Somalia

AU Chairperson Mahmoud stressed that the world cannot afford the failure of the AUSSOM peacekeeping mission and called for collective efforts to continue supporting it, to bring lasting peace and stability to Somalia.

Al-Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency in Somalia since 2007 to seize power, said in a statement that its fighters had captured the base and Wargaadhi town, something the government denied was the case.

Cairo's entry into AUSSOM marks a strategic shift. Under previous mission structures—AMISOM and ATMIS—Egypt remained on the periphery for years.

The extension comes as the country moves toward holding its first one-person, one-vote local elections in over five decades. The elections are scheduled to take place in late June 2025.

The Daraawiish forces recaptured key positions, including strategic command posts previously held by the terror group.

The session turned chaotic after opposition lawmakers introduced a motion of no confidence against Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madoobe.

According to a statement issued by Somalia’s Ministry of Information, both vessels and the weapons on board were destroyed, along with an unknown number of individuals. The exact location of the strike was not disclosed.

This latest operation is part of intensified military efforts by the Federal Government of Somalia, working closely with international allies, particularly the United States, to dismantle Al-Shabaab networks and prevent destabilisation in liberated areas.

The town attacked on Wednesday, Adan Yabaal, lies around 245 kilometres north of Mogadishu and has been used as an operating base for raids on Al-Shabaab.

Past elections were indirect, with elders and clan representatives selecting leaders. Until now, civic leaders in Mogadishu were appointed by the president.

Specifically, Sudan wants the court to compel the UAE to stop all forms of assistance to the RSF, which it argues has enabled the militia to carry out mass killings, displacement, and other crimes against humanity.

The measures target individuals accused of playing critical roles in financing and supporting Al-Shabaab’s operations, including fundraising, enforcing illegal taxation, and facilitating attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

This latest disaster highlights Somalia's vulnerability to climate extremes, where cycles of drought and flooding regularly compound the challenges of a nation recovering from decades of conflict.

The Somali government continues its offensive against the militants on multiple fronts, with international partners providing critical support to security forces.

The electoral commission said it has completed all logistical preparations for the upcoming elections, including the provision of election materials and the designation of polling stations across the country.

Starlink operates in over 140 countries globally, with Somalia now becoming its 21st African market.

Bam reaffirmed AUSSOM's commitment to working closely with the Somali government and the SNA to protect civilians, safeguard major supply routes, and liberate areas under the control of Al-Shabaab militants.

Hamza thanked the people of Las Anod for their warm welcome and promised to listen to them and work with them to improve their lives.

According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the first quarter of 2025 has seen a sharp increase in the number of weapon-related injuries, placing immense pressure on hospitals already facing resource shortages.

National Intelligence Security Agency (NISA) Director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali “Sambololshe” who hailed the late Gen. Dafle for pioneering its first intelligence agency NSS.

The Islamic prayer for rain, known as Salat al-Istisqa, is a sunnah (non-obligatory) prayer typically performed in an open area, much like Eid prayers.

The mission's exit strategy will be informed by progressive improvement in the capacity of the Somali security forces to take over full responsibility for security in Somalia, including the extension of state authority and government functions.

The agreement gave the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) rights for oil exploration in two and three-dimensional seismic exploration activities in the three land blocks of 16,000 square kilometres in Somalia.

Somalia and Egypt have long enjoyed cordial relations. Both nations are members of the Arab League and maintain diplomatic missions in each other’s capitals.

The soldiers had attempted to sell government-issued rifles after fleeing the frontlines in the Middle Shabelle region, according to Brig. Gen. Mahad Abdirahman Aden, also known as Commander Shub.

On the day of his burial, as his body was being escorted through Mogadishu, a clash erupted between armed supporters and security personnel. The procession, attended by thousands, turned chaotic when security forces opened fire.

Political analysts view the visit as an opportunity for Somalia to once and for all end the long-protracted secessionist agenda by Somaliland.

The realignment of AU troops from ATMIS to AUSSOM is expected to be completed by June 30 this year, ahead of the launch of phase two of the mission, which is scheduled to begin on July 1 with a focus on securing AUSSOM positions and supporting offensive operations.

PM Hamza said the new ID directive will help eliminate decades-long gaps in personal identification, curb fraud and enhance public safety, especially in the capital Mogadishu where crime is rampant.

The peacekeepers were clearing a landing area for a helicopter to land when they came under attack.

The international community praised the President’s initiative, describing it as both timely and necessary. They urged all stakeholders to convene urgently to develop a unified agreement on national priorities.

PM Hamza made these remarks during a handover ceremony at the Ministry of Defence, where Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi officially took over from Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, who has now been appointed to head the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport.

Sunday’s attack came barely hours after several mortars were fired late on Saturday near residential areas in the city, injuring several people and damaging property, according to local authorities and witnesses.

A joint communique issued after their meeting at Nakasero State House in Kampala said the two leaders discussed various issues of importance to both countries, including reviewing a defence pact between the two nations.

The attack targeted several locations across the Boondheere and Warta Nabadda districts, including the National Theater and a crowded public square.

Among the displaced are people who had returned from refugee camps in Kenya, as well as others who had already been displaced within Somalia due to ongoing conflict and drought.

The report further estimates that over 230,000 new IDPs will be displaced between April and June, with conflict and drought being the primary drivers.

The airstrike conducted today by AFRICOM focused on ISIS members and leaders who were congregating in the Southeastern area of Bosasso, Puntland.

This marks the first meeting between the two sides in the competition, with both teams aiming for a strong start in what promises to be a competitive group.

The De Havilland Dash 8 (DH8D) aircraft operated by the UNSOS was departing from Somalia to a yet-to-be-disclosed location when the incident happened.

Military operations alone will not defeat Al-Shabaab. A comprehensive strategy must include political engagement with local communities, clan elders, and civil society to weaken Al-Shabaab’s grip at the grassroots level.

Turkey pledged to enhance military training for Somali forces and boost intelligence-sharing to weaken Al-Shabaab’s networks.

The offer could give the United States a firmer military presence in the Horn of Africa region as it looks to counter the threat from militants in Somalia and across the region.

This support comes at a critical moment as Somalia strengthens its institutions and prepares to assume full security responsibility in the future.

Youssouf pledged to engage with Somalia's international partners and emphasised the importance of sustained support for Somalia in its battle with the militant group al-Shabaab.

The Somalia National News Agency (SONNA) later said the two leaders discussed counterterrorism, regional stability, and Somalia’s commitment to AU reforms.

The aircraft, operated by Trident Aviation Ltd, had departed from Dhobley and was heading to Aden Abdulle International Airport when it went down.

If Mogadishu falls, the consequences will reverberate far beyond Somalia’s borders.

This latest victory comes just a day after an assassination attempt on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose convoy was targeted by Al-Shabaab militants in Hirshabelle on Tuesday night.

Prime Minister Hamza said the National Transformation Plan seeks to strengthen and capacitate various government agencies and Ministries to better serve and enable Somalia to develop and prosper by 2029 in line with vision 2060.

Al-Shabaab militants unsuccessfully tried to take down President Hassan after the attack on his motorcade as it was travelling through the capital Mogadishu.