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Somalia

The Somali president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and his US counterpart, Donald Trump.© Mike Segar/Reuters ; Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Midterm tensions sour Mogadishu-Washington relations

As the US midterm elections approach, conservative circles in America are trying to turn a vast scandal over the diversion of public aid funds against the Democratic camp. In this tense climate, Somalia's attempts to improve relations with Donald Trump are running aground.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 01.10.2026

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in Guba, Ethiopia, 9 September 2025.© Tiksa Negeri/Reuters

Spotlight
President Mohamud's dangerous game with Al-Shabaab

The federal administration has recruited several members of the jihadist group operating in Somalia into its security agencies and immigration services. On top of this, a lack of bilateral cooperation, in the midst of a political crisis, is frustrating Mogadishu's Western partners.

Subscribers only Politics, Diplomacy 01.09.2026

Chinese, Turkish and Americans share new solar energy contracts in Mogadishu

Two business groups have competed successfully for different contracts to build the future solar power stations in the area near the capital.

Subscribers only Energy 26.08.2026

Museveni threatens Mohamud with AUSSOM pullback over growing political unrest

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (left) and his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni.© Odd Andersen/AFP ; Badru Katumba/AFP

Subscribers only Diplomacy 20.08.2026

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Brussels, on 18 June 2026. © Daniel Gnap/NurPhoto/AFP

Spotlight
Inside the Mogadishu-Brussels diplomatic row

For the past month, the conditions for granting visas to Somali nationals in EU countries have been tightened. This decision, justified by Mogadishu's lack of cooperation, also follows the fallout from a secret agreement with Stockholm, the revelations of which are rocking the Swedish political establishment in the run-up to the elections.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 29.07.2026

Liban Ahmed Hassan, the ruling party's candidate in Galmudug, campaigning in July 2026. © JSPSomalia/Facebook

The many roles of Liban Ahmed Hassan, the president's candidate in Galmudug

The businessman, who made his fortune from the khat trade between Kenya and Somalia, has made himself indispensable in Mogadishu through the part he has played in the supply of arms. His fortune owes much to the head of state's administration.

Subscribers only Politics 21.07.2026

Ankara scores double success in Mogadishu

Both the government and the opposition have set out their conditions in order for an agreement to be reached at the end of the new round of negotiations currently taking place in the Somali capital.

Free access Politics, Diplomacy 16.07.2026

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and former president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed in Mogadishu, on 23 May 2022.

NISA intel agency and aviation authority in power struggle at Mogadishu airport

Several staff members of the control tower at Mogadishu's airport were denied access by intelligence officers on 2 July, without explanation.

Subscribers only Politics 03.07.2026

Irro administration makes new bid to enlist US lobbyists

Khadar Hussein Abdi, the presidential affairs minister, has engaged former Donald Trump campaign strategists in hopes of breathing new life into Somaliland's bid for international recognition.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 02.07.2026

President Guelleh walks a fine line on Somali crisis

The head of state is caught between his Somali counterpart and ally Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Galmudug leader Qoor Qoor, to whom his son-in-law is particularly close. For now, he has chosen to err on the side of caution.

Subscribers only Politics, Diplomacy 18.06.2026

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's risky gamble in Galmudug

The Somali president is engaged in a fierce power struggle with the leader of the federal state of Galmudug, whom he wants to replace with an ally. Federal troops are being deployed there even as the security situation in Mogadishu and South West State worsens.

Subscribers only Politics 05.06.2026

Federal army soldiers on patrol in Mogadishu on 4 June 2026.

Mohamud plots a year in power over a fractured nation

The president seems content to accept limited control over a few federated states. He is counting on Turkey and Qatar's support and the fact that the international community is otherwise engaged – with the Iranian issue – to extend his term.

Free access Politics 27.05.2026

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during a visit to the province of Sool in Las Anod, on 17 January 2026.

Soma Oil & Gas steps up search for investors

The British start-up is forging new contacts in the capital and across the US. Following a turbulent first foray into Somalia, the company founded by Basil Shiblaq is seeking investors to develop its offshore exploration licences.

Subscribers only Energy 12.05.2026

Israel's new ambassador in Hargeisa juggles two roles

Tel Aviv now has its first head of mission in the secessionist state, with Israel the only nation to have taken the risk of granting it recognition.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 06.05.2026

Fallout of capture of Baidoa spreads through the region

The intervention of federal forces in the South West regional capital strengthens a head of state in the midst of a legitimacy crisis with other local leaders. Turkey has also gained influence as a result of this operation, to the detriment of Addis Ababa.

Subscribers only Politics, Diplomacy 07.04.2026

Intense talks behind the downfall of South West president

In dispute with Mogadishu, the head of the region, Abdiaziz Laftagareen, has found himself cornered by federal forces in the regional capital, Baidoa. Ethiopia and the African Union's peace mission were at the centre of negotiations aimed at organising his departure.

Subscribers only Politics, Diplomacy 30.03.2026

South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen on 3 September 2022.

Future of AU mission clouded by extended political crisis

The executive is increasingly favouring bilateral partnerships at the expense of the African Union's peacekeeping mission, which has yet to finalise its 2025 budget. Rising tensions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his opponents are further complicating negotiations.

Subscribers only Defence 10.03.2026

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Davos, Switzerland, on 22 January 2025.

Sun shines on Chinese, US and Turkish solar energy firms

Mogadishu is handing out a series of solar power contracts, some of which are in Puntland and Somaliland, where relations with Mogadishu remain strained.

Subscribers only Energy 25.02.2026

Spotlight
Inside the security talks between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv

Three weeks before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced recognition, a mysterious delegation landed in Somaliland. The low‑key visit was part of strengthened security cooperation between the two administrations.

