Somalia has launched its first 5G internet service through Hormuud Telecom, aiming to enhance trade with the East African Community. This development is expected to significantly benefit sectors like education, healthcare, and productivity. Despite ongoing challenges from the al-Shabaab insurgency, the new service marks a major step forward in improving connectivity and economic participation in the region.

Four UAE troops and a Bahraini officer were killed in an attack by al-Shabaab while training Somali soldiers. The UAE's defense ministry reported the incident, highlighting the nation's ongoing support for Somalia amidst its civil war. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud honored the fallen officers and emphasized the strengthened ties between Somalia and the UAE since his election. The attack underscores the persistent threat posed by al-Shabaab, which has been fighting to overthrow the Somali government since 2006.

A significant IT failure that affected flights, markets, and corporations globally has brought attention to the cybersecurity company CrowdStrike Holdings Inc.

Somalia's government denied a flight carrying Ethiopian officials to Somaliland entry into its airspace, escalating tensions over a proposed port deal. Ethiopian Airlines flight ET8372, which included VIP Ethiopian delegates, was turned back by the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority. The incident follows Ethiopia's announcement of recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state and a deal to lease land for military and commercial maritime purposes. Somalia, which claims sovereignty over Somaliland, has threatened military retaliation. Support for Somalia's sovereignty has been expressed by Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab League. The US expressed concern that the deal could disrupt efforts against the Islamist military group al-Shabaab.

Somalia's government denied a flight carrying Ethiopian officials to Somaliland entry into its airspace, escalating tensions over a port deal. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed plans to recognize Somaliland's sovereignty in exchange for a stake in Ethiopian Airlines and access to the Red Sea for military and commercial purposes. Somalia, claiming sovereignty over Somaliland, has threatened military action, while Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab League support Somalia's territorial integrity. The US expressed concern that Ethiopia's deal could disrupt efforts against the Islamist group al-Shabaab. Somaliland, though self-governed with its own institutions, lacks broad international recognition.

A United Nations guard was killed in a mortar attack on the UN compound in Somalia's capital, marking the second attack against UN personnel in the country within a week. Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has been conducting an insurgency since 2006, holding strongholds in central and southern Somalia and launching attacks in the capital and other countries contributing troops to the African Union-led mission.

Somalia has recalled its envoy to Ethiopia following Ethiopia's memorandum of understanding with the breakaway enclave Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the deal as an infringement on Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The European Union emphasized the importance of respecting Somalia's unity and territorial integrity. Somaliland's special envoy Edna Adan stated that the region has the authority to sign agreements independently. The MOU could allow Ethiopia to use facilities on the Gulf of Aden for military and commercial purposes for 50 years and may lead to Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland's sovereignty. The deal has potential to escalate tensions in the Horn of Africa and affect the regional military balance. Al-Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked militant group, threatened action against Ethiopian expansion.

Somalia is experiencing rising tensions due to proposed constitutional changes that aim to transition from a parliamentary to a presidential system, eliminating the prime minister's role in favor of a deputy president. The National Correction Caucus was formed by parliamentarians to protect the constitutional framework, while President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud leads the push for change. The 4.5 power-sharing formula, a source of controversy, is also under scrutiny. Critics argue for its abolition in favor of a multiparty democracy. Interior Minister Ahmed Mo’alim Fiqi and others support reforms for a new political direction, but there is debate over the proposed two-party versus multiparty systems. Concerns about increased presidential powers and the need for broad consensus to prevent clan tensions are prominent. The potential constitutional amendments risk a new crisis, with Puntland's president opposing changes without wider consultations. The reforms are seen as a test to Somalia's federal structure and democratic transition.

Somalia's expected accession to the East African Community (EAC) has elicited mixed reactions due to the country's political instability, security challenges, and unresolved issues within the EAC. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud prioritizes EAC membership to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, potentially increasing security and stability. Critics argue the move benefits Kenya and Uganda, who have troops in Somalia and host Somali entrepreneurs. Concerns include trade imbalances, tax revenue loss, and Somalia's limited agricultural exports. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to withdraw by 2024, prompting calls for the EAC to bolster Somalia's security. The Somali government seeks a three-month pause in ATMIS's withdrawal to build its security forces' capacity.

Somali authorities are urgently working to prevent famine caused by a record drought affecting nearly eight million people. Baidoa, the largest city in Somalia's South West state, is overwhelmed as thousands flee starvation in the countryside. Aid groups and authorities are calling for international assistance. The U.N.’s World Food Program reports that the drought has decimated livestock and left millions facing chronic hunger. Displaced families, like that of Maroog Adan Laamow, struggle to survive, with many children suffering from malnutrition. Hospital admissions for malnourished children are rising rapidly. The state government, led by Abdinasir Abdi Arush, is coordinating relief efforts, but visible aid remains scarce. The last famine in 2011 killed a quarter of a million people, and without more food aid, the current situation could become even worse.

The United Nations Security Council unanimously lifted the 30-year-old arms embargo on Somalia, a move praised by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre as transformative for the nation's security. Mohamud also hinted at forthcoming debt relief, which would enable Somalia to secure loans and investment deals. However, the breakaway Republic of Somaliland opposed the decision, citing concerns over inadequate weapons tracing and oversight mechanisms, which could lead to arms diversion to terrorist groups.

Somalia's government denied entry to an Ethiopian Airlines flight carrying officials to Somaliland, escalating tensions over a proposed port deal. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state and plans for a military base have strained relations. Somalia claims sovereignty over Somaliland and has threatened military action. The US and Egypt have expressed concerns, with the US worried about the impact on efforts against al-Shabaab. The Arab League has shown support for Somalia's territorial integrity.

