanitarian needs arise in crises.

The decision generated discussion within football circles, with many questioning how a referee selected by FIFA for one of the world's biggest sporting events could be prevented from taking up his assignment.

Responding to the claims on his official Facebook page on Thursday, Omar said he has never operated an account on X and rejected suggestions that the statements attributed to him were genuine.

Artan is the 2025 Confederation of African Football Referee of the Year and has been appointed for officiating roles linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He is widely regarded within Somali sporting institutions as one of the country’s most accomplished referees.

Infantino said that while the organisation regretted the situation, it had no authority to determine who was allowed to enter a country. He explained that immigration and border control decisions are made by national governments, not by FIFA.

Madobe received 88 votes from members of the Southwest State House of Representatives. His only remaining challenger, Abdiasis Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawaari, secured one vote, while one ballot was declared invalid.

Omar arrived at Aden Adde International Airport, where he was received by senior government officials led by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali, in a public show of support for one of Somalia’s most recognised sports figures.

Artan has officiated matches under FIFA and the Confederation of African Football and has represented Somalia at several major competitions. His appointments on the international stage have made him one of the most recognised Somali referees in recent years.

Artan said his participation in the tournament would have represented more than a personal achievement, explaining that it would have been a moment of national pride for Somalia on one of football's biggest stages.

Omar, who was recently named the Confederation of African Football’s Referee of the Year for 2025, was turned back after arriving at Miami International Airport and was later returned to Istanbul, Turkïye.

Somalia has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA after referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly denied entry into the United States ahead of World Cup-related duties, triggering diplomatic and sporting concern.

Farmaajo announced plans to formally invite President Mohamud to a meeting at his residence, where discussions would focus on the electoral process, the security situation and the country’s political future.

Somali women leaders urge President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to launch inclusive national talks as tensions rise over electoral reforms, constitutional changes, and recent clashes in Mogadishu, warning that dialogue and consensus are key to restoring stability.

Despite Somalia not qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, five individuals of Somali heritage will feature in the tournament as players and officials representing different nations on football's biggest stage.

Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed alleges restrictions on his movement and services at his Mogadishu residence, accusing the government of political pressure amid rising tensions over elections and governance.

Somalia's Health Ministry says one person was killed and 55 injured in the June 3–4 clashes in Mogadishu, contradicting humanitarian agencies that reported 13 deaths, 189 injuries and the displacement of 12,500 households.

The display was organised by security officials in the Somali capital as the federal government continues a campaign aimed at collecting unauthorised weapons and tightening security following days of tensions and clashes in several parts of the city.

The combined influence of El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole is often associated with enhanced rainfall over the Horn of Africa, thus increasing the likelihood of widespread flooding as was witnessed in 2023 and during the devastating floods of 1997.

A FIFA representative confirmed the development in a statement to The Eastleigh Voice, noting that the matter had been concluded and that Omar would now be part of the officiating team at the tournament.

Relative calm returned to Mogadishu after over 10 hours of fighting between government forces and troops aligned with former leaders Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Ali Khaire, following mediation and international pressure, with talks still ongoing on security and political dialogue.

African Union urges immediate cessation of hostilities in Mogadishu following armed clashes in civilian areas, warning that escalating violence threatens stability and civilian safety while calling for renewed political dialogue in Somalia.

His appointment was widely celebrated in Somalia and across the region, with football officials describing the selection as an important moment for Somali football.

The fighting marked one of the most serious confrontations in the capital in recent months and underscored growing tensions between the federal government and opposition leaders over the country’s political direction and electoral process.

On Wednesday, heavy gunfire broke out in central Mogadishu, with former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire saying that he was being attacked by government forces before the planned protests.

The growing standoff between the federal government and opposition leaders comes after efforts to reach a last-minute compromise failed, leaving both sides firmly committed to their positions.

The programme will establish a robust governance framework with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, strengthen coordination across institutions, and develop legal and regulatory systems for disaster risk management and emergency telecommunications.

The opposition is preparing to stage demonstrations in Mogadishu this week amid growing disagreements with the federal government over electoral reforms, constitutional amendments and the country's political transition.

Washington’s position on Somalia’s unity remains unchanged even as it maintains working relations with authorities in the autonomous state and considers new opportunities for cooperation.

Intelligence-led raids in Middle Shabelle and Hiraan targeted militants allegedly planning attacks, with authorities reporting the death of a key Al-Shabaab commander.

The announcement follows the completion of local council and parliamentary elections in the Southwest State, whose results were recently endorsed by Somalia’s Supreme Court, providing legal recognition to the process and paving the way for the formation of a new regional administration.

Somali National Army operation in Lower Shabelle kills senior Al-Shabaab commander Abu Abdalla and his bodyguard, in a major blow to the militant group’s leadership structure.

According to Saudi authorities, over 1.6 million Muslims took part in this year's pilgrimage. The majority of the pilgrims travelled from outside Saudi Arabia, while others were residents and citizens of the kingdom.

Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Omar dismissed arguments that Somalia could only contribute to regional security through division or secession, saying such claims ignore both history and long-term regional interests.

NISA said the operation targeted locations that were being used by the group for shelter, movement and coordination of fighters.

The new directive, which took effect on May 24, requires Somali nationals travelling to Egypt to secure prior approval before boarding flights amid growing immigration and travel clearance concerns.