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Articles by Ali Hassan Abdulle
Is President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Working for Abiy Ahmed? A Questionof Intelligence and Regional Politics
The political developments unfolding across the Horn of Africa raise serious questions about the role of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the growing tensions between Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt. President Hassan Sheikh has repeatedly moved between the capitals of these countries, meeting their leaders at critical moments.
Embassy or Business Office? A Special Incident At The Somali Embassy In Berlin
Berlin – Germany: An embassy is the official representation of a state abroad. It is expected to treat people seeking consular services with respect, professionalism, and transparency. As a German citizen, I visited the Somali Embassy in Berlin together with my children. My children are Somali citizens, as is their mother. My purpose was to complete a consular matter concerning my children. During my visit, I was told that I also had to obtain Somali citizenship.
Somali Supreme Court Annuls Galmudug Election Results, Orders Fresh Vote
Somalia’s Supreme Court has annulled the results of last month’s elections for the House of Representatives and local councils in Galmudug state and ordered fresh elections. The decision, announced by Chief Justice and President of Supreme Court Justice Bashi Yusuf Ahmed, said the administration and conduct of the elections deviated from the constitutional principles of free, fair and impartial elections.
At Least Nine People Killed In Airstrike Near Pirate-Held Vessel Off Puntland Coast
At least nine people were killed in an airstrike in Somalia’s Puntland state on Sunday, according to local officials, as uncertainty continues over who carried out the attack. The strike hit the coastal area of Jiifle, in the Godob-Jiraan district of the Nugaal region, according to Keynaan Abdi, the mayor of Godob-Jiraan. No country or military force has claimed responsibility for the strike.
Somalia Federal government says nearly 30 Al-Shabaab fighters killed in Baidoa attack
Laftagareen had led Southwest state for more than seven years before his dispute with the federal government intensified over constitutional changes pursued by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Ali Hassan, an investigative and a freelance journalist writes from Stadthagen, Germany. [email protected] Comments: This article has 0 comment, leave your comment.
Somalia Summons Kenyan Ambassador After Minister Reportedly Denied Entry
Somalia’s federal government has summoned Kenya’s ambassador on Monday after Somali State Minister Abshir Bukhaari was reportedly denied entry into Kenya and sent back to Mogadishu over questions about a Kenyan passport he was allegedly carrying. The incident, which has not been officially confirmed by either government, could further strain diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries.
Gunfight Erupts In Mogadishu Ahead Of Planned Opposition Protests
A brief gunfight broke out Wednesday afternoon at Dabka junction in Mogadishu between government forces and security guards of the former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, hours before planned opposition demonstrations in the capital. Videos and photos shared on social media appeared to show heavy gunfire in the area. The number of casualties was not immediately known, and the federal government has not issued an official statement on the incident.
Somaliland Marks 35 Years Of Self-Declared Independence With Renewed Recognition Push
Somaliland marked the 35th anniversary of its breakaway from Somalia on Monday with military parades, public celebrations and renewed appeals for broader international recognition. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Hargeisa and other major cities, including Burco and Borama, to commemorate the May 18, 1991, declaration of independence. The date marks Somaliland’s withdrawal from its union with Somalia after the collapse of the central government in Mogadishu.
Puntland Arrests Suspected Pirates In Security Operations In Bari Region
Somalia's Puntland security forces arrested suspected pirates Sunday during operations in the Bari region, as authorities intensify efforts to counter renewed piracy threats off Somalia’s coast. Puntland security officials said the suspects are believed to be linked to pirate networks involved in attacks, kidnappings and attempted hijackings targeting commercial vessels in Somali waters and nearby Red Sea shipping routes.
Somalia To Require National ID For Passport Applications Starting July 1
Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency said passport applicants will be required to have a national identity card or proof of registration starting July 1, 2026, as the government moves to strengthen citizen identification and link public services.
Somalia Rights Commission Raises Concern Over Detained Activist Held Without Trial
Somalia’s National Independent Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over the continued detention of Sadio Moallim Ali, who has been held at Mogadishu Central Prison for more than a month without trial. In a statement issued May 13, the commission said it visited the prison on April 29 to assess Ali’s detention conditions and review her legal and humanitarian situation.
Somali Army Says 50 Militants, Militia Fighters Killed Near Baidoa
Somali government forces killed at least 50 al-Shabab fighters and armed militia during a coordinated military operation on the outskirts of Baidoa, the Ministry of Defense said Friday. The ministry said the operation followed an ambush early Thursday on government troops patrolling the area. Senior Somali military commanders were killed in the attack.
