AGP Executive Report

Press Freedom: East African press councils urged an end to rising hostility between governments and media, warning that intimidation and harassment of journalists is pushing self-censorship and endangering reporters. Security & Justice: In Mogadishu, NISA chief Mahad Mohamed Salad met federal and regional officials and elders in Abudwaq to strengthen security and curb renewed clan violence in Galmudug. Human Rights: Somalia’s National Independent Human Rights Commission condemned deadly clan attacks in Ari-Caddeeye (Sool) and Jalalaqsi (Hiiraan), calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and protection of civilians. Food Crisis: WFP warned Somalia’s nutrition emergency is worsening fast, with emergency-level hunger now hitting 2 million people and a major funding gap leaving most affected children without support. National Politics: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revived a long-running nationalist idea by naming Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti as “missing parts” of greater Somalia during independence celebrations. International Crime Probe: A key figure in the US “Feeding Our Future” child-nutrition fraud, Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, was arrested in Mogadishu after years on the run. Diplomacy & Sports: Somali referee Omar Artan arrived in Kuwait to officiate a top Zain Premier League match, highlighting growing Gulf recognition for Somali officials.

Counterterrorism: Somalia’s Ministry of Defence says Somali National Armed Forces, with international partners, killed about 30 Al-Shabaab militants in Middle Shabelle airstrikes targeting Gayfo, Ruun Idiris and Ali Gaduud, destroying training and weapons sites. Anti-fraud crackdown: US and Somali authorities arrested Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh in Mogadishu, a key figure in the $250m “Feeding Our Future” Minnesota pandemic food fraud, after nearly four years on the run. Migration pressure: The EU introduced temporary Schengen visa restrictions on Somali citizens, including longer processing times and limits on multiple-entry visas, citing weak readmission cooperation. Regional diplomacy: Kenya deported Somalia’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, Jibril Abdirashid Haji, over alleged passport irregularities in Nairobi. Disaster preparedness: SoDMA sent 25 officials to China for flood-response training as Somalia braces for heavy rains linked to El Niño. Security incident abroad: In London, a 34-year-old Somalia-born British man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a car hit pedestrians in Ealing Broadway, injuring five.

Counterterrorism: Somali National Army airstrikes with international partners killed about 30 al-Shabaab militants in Middle Shabelle, targeting training and weapons-storage sites in Gayfo, Ruun Idris and Ali Gaduud, and destroying vehicles, motorcycles and arms. Local Security: In Beledweyne, clan militia mobilization followed Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi’s warning against former NISA chief Abdullahi Mohamed Ali “Sanbaloolshe,” with fears of clashes as fighters reportedly consider blocking the airport. Health Diplomacy: Somalia’s foreign minister met WHO Europe’s director in Dubrovnik to expand technical cooperation and strengthen the country’s public health system. Humanitarian Leadership: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Somali Mohamed Yahya as assistant secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and deputy emergency relief coordinator. Diplomatic Moves: Dahir Hassan Abdi presented credentials to Canada’s governor general, starting his role as Somalia’s non-resident ambassador to Ottawa. EU Migration Pressure: The EU imposed tighter visa rules on Somali citizens over readmission cooperation, including fewer multiple-entry visas and longer processing times. Cross-border Justice: U.S. prosecutors say FBI and Somali intelligence arrested Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh in Mogadishu over the $250m “Feeding Our Future” child-nutrition fraud scheme.

Feeding Our Future Fraud: A key suspect in Minnesota’s $250M pandemic-era child-feeding fraud has been arrested in Mogadishu, Somalia—Abdikerm Abdelahi Eidleh, accused of recruiting fake meal sites and taking millions in bribes and kickbacks. Immigration Backlash: U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer sparked outrage after telling Somali immigrants who “don’t assimilate” to “go the hell back,” drawing sharp replies from Somali-born Rep. Ilhan Omar. EU Visa Curbs: The EU has tightened short-stay Schengen visas for Somali nationals, citing weak readmission cooperation; Somalia’s president says returns must be verified and only genuine Somalis will be accepted. Regional Politics: Kenya deported Somalia’s second deputy prime minister, Jibril Abdirashid Haji, over alleged passport fraud, after immigration officials questioned a suspected Kenyan passport. Humanitarian Crisis: UN-backed assessments warn Somalia’s hunger crisis is worsening, with 6.5 million people facing crisis hunger or worse and 1.8 million children under five at risk of acute malnutrition.

