News as at
February 1, 2026, 11:27 am
Somalia Steps Up Political Dialogue Ahead of Broader National Talks
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu -- Delegations from Somalia's federal government and the Somali Future Council held a second round of talks on Thursday, part of ongoing efforts to revive political dialogue in the country, officials said.
Somalia's Danab Commandos Seize Al-Shabab Explosives Cache in Middle Shabelle
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu -- Somalia's elite Danab commandos said Thursday they seized a cache of landmines and explosive materials during a security operation on the outskirts of Jabad Godane in the Middle Shabelle region.
No, Document Claiming Chinese Foreign Minister Cancelled Visit to Somalia Over Security Concerns Fake
- [Africa Check] No, document claiming Chinese foreign minister cancelled visit to Somalia over security concerns fake
Somalia Appoints New Army Chief, Approves Anti-Smuggling Ministerial Committee
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu -- Somalia's Cabinet on Thursday unanimously approved the appointment of Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud as the new chief of the Somali National Army.
Us Resumes WFP Food Aid in Somalia After Mogadishu Admits Fault
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- The United States on Tuesday announced the resumption of World Food Programme (WFP) food distribution in Somalia after the federal government acknowledged responsibility for actions that disrupted aid operations.
Somali Army, Allies Carry Out Security Operations Against Al-Shabab in Lower Shabelle Region
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu -- Somalia's national army, backed by international partners, has carried out planned security operations targeting al-Shabab fighters in the Mubarak area of the Lower Shabelle region, the defence ministry said.
Somalia Hosts UN Diplomats As It Wraps Up Security Council Presidency
- [Shabelle] New York -- Somalia's permanent mission to the United Nations hosted a reception for ambassadors and diplomats at UN headquarters in New York, marking the end of the country's month-long presidency of the UN Security Council.
Somalia, Egypt Strengthen Disaster Management Cooperation
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu -- Somalia's National Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) chairman, Mohamud Moalin Abdulle, met Thursday with Egypt's ambassador to Somalia, Mohamed Salah Hassan, to discuss closer cooperation on humanitarian aid, disaster prevention, and capacity building for disaster management.
From Horn of Africa to Middle East - Somaliland As Strategic Connector in Red Sea Corridor
- [Addis Standard] Addis Abeba -- The Horn of Africa and the Middle East have increasingly evolved into a single strategic theater. Political instability, maritime insecurity, and economic disruptions in one region now have immediate consequences in the other. The Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden no longer serve as dividing lines; instead, they function as connective corridors through which security threats, trade flows, and geopolitical competition move rapidly.
Somali Forces Destroy Al-Shabab Bases in Middle Shabelle Operation
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu -- Somali National Army forces carried out a planned operation Thursday to destroy al-Shabab bases in the Alanley area of the Middle Shabelle region.
U.S. Praises Somalia for Taking Responsibility, WFP Food Aid to Resume
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- The United States has praised the Federal Government of Somalia for acknowledging its role in affecting World Food Program (WFP) operations, including U.S.-funded assistance.
Chaos Disrupts Somali Parliament Session Over Proposed Constitutional Changes
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- A joint session of Somalia's Federal Parliament descended into chaos on Wednesday at Villa Hargeysa in Mogadishu, as opposition lawmakers clashed with supporters of proposed amendments to five articles of the provisional constitution.
AU, Qatar Officials Meet in Mogadishu to Discuss Peace and Security Cooperation
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu -- The African Union's Special Representative and Head of AUSSOM, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, met today in Mogadishu with Qatar's Ambassador to Somalia, Dr. Abdullah bin Salem Al-Nuaimi.
Al-Shabaab Commander Surrenders to Galmudug Forces in Central Somalia
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- A senior Al-Shabaab commander, identified as Abdirahman Talxo Shuuke, surrendered to Galmudug Darawiish forces, specifically the Galayr unit responsible for protecting the regional presidency, following recent operations against the militant group in the Labadulle and Ceelahelay areas.
Somalia, EU Discuss Military Cooperation During Official Meeting
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- Somalia's Minister of Defence, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, accompanied by Chief of the Somali National Army, Major General Odowa Yusuf Raage, held an official meeting with General Seán Clancy, Head of the European Union Military Committee, who is on a working visit to Somalia.
Somalia's Justice Ministry Refutes Claims Over Constitutional Review Process
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- Somalia's Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has issued a statement responding to recent remarks by some members of Parliament and the parliamentary oversight committee on the constitutional review process.
Somalia Returns Looted Aid Supplies to WFP, Pledges Stronger Oversight
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- The Federal Government of Somalia has confirmed that all goods taken from a warehouse affecting port expansion activities have been returned to the World Food Programme (WFP), the agency said.
EU Welcomes Somali Opposition's Decision to Attend Mogadishu Talks
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu, Somalia -- The European Union has welcomed a decision by Somalia's main opposition alliance to take part in a national consultative conference called by the federal government, a move seen as opening a potential path toward renewed political dialogue.
Uganda to Pull Troops From Somalia After Nearly 20 Years, Raising Concerns Over Al-Shabaab Fight
- [Shabelle] Kampala, Uganda -- Uganda has announced plans to withdraw its troops from Somalia after almost 20 years of participation in peacekeeping operations, a move expected to significantly impact the fight against the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab.
Egyptian Troops Expected to Join AU Mission in Somalia
- [Shabelle] Cairo -- Egyptian forces are expected to soon join the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), officials said, as technical and legal arrangements are finalised.
All of Africa Today - January 26, 2026
- [allAfrica]
Oketch Salah Holds Consultative Meeting With Puntland President On Trade and Regional Cooperation
- [Capital FM] Nairobi -- Oketch Salah on Monday met with President Said Abdullahi Deni of Puntland, Somalia, in a consultative session focused on strengthening trade ties between the two regions.
U.S. Forces Conduct Airstrikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
- [Africom] Stuttgart, Germany -- In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia Jan. 23-24, 2026.
UPDF Commander Commends Troops' Discipline During Somalia Inspection
- [Nile Post] The Commander of Battle Group 45, Colonel Justus Musenene, has praised Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) troops deployed in Somalia for their discipline, resilience, and professionalism during ongoing operations in the Barawe sub-sector.
Somalia, China Discuss Boosting Trade and Economic Cooperation
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu -- Somalia's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Gamal Mohamed Hassan met with China's ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and economic development, the ministry said.
Somalia Welcomes Return of Children Treated for Heart Conditions in Italy
- [Shabelle] Mogadishu -- Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Jibriil Abdirashid Haji has attended a ceremony welcoming 25 Somali children who recently returned home after receiving specialised medical treatment in Italy, including life-saving heart surgeries.
Somali Forces Intensify Operations Against Al-Shabaab in Lower Jubba
- [Shabelle] Kudhaa -- Somali security forces have launched an intense military operation against Al-Shabaab in Lower Jubba region, focusing on the Kudhaa area, where the militant group recently carried out attacks undermining local security.
