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The Standard
… The Deputy Prime Minister was escorted to the VIP lounge, where he was held before being issued with a ticket back to Mogadishu, from where he had travelled Journalism can't be free because the truth demands investment. …
Somalia Deputy PM deported from Kenya over passport issuesThe Standard
… In 2019, Al-Shabaab conducted a terror attack in Mogadishu, Somalia, using a female suicide bomber, killing seven government officials including Abdirahman Omar Osman, the Mayor of Mogadishu. …
Why terrorist organisations are increasingly recruiting womenThe Standard
Audio By Vocalize The talk about talks is back in Mogadishu again; this time, a foreign mediator is taking centre stage.According to well-placed sources, a high-powered delegation from Turkey’s National Intelligence Organisation arrived in Somalia’s capital on Monday to lead the …
Letter from Mogadishu: Turkey joins Somalia talks as Hargeisa bubblesThe Standard
Audio By VocalizeSomalia on April 15, 2025 launched voter registration in Mogadishu for the first time in over 50 years, a step towards universal suffrage ahead of presidential elections scheduled for 2026. …
Somalia's elections: An imperfect but historic milestoneCitizen Digital
… FARHAN ALELI / AFP Audio By Vocalize Somaliland has a right to choose its own relationships and pressure tactics from Beijing and Mogadishu have not succeeded in altering its friendship with Taipei, its top diplomat in Taiwan said on Friday at the opening of a new office. …
Somaliland says it has a right to choose its relationships as it opens new Taiwan officeCitizen Digital
… He returned to a hero's welcome in Mogadishu on Wednesday and vowed to take part in the next World Cup in 2030.
Somali referee banned by US to officiate European Super Cup - UEFAThe Standard
… Subscribe to our newsletterArtan's appointment to the 52-strong roster of referees for the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States had been a huge source of pride for his compatriots.He returned to a hero's welcome in Mogadishu on Wednesday and vowed to take part in the ne …
Somali referee banned by US to officiate European Super Cup UEFACitizen Digital
… Artan returned to a hero's welcome in Mogadishu and vowed to take part in the next tournament in 2030. …
FIFA boss Infantino faces questions on eve of World CupCitizen Digital
… Photo/Courtesy Audio By Vocalize Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, returned to a hero's welcome in Mogadishu and vowed to take part in the next tournament in 2030. …
'I'll be at next World Cup' in 2030: Somali referee barred from USThe Standard
… A US State Department official said the referee was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations", therefore "making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States".Thousands of people turned out to welcome Artan back to the Somali capital Mogadishu o …
FIFA boss Infantino faces questions on eve of World CupUnited Nations operations in Somalia have started winding down following the withdrawal of United States financial support effective December 31, 2026, with the UN Support Office in Somalia seeking licensed auctioneers to sell equipment and vehicles including generators, computers, vehicles, and construction machinery.
14 August 2026 · The Standard →
United Nations operations in Somalia have started winding down following the withdrawal of United States financial support effective December 31, 2026, with the UN Support Office in Somalia seeking licensed auctioneers to sell equipment and vehicles including generators, computers, vehicles, and construction machinery.
14 August 2026 · The Standard →
A Somali minister surrendered Kenyan citizenship documents in Mogadishu, prompting scrutiny of Kenya's passport integrity and the dual citizenship status of Somali Federal Government officials. The move followed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's order for ministers to surrender Kenyan citizenship documents or relinquish their positions, after two senior officials were deported from Kenya when their documents were rejected.
9 August 2026 · The Standard →
Somalia's Second Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji surrendered his Kenyan passport at the Kenyan Embassy in Mogadishu weeks after being deported from Nairobi when immigration authorities flagged the document at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Haji described the move as a voluntary administrative decision reflecting his commitment to Somalia, maintaining the passport was lawfully acquired and used in full compliance with Kenyan laws.
3 August 2026 · Capital News →
Leaders of African Union military mission countries said Friday they want to extend the AUSSOM mandate, which provides roughly 12,000 troops supporting Somalia against Al-Shabaab, despite the United States ending political and financial support to UN logistics that sustains the operation.
1 August 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Uganda is hosting three meetings for countries contributing troops to the African Union peace mission in Somalia, culminating in a heads of state summit where participants will assess the security situation, strengthen coordination among contributors, and discuss measures against armed groups including Al Shabaab.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →
A four-day African Maritime Forces Summit in Rabat, Morocco brought representatives from more than 40 African countries and 20 international partner states to address maritime security challenges including piracy, illegal fishing, maritime terrorism, and transnational crime. Somalia's navy commander discussed measures his country has taken to improve security along its coastline despite a sharp fall in piracy over more than a decade, though experts warn of isolated recent attacks and persistent illegal fishing by foreign vessels.
24 July 2026 · The Standard →
Former senior government official Osman Mohamed Adawe has officially declared his candidacy for Somalia's Hirshabelle State presidential elections, outlining priorities including security against Al-Shabaab, reconciliation, economic expansion through agriculture and livestock, an independent justice system, and essential public services.
17 July 2026 · The Standard →
Somalia's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs said the country needs collaboration with humanitarian organisations to accelerate its development agenda. He spoke at an event celebrating 10 years of Samrado, a relief and development organisation working on water access, social welfare, and education for people with disabilities.
17 July 2026 · The Standard →
Former senior government official Osman Mohamed Adawe has declared his candidacy for the presidency of Somalia's Hirshabelle State, launching a campaign centred on security, reconciliation and economic transformation with five key priorities including promoting community reconciliation, strengthening security operations against Al-Shabaab, and expanding economic opportunities.
