On June 7, gunmen abducted and killed Sa’id Guure Ali Baar, a taxi driver, and his passenger Anab Burhan Mohamed in a brazen daylight attack.

Both were shot at point-blank range, and the perpetrators fled the scene.

Local authorities believe the double murder is part of a retaliatory cycle stemming from earlier inter-clan violence, indicating a resurgence of revenge killings that had long plagued the region.

Anab, a young woman and victim of the attack, was the daughter of Burhan Mohamed Abdi, a well-known journalist and former director of Radio Galkayo.

Her burial took place the following day, with an outpouring of condolences from the public to the grieving family.

In response to the killings, the Galkayo Youth Movement — a civic group recently active in addressing social issues — released a statement on June 10 urging government officials, elders, and the wider public to confront the growing threat of clan-based violence.

“Clan-based divisions are an issue that needs to be addressed collectively, honestly, and with the investment of time, resources, and intellect,” the group said, expressing concern over the increasing recurrence of such attacks.

The youth called on the Puntland authorities, who administer northern Galkayo, to enhance police operations and increase security patrols in vulnerable areas.

Galkayo has historically been a hotspot for clan conflict, but the city has enjoyed over a decade of relative stability following reconciliation efforts. The city is divided between two federal member states: Galmudug governs the southern part, while Puntland controls the north.

Recent skirmishes between members of the Leelkase and Habargidir clans in western Galkayo have sparked fears of renewed instability across the city.

Puntland’s Mudug regional governor, Faisal Sheikh Ali, confirmed that the authorities are actively addressing the escalating situation. Last week, he hosted a meeting focused on curbing clan revenge killings.

The meeting — organized by local youth — brought together religious leaders, businesspeople, and members of the local council to discuss coordinated efforts to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed.

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In recent months, freedom of the press in Somalia has  significantly deteriorated, while security challenges continue to rise. The Al-Shabaab militant group has recently escalated its campaign on Mogadishu and surrounding areas, launching raids and planting bombs in key civilian areas. In response, the authorities announced a ban on any reporting concerning the security situation in Mogadishu, which has left a large information gap for Somali citizens.

This illegal ban on reportage on the security situation has been used as a pretext to suppress press freedom in Somalia. Earlier this month, Somali Police arrested Feisal Omar (Reuters) for reporting on a protest by the Somali Bantu minority community, and the directors of a local outlet, Shabelle Media, Abukar Sheik Mohamud and Mahmud Abdinasir Soofeeysane, for hosting an interview on insecurity in Mogadishu.

This recent trend began in February 2025 after journalists reported on the United States embassy’s security alert regarding imminent attacks in Mogadishu. The local police commissioner in Mogadishu threatened to detain “anyone who reports on security issues in a hot and dark cell with no lights.” On March 18, after an Al-Shabaab bombing targeting the Somali President’s convoy outside the presidential palace, which sadly claimed the life of journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe, Somali police arrested nineteen journalists from both local and international outlets who were on the scene to report the news. In addition, the police raided and shut down the offices of Risaala Media Corporation without a warrant after Risaala Media’s reporting on the bombing. Five other journalists were arrested and taken to the local police station for interrogation before being released with a warning not to report on security issues.

On March 25, journalist Ibrahim Mohamed Mayow was forcibly disappeared by armed officers linked to the regional police commissioner after reporting on an Al-Shabaab attack in the town of Afgooye, outside of Mogadishu. Mr. Mayow was summoned by the police commissioner after he published a video showing the aftermath of the mortar attack. Although local journalists went to the Afgooye police station to inquire about his whereabouts, the station informed them that they did not have him in custody. SJS confirms that Mr. Mayow was held in an undisclosed location until March 28, when he was driven to Mogadishu and thrown out of the car. The Somali police, who were responsible for his abduction, never issued any statement regarding his kidnapping or release.

Even journalists who were reporting on issues unrelated to the security situation have been caught up in the net of repression. On March 15, after journalist Bahjo Abdullahi Salad reported on leftover food and waste being dumped in a neighborhood in Mogadishu, agents from the National Intelligence and Security Agency raided her home, arrested her, and interrogated her for four hours. Her report was seen as a criticism of the Prime Minister, who had attended an event nearby that contributed to the dumping, and she was only freed after other journalists protested her detention.