Kenya-Somalia Diplomatic Fallout: Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji was deported from Kenya after authorities allegedly found him with a fraudulently obtained Kenyan passport, sparking fresh questions about how such documents are issued and whether a wider problem is brewing. Somalia Governance & Rights: The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) warned Somalia’s draft penal code could curb free speech and independent journalism, flagging multiple provisions that could criminalize criticism and reporting. Independence Day Unity Call: Somalia marked the 66th anniversary of the northern regions’ independence, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre urging unity, peace, and stronger state-building. Regional Politics in Galmudug: Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor said he will withdraw from the presidential race, reshaping the election landscape. Global Immigration Shock: The US Supreme Court backed ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a move that could ripple across other displaced communities worldwide. Public Expression Under Pressure: A Somali court sentenced a woman to three years in prison for criticizing the government online, drawing outrage from rights groups.

Somaliland-Israel Rift: Yemen’s Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi vowed to target any Israeli presence in Somaliland after President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi opened a Jerusalem embassy, escalating regional backlash against Mogadishu’s refusal to accept Somaliland’s independence. EU Migration Pressure on Somalia: The EU temporarily tightened Schengen visa rules for Somali citizens, ending multiple-entry visas, extending processing to 45 days, and suspending fee exemptions—citing weak Somali cooperation on readmitting irregular migrants. Mogadishu Court Case: A Banadir court sentenced social media activist Sadia “Bajaaj” Moalim Ali to three years for insulting national leaders, with her lawyers saying they will appeal. Maritime Security: Pirates holding an oil tanker crew off Somalia threatened to execute eight Egyptians and four Indians unless ransom is paid quickly, blaming delays in wire transfers. Humanitarian Systems: RACIDA highlighted a shift from emergency aid to “building systems” that help communities cope with climate shocks, disease, and displacement after aid groups leave. UN Leadership Loss: Somalia mourns UNSOS chief Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, praised for supporting stability and humanitarian operations.

EU Visa Crackdown: The EU has temporarily tightened visa rules for Somali citizens, ending multiple-entry visas, suspending consular fee waivers for Somali diplomatic/service passport holders, and extending processing from 15 to 45 days—aimed at pressuring Somalia to cooperate on deportations and readmission. Court Sentences Activist: In Mogadishu, Banadir Regional Court sentenced social media activist Sadia Bajaaj to three years in prison over charges including insulting leaders, with her lawyers saying they will appeal. Puntland Security Clampdown: Puntland announced new security measures restricting armed militia movement and technical vehicles without authorization, banning militia recruitment, and barring certain federal officials from entering the region. Galmudug Political Visit: Somalia’s Prime Minister arrived in Dhuusamareeb for talks with Galmudug leadership as attention turns to the region’s upcoming presidential election. Child Soldier Watchlist Update: Somalia and the UN removed Ahlu Sunna Waljamaaca from the list of groups accused of recruiting and using children, citing a verification process. Maritime Safety Warning: Somali pirates threatened to execute an Egyptian and Indian crew unless ransom delays are resolved, with families reporting direct death threats. Connectivity Push: Somalia’s NCA and IFC launched a technical working group to strengthen submarine cable infrastructure for better internet access.

Puntland–Mogadishu Rift: Puntland announced sweeping security curbs, barring federal officials from entering the region, restricting militia-linked vehicles and armed political activity, and warning against weapons transport—another escalation in the federal-state dispute. Somalia Stability Funding: Somalia’s Interior Ministry co-chaired approval of the Somali Stability Fund’s Year 4 work plan with the British Ambassador, backing governance, conciliation, local administration, and social cohesion projects. Sool Clashes: The federal government issued its first public statement on fighting in Adhi-Adeeye, calling for an immediate halt to hostilities and urging dialogue and reconciliation to protect civilians. Puntland Cabinet Moves: Puntland’s parliament approved newly appointed regional ministers and granted them immunity, clearing the way for them to officially take office amid community criticism. Security Cooperation: Somalia’s Defense Minister met IMCTC officials to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and plans to strengthen the Somali National Army and national security strategy. Humanitarian/Justice Spotlight: Court proceedings in Belfast heard a mental health issue in a Somali national’s Mary Ward murder case has “melted away,” allowing the trial to proceed. Regional Migration Pressure: Libya’s eastern authorities banned entry for nationals of Somalia and three other African countries, citing migration control.