Somaliland Police Arrest Suspects After Gunfire In Hargeisa
Somaliland police said Tuesday they arrested several people accused of firing gunshots in Hargeisa during protests linked to the city council’s election of a new mayor and deputy mayor. Police spokesman Abdiaziz Sheikh Ismail said officers had identified people suspected of firing weapons in the capital Monday night. He said some had been detained and others were being pursued. “Last night, shots were fired in the capital by suspects who have been identified by the police.
US Denies Mediating Somalia Political Dispute As Election Tensions Grow
The United States has denied reports that it is directly mediating talks between Somalia’s federal government and opposition leaders as political tensions deepen 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 mediation talks between Somali political parties.
Somalia, EU hold first partnership dialogue in Mogadishu
Somalia and the European Union held their first partnership dialogue in Mogadishu on May 10, 2026, with talks focusing on political stability, security cooperation, migration and investment, officials said. The meeting was held under Article 3 of the Samoa Agreement, which provides for structured dialogue between the EU, its member states and partner countries.
Greek National Appointed Somaliland Envoy As Horn Diplomacy Shifts After Israel Recognition
Somaliland has appointed Greek national Dimitrios Tourikis as its special representative to Greece, part of its move to deepen diplomatic outreach in Europe. Tourikis confirmed the appointment Monday in a post on X, saying he was honored to serve and would work to develop relations between Somaliland and the Hellenic Republic.
U.S. conducts airstrike targeting ISIS militants Somalia
U.S. forces conducted an airstrike against Islamic State militants in northern Somalia in coordination with the Somali government, U.S. Africa Command said. The strike took place May 4 in the Golis Mountains, about 75 kilometers (47 miles) southeast of the port city of Bosaso, targeting fighters linked to the Islamic State group’s Somalia affiliate, known as ISIS-Somalia, AFRICOM said in a statement.
Somaliland Elders Approve Over Two-year Extension For Parliament, Councils
Somaliland’s upper house of elders, known as the Guurti, has approved a 27-month extension of the mandates of local councils and the House of Representatives, a move likely to deepen political debate over the region’s electoral process. The decision, passed Tuesday with 71 of 72 members voting in favor, extends the terms of key institutions by more than two years.
Puntland Vows Crackdown On Illegal Fishing To Protect Marine Resources
Puntland authorities have announced a crackdown on illegal fishing along their coastline, warning that both Somali and foreign operators involved in unauthorized activities will face strict legal action. In a statement issued Wednesday, the Puntland Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said it will intensify maritime inspections and enforcement to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which is damaging marine ecosystems and undermining coastal livelihoods.
Somalia Condemns Iran Attacks, Backs Arab States In Regional Tensions
Somalia has reiterated its condemnation of Iran’s recent attacks on Arab countries, expressing full support for Gulf and regional governments and calling for a unified response to protect stability in the Middle East. Deputy Foreign Minister Hasan Mohamed Ali presented Somalia’s position during an extraordinary ministerial session of the League of Arab States held by videoconference on Tuesday.
Somalia Condemns Israel’s Appointment Of Ambassador To Somaliland
Somalia on Thursday condemned Israel’s appointment of an ambassador to Somaliland, calling the move a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Somali Future Council Warns Against Politicization Of National Army
Somali Future Council on Sunday cautioned against what it described as the risk of politicizing the Somali National Army, urging authorities to safeguard the force’s neutrality and institutional integrity. In a statement marking the 66th anniversary of the army’s founding on April 12, the council congratulated members of the force and acknowledged their role in defending the country, preserving national unity and maintaining public security.
Somalia Assumes Seat On African Union Peace And Security Council For First Time
Somalia has officially taken up a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for the first time since the body’s establishment in 2003, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for the country. Somalia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abdullahi Warfaa, formally raised the Somali flag at the council’s headquarters on Tuesday, symbolizing the country’s assumption of its new responsibilities for the 2026–2028 term.
Somali Intelligence Agency Kills Nine Al-Shabab Militants In Lower Shabelle Region
Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency said Saturday that nine al-Shabab militants were killed in coordinated security operations in the Lower Shabelle region, targeting what officials described as the group’s explosives manufacturing network.
Somali Forces, AU Troops Kill Over 42 al-Shabaab Terrorists In Lower Shabelle Region
African Union and Somali government forces killed more than 40 al-Shabab militants on Thursday after the group attempted to retake a recently captured town in southern Somalia, officials said. The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), said in a statement that the fighting occurred in Mubarak, a strategic town in the Lower Shabelle region that joint Somali National Armed Forces and African Union troops had seized earlier this month.
