Yesterday, July 1, 2026, Somalia marked its 66th Independence Day. The military parade showcased a disciplined, well equipped, and professional national army. That was an encouraging sight, and I commend the government’s continued efforts to strengthen the country’s armed forces.
This progress is especially significant as the mandate of the African Union support mission (AUSSOM) is set to expire in December this year. If Somalia’s security forces remain professional, adequately supported, and free from political, and clan interferences, I am confident they can assume full responsibility for the country’s security.
I hope the President recognizes that the national army is an institution that belongs to the nation, not to any political leader. As Commander in Chief, the president bears responsibility to ensure that the armed forces are never drawn into political disputes and used against political opponents as occurred recently. Their mission is to defend Somalia’s sovereignty, protect its people, and defeat terrorist organizations. Their loyalty must always remain with the Constitution, the people of Somalia, and the country’s territorial integrity.
I salute the men and women of the Somali National Army for their service and sacrifice.
What has the fighting in Mogadishu achieved?
Deliberate attacks on political leaders including former president Sheikh Sharif, and former PM Hassan Ali Kheyre,
the loss of innocent lives, the displacement of families, and nothing more than deeper political divisions, instability and uncertainty for the country.
However, the attacker Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has shown that he is willing to do everything, even at the expense of the country’s stability and unity, provided he remains in power.
I would love to hear what his defense argument will be, lying and blaming others as he always does.
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“Barawe” has never functioned as a capital city, neither in practice nor in governance. Not a single parliamentary session has ever been held there, and no cabinet meeting has taken place in the city.
The real seat of authority has always been in Baidoa, where the parliament and executive institutions operate and where governance is actually exercised.
Against this undeniable reality, the Federal Government of Somalia’s aggressive push to impose elections in Barawe is not only unjustifiable, it is reckless. The deployment of SNA troops to the city this morning sends a clear and troubling message. This is no longer about consensus or legality, but about forcefully imposing a political agenda.
Southwest State forces are now on high alert and prepared to defend their position. The risk of confrontation is no longer hypothetical, but it is imminent.
Let there be no mistake provoking instability in Barawe is a grave miscalculation. It is not in the interest of the Federal Government, nor the Somali people. If this escalation leads to conflict, the responsibility will rest squarely with the FGS.
The Federal Government of Somalia is working hard to secure a vote on the proposed unilateral constitutional changes. At the same time, many senators and members of parliament are planning to boycott the session, and some have already left Mogadishu. Reports suggest the government is making every effort to ensure a quorum, including spending significant resources to encourage MPs to return and take part in the vote.
Many people are now asking what real benefit these changes will bring once they are finalized, especially when Puntland and Jubaland have already made it clear they will reject them. Will this step help strengthen Somalia’s unity and institutions, or will it deepen political divisions and prolong uncertainty?
Prez Donald Trump seems unusually fixated on Somalia, so much so that it’s starting to feel personal.
Yes, Somalia has real problems, but Somali people are also resilient, hardworking, and widely known for succeeding wherever they go and rebuild their lives.
What’s even more telling is how many people who barely knew Somalia before are now hearing its name over and over and asking the obvious question: Why this fixation on one community?
No ethnic group is “bad.” Every society has the full range of human beings; those who do well, those who struggle, and everyone in between. That’s not ideology; it’s simply how human populations work. It’s the bell curve (see below).
Mr. President, this is not leadership. A president is supposed to rise above cheap stereotypes and careless attacks. Your words carry weight. Use them with discipline, fairness, and respect, especially when you’re speaking about an entire nation and its people.
I paid a courtesy visit to former President H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi (Farmaajo) and presidential candidate at his residence in Mogadishu, together with former Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Ugas Abdiwahaab. We had a thoughtful and productive discussion on the current state of affairs in Somalia. The former President emphasized the importance of consensus-building and national unity, noting that meaningful progress can only be achieved through sincere and inclusive dialogue. Despite the many challenges facing our country, he expressed strong confidence that Somalia will continue to endure and move forward.
I’ve been reflecting on the current discussions about the military regime, and despite my efforts to stay quiet, I felt compelled to share my thoughts.
When I think back to the golden years of my youth, I can’t help but feel nostalgic for the life we had. We lived in a proud nation that was respected around the world. We enjoyed peace, and education was free from elementary school all the way to university. Many of us were able to receive government sponsored scholarships allowing us to pursue master’s degrees and even PhDs abroad.
I honestly don’t believe I would have achieved a successful scientific career without the opportunities the military regime provided me. Those chances really made a difference in my life.
I truly consider myself a proud product of Siyaad Barre’s revolutionary regime.
May Allah bless him
As the Speaker of the Southwest State of Somalia, I am delighted to witness today’s rapprochement between the former Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Honorable Mohamed Mursal, and the President of the Southwest State, H.E. Abdiaziz Laftagareen. This is an encouraging step forward, and I urge others to follow suit. The leadership in Southwest State is ready to engage in open discussions with any politicians who have differing viewpoints. It is through these conversations that we can truly achieve stability and progress together.
Af- Somali
Aniga oo ah Afhayeenka Dowlad-goboleedka Koonfur-galbeed Soomaaliya, waxaan ku faraxsanahay inaan arko heshiiska maanta dhexmarey Afhayeenkii hore ee Baarlamaanka Federaalka, Mudane Maxamed Mursal, iyo Madaxweynaha Dowlad-goboleedka Koonfur-galbeed, Mudane Cabdi Aaziiz Laftagareen. Tani waa talaabo dhiirrigelin leh, waxaana ku boorinayaa dadka kale inay ku daydaan. Dawlada Koonfur-galbeed waxay diyaar u tahay inay wada hadal u furto dhamaan siyaasiyiinta cabashada qaba. Wadahadalku waa sida keliya lagu gaari karo xasilooni siyaasadeed, taasoo horseed u noqoneysa Horumarinta KGS.
