Southwest Watch

SOUTHWEST WATCH | Independent news from Southwest State & Somalia. Real-time reporting, local investigations & public‑interest journalism.

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A public exchange between @Sanbalolshe and @AhmedMoFiqi has intensified debate over the link between politics and security in #Somalia. The dispute, which includes allegations tied to a #Mogadishu confrontation, comes amid international efforts to ease tensions and advance agreement on the country’s delayed electoral process.

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An investigative report alleges the existence of an organized corruption network within #Somalia's CID that targets students seeking police clearance certificates for passport applications. The report claims the scheme is linked to presidential adviser Maka, wife of Police Commissioner Asad Diyaano, with alleged coordination involving her brother, police officer Mahad. The report details an alleged $50 fee imposed on applicants and calls for an official investigation and accountability.

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.@Hussein_Idow, the Director General @Icasomalia, has announced that from October 2026, the country will begin issuing a new generation of electronic passports featuring enhanced security and durability through polycarbonate technology, in line with @icao international standards. The move is aimed at strengthening the security and global recognition of Somali travel documents. #Somalia

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The growing funding crisis facing @aussom_ has intensified scrutiny of Somalia's security strategy as international partners reassess their support. With the #US scaling back key funding and Al-Shabaab continuing to pose a major threat, questions are mounting over the future of the country's counterinsurgency campaign and regional stabilization efforts. #Somalia

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Political tensions have escalated after Defence Minister @AhmedMoFiqi launched fresh criticism of former President @HESharifShAhmed, questioning the legitimacy of his presidency and accusing members of his political camp of disloyalty. #Somalia

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Former Prime Minister @HassanAKhaire has accused #Somalia's outgoing president @HassanSMohamud of deepening political divisions and deploying federal forces to Jubaland and Puntland, raising fresh concerns over the country's political and security landscape.

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International mediators have officially notified both @HassanSMohamud and the opposition, according to sources. Both factions are compelled to prepare for high-level political negotiations scheduled for the first week of July. #Somalia

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Today, security forces of #Puntland State have cordoned off the residence of General Jimcale Takar in #Garowe. Further reports suggest that these forces are preparing to conduct a raid on the premises following General Jimcale's unilateral appointment by @HassanSMohamud to lead the Somali National Army's 54th division base in Garowe, amid a deteriorating political and security landscape in #Somalia.

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Following its recent public call for #Somalia's embattled outgoing @HassanSMohamud's resignation, Stryk Global Diplomacy says it has formally submitted a petition to the #US. Treasury requesting targeted sanctions against Hassan Sheikh, members of his immediate family, and close associates.

According to the statement, the petition asks U.S. authorities to review allegations involving the movement of Somali public funds and determine whether further measures are warranted under U.S. law. The development adds an international dimension to Somalia’s already heightened political debate, though no U.S. action has been announced and the allegations remain unproven.

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The Northwest State of #Somalia has enacted a decree prohibiting the possession of weapons by individuals other than those affiliated with state security agencies. This decision follows a tragic incident in the Adhi Cadaye area of the state, where an armed confrontation between clans resulted in the deaths of numerous innocent civilians.

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In a recent development, accusations have surfaced against #Turkey, suggesting involvement in monopolizing #Somalia's maritime resources. A covert agreement between President @RTErdogan and @HassanSMohamud has led to Somalia's Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy transferring the authority for issuing fishing licenses in its maritime territory to Turkey. This decision has been characterized by several Somali diplomats as an infringement on Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Stay tuned for further details.

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Abdikerm Eidleh, aged 43, was apprehended earlier this week in #Mogadishu, #Somalia, as a result of a coordinated operation carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in collaboration with #Somali intelligence services.

Mr. Eidleh had successfully evaded capture for more than four years and was indicted in September 2022 in connection with the extensive $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud investigation.

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The announcement by #Galmudug President, @MrQoorqoor, regarding his withdrawal from the Galmudug presidency race has incited controversy. It has been reported that Villa #Somalia compensated him with $5 million for his decision. This decision followed prolonged discussions between Qoorqoor and @HassanSMohamud, which extended over several months, facilitated by Mahad Salad, the Director of NISA. Many have characterized this action as an attempt by Villa Somalia to manipulate the political landscape by financially persuading politicians to abstain from contesting in the upcoming election.

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#Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji was reportedly deported by #Kenyan immigration authorities and returned to #Mogadishu.

According to the reports, Jibril was stopped at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after Kenyan officials alleged he was carrying a Kenyan passport unlawfully. The reports further claimed he was returned after refusing to surrender the document to airport security authorities. No official statement had been issued by either government at the time of reporting.

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The #EU has declared temporary visa restrictions on nationals of Somalia, citing insufficient cooperation regarding the readmission of irregular migrants. The measures encompass the suspension of multiple-entry visas, the elimination of certain fee waivers for diplomatic and service passports, and an extension of visa processing times to a maximum of 45 days, increased from the previous 15 days.

These developments occur in the context of a deteriorating political situation in #Somalia following the conclusion of the constitutional mandate of @HassanSMohamud.

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#Mogadishu’s Banadir Regional Court reportedly sentenced activist and Bajaj driver Sadia Moalim Ali (“Sadia Bajaj”) to three years in prison, concluding a case that has drawn sustained public attention and criticism from rights groups.

Her detention and prosecution had previously triggered concerns from international rights organizations over due process and freedom of expression, while #Somali authorities had pursued charges linked to public incitement and defamation.

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A legal and lobbying campaign is allegedly underway in Washington, D.C., targeting Somali outgoing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

According to the reports, the campaign is supported by members of Somalia’s federal parliament and international political consultants. Stryk Global Diplomacy, which is said to be leading the initiative, has alleged links between individuals associated with the Hassan and the Minnesota Feeding Our Future fraud scandal. The developments come amid heightened political tensions in #Somalia, ongoing disputes over governance and electoral legitimacy, and recent security incidents in Mogadishu. Robert Stryk, head of Stryk Global Diplomacy, has publicly called on Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to resign. The allegations have not been independently verified.

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Prime Minister @HamzaAbdiBarre of #Somalia is scheduled to arrive in Dhusamareb, the capital of #Galmudug state, amid an escalating political situation in central Somalia. His visit precedes the upcoming state elections.

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#Somalia is once again experiencing the shock of a tragedy resulting from armed clan confrontations within its new federal member state, Northwest State. The attack specifically targeted members of the Faqashini community, a subgroup of the Hawiye clan. This incident has been widely condemned by the public, including government officials, who have called for swift justice for the innocent lives lost.

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The fighting between the #Southwest State police paratroopers, who remain loyal to the ousted leader @Laftagareen, and the federal government of #Somalia has entered its third day near the outskirts of #Baidoa.

The operation, undertaken by the Somalia National Army's Turkish-trained GorGor forces, is intended to dismantle the bases of the renegade police paratroopers following the federal forces' incursion into the state. Sources indicate that the fighting is particularly intense, although detailed reports regarding casualties remain unclear.