Subscribers only Defence, Diplomacy 19.02.2026

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar with Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi in Hargeisa, on 6 January 2026.

Spotlight
Covert mission led by Sudanese officers to train Somali militias

In recent months, a team of Sudanese military personnel has trained a thousand Somali recruits in the state of Galmudug. The operation was led by the Mogadishu intelligence services, headed by Mahad Salad, against a backdrop of internal tensions between the federal states.

Subscribers only Defence 13.02.2026

Dusmareb, capital of Galmudug state, in central Somalia, in December 2019.

Emirati company NBHH resumes operations on the Berbera corridor

The government has reached an agreement with Nael & Bin Harmal Hydroexport for the reconstruction of a bridge destroyed during a flood.

Subscribers only Infrastructure 04.02.2026

Spotlight
Abu Dhabi weaves its digital web in Africa

Support for Somaliland's independence, coverage of the RSF's advance in Sudan, warnings against the rapprochement between Riyadh and Cairo: for several months now, the influential Visegrad24 platform has adopted a line close to the Emirati position on Africa.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 28.01.2026

UAE's Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Aqaba, Jordan on 14 December 2024.

Act two of Israeli cooperation

In addition to a long-anticipated security component, Somaliland's president is seeking to attract Israeli investment in several sectors during his forthcoming visit. A stop at an emblematic site in Jerusalem is also under consideration, with a view to defusing tensions over the Palestinian issue.

Subscribers only Business, Diplomacy 19.01.2026

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi Mohamed in Hargeisa, on 6 January 2026.

After recognition by Israel, Hargeisa worries about Turkish influence

Through the Turkish consulate headed by Ozan Pekin, Ankara maintains a discreet presence on both sides of the de facto border between Somalia and Somaliland. This diplomatic and economic influence is now being closely monitored by the Somaliland authorities.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 16.01.2026

Spotlight
Israel's recognition of Somaliland rattles the Horn

Following the surprise decision by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to recognise the republic, speculation is rife as to which African leader will be the first to follow suit. Somalia and its powerful backers are keeping a close watch.

Subscribers only Diplomacy 14.01.2026

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Somalia

Midterm tensions sour Mogadishu-Washington relations

Spotlight
President Mohamud's dangerous game with Al-Shabaab

Chinese, Turkish and Americans share new solar energy contracts in Mogadishu

Museveni threatens Mohamud with AUSSOM pullback over growing political unrest

Spotlight
Inside the Mogadishu-Brussels diplomatic row

The many roles of Liban Ahmed Hassan, the president's candidate in Galmudug

Ankara scores double success in Mogadishu

NISA intel agency and aviation authority in power struggle at Mogadishu airport

Irro administration makes new bid to enlist US lobbyists

President Guelleh walks a fine line on Somali crisis

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's risky gamble in Galmudug

Mohamud plots a year in power over a fractured nation

Soma Oil & Gas steps up search for investors

Israel's new ambassador in Hargeisa juggles two roles

Fallout of capture of Baidoa spreads through the region

Intense talks behind the downfall of South West president

Future of AU mission clouded by extended political crisis

Sun shines on Chinese, US and Turkish solar energy firms

Spotlight
Inside the security talks between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv

Spotlight
Covert mission led by Sudanese officers to train Somali militias

Emirati company NBHH resumes operations on the Berbera corridor

Spotlight
Abu Dhabi weaves its digital web in Africa

Act two of Israeli cooperation

After recognition by Israel, Hargeisa worries about Turkish influence

Spotlight
Israel's recognition of Somaliland rattles the Horn

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Africa Intelligence on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

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Indigo Publications' websites

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Virtus Minerals

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Savannah Energy

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Somalia

Midterm tensions sour Mogadishu-Washington relations

Spotlight President Mohamud's dangerous game with Al-Shabaab

Chinese, Turkish and Americans share new solar energy contracts in Mogadishu

Museveni threatens Mohamud with AUSSOM pullback over growing political unrest

Spotlight Inside the Mogadishu-Brussels diplomatic row

The many roles of Liban Ahmed Hassan, the president's candidate in Galmudug

Ankara scores double success in Mogadishu

NISA intel agency and aviation authority in power struggle at Mogadishu airport

Irro administration makes new bid to enlist US lobbyists

President Guelleh walks a fine line on Somali crisis

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's risky gamble in Galmudug

Mohamud plots a year in power over a fractured nation

Soma Oil & Gas steps up search for investors

Israel's new ambassador in Hargeisa juggles two roles

Fallout of capture of Baidoa spreads through the region

Intense talks behind the downfall of South West president

Future of AU mission clouded by extended political crisis

Sun shines on Chinese, US and Turkish solar energy firms

Spotlight Inside the security talks between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv

Spotlight Covert mission led by Sudanese officers to train Somali militias

Emirati company NBHH resumes operations on the Berbera corridor

Spotlight Abu Dhabi weaves its digital web in Africa

Act two of Israeli cooperation

After recognition by Israel, Hargeisa worries about Turkish influence

Spotlight Israel's recognition of Somaliland rattles the Horn

Create a notification

About Africa Intelligence

Subscription

Africa Intelligence on social media

Indigo Publications' websites

Spotlight
President Mohamud's dangerous game with Al-Shabaab

Spotlight
Inside the Mogadishu-Brussels diplomatic row

Spotlight
Inside the security talks between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv

Spotlight
Covert mission led by Sudanese officers to train Somali militias

Spotlight
Abu Dhabi weaves its digital web in Africa

Spotlight
Israel's recognition of Somaliland rattles the Horn