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Somalia

Somalia
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Somalia. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi was supposed to visit Mogadishu as part of his African tour but he instead went to Tanzania on Friday. Photo: AFP
China-Africa relations

China’s Wang Yi cites ‘severe risks’ after Somalia dropped from Africa itinerary

In a call with the Somali foreign minister, China’s top envoy reiterates Beijing’s support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.

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China-Africa relations

China FM Wang Yi opens Africa tour with united call for rules-based order

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Saudi Arabia

US allies Saudi Arabia, UAE risk a split in Middle East over competing visions

Middle East

Saudi-UAE rivalry explodes into view after strike in war-torn Yemen

Gulf powers Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are at odds over rival factions and a deepening struggle for regional pre-eminence.

Damaged military vehicles, allegedly sent by the United Arab Emirates to support Southern Transitional Council separatist forces, following an air strike carried out by the Saudi-led coalition in the port of Mukalla, southern Yemen on December 30. Photo: AFP
China-Africa relations

China hits out at ‘support for separatists’ after Israel recognises Somaliland

Eritrea asks Beijing to raise issue at the UN, saying it should ‘shoulder its moral responsibilities’ while drawing parallels with Taiwan.

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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.

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United States

US pauses all immigration applications from 19 countries

The pause applies to people from nations that were already subjected to a partial travel ban in June.

Women gather next to an anti-US mural in Tehran. The list of countries targeted in the US memorandum includes Iran. Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters
China-Africa relations

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

China sends task force to deepwater gulf of the Indian Ocean to train personnel, test ships and equipment in harsh ocean conditions.

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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.

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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Somalia has been plagued by civil war and conflict with extremist groups such as al-Shabab for decades. Photo: AP
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.

Muhammad Billal, 18, sought advice and guidance on how to leave Britain without arousing suspicion. Photo: AFP
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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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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Donald Trump’s new ban on travel to the US by citizens from 12 mainly African and Middle Eastern countries took effect Monday. Photo: AFP
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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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.

The Swedish parliament in 2023 adopted new legislation banning participation in a terrorist group. Photo: AFP
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.

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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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.

An armed pirate is seen along the coastline in northeastern Somalia in January 2010. The incident with the Chinese vessel is the latest episode in a surge of Somali pirate activity after years of lull. Photo: AFP
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.

Somalia is one of the poorest countries on the planet, enduring decades of civil war, a bloody insurgency by the al-Qaeda linked jihadist group al-Shabaab, and frequent climate disasters. Photo: AP
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.

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.

A United Nations spokesman confirmed that there was an incident involving a UN-contracted helicopter. Photo: AFP
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’.

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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