Somalia's military, supported by clan-based militias and trained by the United States, has made significant progress in a large-scale offensive against al-Shabab militants, liberating 40 settlements in the Hiran region and additional areas in Galgaduud and the Bay region. The Somali government claims substantial territorial gains, although these have not been independently verified. The offensive follows a recent attack by al-Qaida-linked militants on a training camp, resulting in casualties.

The Somali National Museum in Mogadishu hosted Somalia's first international contemporary art exhibition since the civil war in 1991, marking a significant cultural revival. The museum, which had been damaged and looted during the war, underwent a massive restoration led by Abdi Baaruud. The exhibition, featuring 18 artists and over 60 works, explores the theme 'Hoy' meaning 'home'. It signifies a message of peace and tranquility, with hopes of attracting tourists and developing the country's heritage sector. The event, although not attended by foreign visitors due to security concerns, is a milestone for Somalia's cultural landscape.

A severe drought in the Horn of Africa has devastated millions of livestock, severely impacting Somali livestock farmers who are traditionally major exporters to the Middle East, especially during Eid al-Adha. The crisis has forced many farmers to relocate to camps for displaced people, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation. Mohamed Sheikh Nor reports from Mogadishu, Somalia.

The Mogadishu Book Fair, an annual event launched in 2015, resumed last week at the National Theatre of Somalia after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. The fair aims to foster a love for reading and celebrate Somali culture and heritage by connecting literary figures with the youth.

Somalia has initiated the evacuation of its citizens from Sudan, with over 100 individuals already returned on a flight from Khartoum and additional flights planned. A network of Somalis, who were educated in Sudan following the collapse of Somalia's government and schooling system, are particularly interested in the situation and express gratitude towards Sudan for their education, hoping for a swift end to the conflict.

Somalia has initiated the evacuation of its citizens from Sudan, with over 100 individuals already returned on a flight from Khartoum. Additional flights are scheduled for the near future. This development is of particular interest to Somalis who received their education in Sudan following the collapse of Somalia's government and educational system. They express gratitude towards Sudan for the education opportunities and hope for a swift resolution to the conflict.

The lethal combination of high temperatures and low rainfall in the Horn of Africa, exacerbated by climate change, has made drought 100 times more likely, affecting millions. The drought, considered the worst in seven decades, has led to severe humanitarian crises, particularly in Somalia, where 43,000 people died last year. The United Nations and other organizations are calling for increased international aid to support affected regions. Scientific analysis confirms that climate change has significantly increased the likelihood of such extreme weather events.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced in his New Year's Day speech that the country aims to eliminate al-Shabab militants this year and take over security operations from African Union peacekeepers by the end of 2024. The Somali National Army, with local militia support, has made progress against al-Shabab. Mohamud's speech, which included calling al-Shabab 'Khawaarji,' was met with mixed reactions. Ahmed Abdisalam, former deputy prime minister, supported the president's timeline for security responsibility, while political analyst Abdullahi Gafow expressed skepticism, noting the ongoing U.N. arms embargo that limits Somalia's security capacity.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an all-out war against al-Shabab militants, aiming to eliminate them by the end of the year and take over security operations from African Union peacekeepers by 2024. The Somali National Army's recent successes have garnered regional and international attention. While some, like Ahmed Abdisalam, support the president's promises, others, such as Abdullahi Gafow, remain skeptical, citing past unfulfilled pledges and the complications posed by a U.N. arms embargo.

Somalia is facing a record drought that threatens to cause famine for nearly eight million people, half of the country's population. Baidoa, the largest city in Somalia's South West state, is particularly affected, with thousands of families fleeing starvation in rural areas to seek refuge in displaced camps within the city. Somali authorities and aid groups are urgently calling for international assistance to prevent further loss of life.

Somalia's government has signed an oil-production sharing agreement with US-based Coastline Exploration Ltd., marking a significant step in developing the nation's energy sector. Coastline paid $7 million for seven agreements and will begin an exploration program. This deal follows a review of a previously deemed illegal accord. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed strong support for the project, aiming to start exploration soon. International oil companies have avoided Somalia since the 1991 civil war, and the country continues to face an insurgency by al-Qaeda-affiliated militants.

The global shipping industry will declassify the Indian Ocean coastline off Somalia as a 'high-risk area' starting January next year, following years of successful counter-piracy operations. This decision, approved by marine groups including the International Chamber of Shipping, comes after no piracy attacks against merchant ships have occurred off Somalia since 2018. International navies and a European Union anti-piracy task force have effectively patrolled the waters, reducing piracy threats. However, piracy has surged in the seas off West Africa over the past decade.

Somalia is on the brink of famine due to the worst drought in four decades, with the southern Bay region at high risk. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths warns that famine may occur by the end of the year if no action is taken. The crisis is exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, which has disrupted Somalia's wheat supply, leading to food scarcity and rising prices. The United Nations and Somali government report that 7.8 million people are in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.

The global shipping industry will declassify the Indian Ocean coastline off Somalia as a 'high-risk area' starting January next year, following years of successful counter-piracy operations. No piracy attacks against merchant ships have occurred off Somalia since 2018. The decision was approved by marine groups including the International Chamber of Shipping. International navies and a European Union anti-piracy task force have significantly reduced piracy in the region through armed patrols and satellite imagery. However, piracy has surged in the seas off West Africa over the past decade.

Somalia's security forces are engaged in a prolonged battle with al-Shabab militants at Mogadishu's Hayat hotel, resulting in at least 20 deaths and numerous injuries. The attack, which began with explosions and gunfire, has drawn condemnation from the U.S. embassy and expressions of solidarity from the United Nations. The siege is the largest since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took office in May. The U.S. Africa Command recently conducted an air strike against al-Shabab, following President Joe Biden's decision to redeploy U.S. troops to Somalia.