Somalia

Clashes erupt in Southern Somalia over disputed Jubbaland election

Africa /

Clashes erupted in the southern Somali town of Raskamboni on Wednesday between federal government forces and regional troops from Jubbaland, amid rising tensions over a disputed regional election. The fighting, which lasted for several hours, subsided by midday, but both sides blamed each other for sparking the violence. Details about casualties remain unclear due to a telecommunications blackout in the area. The conflict highlights growing tensions between Somalia’s federal government and Jubbaland’s administration, raising concerns about further instability in this strategically important region near the Kenyan border. Somalia’s federal forces are taking over the fight against the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab, with plans to replace the African Union peacekeeping mission by the end of the month. The federal government accused Jubbaland’s forces, led by Ahmed Madobe, of attacking federal positions vital to the fight against al-Shabab. Madobe’s reelection for a third term as Jubbaland president in November has sparked controversy, with the federal government claiming it violates term limits. Opposition groups in Jubbaland have rejected the results and formed a rival government. Jubbaland officials, however, claimed the federal forces initiated the fighting by targeting their positions, accusing the federal government of trying to undermine regional authority. The violence comes as Somalia prepares for a new African Union mission starting in January, though it will exclude Ethiopia, with which Somalia is engaged in a dispute over the breakaway region of Somaliland.

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Ethiopia, Somalia reach agreement in Ankara

Africa, Turkey /

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced late Wednesday that Ethiopia and Somalia reached an agreement to solve the conflict between the two nations in Ankara-mediated peace talks. “We have taken the first step toward a new beginning based on peace, cooperation between Somalia, Ethiopia,” President Erdogan said at a joint news conference with his Somalian counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Erdogan expressed his satisfaction with hosting his guests and their delegations in Türkiye. He noted that the Ankara Process, initiated approximately eight months ago due to the trust Somalia and Ethiopia placed in Türkiye, had reached a significant milestone. “Thus, by overcoming certain grievances and misunderstandings together, we have taken the first step towards a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia,” he said. “We carefully listened to the sensitivities, priorities and expectations of both parties throughout this process. With the valuable contributions of both countries, we have prepared the joint declaration text agreed upon today.” Erdogan emphasized that despite having faced numerous injustices and serious conflicts in the past, the region where Somalia and Ethiopia are located has also experienced bright periods in history and made significant contributions to humanity. “This joint declaration focuses not on the past, but on the future, recording the principles that these two friendly nations will build upon moving forward, which is of great importance to us,” he said. Ankara’s fundamental expectation is to establish peace and stability “in this distinguished corner” of Africa between Somalia and Ethiopia, he added. Türkiye believes the agreed-upon joint statement by Somalia and Ethiopia will establish a solid foundation for cooperation and prosperity based on mutual respect, he said. Erdogan said that Türkiye, Somalia and Ethiopia will plan future steps together and implement projects to boost regional peace and prosperity. He also praised Somalia’s president and Ethiopia’s prime minister for “reaching this historic reconciliation with great dedication” during the Ankara-mediated peace talks. The Turkish president also expressed his gratitude to Mohamud and Ahmed. He said he believes Mohamud will provide the necessary attention, care and support, particularly in line with Ethiopia’s requests for access to the sea. “This world is enough for all of us. Together, we will undoubtedly secure our place here, and we will take these steps together,” he said. Ahmed hailed Türkiye for its efforts in resolving the Somalia-Ethiopia conflict during the talks. Mohamud also hailed Türkiye’s efforts in resolving the perennial territorial and political conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia. Ties between Ethiopia and Somalia have worsened since Ethiopia struck a deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland on Jan. 1 to use its Red Sea port of Berbera. Türkiye has been working to end tensions between the two countries. Ethiopia lost its Red Sea ports in the early 1990s after the Eritrean War of Independence, which lasted from 1961 to 1991. In 1991, Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia, leading to the establishment of two separate nations. The separation resulted in Ethiopia losing direct access to the Red Sea and key ports. Ethiopia has since been landlocked, affecting its ability to conduct efficient maritime trade.

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50 Somali migrant survivors return to Mogadishu after tragedy

Africa /

Nearly 50 Somali survivors of a migrant boat tragedy arrived in Mogadishu on Saturday, where they were greeted by government officials. The group had been rescued after two boats they were traveling on capsized off the coast of Madagascar, leaving around 25 people dead. Emotional scenes unfolded at the airport as survivors were reunited with family members. Haboon Deeqa, whose sister perished in the tragedy, expressed her grief: “I send my condolences to those who died, including my sister Hanan. I’m relieved my brother Ahmed has returned safely,” she said. “I’m very thankful to everyone who helped bring them home.” The survivors had spent nearly a month at sea, hoping to reach the French island of Mayotte, about 1,600 kilometers away. “We were 75 in total, and 28 people died. My cousin was among the victims. Forty-seven of us, myself included, survived,” said Ahmed Hussein Mahadalle. Many young Somalis are driven to undertake such perilous journeys due to unemployment, poverty, and drought in the Horn of Africa, hoping for a better life in Europe. Somalia’s foreign affairs minister recently urged youth to consider the risks and prioritize their safety. Maryan Yasin, Somalia’s presidential advisor on refugee affairs, expressed relief at the group’s safe return and emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of such dangerous migration. “They assured me they will never take the same risk again,” she said, adding that solving the issue will require a collective effort. The United Nations has raised alarms about the increasing numbers fleeing conflict and drought in the Horn of Africa.

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Arrest warrant issued for Jubaland President Madobe

Africa /

An arrest warrant has been issued for Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, following his third re-election in the region’s presidential election on November 25. The Banadir Regional Court stated that Madobe’s third term in office violated the constitution and charged him with “treason,” ordering his detention and trial. The Somali government also declared the election illegal, noting that the state constitution limits presidents to two terms. In response, Madobe reportedly issued an arrest order against Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The Somali government had previously set a schedule for regional elections in June 2025 and national elections in September 2025, but Jubaland and Puntland boycotted the meeting, objecting to the plan. This disagreement has fueled tensions between the central government and the regional states.

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