The European Union has announced €75 million ($81 million) in fresh funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, reaffirming its role as the mission’s largest financial backer.

The new contribution brings the bloc’s total support for African Union-led operations in Somalia to nearly €2.8 billion over the past two decades, stressing sustained international efforts to address insecurity in the Horn of Africa nation.

Bankole Adeoye, the African Union commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, said the funding would boost operational capacity and reinforce initiatives aimed at improving security and governance in Somalia.

He also acknowledged the role of troop-contributing countries in ongoing stabilization efforts.

Javier Niño Pérez, head of the EU delegation to the African Union, said the pledge reflects continued European support for African-led peace operations. He added that stability in Somalia remains vital for the wider region.

The EU has long been a key partner in supporting African Union missions in Somalia, providing both financial and logistical assistance as part of broader international engagement focused on security and state-building.

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MOGADISHU, Somalia – The African Union Commission on Sunday condemned Israel’s decision to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, warning of regional instability.

In a statement issued April 19, the commission said it expresses deep concern and strongly condemns engagement with so-called Somaliland reported decision.

The AU reaffirmed its position supporting Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, noting Somaliland is not recognized as independent under international law.

Citing Jan. 6 communiqué AU Peace and Security Council, it said unilateral recognition of Somaliland would be null and void, warning destabilization.

The AU also reiterated its commitment to supporting Somalia’s peace, governance and national cohesion efforts across the Horn of Africa region overall.

Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia, declared independence in 1991 but is not internationally recognized by any state around the world.

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MOGADISHU, Somalia— Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, took part in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, where global leaders, diplomats and political figures gathered to discuss pressing international issues.

The forum focused on the exchange of views on global challenges, the role of modern diplomacy and efforts to find lasting solutions to growing crises worldwide.

In a speech, Mohamud emphasized the importance of diplomacy in building trust between nations, strengthening relations and promoting global stability. He said the world needs meaningful dialogue and genuine cooperation to address security, development and stability concerns.

The president also highlighted Somalia’s role on the international stage, particularly its current non-permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.

He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy, international peace and security, and stronger global cooperation.

Mohamud is expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the forum with other leaders to discuss issues related to Somalia.

Turkey, which hosted the forum, remains a key ally of Somalia, with close cooperation in security, economic development, infrastructure and diplomatic support.

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MOGADISHU, Somalia — Authorities in Somalia’s capital have enforced a new order requiring traders to accept the Somali shilling, after many businesses recently refused the local currency.

Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein, also known as Mungab, issued the directive following an emergency meeting with Mogadishu’s business community. The order took effect Thursday across the city.

Mungab warned that any trader who refuses to accept the Somali shilling would be considered in violation of the law.

In a statement, he said the local currency is a “pillar of national existence” and essential to the country’s economic activity, adding that protecting it is a constitutional responsibility.

Traders in several markets resumed using the currency, including the 1,000-shilling note, which had fallen out of use in recent days.

A woman selling goods at Suuq Bacaad market said she had begun accepting the shilling in compliance with the order.

“Since the mayor said we must accept it, we started today,” she said. “Without small change, business cannot function because customers expect their balance.”

Another trader, who sells vegetables, said the rejection of the Somali shilling had disrupted business.

“We were confused over the past two days and couldn’t sell properly,” he said. “We welcome the administration’s decision.”

The directive follows growing concern among officials over the declining use of the Somali shilling in daily transactions in Mogadishu.

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MOGADISHU, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to travel to Turkey to attend a major international diplomacy forum.

President Mohamud will be accompanied by the minister of ports and marine transport, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, and the state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Balcad.

He will participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026, scheduled for April 17–19. The gathering will focus on the future of diplomacy and global stability.

More than 150 countries are expected to attend, including about 20 presidents, 15 deputy leaders and over 50 foreign ministers.

Mohamud, who will lead Somalia’s delegation, is expected to deliver a keynote address on the country’s progress in diplomacy, security and economic development under his administration.

He is also expected to present investment opportunities in Somalia, including developments in the country’s emerging oil sector, which involves cooperation with Turkey.

The forum marks its fifth edition since its launch in 2021 and has become a key platform for global leaders. Somalia is considered among the active participants in the event.

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MOGADISHU, Somalia — Some traders in Mogadishu have stopped accepting the Somali shilling, affecting residents who rely on the 1,000-shilling note for transactions.

The 1,000-shilling note, the most widely used denomination, has been rejected in several markets, with traders citing its worn condition and lack of replacement.

