The discussions come at a sensitive time for Mogadishu, where concerns over security and political stability have intensified following fighting in parts of the city. Political elders and community leaders have increasingly called for dialogue to prevent further violence and restore calm.

In the Abdiaziz district of the Banadir region, separate private meetings are still underway, with much of the focus centered on restoring stability after the recent conflict that affected several neighborhoods. Residents in some areas continue to witness the aftermath of the clashes, including damaged property and heightened security measures.

Committees made up of government officials and traditional elders are currently working to find a lasting solution for the forces stationed in the area, some of whom were involved in the recent fighting in parts of Abdiaziz district. The mediation efforts are intended to prevent renewed confrontations and strengthen reconciliation between the sides involved.

The latest political consultations are seen as part of broader attempts to maintain stability in Mogadishu and avoid further escalation, as Somalia continues to navigate complex political and security challenges.

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MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Heavy fighting involving various weapons erupted moments ago in parts of Mogadishu, with intense gunfire and explosions reported in neighborhoods near key government facilities, particularly in the Hodan and Howlwadaag districts and around the Dabka intersection.

Kaab TV reporters and eyewitnesses in the affected areas said sustained heavy gunfire was ongoing across several neighborhoods as panic spread among residents and movement in parts of the capital came to a near standstill.

Preliminary reports indicate that the clashes involve forces of the Federal Government of Somalia and armed personnel loyal to former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, who were reportedly stationed at the residence of Member of Parliament Jaafar located along the road connecting the Dabka and Bakara Market intersections.

The fighting is taking place not far from Villa Somalia, raising fears that the security situation in the capital could deteriorate further if the clashes are not quickly contained.

Sounds of explosions and heavy weapons fire have been heard across several districts of Mogadishu, while unconfirmed reports suggest that both sides are using military vehicles and heavy weaponry during the confrontation.

The clashes come amid escalating political tensions in the Somali capital in recent days. The federal government had recently designated specific locations for planned opposition demonstrations, while security forces were heavily deployed across major roads and strategic areas of Mogadishu.

Opposition groups had also been carrying out political mobilization efforts linked to planned protests and ongoing disputes over Somalia’s political and electoral process. No official statement has yet been issued by either the government or opposition leaders regarding the latest fighting.

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MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – A senior Somali police officer, Brigadier General Salaad Mohamed, was shot dead overnight in Mogadishu, according to family members and police sources.

The killing took place in the Cabdicasiis district of the Somali capital under circumstances that remain unclear.

Security forces have since detained two of the officer’s bodyguards, who are suspected of possible involvement in the assassination. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the killing and identify those responsible.

The assassination comes at a time of heightened political and security tensions in Somalia’s capital following disputes surrounding the federal government’s mandate and the country’s electoral process.

In recent weeks, armed groups and militias aligned with both the Federal Government of Somalia and opposition factions have reportedly been deployed across parts of Mogadishu, increasing fears of instability and possible armed confrontation.

There have also been reports of increased weapons shipments entering the city, with opposition figures alleging that some of the arms were transported on flights arriving from Turkey and intended to support forces loyal to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The Somali government has not publicly responded to those allegations.

The latest killing has further raised concerns over deteriorating security conditions in Mogadishu, where political tensions and military mobilizations have intensified in recent days.

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During this 2-week period alone, six maritime security incidents appeared and four confirmed hijackings (three commercial vessels and at least one dhow), plus one armed boarding attempt deterred by embarked security, and at least two suspicious skiff approaches inside the Maritime Security Transit Corridor (MSTC).

Three of the four hijacked commercial vessels remain under pirate control as of mid-May 2026. Ransom demands on Eureka alone are reported to have escalated from $3 million to $10 million.

A further attempted approach was reported approximately 500 NM east of Mogadishu on April 28, in which a tanker was approached by a suspected pirates employing a larger wooden vessel as a mothership and two smaller skiffs, the operational signature of an extended-range PAG deployment we have seen in the past extending their reach well withing the Indian Ocean and Red Sea passage.

The operational signature is consistent: small skiffs deployed from coastal launch points or from a recently seized dhow, targeting transiting vessels in already a window of 100+ NM from the coast, with rapid redirection toward Puntland anchorages on successful boarding.