Somalia-US Security: The U.S. resumed air strikes in Somalia after a month-long pause, targeting Al-Shabaab positions in southern areas including around Kismayo, as AFRICOM said operations aim to keep pressure on militants alongside Somali forces. Sool Conflict: Somalia’s Interior Minister called for an immediate halt to fighting in Adhi-Adeeye in the Sool region, urging dialogue and reconciliation to prevent further civilian harm. Puntland Appointments: Puntland’s parliament approved newly appointed ministers, clearing the way for them to formally take office, though some communities criticized the appointment process. Stability Funding: Somalia and international partners approved the Somali Stability Fund’s Year 4 work plan, focusing on governance, social cohesion, and local institutional capacity. Regional Security Tensions: Houthi officials warned against any Israeli military presence in Somaliland, framing it as a threat to Red Sea security. Migration Pressure: Libya’s eastern government banned entry for citizens of Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia, citing efforts to reorganize foreign nationals’ entry and curb irregular migration. Health Alert: A UN-backed report warns Ebola containment is under strain as cases in the DRC surpass 1,000, with Somalia listed among high-risk countries.

Somalia-US-Iran Diplomacy: Mogadishu welcomed a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, calling it a step toward de-escalation, dialogue, and protecting civilians and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Counterterrorism: The U.S. resumed air strikes in Somalia after a brief pause, targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds around Kismayo over several days, saying the lull didn’t mean operations stopped. Regional Security Cooperation: In Nairobi, Somalia joined other Horn of Africa states as DPP Renson Ingonga urged stronger cross-border action against human trafficking and migrant smuggling networks. Humanitarian Pressure: FAO and WFP warned hunger is set to worsen in 13 hotspots, naming Somalia among the most at-risk as conflict and climate shocks drive acute food insecurity. Politics and Stability: South West State leader Adan Madobe met UN officials in Baidoa to discuss governance, state-building, reconciliation, and improving stability. Public Order: Somali police arrested a Mogadishu man accused of degrading women in a housing advertisement video, saying it violated public morals and women’s dignity. Regional Governance: Libya’s eastern government banned entry of nationals from Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, citing a reorganization of foreign nationals’ entry.

U.S.-Iran Diplomacy: Somalia welcomed a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, saying it could ease tensions and protect civilians, freedom of navigation, and regional stability. Somalia Security & Law: Mogadishu police arrested a man accused of degrading women in a housing advertisement video, warning against content that undermines public trust. Hunger Warning: FAO and WFP warned that acute hunger is set to worsen in 13 hotspots, naming Somalia among the most at-risk as conflict, funding gaps, and climate shocks bite. Humanitarian Eye Care: Qatar Charity wrapped up an eye-disease campaign in Somalia, treating 600+ patients in Jalkayo and performing 150 cataract surgeries. Somaliland-Israel Tensions: Reports say Israel has sent troops to Somaliland for security cooperation, while Yemen’s Ansarullah warned any Israeli military presence in Somali waters would be treated as a legitimate target. Regional Cooperation: Somalia joined efforts to curb illegal fishing, with countries adopting the Mombasa Declaration to share fisheries data and improve transparency. Sports: Mogadishu City Club confirmed for the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Rwanda, alongside clubs from across East and Central Africa.

Diplomacy: Somalia’s foreign minister Ali Mohamed Omar met Qatar’s Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi in Amman, discussing ways to deepen ties with both Qatar and Libya. Humanitarian Health: Qatar Charity wrapped up a two-week eye care drive in Jalkayo, reaching 600+ patients, providing free treatment to 300+, and completing 150 cataract surgeries with glasses for 60+. Food Security: FAO and WFP warned hunger will worsen in 13 “hotspots” between June and November, flagging Somalia’s Bay/Burhakaba area as facing famine risk, driven by conflict, funding gaps, and El Niño-linked climate shocks. Security: The U.S. resumed airstrikes after a month-long lull, carrying out four strikes against al-Shabab in southern Somalia (including near Kismayo) from June 14–19. Development & Connectivity: UNDP launched a 2026–2030 program to mobilize about $306.7m for governance, jobs, and resilience, while Somalia and the IFC opened a technical working group in Nairobi on submarine cable infrastructure. Somaliland-Israel: Reports say Israel sent about 50 troops to Somaliland after recognition, amid ongoing scrutiny of security cooperation. Politics: Somalia’s constitutional crisis and renewed clashes around Baidoa and Hiraan continue to raise fears for stability across the Horn.

