At least six people have been confirmed killed in the clashes so far, with several others reported injured.

Baay regional police commander Sidiiq Doodishe told reporters that forces aligned with Abdulaziz Laftagareen launched the attack at dawn from positions on the outskirts of the city.

“Calm has now returned. The only issue is that bodies are still lying on the streets and we are trying to figure out how to recover them,” Doodishe said.

“They intended to enter the city and create chaos, but the South West State forces stopped them,” he added.

On the other side, spokesperson for the former South West State administration, Ugaas Hassan Abdi, who is aligned with Laftagareen, said their forces carried out an operation inside Baidoa.

#BAIDOA: This is the Afar Irdoodka area in the centre of the Baidoa city after the pro @Laftagareen forces entered the city this morning following a fierce gun battle that left at least 6 dead. #SomaliaConflict pic.twitter.com/Y772xeJ7fd

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) May 30, 2026

Residents in Baidoa told Kaab TV that Laftagareen-aligned forces entered the city from several directions at dawn, leading to intense fighting in the city centre.

Eyewitnesses also reported that local militias inside the city joined the clashes, according to residents who spoke to Kaab TV.

Heavy gunfire and technical-mounted weapons were used by both sides. By around midday, Laftagareen’s forces had briefly seized Afar Irdood junction, a key intersection in central Baidoa that connects major routes within the city, before later withdrawing.

Journalists in Baidoa reported that the fighting disrupted security around the presidential palace and the airport, forcing civilians to remain indoors throughout the clashes.

Tensions remain high despite the cessation of gunfire, with fears of renewed fighting between the two sides.

In recent days, both sides have exchanged sharp warnings. The former administration aligned with Laftagareen has rejected an election reportedly being organized in Baidoa by the Federal Government in Mogadishu.

Laftagareen’s administration was previously forced out of Baidoa in March this year after heavily armed federal government forces, supported by allied militia groups, took control of the city. The administration later fled to Nairobi, Kenya.

Earlier this month, clashes reportedly triggered by Laftagareen-aligned forces resulted in the killing of senior officers from pro-federal government forces stationed in Baidoa.

The post Baidoa Clashes: At Least 6 Killed After Laftagareen Forces Briefly Seize Central Baidoa appeared first on Kaab TV.

Human rights organization Amnesty International said the renewal is an important step to curb the flow of weapons into the conflict-affected country, warning that continued access to arms fuels serious violations.

“The renewal of the arms embargo, if diligently enforced, is an important measure to protect civilians by curtailing the flow of weapons used to commit serious human rights violations and crimes under international law,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa.

Chagutah cautioned that calls by some Security Council members to lift the embargo were “disappointing,” particularly amid escalating violence since early 2025.

He pointed to recent attacks, including a March 2026 assault in Unity State in which armed groups reportedly killed and injured civilians in Abiemnom town.

Amnesty International also warned that weapons continue to be used in widespread sexual violence, which remains a persistent feature of the conflict despite existing peace commitments and action plans.

How the vote happened

On Friday, the 15-member United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2821 with nine votes in favour and six abstentions.

The resolution was drafted by the United States Department of State and renewed the existing sanctions regime without substantive changes. Measures include the arms embargo, travel bans, and asset freezes.

The mandate of the Panel of Experts, which supports the South Sudan Sanctions Committee, was extended until July 1, 2027.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia and Somalia abstained, alongside China, Pakistan and Russia.

Under UN rules, resolutions require at least nine votes in favour and no veto from any of the five permanent members — United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France — to pass.

Speaking after the vote, Ambassador Jennifer Locetta, the Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the US mission, said Washington welcomed the renewal of the sanctions regime.

“The United States welcomes the renewal of the South Sudan sanctions regime, including the extension of the Panel of Experts’ mandate and the renewal of the arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze measures for an additional 12 months,” she said.

Amnesty International has previously documented alleged violations of the embargo, including reports of foreign troop deployments and the continued use of attack helicopters by the South Sudanese military, suggesting ongoing access to restricted weapons and spare parts.

The group also cited earlier findings of illicit arms imports, hidden stockpiles and diversion of armoured vehicles, warning that enforcement gaps continue to undermine the embargo and accountability efforts.

The post UN Arms Embargo on South Sudan Renewed as Rights Group Warns of Civilian Protection Risks appeared first on Kaab TV.

The raid took place in the Dhiigta Margoos settlement, a rural village located between Banaaneey and Kamjaroon, around 60 kilometres west of Kismayo. The area is mainly inhabited by nomadic herding families.

