In a recent exchange on Just Security, Youk Chhang responded to Douglas Irvin-Erickson and Ernesto Verdeja’s evaluation of the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). Irvin-Erickson and Verdeja diagnosed the office’s limited outcomes on mass atrocity prevention as the result of a lack of resources and high-level political support and a muddled institutional mandate. Chhang, a major global human rights figure and respected expert on post-genocide recovery and genocide prevention, responded by arguing that any global strategy, no matter how well-imagined, cannot succeed without grounding it in local communities to ensure impact, equity, and long-term sustainability.

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States (1981–1989), said, “A nation that cannot defend its borders cannot protect its future,” signifying that territorial security is essential for national sovereignty. The message resonates deeply with my Country, Somalia, especially in the fight against the enduring deadly threat of Al-Shabaab and ISIS. It is time that our Country, through cooperation between the federal government and regional states, prioritize strengthening our national defense.

New York (HOL) - The United Nations is urgently seeking $41.6 million in extra-budgetary funding to support the newly established African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), as Security Council members met Monday for closed consultations on the mission’s financing amid ongoing threats from Al-Shabaab militants and fragile political stability in the country.

Hargeisa (HOL) – The Somaliland Ministry of Agriculture has announced a $100 million agriculture development project to boost food production across the region. The project is being funded and implemented by African Food Security, a US-based company specializing in agricultural development.

In a groundbreaking development for Somalia’s food industry and East Africa’s export economy, the Horn of Africa Livestock Improvement and Conformity Services (HALICS) officially launched today in Mogadishu. The Somali-led certification body is already making headlines after becoming the first locally owned and operated institution to issue an internationally recognized ISO 22000:2018 Food Safety Management System certificate to a Somali meat company.

At least seven people have died, and main roads were cut off after heavy rains led to flooding in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.

Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali federal government has lifted its ban on flights to Doolow district in the Gedo region, reopening the local airport after months of restrictions imposed for security reasons.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Armed men killed two civilians in the Burdheere village of Adale district in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region early Sunday morning, local residents reported.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdikadir Ahmed Aw Ali Firdhiye at Villa Somalia on Saturday to discuss ongoing state-building, peace, and development efforts in the northern regions under SSC-Khaatumo administration.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Torrential rains that battered the Somali capital overnight into Saturday left at least seven people dead and prompted the cancellation of a scheduled session of the Lower House of Parliament due to a lack of quorum.

Hargeisa (HOL) — At least 30 Somaliland’s House of Representatives members have submitted a formal motion seeking to legally suspend any future negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia, further escalating tensions following recent developments in Las Anod.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has strongly criticized the outcomes of the recent National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, warning that the federal government risks deepening political divisions and misusing the military for political purposes.

Mogadishu (HOL) — At least two people, a mother and her child, were killed after heavy rains battered the Somali capital, Mogadishu, overnight Friday, causing widespread flooding and severe damage to key roads, local officials said.

GALKAYO (HOL) – Security forces from Puntland, in collaboration with Galmudug state, have apprehended Abdiqani Saleebaan Jama, also known as Sayloor, a former Al-Shabaab member who had escaped from Galkayo prison in August 2024.

Mogadishu (HOL) — The first group of Somali pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj departed from Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport on Friday, heading to Saudi Arabia to join millions of Muslims performing the annual pilgrimage.

Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland’s government has ordered all foreigners residing illegally in its territory to register for temporary residency or face legal action, the Ministry of Interior announced Thursday.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, chaired a virtual meeting Thursday with Somali ambassadors, permanent representatives, and consuls general to enhance diplomatic coordination and strengthen international engagement.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, met Tuesday with a delegation led by Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Wang Yu, to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation, with a particular focus on fisheries and the blue economy.

Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali Ministry of Defense on Wednesday received a new shipment of U.S.-supplied military equipment to support the Somali National Army (SNA), particularly its elite Danab commando unit, in ongoing operations against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabaab.

Garowe (HOL) — A security guard assigned to the Speaker of the Puntland Parliament was injured on Wednesday night in a clash with police forces in Garowe, the capital of Puntland.

Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali Lower House Parliament failed to convene on Wednesday after falling short of the required quorum, as tensions rise over an expected no-confidence motion targeting Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe).

Kismayo (HOL) — The Jubbaland administration has strongly rejected the outcomes of the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting concluded in Mogadishu on Wednesday, accusing the Federal Government of attempting to interfere in its internal affairs and undermine its leadership.

Mogadishu (HOL) — The United States is reinforcing Baledogle Military Airfield in southern Somalia, expanding infrastructure and security at one of its most strategic bases in Africa, in a move that underscores its continued commitment to countering al-Shabab militants.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali authorities have seized a private residence in Mogadishu’s Xamar Jajab district, alleging it was used in connection with a deadly March bombing that targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy and killed several people, including a journalist. The homeowner, Fahmo Warsame Gabayre, denies any wrongdoing and says she will challenge the move in court.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to accelerate the rollout of a bilateral labour agreement that would allow thousands of Somali citizens to seek legal employment in the Kingdom, a move Somali officials say is part of a broader strategy to address youth unemployment and expand access to overseas job markets.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali military officers are among nearly 100 delegates from over 40 African countries participating in a 10-day military exchange program in China, underscoring Beijing's growing push to deepen defence ties across the continent.

Hargeisa (HOL) — A court in Somaliland has sentenced prominent activist and journalist Abdimaliq Muse Coldoon to six months in prison and fined him 3 million Somaliland shillings, raising fresh concerns over freedom of expression in the self-declared republic.

Jowhar (HOL) — The Hirshabelle State Parliament on Tuesday voted to strip three lawmakers of their parliamentary immunity, citing violations of the regional constitution and parliamentary bylaws.

Beledweyne (HOL) — Somali Minister of Petroleum and Minerals Dahir Shire Mohamed has called for an immediate cessation of inter-clan fighting that erupted Tuesday in the Miirdacay area, located in the Matabaan district of the Hiiraan region.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with General Michael E. Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in Mogadishu on Tuesday to discuss strengthening security cooperation and accelerating joint efforts to combat Al-Shabaab.

Inter Milan advanced to the UEFA Champions League final after a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Barcelona on Tuesday, securing a 7-6 aggregate win in the semifinal second leg at San Siro.

Nairobi (HOL) — Rwanda’s foreign minister confirmed that Kigali is in preliminary discussions with the United States over a potential agreement to receive migrants deported from American soil, as President Donald Trump accelerates his administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Authorities in the Banadir region have confiscated a house in Mogadishu’s Xamar Jajab district, citing its alleged use in activities that posed a threat to Somalia’s national security, including a March bombing that targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday chaired the opening session of the National Consultative Council (NCC) at the presidential palace in Mogadishu amid an ongoing boycott by Puntland and Jubbaland leaders.

Kenya’s President William Ruto fended off a shoe thrown at him during a speech about the cost of living which has been a source of public anger, videos shared on social media showed.