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Somalia

Somalia
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Somalia. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A man holds a flag of Somaliland in front of the Hargeisa War Memorial monument in Hargeisa. Somaliland’s president on Friday welcomed Israel’s announcement that it was recognising its statehood. Photo: AFP
Israel

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland enrages Somalia, African Union

Several other countries also condemned Israel’s decision and Trump stated his opposition to US recognition of the breakaway state.

United States

US pauses all immigration applications from 19 countries

China-Africa relations

Somali piracy has waned, so why is China’s navy still in the Gulf of Aden?

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Africa

Ethiopia opens Africa’s largest dam amid Egyptian protest

The project is set to provide energy to millions in the region but is seen by Cairo as an existential threat that endangers its water supply.

The dam measuring 1,800 metres in length and 170 metres in height is Africa’s largest. Photo: AFP
China-Africa relations

A new model for peace? China takes its Global Security Initiative to Africa

From Somalia to Ethiopia, Chinese training scholarships are the start of an alternative to Western-led alliances.

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Britain

UK teenager admits plotting terror attack with gun

Muhammad Billal’s terror attack planning involved researching ‘accessible shooting ranges’ and ‘chest rigs’ designed to hold ammunition.

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China-Africa relations

Chinese nationals in Africa ‘vulnerable to kidnappings’ as cases rise

Analysts say there’s a perception that Chinese prefer to operate outside the formal banking system and that they carry large sums of cash.

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The Chinese embassy has urged tourists to prioritise their personal safety if they travel to South Africa. Photo: AFP
Israel-Gaza war

Gaza the worst as violence against children hit ‘unprecedented levels’ in 2024, UN says

UN reveals catastrophic year for youth in conflict zones, with ‘grave violations’ including killing, maiming and sexual violence.

United States

Trump’s new travel ban takes effect, citizens of 12 nations barred from US

Ban comes amid rising tensions over the US president’s escalating campaign of immigration enforcement.

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Africa

Africa warns Trump travel ban could dampen relations

Seven African nations are among 12 countries targeted by the US, with the African Union asking for ‘a more consultative approach’ and ‘constructive dialogue’.

Children carry water on a donkey cart in Somalia, Africa, where many people have been forced to leave their homes because of climate change and insecurity. Photo: EPA/EFE
Donald Trump

Trump bans nationals from 12 countries entering US, citing security concerns

Afghanistan, Haiti, Myanmar among 12 nations facing outright entry ban; seven additional countries to face heightened scrutiny.

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The White House unveiled the new ban with virtually no warning, minutes after Donald Trump spoke at a ‘summer soiree’. Photo: AP
China-Africa relations

South Africa downgrades Taiwan’s representative office, deepens Beijing ties

South Africa’s decision to remove Taiwan’s diplomatic status and move its office from Pretoria to Johannesburg is viewed as a nod to Beijing.

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Crime

Sweden jails man for joining Islamic state, in first under new law

The case is the first conviction for the crime of ‘participation in a terrorist organisation’, under a law that was adopted in 2023.

Africa

Somalia’s president to visit Ethiopia over Red Sea access, mounting tensions

The two countries are looking to build on a recent peace deal that aims to defuse mounting tension in the Horn of Africa.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan (centre) poses with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (right) and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, following a press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey. Photo: dpa
China-Africa relations

China stands behind Somalia amid US push for Somaliland recognition

With US Republicans backing recognition of Somaliland, a top Chinese diplomat has visited Mogadishu to offer Beijing’s support.

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Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been reassured by China’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa Xue Bing of China’s support. Photo: Reuters
Africa

Somali pirates ransom Chinese vessel, after first being paid to protect it

The 18 crew were taken hostage by the same men who were contracted to provide the ship with protection, with other pirates as reinforcement.

Africa

US writes off over US$1 billion of Somalia debt

The announcement is the result of a deal between the two countries signed by Somalia’s finance minister and the US ambassador to Mogadishu.

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Africa

Al-Shabaab suicide bomber and gunmen kill 32 in Mogadishu beach attack

An Al-Shabaab suicide bomber and gunmen attacked a busy beach in the Somali capital Mogadishu, killing 32 people.

Relatives carry the body of a woman killed during an Al-Shabaab attack in Mogadishu on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Africa

Somalia cafe attack kills nine during Euro final: ‘whole situation was chaos’

No group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, but the state-run Somali National News Agency said on Sunday it was carried out by al-Qaeda linked al-Shabab jihadists.

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Africa

Somali extremists kill 1, capture 5 from UN helicopter after emergency landing

There were 6 foreigners and 1 Somali national on board; 1 person went missing during the attack by fighters from al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate.

Africa

Ethiopia deal with breakaway region sparks row with Somalia

Somalia recalled its envoy to Ethiopia after its landlocked neighbour signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, a breakaway enclave, giving it access to the Red Sea.

The Berbera port of Somaliland in 2018. A new agreement would boost landlocked Ethiopia’s sea access. File photo: AFP
Social media

100m video goes viral after runner clocks 21.8 seconds at World University Games

After an investigation, Somalia’s minister of youth sports says Nasro Abukar Ali ‘has been identified as not sports person nor a runner’.

Nasro Abukar Ali finishes the women’s 100m race at the World University Games in Chengdu. Photo: CCTV
Islamic State

US military kills senior Islamic State figure in Somalia raid

Bilal al-Sudani and around 10 Isis associates were killed during a gunfight with US troops who targeted a mountainous cave complex in northern Somalia.

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Africa

At least 5 killed in blast, attack near Mogadishu mayor’s office

Attackers from the al-Shabab Islamist group set off a bomb then stormed the government building in Somalia’s capital and got caught in a firefight with security forces, the ministry and witnesses said.

Africa

At least 100 killed in car bombings in Mogadishu: Somalia president

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says nearly 300 other people are wounded, as al-Shabab extremist group claims responsibility for attack.

The scene in Mogadishu, Somalia on Saturday after two car bombs exploded at a busy junction near key government offices. Photo: EPA-EFE
Africa

‘Famine at Somalia’s door’, says UN, with half the population in crisis

7.8 million people, around half the population, are facing a hunger crisis, while around one million have fled their homes to search for food and water.

Abdia Aden Mohamed rests with her eight-month-old baby inside a makeshift shelter at a camp for internally displaced people in Somalia. File photo: Reuters
Africa

Al-Shabab extremists kill at least 20, burn food trucks in Somalia

Residents said the attack was in retaliation for a local mobilisation against the al-Qaeda-affiliated group that holds significant parts of central and southern Somalia.

Africa

Death toll in Somalia hotel siege climbs to 21

The gun and bomb attack on Mogadishu’s Hayat hotel caused parts of the building to collapse, with many people feared trapped inside since the assault began on Friday evening.

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