Relatives said the victims were all members of one family.

They were identified as: Ahmed Salad Hassan, 45; his pregnant wife Bishaaro Osman Ibrahim, 39; their children Jecela Ahmed Salad, 14, Hamdi Ahmed Salad, 12, and Osman Ahmed Salad, 15; a relative Cabdow Osman Omar, 36; and their 95-year-old grandmother, Habibo Osman Mahamud.

According to videos obtained by Kaab TV and accounts from relatives, all seven were shot in the head.

#Kaab TV visited a hospital in Mogadishu where 17-year-old Mohamed Ahmed Salad is being treated after sustaining serious injuries in a raid on civilians in a rural village outside Kismayo last week.
The operation was reportedly carried out by U.S.-trained special forces in… pic.twitter.com/v6hX5weJ3w

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) May 24, 2026

A 17-year-old family member, Mohamed Ahmed, was severely wounded and later airlifted to Mogadishu for medical treatment.

Harun Hafow, a relative who arrived at the scene, described the raid as “cruel and shocking.”

“If you see how the raid happened, it shows how cruel they were,” he said.

He said the family had recently moved to the area after fleeing worsening drought conditions in parts of the Jubba Valley in search of water and humanitarian assistance.

Further harm

Relatives also alleged that livestock belonging to the family, including goats, cows, and donkeys, were killed during the operation. Photographs from the scene reviewed by Kaab TV show dead animals scattered in the area.

Another relative, Gabey Hafow, said that when she arrived shortly after the attack, she found five young children left without parental care, aged between one and ten years.

“The U.S.-trained forces even did not spare the injured. Some were still bleeding and could have been saved. They did nothing at all,” she said.

At least five young children are now reported to be without parental care following the incident.

On 21 May, local lawmakers and elders from the Gaaljecel clan sent a letter to the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu demanding an explanation and an independent investigation into the raid.

The letter, signed by 17 elders and representatives and seen by Kaab TV, stated that civilians were clearly living in the settlement and alleged that the counterterrorism unit failed to properly verify targets before launching the operation.

It described the incident as a “severe breach” of both Somali law and international legal obligations, calling for accountability and reparations for the affected families.

The statement also warned “that indiscriminate operations risk undermining trust between communities and security forces”, adding that the Gaaljecel community had historically opposed extremist groups and supported state-building efforts.

“We remain committed to seeking justice through peaceful, legal, and constitutional avenues, but we demand that the government and international partners act with equivalent respect for the law,” the letter said.

Protests and detentions

Protests erupted in Kismayo on Thursday morning, with residents condemning the killings.

During the unrest, security forces briefly took custody of four individuals, including a seriously wounded teenager, his brother, a grandmother, and another relative. They were reportedly taken to a military facility inside Kismayo Airport before being released later the same day.

Jubaland security forces also dispersed demonstrations and arrested several members of the Gaaljecel clan who were demanding accountability for the incident.

The incident has renewed longstanding concerns about civilian casualties during counterterrorism operations in Somalia.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have previously documented cases in which airstrikes and ground raids allegedly killed civilians during operations targeting Al-Shabaab militants.

The post Seven Civilians from One Family Killed in U.S.-Trained Somali Forces Raid Near Kismayo, Relatives Say appeared first on Kaab TV.

The visit comes amid a deepening constitutional and political crisis in Somalia. Former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s mandate expired on May 15, yet he has refused to step down, having failed to organise a presidential election within his constitutional term.

The opposition — united under the Future Council of Somalia — has declared his continued hold on power illegitimate, demanding an immediate transfer of authority and the formation of a transitional government.

The standoff has raised fears of political violence and institutional collapse, drawing urgent concern from regional governments and international partners.

The delegation met with Puntland President Sa’id Abdullahi Deni, discussing counter-terrorism and Somalia’s stability.

Puntland’s State House reported the meeting addressed “the overall security and political situation in Somalia, with a particular focus on cooperation and the achievements Puntland has made in combating the Islamic State (ISIS/Daesh) terrorist group.”

The meeting also covered strengthening the cooperative relationship between the Puntland Government and the United States, specifically in the areas of security, investment, and the utilisation of Puntland’s natural resources, including mining, fisheries, and oil, according to the Puntland presidency.

Puntland, which broke away from the Federal Government in 2023 over constitutional disputes, has emerged as a key stakeholder in Somalia’s political future.

President Deni has been a vocal critic of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration and has aligned himself with the opposition coalition calling for accountability and a return to constitutional order as the term of the Federal Government ended last week.