16 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Former senior government official Osman Mohamed Adawe has declared his candidacy for Hirshabelle State's presidency, launching a campaign centred on security, reconciliation and economic transformation, with five key priorities including promoting community reconciliation, strengthening security operations against Al-Shabaab, and expanding economic opportunities.
16 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Four prominent figures—former presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon, and businessman Omar Abdulkadir Ahmed Fiqi—are emerging as leading contenders to succeed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Somalia's next presidential election. Each candidate presents a distinct vision for addressing the nation's persistent insecurity, fragile state institutions, and economic challenges.
12 July 2026 · The Standard →
Somalia's next presidential election is beginning to dominate political discourse, with four prominent figures — former presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon (Saacid), and businessman Omar Abdulkadir Ahmed Fiqi — emerging as leading contenders to succeed President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Each candidate brings a distinct vision for addressing the nation's persistent insecurity, fragile state institutions and economic challenges.
12 July 2026 · The Standard →
Somalia's next presidential election is approaching, with four names dominating political circles in Mogadishu: former presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon (Saacid), and businessman Omar Abdulkadir Ahmed Fiqi. Each candidate presents a different vision for addressing Somalia's insecurity, political fragmentation, and economic challenges.
11 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The Trump administration has notified the African Union that it will no longer support the UN Support Office in Somalia after December 31, 2026, jeopardizing the logistical operations that sustain nearly 12,000 AU personnel deployed in the country. The AU convened its Peace and Security Council to examine the implications and explore alternatives to keep the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia operational.
10 July 2026 · The Standard →
Kenya detained and deported Somalia's deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, accusing him of undermining regional security, suspected passport fraud, and involvement in activities threatening the Kenya-Somalia border area. Haji arrived with a valid diplomatic passport and visa but was held overnight before being put on the first flight to Mogadishu.
6 July 2026 · The Standard →
The US announced it would end critical funding for the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), which provides the bulk of funding to the African Union's military mission (AUSSOM) supporting the Somali army, over lack of progress against Al-Shabaab. The AU convened an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the future of the mission.
4 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
The African Union called an emergency meeting on its military mission in Somalia after Washington announced it would end critical funding to UN logistics that support AUSSOM, the leading force aiding the Somali army against the Al-Shabaab insurgency. The US said in a July 1 letter it would halt payments to the UN Support Office in Somalia at year-end and block further UN logistical support to AUSSOM at the Security Council.
3 July 2026 · The Standard →
Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji was deported from Kenya after immigration officers at JKIA suspected he had fraudulently acquired a Kenyan passport. The official, who arrived on a valid Somali diplomatic passport, admitted to possessing the fraudulent document but refused to surrender it, citing court proceedings.
26 June 2026 · Capital News →
Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji was denied entry and deported from Kenya on Wednesday at JKIA after immigration officers suspected he possessed a fraudulently obtained Kenyan passport. According to sources, Haji acknowledged having the Kenyan passport but refused to surrender it, insisting the matter be handled through court.
26 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an unexpected visit to Kenya and met with President William Ruto at Ruto's private residence in Narok County. According to official information, the two discussed bilateral issues and mechanisms for regional peace and stabilisation, though insiders noted Mohamud had been summoned to receive a brief from G7 leaders concerned about Somalia's deteriorating political situation.
26 June 2026 · The Standard →
Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji was deported from Kenya after immigration officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport questioned the authenticity of a Kenyan passport in his possession. When asked to surrender the document, he declined and was subsequently escorted to the VIP lounge and issued a return ticket to Mogadishu.
25 June 2026 · The Standard →
Terrorist organisations like Al-Shabaab and Islamic State Somalia are increasingly recruiting women for intelligence gathering, recruitment, weapons smuggling, and financial facilitation because their perceived harmlessness allows them to evade security detection. Kenya has responded by placing 13 terrorists, including women, on domestic terrorism sanctions lists and focusing on identifying Kenyan women recruited into these groups.
23 June 2026 · The Standard →
Turkey's National Intelligence Organisation arrived in Mogadishu to lead talks between Somalia's Federal government and opposition groups, as tensions escalate between the central government and regional leaders of Jubaland and Puntland over federal governance.
19 June 2026 · The Standard →
Somalia held one-person-one-vote elections in parts of southern Somalia on December 25, 2025, marking a historic shift toward universal suffrage after decades in which such elections were viewed as aspirational rather than realistic. The move has drawn both support and criticism over concerns about political motives, security, and lack of consensus on constitutional reforms.
18 June 2026 · The Standard →
Somaliland has opened a new office in Taiwan and says it has the right to choose its own relationships, rejecting pressure from Beijing and Mogadishu to sever ties with the island. Somaliland and Taiwan established representative offices in each other's capitals in 2020.
13 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Omar Artan, a Somali referee who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan as an excellent and experienced referee who has proven himself at the highest level of African football competition.
11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
UEFA appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. Artan was previously denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, and UEFA's appointment was announced as part of a cooperation accord with the African confederation.
11 June 2026 · The Standard →
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to hold a rare press conference in Mexico City on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, facing tough questions about sky-high ticket prices and a US immigration crackdown that has barred a top African referee, fans, and team officials from entering the country.
10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
Somali referee Omar Artan, selected as the first Somali to officiate at the World Cup finals, was barred from entering the United States and returned to Mogadishu, where he pledged to participate in the next World Cup in 2030 despite the rejection.
10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →
FIFA President Gianni Infantino will hold a rare press conference in Mexico City ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he is expected to face questions about ticket prices and US immigration restrictions that have barred a top African referee, fans and team officials from entering the country.
10 June 2026 · The Standard →