History around the Somali coast is repeating itself with lack of national stability and a divided international community fuelling the unrest within the country.

Since the Kampala Accord were signed in 2011, providing the agreed roadmap towards a functioning Somali State, limited progress was achieved towards establishing stable and united national or regional governments. Divisions between the federal government and opposition groups – including Puntland, Somaliland and Jubaland federal (member) state leaders and the opposition Somali Salvation Forum coalition led by former president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed – have undermined current election preparations.

None of this is new to Somalia’s political scene. The same issues arose among the same actors during the election that brought Mohamud to power in 2022 or President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed before him. The conflict between opposing sides is powered and maintained by various ME and Asian States supporting different players who suit their local interests best. The EU’s approach is also not very consistent. While EU advocating the sponsorship of a ‘one-nation’ solution, many of their aid and training programs are directly via regional State Governments, undermining he national powers of the Mogadishu Officials.

Again, like over a decade ago, voices are raised to pour money and resources into suppressing the occurrence of Piracy through sailing an expensive navy fleet through the area. However, although such actions proved to temporarily supress the symptoms, such use of navy equipment, designed to be effective war machines, are fully inadequate for a policing task.  For me the picture tells it all. A billion-dollar piece of marine equipment to launch a RIB (designed for beaching and not for 24/7 open ocean operations) to intercept a small skiff in non-existing perfect weather conditions.

Bringing the rule of law along the (Somali-)coast requires an effective maritime law enforcement capability, supporting both coast guard vessels designed for policing tasks and able to operate at the high-seas, as well as establishing the task force that can operate within the agreed rules of engagement.

Regretfully, with circumstances lacking tangible improvements over the last two decades and international players powering opposing Somali sides, the increasing threats to ships using the Red Sea and Indian Ocean passage will not disappear and should get the attention it deserves.

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Willem H. van der Kooi Company Owner AMO / Strategist Blue Economy

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The victim was killed in Bula Mzuri village under circumstances that have shocked residents and sparked growing calls for justice and improved security in the area.

According to local residents, the attack happened openly during the day, intensifying fears over rising violent crime in the region.

“He was stabbed in broad daylight, and that is what has left everyone in complete shock. We cannot understand how such a violent act could happen so openly in the middle of the day,” one resident said.

Family members alleged that the suspect is a known gang member who has long terrorized Bula Mzuri village and nearby areas. They expressed frustration that, despite providing authorities with the suspect’s name, no arrest had been made three days after the killing.

“It’s really disappointing to know that for the last three days nothing has been done while we already provided the suspect’s name. He is a known criminal in the area,” a family member said.

Relatives and members of the wider community described the victim as a respectful and hardworking young man who maintained strong ties with his family and community despite living abroad.

“We are here demanding justice for him. The entire family is here, the entire community is here. He was a great kid, a role model for his siblings, and an amazing person,” another family member said.

The family is now urging authorities in Garissa County to move swiftly to arrest the suspect and ensure justice is served.

As of the time of publication, Kenyan security agencies had not publicly commented on the case, and the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi had also not issued a statement regarding the killing.

Garissa County has for years faced concerns over organized youth gangs and violent crime. Reports by the National Crime Research Centre have previously identified the region as vulnerable to gang-related criminal activity.

Local gangs, including groups known as Squad Chafu and Gaza Family, have been linked to robberies, extortion, assaults, and violent attacks targeting residents and businesses in parts of northeastern Kenya.

Authorities have periodically launched crackdowns against gang networks in the region, but residents continue to complain about insecurity and delayed responses to violent crimes.

The killing has renewed concerns among residents over public safety and the need for stronger law enforcement presence in Garissa and surrounding communities.

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NUGAAL (Kaab TV) – Three students were injured after a Puntland security officer opened fire near a school in Burtinle, where standardized examinations were taking place, according to local authorities and witnesses.

The officer, who was reportedly assigned to provide security for students sitting for the Puntland certificate examinations, allegedly fired live ammunition during an incident that occurred outside the examination center.

The injured students were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment, while conflicting reports emerged regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting.