The Somali electoral crisis has its roots in long-running disagreements over the electoral model, the role of federal member states, and the timeline for a transition to a one-person, one-vote system.

In March 2026, the Somali Future Council, which is the main opposition coalition issued a stark warning, declaring it was “clearly and unequivocally opposed to any attempt to extend the term of office beyond the periods clearly set out in the 2012 Provisional Constitution.”

Successive Somali governments have failed to deliver a direct popular vote, with elections instead conducted through a complex clan-based indirect voting system.

The failure to hold elections before the expiry of Hassan Sheikh’s term has now brought Somalia to one of its most precarious political junctures in years.

Last week, the U.S. Embassy, alongside the United Kingdom, launched an initiative to broker talks between the opposition coalition and former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud following the end of his term on May 15.

The international community has urged all parties to engage in dialogue and avoid any actions that could further destabilise the country.

The post Somalia on the Brink: U.S. Steps Up Diplomacy as Hassan Sheikh Refuses to Step Down appeared first on Kaab TV.

Speaking during the 87th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in Banjul on May 12, Esther Waweru, Associate Director for Legal Equality at Equality Now, called on African Union member states to take stronger action against sexual violence, female genital mutilation (FGM), discriminatory family laws, and online gender-based violence.

“Millions of women and girls across Africa live under laws and systems that fail to uphold their human rights,” Waweru said, urging governments to move beyond rhetoric and implement meaningful legal reforms and protections.

Equality Now said rape laws in many African countries still fail survivors because they require proof of physical force or violence, placing heavy burdens on victims and ignoring situations involving coercion, intimidation, or abuse of power.

The organisation also criticised failures by authorities to properly investigate and prosecute rape cases, while highlighting how harmful gender stereotypes continue to influence judicial decisions.

According to the group, some rape cases are informally settled through community mediation, often pressuring survivors into silence.

Kenya was specifically criticised for maintaining a marital rape exemption that prevents husbands from being prosecuted for raping their wives.

Calls to Protect Reproductive Rights

Equality Now also raised concerns over restrictions on sexual and reproductive health services, particularly affecting rape survivors.

The organisation welcomed a 2025 ruling by the High Court of Malawi, which found that denying a 14-year-old rape survivor access to a safe abortion violated her rights.

The group urged African governments to adopt survivor-centred approaches that include compensation, medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance.

Equality Now said women across Africa continue to face discrimination in matrimonial property rights, particularly after separation or divorce.

The organisation noted that in countries such as Nigeria, property division is often based only on direct financial contributions, leaving many women with little protection despite years of unpaid domestic and caregiving work.

It called for laws recognising both financial and non-financial contributions within marriage.

FGM and Online Abuse

The organisation urged lawmakers in Liberia to criminalise FGM by passing pending legislation protecting women and girls.

In The Gambia, Equality Now called on authorities to defend the country’s 2015 law banning FGM amid a Supreme Court challenge seeking to overturn it on cultural and religious grounds.

Equality Now also warned about rising online gender-based violence across Africa, saying weak digital governance laws leave women vulnerable to online harassment, exploitation, and abuse.

The organisation called for stronger regulation of technology companies, gender-responsive digital protections, and improved support for survivors of online harm.

Equality Now further urged South Sudan to fully implement the Maputo Protocol, which it ratified in 2023.

The group said women and girls in South Sudan continue to face conflict-related sexual violence, harmful traditional practices, and weak legal protections, adding that the country’s constitution-making process presents an opportunity to strengthen gender equality protections.

The post Equality Now Urges African Governments to Strengthen Legal Protections for Women and Girls appeared first on Kaab TV.

Speaking at a gathering of government officials and supporters in Mogadishu, Hassan Sheikh said the extension was based on decisions approved by parliament under the newly amended constitution.

“The term of the Federal Government, including that of the president, will end on May 15, 2027. That is not my personal decision. It is a decision made by parliament,” he said.

Mohamud also launched a verbal attack against opposition leaders, accusing them of pursuing personal interests and failing to recognize the country’s political realities.

The dispute centers around controversial constitutional amendments introduced by Hassan Sheikh’s administration, which extended the federal term from four years to five years.

The amendments were rejected by several federal member states, including Puntland and Jubaland, as well as opposition groups, who argue the process lacked broad political consensus.

Officially, Somalia’s federal institutions had operated under a four-year mandate. Parliament’s term expired in April, while the presidential term ended on May 15. Opposition leaders insist the federal government no longer holds a legitimate mandate beyond that date.

