The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, vital arteries of global commerce, have become a volatile arena for competing geopolitical ambitions internationally. In this context, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), driven by its quest for economic dominance, regional influence, and desire to project power, has emerged as a key, albeit ambiguous, protagonist in the last decade, sometimes leaving an indelible mark on the region, particularly on the fractured landscape of Somalia.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government has issued a stern warning to individuals and social media platforms disseminating false information that could undermine national security and public trust.

What do you carry with you when you leave home? For many in the Somali diaspora, it is the memory of taste—spiced rice from Eid gatherings, the scent of xalwo simmering for guests, or bread passed from hand to hand in quiet gratitude.

TORONTO, Canada (HOL) — Ahmed Hussen has secured re-election in Toronto’s York South–Weston riding, maintaining his position as the only Somali-Canadian in Parliament following Canada’s federal election on Monday.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Lower House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe has referred the disputed case of parliamentary seat HOP#201—currently held by MP Abdullahi Hashi Abiib—back to the Standing Committee on Bylaws, Welfare, Ethics and Immunity for review and guidance.

Mogadishu (HOL) — The Banadir Regional Court on Tuesday sentenced six individuals accused of operating a human trafficking network, following the conclusion of a multi-day trial that highlighted the growing crisis of illicit migration in Somalia.

(ERGO) – Prolonged severe drought has left the dwindling population of the rural village of Laqaanley, in northern Somalia’s Bari region, wondering how they and their few remaining livestock are going to survive.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn (HOL) — U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order requiring commercial truck drivers to demonstrate English reading and speaking proficiency—a reversal of an Obama-era policy that had loosened federal enforcement standards. The move is expected to disproportionately affect immigrant drivers, including thousands of Somalis working across the North American trucking industry.

Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed AbdullahiAbdillahi' Cirro' on Tuesday pledged to prioritize the release of detainees captured during the Las Anod conflict and to restore the free movement of people and goods between Somaliland and areas under SSC-Khaatumo control.

Mogadishu (HOL) — A $67 million U.S. Navy fighter jet and a tow tractor fell overboard from the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman during operations in the Red Sea on Monday, as Houthi fighters claimed to have launched missiles at the carrier group, although U.S. officials have not confirmed any direct link between the incidents.

The twisted metal and bloodstained rubble of a detention centre in mountainous northern Yemen on Monday marked the end of an arduous journey for scores of migrants killed in what the Houthi group said was a U.S. airstrike.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (HOL) — A Somali national convicted of attempted murder in a 2021 convenience store shooting in Utah has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and is now facing deportation proceedings.

Mogadishu (HOL) — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of 138 metric tons of nutritious dates from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, delivered through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), to support vulnerable communities in Somalia.

Power started returning to parts of the Iberian peninsula late on Monday after a huge outage brought most of Spain and Portugal to a standstill, grounding planes, halting public transport, and forcing hospitals to suspend routine operations.

Riyadh (HOL) — Saudi Arabia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah and family visit visas for Somali citizens and nationals from 13 other countries, citing the need to manage crowds and ensure security before the 2025 Hajj season.

Mogadishu (HOL) – A group of Somali lawmakers announced Sunday that they are preparing to table a motion against the Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe), accusing him of obstructing the continuation of the parliament’s sixth session.

The Supreme Court of Kenya has rejected a government bid to confiscate a house worth Sh110 million and cash totaling Sh8.6 million, owned by Gibriel Cusman Mohamed, a former Somali diplomat. Authorities had accused Mohamed of links to Yemeni terrorist networks.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially invited Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to attend the upcoming Russia–Arab League Summit, set to take place later this year.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Several mortar shells were fired toward the heavily fortified Halane Base Camp in Mogadishu on Monday, which houses United Nations offices, African Union personnel, and Western diplomatic missions.

Garowe (HOL) — Puntland authorities have issued a strong warning to human traffickers and smuggling networks operating through regional airports, vowing to crack down on the increasing illegal migration of Somali youth.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, appointing new leaders to key government positions as Somalia navigates mounting political and security challenges.

TORONTO, Canada (HOL) — Somali Canadian Sayid Ahmed is among three candidates of Somali descent running for seats in Canada's Parliament, as the country faces a pivotal election amid economic hardship and rising political tensions with the United States.

Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland police have ordered a crackdown on unauthorized flags as the region prepares for its May 18 Independence Day celebrations, warning that individuals displaying banners other than the official national flag will face legal action.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said he has not yet decided whether he will seek a third term in the 2026 presidential election, emphasizing that his current focus remains on national security, economic development, and electoral reforms.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia has welcomed the Declaration of Principles signed between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, calling it a significant milestone toward regional peace, stability, and enhanced cooperation in the Great Lakes region.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's Independent National Electoral Commission launched voter registration across six additional districts in Mogadishu on Saturday, expanding preparations for the country's first one-person, one-vote local council elections in nearly five decades.

Garowe (HOL) — Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni on Saturday urged Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to honor his pledge to open political dialogue with key stakeholders, as tensions over constitutional amendments and federal relations continue to simmer.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly asserted on Friday, during the newly formed African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM) summit hosted by Entebbe, Uganda, Egypt's commitment to supporting the Federal Republic of Somalia and the international community.

Baidoa (HOL) — A mother and her child were killed, and four other children were wounded after suspected Al-Shabaab militants fired mortar shells into a residential neighbourhood in Baidoa, the interim capital of Somalia's Southwest Administration, on Saturday.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali National Army (SNA) elite Danab Commandos killed at least 21 Al-Shabaab militants during a targeted operation in the Baladul-Amin area of the Lower Shabelle region on Friday, military officials said.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the Summit of Heads of State and Government of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) on Friday at the State House in Entebbe, Uganda.

Entebbe, Uganda (HOL) — African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has called on the Federal Government of Somalia to intensify its political efforts in building state institutions, emphasizing the need for greater inclusivity within the National Consultative Council to include participation from all federal member states.

Ankara sends drones, ammunition, commandos but still avoids directly engaging the armed Somali group on the ground

Jigjiga, Ethiopia (HOL) — The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has accused Ethiopian security forces of disrupting a women's meeting in Jigjiga on April 24, arresting its members and injuring several others. The ONLF described the attack as part of a widening clamp-down and silence of dissent in the Somali Region.

MELBOURNE, Australia (HOL) — The fatal police shooting of Abdifatah Ahmed, a 35-year-old Somali refugee, has drawn nationwide attention, as protesters, community leaders, and human rights advocates demand a fully independent investigation and a broader overhaul of how police handle mental health crises.