Several witnesses said the incident began after an argument broke out between the security officer and some of the students arriving to sit for the exams. The confrontation reportedly escalated before the officer opened fire, causing panic and disrupting the examination environment.

Security forces from the Puntland Police Force in Burtinle later arrived at the scene and launched an investigation into the incident.

Authorities said officers have begun questioning witnesses and collecting information to determine exactly how the shooting occurred and whether disciplinary or legal action will be taken against the soldier involved.

The incident comes as thousands of students across Puntland State are currently sitting for standardized middle and secondary school examinations under heightened security arrangements.

Education officials and local authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and peaceful environment for students during the examination period.

The shooting sparked concern among residents and parents in Burtinle, with community members calling for accountability and stronger safeguards around schools and examination centers.

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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.

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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.

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The fighting reportedly erupted after government forces attempted to disperse armed groups and opposition supporters gathered in parts of Baidoa amid escalating political tensions surrounding local administration and Somalia’s ongoing electoral disputes.

Witnesses said intense gunfire broke out shortly after dawn in several neighborhoods of the city, including areas near key roads and government facilities, causing panic among residents and forcing businesses to close temporarily.

Local residents reported seeing bodies lying on the streets following the clashes before they were later collected by relatives, local authorities, and emergency teams. Several other people were reportedly injured and taken to hospitals across Baidoa for treatment.

Although officials have not yet released an official casualty figure, local sources said both security personnel and armed opposition fighters were among those killed and wounded during the confrontation.

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MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The International Press Institute (IPI) has expressed deep concern over what it described as a growing wave of attacks, arrests, intimidation, and repression targeting Somali journalists, warning that press freedom conditions in Somalia continue to deteriorate during a politically sensitive period in the country.

In a statement released this week, IPI said the situation for journalists in Somalia worsened significantly throughout May 2026, particularly as the country faces contentious local council elections, constitutional debates, and mounting political tensions surrounding the government’s mandate and Somalia’s democratization process.

The organization, together with partner media rights groups, said it had documented numerous incidents involving threats, harassment, arrests, and attacks against journalists and media workers across different regions of Somalia.

According to IPI, reporters covering politically sensitive issues, environmental challenges, climate change, corruption allegations, security matters, and the displacement of civilians have increasingly become targets of pressure and intimidation.

The organization warned that independent media outlets are facing growing restrictions and interference while attempting to report on issues of public interest.

IPI urged Somalia’s international partners and the wider international community to increase diplomatic pressure on Somali authorities to guarantee the protection of journalists and ensure accountability for abuses committed against media workers.

“The continued attacks on independent journalism represent a serious threat to democratic participation, freedom of expression, and public trust,” the organization said, adding that urgent measures are needed to defend press freedom and media independence in Somalia.

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Somalia has long been considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Reporters frequently operate under threats from armed groups, political actors, security agencies, and unidentified assailants.

Media watchdogs say Somali journalists regularly face arbitrary detention, physical attacks, censorship, online harassment, and legal intimidation, especially when covering political disputes, security operations, corruption investigations, or protests.

In recent years, several Somali journalists have reportedly been arrested while reporting on anti-government demonstrations, security incidents, and allegations involving public officials.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly accused both state and non-state actors of attempting to silence critical reporting and limit media independence through intimidation campaigns and restrictive measures.

Analysts say pressure on the media often intensifies during politically sensitive periods, including elections, constitutional reform debates, and disputes between the federal government, opposition groups, and regional administrations.

The latest warning from IPI comes as Somalia faces increasing political polarization over electoral reforms, governance issues, and disagreements between the Federal Government of Somalia and opposition leaders regarding the country’s political direction ahead of upcoming elections.

Press freedom advocates argue that despite constitutional guarantees protecting freedom of expression, journalists in Somalia continue to work in a fragile environment marked by insecurity, weak legal protections, and limited accountability for crimes committed against media workers.

International organizations including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders have repeatedly called on Somali authorities to strengthen protections for journalists, investigate attacks against the media, and uphold press freedom standards.

IPI emphasized that protecting independent journalism remains essential for Somalia’s democratic development, transparency, and public accountability, warning that continued attacks on the press could further undermine public confidence and political stability in the country.

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