U.S.-Somalia Security: AFRICOM resumed airstrikes on al-Shabab after a brief lull, hitting militants on five days last week near Kismayo and saying the campaign is data-driven and meant to enable Somali operations. Clan Violence in Hiiraan: Somalia’s acting parliament speaker urged peace after renewed clashes in Jalalaqsi district, while federal and regional authorities called for a ceasefire as fighting threatened social cohesion. Mogadishu Rights Response: The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development condemned an alleged assault of a Somali girl after a video circulated online, calling for arrests and accountability. Diplomacy with Kenya: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an unannounced meeting with Kenya’s Ruto in Narok, as regional leaders worry about Somalia’s political deadlock and AUSSOM funding. Regional Integration: Somalia took a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the first time, raising the Somali flag at the council headquarters. Data Protection: Somalia’s data protection chief joined an Islamic network meeting in Turkey to boost privacy and rights safeguards. Politics/Elections: The opposition backed a transitional direct-elections model to break the deadlock after President Mohamud’s mandate expired. Humanitarian/Weather: Heavy rains flooded parts of Mogadishu, disrupting transport and prompting warnings to residents.

AU Diplomacy: Somalia has taken a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the first time, with its ambassador raising the Somali flag at the council headquarters. Presidential Shuttle Talks: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an unannounced visit to Kenya for high-level meetings with William Ruto as electoral and political tensions simmer. Regional Security: Somalia and Kenya leaders discussed counter-terrorism and maritime security, with both sides linking cooperation to the fight against Al-Shabaab. Youth & Women’s Sports: Somalia’s Youth and Sports ministry met UNFPA to expand programs for young people and women’s sports. Clan Violence in Hiiraan: Parliament speaker Sadio Yasin called for an immediate end to renewed fighting in Jalalaqsi, urging elders and religious leaders to intervene. Mogadishu Flooding: Heavy rains flooded parts of Mogadishu, disrupting transport and forcing road diversions. Politics & Elections: Twelve political organizations warned Banadir and Southwest elections lacked transparency, citing irregularities and procedural errors. Opposition Electoral Plan: The Somali Future Council backed a transitional direct-elections model blending public voting with the 4.5 clan system. Development Finance: Somalia and the Islamic Development Bank signed a $45m three-year cooperation framework for energy, agriculture, health, and skills for women and youth.

Electoral Tensions: Twelve political groups in Banadir and Southwest State warn vote irregularities and weak electoral oversight could derail upcoming elections, citing issues like closed-list concerns, unequal candidate treatment, delayed results, and unclear procedures. Opposition Plan: The Somali Future Council backs a transitional direct-elections model that blends one-person voting with the 4.5 clan power-sharing system, proposing a paper-ballot pilot in Hirshabelle and Galmudug. Clan Violence in Hiraan: Somalia’s Interior Ministry calls for an immediate end to deadly fighting in Jalalaqsi, warning against incitement and social media posts that could inflame tensions. Mogadishu–Puntland Rift: Puntland and the federal government trade accusations as troop deployments intensify, raising fears the dispute could disrupt operations against al-Shabaab and ISIS. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Reports say Israel is exploring submarine use along Somaliland’s coast near Berbera, while Mogadishu condemns Israel-Somaliland moves. Development Finance: Somalia and the Islamic Development Bank sign a $45m three-year framework for energy, agriculture, health, and skills for women and youth. Humanitarian Pressure: UN food agencies seek $202m to protect 8.8m people in Somalia and other hotspots from El Niño-driven hunger risks. Education Milestone: Over 44,000 students sit Somalia’s 2026 secondary exams as the government pushes education reforms.

Hiraan Crisis: Somalia’s Interior Ministry called for an immediate end to deadly clan clashes in Jalalaqsi, warning against social media incitement and urging elders, religious leaders and Hirshabelle to push reconciliation. Federal–Puntland Rift: Tensions are rising as Puntland accuses Mogadishu of expanding military presence during operations against ISIS/Al Shabaab, after a new SNA 54th Division commander appointment. Elections Deadlock: The Somali Future Council backed a Transitional Direct Elections Model, proposing direct voting for MPs while keeping the 4.5 clan seat framework and using paper ballots. Education Push: Somalia launched the 2026 national secondary school exams with 44,136 students in 158 centres across 58 districts. El Niño Aid Gap: UN agencies seek $202m to protect 8.8m people in 22 countries, including Somalia, from worsening droughts, floods and storms. Somaliland–Israel Fallout: Somaliland signaled openness to an Israeli military base and expanded ties after Jerusalem embassy moves, while Somalia condemned the sovereignty violation. Humanitarian Warning: UN reports record grave child violations in 2025, with government forces flagged as leading perpetrators.