JSP Secretary General Resigns, Becoming Second High-profile Exit In Days
Somali federal lawmaker Abdirahman Mohamed Hussein Odawaa has resigned as Secretary General of the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, citing deep disagreements over governance, constitutional amendments and the country’s electoral process.
Southwest Parliament Speaker warns against regional election plans in Barawe town
Southwest State Parliament Speaker Dr. Ali Said Fiqi on Friday warned that any attempt by the federal government to organize regional election in Barawe would threaten regional stability and could trigger conflict. In a statement posted on his X account, Fiqi said Barawe has never functioned as the effective capital of Southwest State, noting that no parliamentary sessions or cabinet meetings have been held there.
Somali President Marks Eid Al-fitr With Troops In Newly Liberated Town In Lower Shabelle Region
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud performed Eid al-Fitr prayer Friday with units of the Somali Armed Forces stationed in Gendershe, a coastal town in Lower Shabelle recently retaken from al-Shabab. The president was joined by the director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), senior cabinet ministers, the commander of the Somali National Army and the police chief, as they celebrated the holiday alongside frontline troops.
Southwest regional state forces capture armed men after clashes near Baidoa town
Southwest State authorities said Thursday they captured several armed men on the outskirts of Baidoa following clashes between regional security forces and opposition-aligned fighters. In a statement, Southwest officials said the detainees were affiliated with opposition groups they claim have links to the Federal Government of Somalia. The federal government has not responded to the allegation.
Somalia: Several Federal Ministers Resign As Political Crisis Deepens
Several federal government ministers representing Southwest State have resigned in protest over the escalating political standoff between Mogadishu and the Southwest regional administration.
President Mohamud Urges Business Leaders To Help Drought-hit Families
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday called on business leaders, religious scholars and charitable organizations to step up support for drought-affected families, particularly orphans and other vulnerable groups, as the country faces deepening hunger and rising living costs.
Southwest President Laftagareen Resigns From Hassan Sheikh Mohamud'sJ SP Party
Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has resigned from the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in the latest sign of escalating tensions between his administration and the federal government. Laftagareen, who had been serving as deputy chairman of the JSP, announced his resignation on March 18, 2026.
Southwest President reaffirms break with Mogadishu, calls for international intervention
Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen on Wednesday reaffirmed that his administration has cut ties with Somalia’s federal government, accusing Mogadishu of undermining the federal system and destabilizing his region. “Starting today, there will be no contact between us and the federal government until something Somalis agree on is brought,” Laftagareen told reporters at a press conference in Baidoa.
Puntland And Galmudug States Security Committees Meet In Galkayo To Boost Cooperation
Security officials from Puntland and Galmudug met Sunday in Galkayo to coordinate efforts aimed at strengthening stability in the divided Mudug region, as both administrations pledged closer cooperation ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holidays. The meeting brought together members of the security committees from the two neighboring states to review the overall security situation and address shared challenges in areas where their jurisdictions meet.
Southwest State Bars Security Officers From Leaving Baidoa Amid Rising Political Tension
Southwest State’s Ministry of Internal Security has ordered senior security officers not to leave Baidoa until further notice, citing ongoing security operations. In a directive issued Monday, the ministry said all designated officers are prohibited from traveling outside the regional capital starting March 16, 2026, as part of efforts to maintain “general security and stability” in Southwest State.
AFRICOM Conducts Airstrike Against ISIS In Puntland Mountains
U.S. Africa Command said Tuesday it carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS fighters in northeastern Somalia, as counterterrorism operations continue in the rugged mountains of Puntland’s Bari region. In a statement, AFRICOM said the strike occurred about 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Bosaso, in areas identified as Togga Baallade and the Al-Miskaad mountain range, where ISIS-Somalia has established hideouts.
U.S. Embassy In Djibouti Issues Security Alert, Cancels Routine Consular Services
The U.S. Embassy in Djibouti on Tuesday issued a security alert urging American citizens to exercise increased caution due to ongoing regional tensions and public threats against U.S. interests. In a statement dated March 10, 2026, the embassy said it continues to advise its personnel to avoid the area surrounding the U.S. Embassy and Camp Lemonnier, a key U.S. military base in the country.
Two Federal Ministers Resign Over Somalia’s Revised Constitution Process
Two Somali federal ministers from Puntland have resigned in protest over constitutional amendments approved on Wednesday, deepening political tensions between Mogadishu and regional leaders. Aynaashe Yusuf Hussein, state minister for labor and social affairs, and Ismail Buraale, state minister for petroleum and minerals, both members of the House of the People representing Puntland constituencies, announced their resignations following parliamentary vote to adopt a revised constitution.
