Somalia at a Crossroads

Somali civil society organizations have urged the federal and regional authorities to hold timely and transparent elections in the Federal Member States, describing the move as essential for strengthening democracy, stability, and inclusive governance.

Somali security forces, in coordination with international partners, carried out a successful airstrike on Al-Shabaab militants and their vehicles in the Kukayli area near Mahas, Hiran region, according to a statement from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

Berlin has refused to oblige its citizens traveling to the self-declared Republic of Somaliland to comply with the new federal electronic visa system introduced by Mogadishu. Instead, Germany has directed its nationals to follow the visa procedures set by Somaliland authorities in Hargeisa, becoming the first country to formally recognize Somaliland’s separate visa regime.

Garowe, Somalia – Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni will seek the presidency of Somalia for the second time in elections scheduled for next year, regional officials confirmed.

Somalia has resumed voter registration in Mogadishu for the one-person-one-vote elections, marking a major step in preparations for the city’s local council polls and the country’s democratic transition.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has demanded a unified African response to climate change, warning that Somalia remains among the hardest hit despite contributing little to global emissions.

Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has defended the Arab League after Ethiopia’s envoy in Mogadishu accused the organization of siding with Egypt in the Nile River dispute. Fiqi stressed the League’s role in supporting Somalia’s recovery and fostering regional cooperation, highlighting Mogadishu’s diplomatic challenge of balancing ties with both Cairo and Addis Ababa.

Puntland has rejected Somalia’s newly introduced electronic visa system, accusing the federal government of overstepping its authority. The state’s Information Minister argued that managing visas and airports falls within Puntland’s jurisdiction, while Mogadishu maintains the e-visa system will improve transparency and national security. The dispute has reignited long-standing tensions over control and revenue sharing between the federal government and Puntland.

Somalia at a Crossroads