It was a pleasure to welcome H.E. EL-Hadji Ibrahima Diene “Boly”, the new Chair of the SRCC, to my office this morning as the acting president of Southwest State.
We had a fruitful discussion about the important work the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is doing in SWS, particularly in peacekeeping. H.E. Al-Haji Ibrahim emphasized that AUSSOM’s mission is well-defined and that they're collaborating closely with the federal government.
I took the opportunity to extend our genuine appreciation to the AUSSOM troops serving in Southwest State for their participation and dedication to keeping our communities safe and secure. Their hard work doesn't go unnoticed, and we're truly grateful.
In Somalia, conflicts from every corner, be it in the North, South, East, or West often seem to be pushed by a foreign power. These powers incentivize local leaders with little political or financial support, encouraging them to act in ways that prioritize their country’s interests over the well-being of the people of Somalia.
What’s particularly striking is how the public responds to these conflicts. Many cheer for their preferred factions and rally behind the various conflicts, often viewing the situation solely through the lens of clan prospectives.
This narrow focus overlooks the broader, long-term risks these conflicts pose to the country as a whole. It is not secret that foreign intervention in Somalia’s internal affairs is widely endorsed and accepted.
It is the same political mindset that destroyed Somalia in 1991- it is based on the notion that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”. The only way to move beyond this deadly environment is to foster trust and encourage open dialogue.
Somalia is gradually losing its sovereignty, a reality that many of us recognize but hesitate to discuss. This reluctance often stems from a genuine fear of speaking out, or sometimes just a sense of indifference that keeps us quiet.
In less than ten years, we may witness Somalia being torn apart, with our precious resources ending up in the hands of outsiders.
It seems like the world is moving toward a new kind of colonization, where vulnerable nations like Somalia risk being controlled by ruthless forces.
Reversing this path feels almost impossible, as too many people are caught up in division and destruction instead of seeking unity. These ongoing internal conflicts could ultimately turn Somali citizens into servants for those who exploit them. There won’t be any region in Somalia that can escape this fate. It is dead serious.
Today, I had the pleasure of welcoming a distinguished delegation from #SaveTheChildren UK, led by CEO Mr. M. Maalik.
Joining me were the Ministers of Planning, Humanitarian Affairs, Health, Women's Affairs, and Education. Our conversation centered around the critical projects Save the Children is running and how reduced aid impacts vulnerable children in the IDP camps in Baidoa.
We reached a consensus on the importance of collaborating closely and increasing awareness about the urgent need for support to sustain these vital projects in the South West State.
Ever since #USAID ceased operations, we've seen many essential humanitarian projects come to a halt. Unfortunately, this shutdown has had a profound and challenging impact on vulnerable children who depended on these resources.
For Kenya to maintain contact with Somalia's federal member states, it must use established diplomatic channels by submitting requests through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It is laughable to issue statements recognizing the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) as the sole legitimate authority while concurrently engaging with regional states without following the proper diplomatic procedures.
Under international law, Kenya is obligated to respect Somalia's sovereignty.
Within the framework of security, sovereignty must not be violated.
The tension between the Speaker of the House and federal MPs seems to have intensified, possibly reaching unprecedented levels.
The decision to bar 21 MPs from parliamentary sessions over security concerns is worrisome.
The key question is whether the Speaker truly holds such authority and how this situation ought to be addressed.
We find ourselves amidst a constitutional crisis, and without a constitutional court, a legal resolution remains elusive. Is this the beginning of the end of the 11th parliament of Somalia?
Af- Somali
Xiisada u dhaxeysa Guddoonka Golaha Shacabka iyo Xildhibaanada Federaalka ayaa u muuqata mid sii xoogeysatay, lagana yaabo in ay gaarto heer aan horay loo arag.
Ka joojinta 21 xildhibaan fadhiyada baarlamaanka sababo amni awgeed waa talaabo muruga leh.
Su'aasha muhiimka waxay tahay Guddoomiyuhu ma leeyahay awoodaas iyo sida ay tahay in xaaladdan wax looga qabto.
Waxaan ku dhex jirnaa qalalaase dastuuri ah, madaama aysan jirin maxkamad dastuuri ah, xallin sharci ah suurtagal ma ah in la helo. Tani ma bilawga dhamaadka Baarlamaanka 11 aad ee Somalia?
The Southwest State of Somalia, under the leadership of President Abdiaziz Laftagareen, remains unwavering in its battle against Al-Shabab militias trying to seize Baidoa. The courageous citizens of Baidoa stand firm, resolutely resisting Al-Shabab's influence.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the people of Baidoa, whose resilience and determination shine through in their defense of their town. Their unity and strength in challenging times are truly inspiring. Kudos to everyone involved.
Af- Somali
Maamulka Koonfur Galbeed Soomaaliya ee uu hogaamiyo Madaxweyne C/casiis Lafta-gareen ayaa wali si hagar la’aan ah ula dagaalamaya maleeshiyaadka Al-Shabaab ee doonaya in ay qabsadaan magaalada Baydhabo. Shacabka geesiyaasha ah ee reer Baydhabo ayaa u istaaga sidii ay isaga caabin lahaayeen saameynta Al-Shabaab. Mahad aan la soo koobi karin ayaa u soo jeedinaya shacabka reer Baydhabo, kuwaas oo adkeysigooda iyo go’aankooda uu ka soo dhalaalay difaacida magaaladooda. Midnimadooda iyo xooggooda waqtiyada adag ayaa runtii dhiirigelin leh. Mahadsanid qof kasta oo ku lug leh.