Somalia is now facing what many observers describe as a deepening constitutional and political crisis, with no agreement yet reached on the country’s electoral model or political transition.

The statement by Hassan Sheikh came just one day after talks mediated by the United States and the United Kingdom failed to break the deadlock between the federal government and opposition groups.

Sources familiar with the discussions told Kaab TV that negotiations stalled after both sides failed to agree on the format and timing of elections.

In December, the federal government announced plans to implement a direct one-person, one-vote election system and appointed a new electoral commission.

Opposition groups and regional administrations accused the government of acting unilaterally by establishing an electoral body dominated by loyalists without national consensus.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Mogadishu-based Future Council of Somalia warned that it would no longer recognize Hassan Sheikh as the legitimate president after May 15.

“Effectively beyond May 15, the Future Council of Somalia will not recognize Hassan Sheikh as the president of Somalia,” the council said, adding that it plans to initiate a separate political process aimed at “rescuing the country from a political vacuum.”

Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who is part of the opposition coalition, also warned that if no political agreement is reached, the opposition could launch a parallel electoral process.

This position was echoed by Said Abdullahi Deni, who participated in the failed Mogadishu talks earlier this week.

The latest developments come amid heightened political tensions in Somalia, including recent protests linked to disputes over elections, government legitimacy, and forced evictions in parts of Mogadishu.

Analysts warn that the government’s decision to extend its term without broad political consensus could intensify instability and deepen divisions between the federal government, opposition groups, and regional administrations.

Meanwhile, the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, said Somalia has entered “a new political phase” and called for urgent dialogue to agree on elections and establish a clear timeline for a peaceful political transition.

The post A Day After U.S.-UK Mediated Talks Failed, Hassan Sheikh Claims Government Term Runs Until 2027 appeared first on Kaab TV.

In a statement to the media on Thursday, Laftagareen, who is currently in Nairobi, described himself as the “legitimate leadership of Southwest State.”

“The takeover of the city by forces aligned with the Federal Government is unconstitutional and without legal basis. It represents a serious setback to Somalia’s state-building efforts and undermines the progress achieved over more than two decades with the support of international partners,” Laftagareen said.

Laftagareen stated that, under the constitution of Southwest State, he remains the legitimate president.

“My departure from Baidoa was a responsible decision taken to prevent bloodshed and safeguard civilian lives,” he said, noting that he was forced to leave the city.

The Federal Government of Somalia, backed by clan militias, attacked Baidoa — the seat of Southwest State — in late March, forcing Laftagareen’s administration to flee.

Laftagareen, whose Facebook page carried a resignation post on March 28, has now withdrawn that position.

“I remain the legitimate president of Southwest State. I did not resign,” he added.

On elections in Southwest State, Laftagareen insisted that he will not recognize the federal government-led electoral process and called for inclusive and locally owned elections in the region.

The post Laftagareen Rejects Baidoa Developments, Reasserts Claim to Southwest State Leadership appeared first on Kaab TV.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Council said it “responsibly welcomes” the President’s invitation to a meeting scheduled for May 10, 2026, aimed at resolving the ongoing electoral impasse.

However, the opposition bloc expressed deep skepticism about the government’s intentions, noting that previous engagements were conducted “in good faith and integrity,” while accusing the President of pursuing unilateral constitutional changes.

The Council also pointed to what it described as contradictory actions by the government, highlighting that the invitation to dialogue was followed a day later by the announcement of an election timetable without broader consensus. It further raised concerns over the continued displacement of vulnerable communities and the arrest of young people, arguing these developments undermine trust in the proposed talks.

“Such actions indicate that the invitation is not part of a genuine effort toward inclusive dialogue,” the statement said.

Earlier this week, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said he was open to engaging opposition groups to break the deadlock over elections, which remain unresolved just days before the constitutional end of his term.

The Somali Future Council reiterated its willingness to participate in meaningful negotiations but stressed that credible dialogue requires an enabling environment. It called on the President to halt unilateral electoral processes and commit to a mutually agreed, independent mediation mechanism.

The opposition alliance also insisted that a political agreement on elections must be reached before May 15. Failing that, it warned it would take what it described as “responsible measures,” in coordination with the Somali public, to safeguard the country’s unity and statehood.

Somalia is currently facing a deepening political crisis. The term of the federal parliament expired on April 14, while no agreement has yet been reached on the electoral model or timeline. Growing tensions have fueled fears of potential violence, with opposition leaders warning against any attempt to impose elections without consensus or extend the President’s mandate.

