News in brief
An oil tanker was hijacked on Saturday by armed individuals off the coast of Yemen and redirected toward Somalia, according to Yemeni coast guard authorities, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in a key global shipping corridor. The vessel, identified as the tanker EUREKA, was seized near......
Israel has announced the appointment of its first ambassador to Somaliland, marking a significant step in strengthening ties with the self-declared state. The nomination of Michael Lotem follows Israel’s decision in late 2025 to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent entity. This move......
An oil tanker has been hijacked off the coast of Somalia, raising fresh concerns about a possible resurgence of piracy in one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors. According to maritime security sources, the vessel was seized by unidentified individuals while navigating waters in the......
Tuk-tuk drivers in Mogadishu, Somalia, are struggling to keep their vehicles on the road as fuel prices skyrocket due to disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. Rising costs have forced many drivers to park their three-wheelers, while passengers have reduced trips or walked instead. The conflict......
Somalia announced on Monday the signing of a military cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, amid increasing geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, a region witnessing proxy rivalries between Gulf monarchies. The agreement was signed by Somali Defense Minister Ahmad Moallim Fiqi and Saudi Defense......
Türkiye will host the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2026 from October 5–9 in Antalya, showcasing its National Space Program and recent achievements in manned missions, satellite production, and spaceport development. Over 10,000 experts, entrepreneurs, and academics from around......
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called on officials in Somaliland to engage in dialogue with the federal government, emphasizing that while compromises are possible on many issues, the unity of Somalia is “non-negotiable.” Mohamud made the remarks during a visit to Las Anod, the......
China has reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following the postponement of a planned diplomatic visit, signaling Beijing’s continued engagement in the Horn of Africa. According to a statement from China’s foreign ministry, Foreign Minister Wang......
Türkiye reaffirmed its “strong support” for Somalia on Saturday and firmly rejected Israel’s recent recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. The statement came during the 22nd Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation......
The self-declared region of Somaliland has denied reports claiming it would host Palestinians or allow the establishment of an Israeli military base in the Gulf of Aden as part of diplomatic arrangements with Israel following recognition of its independence. Last week, Israel became the first country......
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly criticized Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, calling the move “illegitimate and unacceptable” and warning of its potential consequences for regional stability. Speaking at a joint press conference in Istanbul alongside Somali......
The African Union has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, rejecting any move that challenges the territorial integrity of Somalia. In a statement released on Friday, the African Union reiterated its firm opposition to “any recognition......
United States Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has strongly criticized President Donald Trump after he launched a new series of verbal attacks against her and Somali immigrants living in Minnesota. The president’s comments, made during a cabinet meeting earlier this week, included calling Somali newcomers......
