Somalia Security Deteriorating Amid Political Divisions - Report
A new report has warned that deepening political divisions and growing instability are worsening Somalia's security situation, allowing the Al-Shabaab militant group to expand its influence. Compiled by the European Union Agency for Asylum, the report said Al-Shabaab has increased its presence in several regions by taking advantage of political disputes and weak state institutions.
The report, however, praised Puntland for making significant gains against IS militants, noting that military operations in the Bari region have substantially weakened the group's capabilities. It also underscored Turkey's increased military support to Somalia, which includes the provision of military equipment and combat aircraft.
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Somalia:
A Report Warns Somalia Security Deteriorating Amid Political Divisions
Shabelle, 6 July 2026
The European Union's asylum agency has warned that Somalia's security situation has significantly worsened, citing deepening political divisions and growing instability that have… Read more »
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Somalia:
Somali Opposition Group Urges Dialogue, Warns Against Interference in Puntland
Shabelle, 1 July 2026
The Somali Future Council congratulated Somalis on the 66th anniversary of the country's independence and unification, while warning that Somalia continues to face deepening… Read more »
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Africa:
Somalia - a State Without Settlement
African Arguments, 24 June 2026
In early June, a warm evening in Mogadishu was punctuated once again by the staccato of gunfire and mortar shells. Not the result of an ambush by Al-Shabaab or a quarrel over a… Read more »
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Somalia:
Clashes Erupt Near Baidoa Between SNA Forces and Fighters Loyal to Former Southwest Leader
Shabelle, 22 June 2026
Heavy fighting broke out near the southwestern Somali city of Baidoa overnight between government forces and fighters loyal to former Southwest State president Abdiaziz Hassan… Read more »
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Somalia:
Former Somali President Farmaajo Blames Hassan Sheikh for Escalating Crisis
Shabelle, 4 June 2026
Former Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Thursday sharply criticized President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over ongoing clashes in Mogadishu, accusing him of mishandling the… Read more »
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Somalia:
UN Urges Immediate End to Mogadishu Fighting, Calls for Return to Dialogue
Shabelle, 4 June 2026
The United Nations on Thursday voiced deep concern over ongoing fighting in Mogadishu, urging all parties involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and return to… Read more »
InFocus
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The government has announced that a joint military operation with the Turkish military targeted al-Shabaab positions in the Lower Shabelle region this week, killing dozens of al-Shabaab militants.
In a statement, the defence ministry said a series of secondary explosions occurred after the initial strikes, indicating the site was being used to store weapons, explosives, and military supplies.
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Days of security tensions in Mogadishu have left one person dead and dozens injured, according to Somali government figures. The official tally comes amid conflicting reports regarding the true human toll of the clashes between government forces and opposition supporters.
In a statement, the government maintained that its casualty figures are based on verified medical records. It urged media outlets and
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A prominent opposition lawmaker has accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration of weaponizing clan influence to cling to power. Speaking at a joint press conference with other opposition figures, lawmaker Abdirahman Abdishakur said the government's recent actions were specifically targeted at former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
Heavy gunfire
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Mogadishu during a lockdown (file photo).