#BREAKING FULL STATEMENT:
The Somali Future Council cautiously and responsibly welcomes President @HassanSMohamud ‘s invitation to the dialogue scheduled for May 10, 2026.

The Council declares that it has previously participated in negotiations in good faith and with… pic.twitter.com/SFLuIz7em9

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) May 5, 2026

The post Somali Future Council Sets Conditions for Talks with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud appeared first on Kaab TV.

In April, SJS launched the Youth Media Innovation Challenge under its Baraarug initiative, inviting submissions from young journalists across Somalia. The goal was to encourage youth creativity, provide a platform for young people to express their ideas, share their stories, and serve as a voice for their communities—particularly women and those who are often unheard.

Over a period of two weeks, the challenge received more than 20 applications and video submissions from different parts of the country. Women made up 30 percent of the participants. All entrants were young people competing through video production and storytelling, focusing on themes such as freedom of expression, youth issues, and women’s rights.

Following careful evaluation by a judging panel, the most impactful, creative, and deserving entries were selected for recognition. On World Press Freedom Day, SJS awarded four winners with cash prizes and honorary certificates in recognition of their work.

The winners are:

Position 1: Mohamed Jeilani Abukar (Mogadishu):  Mohamed’s story highlights Mogadishu’s only all-women newsroom, Bilan Media, and the daily challenges faced by women reporters and camera operators. It sheds light on the additional barriers they navigate in a conservative environment with significant restrictions on women. Watch Mohamed’s story on YouTube.

Position 2: Anisa Abdiasis Hussein (Mogadishu): Anisa, a journalist from a marginalized community, has previously experienced targeted attacks against media workers. Her story, “Why Telling the Truth is Dangerous?”, captures the lived reality of journalists in Mogadishu, highlighting risks such as arbitrary arrests, threats, and confiscation of equipment. Watch Anisa’s story on YouTube.

Position 3: Abdulkadir Yasin Abdulle (Galkayo, Central Somalia): Abdulkadir’s story, “The Clan Identity Trap: How Somali Women are Silenced,” amplifies the voices of women and youth, focusing on Somali women caught between their father’s and husband’s clan identities. This reality often limits their rights, including political participation and access to opportunities. Watch Abdulkadir’s story on YouTube.

Special Mention: Ismail Mohamed Sayidali: Ismail’s story highlights marriage discrimination faced by people with disabilities in Somalia.

“I was not expecting to come out on top because of the many participants. However, I did my best and carefully thought about how to present my story creatively, focusing on an important issue—women in the media and their rights. I am thankful to SJS. This has given me the motivation to produce more videos and continue advocating for human rights,” said Mohamed Jeilani Abukar.”

Second-place winner Anisa Abdiaziz Hussein said gathering material for her story took several days and came with challenges, but encouragement from colleagues helped her persist. She added: “I would like to encourage SJS to make this contest an annual event so that more young journalists can participate and build a strong profession. When there is competition, everyone strives to do their best, and that helps develop the careers of young journalists and content creators.”

SJS President, Mohamed Ibrahim congratulated the winners stating that: “On World Press Freedom Day, SJS is pleased to recognize both the courage and the resilience of young journalists and content creators working under extremely difficult conditions. Despite rising threats, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation, they continue to serve the public with professionalism and determination. Through initiatives like the Baraarug Youth Media Innovation Challenge, SJS remains committed to supporting young journalists, amplifying the voices of women and the youth, and defending the fundamental right to freedom of expression.”

The post On WPFD, SJS Awards Four Young Journalists and Content Creators with Cash Prizes and Recognition appeared first on Kaab TV.

The Justice and Unity Party (JSP), led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has recently faced a wave of resignations amid growing internal disputes over appointments.

Fardowsa, who served as the party’s Secretary for Petroleum and Minerals, did not disclose the reasons for stepping down from both her position and party membership.

“I, MP Fardowsa Osman Egal, have resigned from the Justice and Unity Party (JSP), where I served as the Secretary for Petroleum and Minerals,” she wrote in her Facebook post on Monday.

Her departure adds to a growing list of members who have recently left the party.

There has been no official response from the Justice and Unity Party regarding her resignation. Fardowsa Osman Egal previously served as Somalia’s Minister of Aviation and Air Transport.

The post Somalia MP Fardowsa Egal Resigns from Hassan Sheikh’s Party Amid Internal Disputes appeared first on Kaab TV.