Somalia

The long-standing relationship between Mogadishu and Washington faced a diplomatic chill this week after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned remarks attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, in which Somalis were reportedly described as “trash.” Mohamud called the comments deeply offensive, stressing that they undermine the dignity of an entire nation.

Somali government forces, supported by local defense units, have successfully repelled a planned Al-Shabaab attack on the Wargaadhi area in Middle Shabelle, dealing a significant blow to the militant group’s operations in central Somalia.

Somali intelligence officials said Thursday that a precision airstrike last month dealt a significant blow to Al-Shabaab, killing two of the group’s most senior commanders, including its chief explosives expert who had long evaded capture despite a multi-million-dollar U.S. bounty.

Somali authorities have hit the pause button on a controversial new travel mandate. The Immigration and Citizenship Agency announced today that it will delay the requirement for domestic travelers to carry a National ID, pushing the enforcement date back from New Year’s Day to March 1, 2026.

Most members of the United Nations Security Council have criticized Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, warning that the move could destabilize Somalia and have broader regional consequences, including potential impacts on Palestinians in Gaza.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called on Somalis, particularly those in the northern regions, to remain calm and stand united in defense of the country’s unity and territorial integrity following Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland.

A senior Somali military commander visited key front-line areas in the Middle Shabelle region on Friday, where government forces are conducting heavy operations against the Islamist group Al-Shabaab.

The Somali Opposition Forum strongly rejects reports claiming Israel has recognised Somaliland, emphasizing Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and calling for regional stability.