Residents in Heliwaa district said traders refused the currency on Monday, instead demanding payment in U.S. dollars or through widely used mobile money.

The move is believed linked to the poor state of the notes, many torn and damaged after years without replacement by authorities.

A resident said the 1,000-shilling note was rejected at Heliwaa’s livestock market, adding traders no longer accept it despite its widespread use.

He said the worn condition of the notes has made transactions difficult, suggesting authorities may be allowing the currency to be phased out.

The decision has also affected public transport, with some drivers refusing to accept Somali shillings, creating additional challenges for commuters across Mogadishu.

The 1,000-shilling note has previously been rejected in parts of central Somalia, where many people instead rely on dollars or mobile payments.

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MOGADISHU, Somalia— Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday attended celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of the Somali National Army.

The ceremony, held at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Mogadishu, featured a large parade of troops, armored vehicles and modern military equipment.

Fighter jets flew over the city as part of the display, highlighting Somalia’s growing military capabilities and efforts to rebuild its armed forces.

The event underscored efforts to strengthen the Somali National Army, which has made advances against al-Shabab and recaptured territory once under militant control.

Speaking at the event, Mohamud congratulated the armed forces on their anniversary and praised their role in protecting Somalia and supporting civilians.

“The heroes of the Somali National Army have saved 20 million Somalis and will have their achievements recorded in history,” the president said.

He also reiterated his government’s commitment to continuing military operations aimed at liberating areas still held by militants across the country.

Somalia’s National Army was founded on April 12, 1960, and this year’s anniversary comes as the country works to rebuild military capacity.

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MOGADISHU, Somalia — Security forces in Somalia’s capital have seized a motor tricycle loaded with mortars and explosive devices, foiling a planned attack, officials said.

The operation was carried out late at night in parts of Mogadishu after authorities received intelligence, including tips from residents, according to a statement from security agencies.

The motorcycle, which was carrying vegetables used to conceal the weapons, was intercepted in the Dayniile district as the driver attempted to enter the city. Officials said the suspect was arrested at the scene.

Security forces recovered several mortars and explosive devices hidden inside sacks of vegetables. Authorities said the weapons were intended to target civilians and disrupt security in the capital.

Officials said forces also prevented the suspect from detonating the explosives.

In a statement, security agencies thanked residents for their cooperation and said operations would continue to prevent attacks and maintain stability.

Mogadishu has seen improved security in recent months, with fewer bombings and militant attacks reported across the Banaadir region.

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MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Friday received a high-level Turkish delegation at presidentail palace as the two countries moved to strengthen cooperation on energy and natural resources.

The delegation from Türkiye was led by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Officials discussed expanding bilateral ties, with a focus on energy development, natural resources and the blue economy, according to Somali officials.

Hassan Sheikh said energy cooperation between Somalia and Türkiye had reached a “historic stage,” adding that the arrival of the drilling vessel Çağrı Bey marked a new chapter in Somalia’s efforts to boost economic growth, create jobs and utilize its natural resources.

He said the project is part of broader efforts to strengthen Somalia’s economy through resource development.

Bayraktar thanked the Somali government and people for their hospitality, saying the vessel’s deployment reflects progress in energy cooperation between the two countries.

The Çağrı Bey is expected to begin offshore drilling operations off Somalia’s coast as part of a bilateral energy agreement.

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Kenyan authorities have seized a cache of military uniforms suspected of being secretly transported to areas controlled by the al-Shabab extremist group, security officials said.

In a statement, Kenya’s security agencies, including intelligence services, said the uniforms were recovered in Nairobi’s Eastleigh neighborhood, a commercial hub largely populated by Somali residents.

Officials said the operation was part of broader efforts to disrupt supply chains supporting armed groups and to prevent sensitive materials from reaching militants.

The seizure follows a separate incident in which Jubbaland forces in southern Somalia captured about 25 Kenyan military uniforms in the border town of Dhobley, which authorities believe were intended for al-Shabab.

That discovery triggered further investigations into the origin of the materials and those responsible, eventually leading Kenyan authorities to a site in Eastleigh where dozens more uniforms were being stored.

Security sources said the location appeared to have been specifically set up for the storage and distribution of the uniforms, suggesting the presence of an organized network involved in the operation.

Kenyan officials said investigations are ongoing and that authorities are working to identify and apprehend all individuals and groups linked to the case.

Kenya has intensified security operations against al-Shabab, particularly in regions along its border with Somalia, in an effort to counter threats posed by the group both domestically and regionally.

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