The development follows high-level talks in Mogadishu led by Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, who visited the Somali capital for discussions aimed at deepening security cooperation.

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) replaces the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), marking a critical phase in transferring national security responsibilities to Somali forces.

Somalia hopes to use the position to influence regional security and advance counter-terrorism efforts by pushing for funding for the new African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which kicked off operations Wednesday.

AUSSOM is designed to contain about 11,000 personnel comprising civilians, military, and police personnel.

Mohamed was al-Shabaab's finance boss during the Westgate Mall (2013) and Dusit (2019) terror attacks.

US expressed reservations about the proposed budgetary framework for transitioning from AMISOM to ATMIS under Resolution 2719.

The Somali government clarified that the current troop allocation for AUSSOM was finalised through bilateral agreements that have been in place since November.

The hotel will feature 321 luxury accommodations, including 261 guest rooms and 60 serviced apartments. Amenities will include a fitness centre, spa, multiple dining options, and a convention centre.

The lawmakers specifically warned the Federal Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and SCAA who are both responsible for civil aviation matters in the country for accepting to be dragged into politics and accepting to be used for political gains.

The Somali leader finds himself in a diplomatic quandary. Following Ethiopia's MoU with the breakaway region of Somaliland on January 1, 2024, which promised the landlocked nation access to the sea, Somalia launched a vigorous regional and international diplomatic campaign.

As a result of the flight restrictions, hundreds of passengers are now stranded at airports in Mogadishu and Kismayo.

The inclusion of both Egypt and Ethiopia in the peacekeeping mission presents a diplomatic tightrope for Somalia.

The statement detailed how Ethiopian forces targeted “three key bases manned by the Somali National Army, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), and the Somali Police Force,” resulting in “casualties, including fatalities and injuries”.

The evolving dynamics among Somalia, Egypt, and Ethiopia signal broader geopolitical changes in the region, with the African Union playing a central role in supporting peace and security initiatives.

The visit follows a landmark agreement brokered by Turkey to diffuse tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, marking a renewed commitment to cooperation and mutual respect.

The reshuffle marks a significant shift in Somalia’s government, raising questions about the future direction of its oil and gas exploration initiatives amid ongoing political tensions.

Successfully holding civic elections in Mogadishu would be a landmark achievement, especially given the city’s turbulent history.

In June this year, Somalia won a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and will begin its two-year term in 2025.

The agreement also included health sector collaboration to improve healthcare systems in both countries, tourism development to boost tourism, a defence and security agreement to strengthen defence and cooperation on education to improve and enhance education sectors.

With international cooperation and a commitment to reforms, Somalia is poised to rebuild its economy and improve the lives of its citizens.

Eastleigh Business Community Chairman Ahmed Abdullahi Yare led the delegation of 27 Kenyan businesspeople to the launch.

The Wednesday repatriation flight was the third conducted within the last two months under the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA).

Speaking at an event in Turkey’s eastern province of Erzurum, Erdogan highlighted the lengthy negotiations that led to the breakthrough.

The 15-member council unanimously endorsed the extension, which the United Kingdom authored.

Somalia expressed a willingness to facilitate Ethiopia's maritime needs, provided Somali sovereignty remains intact.

Federal forces stationed in Ras Kamboni reportedly used drones to attack Jubbaland troops, which reportedly sparked the violence.

Erdogan described the agreement as a "historic" milestone, expressing hope that it would mark "the first step toward a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia." 

One boat carried 37 passengers, mostly women and two children—a two-year-old boy and an eight-year-old girl.

In two posts on X, the Turkish Presidency said Erdogan held bilateral meetings with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara.

Tensions have escalated between the Somali Federal Government and the Jubaland regional government since Ahmed Mohamed Islam was re-elected for a third consecutive term as regional president on November 25.