Somali Olympic Committee Accuses Sports Minister Of Undermining National Sports Body
Somalia’s National Olympic Committee on Wednesday accused the country’s sports minister of attempting to disrupt its work and interfere in the administration of national sports, deepening a public rift between two institutions. In a statement, the committee alleged that the minister had organized what it described as “fake contacts” aimed at undermining the Olympic body’s operations and attempting to take control of its headquarters in Mogadishu.
Police Officer Arrested After Journalist Shot Dead In Kismayo
A Jubbaland state police officer has been arrested after fatally shooting broadcast journalist Abshir Khalif Shide Omar in Kismayo, authorities and media representatives said Tuesday. The killing occurred Monday evening in the interim administrative capital of Jubbaland following a brief altercation between the journalist and the officer. The motive remains unclear, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation.
Somalia Enforces National Id Requirement For Domestic Flights
Somalia’s federal government has begun enforcing a new requirement mandating passengers to present a National Identity Card for all domestic flights, as part of efforts to tighten security and modernize travel oversight. The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Authority confirmed that the measure took effect March 1 after a two-month postponement intended to give citizens additional time to obtain the National ID card, commonly known as NIRA.
Somali Opposition MPs Accuse Federal Government Of Blocking Travel To Garowe
More than 30 members of Somalia’s federal parliament from Puntland were forced to return to Mogadishu after their flight to Garowe was ordered back to the capital. The lawmakers had been traveling to attend a consultative meeting convened by Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Somalia’s political situation. The meeting was scheduled for Monday in Garowe. Several of the affected members accused the federal authorities of violating their constitutional rights and parliamentary immunity.
Somalia Condemns Iranian Strikes On Arab States
Somalia’s federal government on Sunday condemned Iranian attacks on several Arab countries, calling them a violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the strikes had caused destruction, injuries and loss of life, and amounted to a breach of the territorial integrity of the affected states.
Saudi Arabia, Somalia Sign Military Cooperation Deal To Boostsecurity And Counterterrorism
Saudi Arabia and Somalia have signed a new military cooperation agreement to strengthen defense ties, expanding counterterrorism efforts and enhancing maritime security in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, officials from both countries said. The memorandum of understanding was announced by Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, marking a significant step in deepening the strategic partnership between Riyadh and Mogadishu.
Somali Parliament Concludes Debate On Chapter Four, Moves To Next Phase Of Review
Somalia’s federal parliament on Monday concluded debate on Chapter Four of the Provisional Constitution and formally opened discussions on Chapter Five, advancing a contentious constitutional review process that has exposed deep political divisions. The joint session of the two chambers, held at the House of the People headquarters in Mogadishu, marked the seventh session of parliament’s 12th joint meeting.
Somalia Hosts Horn Of Africa Finance Ministers’ Forum For First Time
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday closed the 27th meeting of the Horn of Africa Initiative Forum of finance ministers, marking the first time the high-level regional gathering has been hosted in Mogadishu. The meeting brought together finance ministers and senior officials from across the Horn of Africa to discuss regional economic cooperation, with a particular focus on energy trade as a driver of integration and sustainable growth.
Somalia Replaces Army Chief Ahead Of New Offensive Against Al-shabab
Somalia has replaced its army chief as the country prepares to launch a new phase of military operations against al-Shabab in central and southern regions, the government said Thursday. Major Gen. Odawaa Yusuf Rageh was removed from his post during a Cabinet meeting in Mogadishu chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office. Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud was appointed as the new chief of the Somali National Army.
Somali army kills over 130 al-Shabaab militants in Lower Juba regio
Somali National Army, backed by Jubbaland regional security units and international partners, killed more than 130 al-Shabab militants during a prolonged operation that repelled a major attack on the town of Kudhaa in Somalia’s Lower Juba region, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday. The operation, which lasted more than 24 hours, ended an assault launched by al-Shabab fighters on the strategic town, officials said.
Ethiopia’s Intelligence Chief Makes Announced Visit To Somalia Amid Regional Tensions
Ethiopia’s intelligence chief, Redwan Hussein, made an unannounced visit to Somalia on Tuesday, holding closed-door talks with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as tensions continue to simmer across the Horn of Africa. Hussein met the Somali president at Villa Somalia, where he delivered a message from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, according to sources familiar with the meeting. The contents of the message were not disclosed, and neither government issued an official statement on the visit.
Somali President defends cancellation of UAE deals, citingsovereignty concerns
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday said his government’s decision to cancel security and port agreements with the United Arab Emirates was taken to defend Somalia’s unity, territorial integrity and political independence, accusing the UAE of failing to respect the country as a single, sovereign state.
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