“We are deeply alarmed by the escalating attacks on journalists across Somalia and the worsening security situation facing the media. The recent attacks on journalists in Mogadishu by Somalia’s police and national intelligence (NISA) and the death of journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe in an Al-Shabaab bombing in Mogadishu, which also claimed the lives of innocent civilians, is a tragic reminder of the dangers journalists face while informing the public,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin. “Somali authorities must end this culture of silencing critical voices and ensure journalists can work without fear of violence, arrest, or intimidation.”

“The ban on reportage around security issues is not a permissible limitation to the right to freedom of speech under human rights law,” said Ikechukwu Uzoma, senior staff attorney at RFK Human Rights. “Somali authorities must begin to see a free press as a critical part of the advancement of peace and security in the country—journalism is not a crime,” he added.

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Military officials from South West State said the clash began at dawn when Al-Shabaab fighters launched a surprise attack on a military base in Baay Burjeed manned by regional troops.

The confrontation resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides.

In an official statement, the South West State government confirmed that its forces had repelled the attack and dealt a significant blow to Al-Shabaab.

The statement also noted that bodies believed to be those of Al-Shabaab fighters were brought to Baidoa after the fighting.

Officials also confirmed the loss of several South West State officers during the confrontation.

Following the attack, residents of Baidoa and regional security forces gathered in the city center to express their support and celebrate what they described as a military victory.

The assault reportedly began with explosions targeting the military outpost before an armed assault ensued.

Security forces said they repelled the attack, killing and wounding several of the attackers.

“The Council of Ministers praised the Armed Forces for defeating the surprise assault launched by the Khawarij Al-Shabaab on army and Darawish positions near Baidoa,” read a statement from the South West State presidency.

President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) later visited frontline troops in Baidoa to commend their efforts and encourage them to continue defending the region.

“We will hunt them down everywhere — in villages, towns, wherever they try to hide,” president Laftagareen declared.

Al-Shabaab, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the Somali government, the United Nations, and other international actors, has intensified its operations across southern and central Somalia in recent months.

The group has regained control over various areas in Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and Lower Shabelle.

Despite ongoing military operations, Al-Shabaab maintains control over many rural areas and key roads in South West State, restricting civilian travel.

However, reports from towns such as Xudur, Diinsoor, and Waajid suggest that the group has recently begun allowing public vehicles to use certain routes leading to Baidoa.

It remains unclear whether this shift is part of a broader strategy by Al-Shabaab to expand its influence and territorial control in southern and central Somalia.

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According to the operation’s commanders, Miiraale Valley, located in the Cal Miskaad range, was believed to be a key hiding area for ISIS Somalia militants, who have been fiercely resisting the advancing forces.

In a brief statement, Puntland forces reported that they cleared the valley’s caves of the militants who had been hiding there.

This marks the third phase of the ongoing military offensive.

The operation against the ISIS-affiliated group began in December 2024, and Puntland authorities say that most of the mountainous areas have now been cleared of the group’s presence.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has supported the operation with aerial strikes targeting ISIS hideouts, while the United Arab Emirates contributed equipment and financial aid.

Kenya and Ethiopia have also provided support to the campaign.

ISIS Somalia is believed to have its main base in the Cal Miskaad and Cal Madow mountain ranges in the Bari region.

Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab, linked to the Al-Qaeda network, also maintains strongholds in Cal Madow and the Golis mountains.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni announced in December that once the Cal Miskaad operation concludes, troops will advance into the Cal Madow mountains to clear out remaining extremist elements.

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The displacement is largely due to renewed conflict in Puntland State, in northeastern Somalia, and ongoing violence in Middle and Lower Shabelle regions, which fall under Hirshabelle and South West States.

OCHA warns that 4.6 million people in Somalia are projected to face high levels of hunger this year.

“In Middle and Lower Shabelle, clashes between Somali National Army forces and non-state armed groups have forced over 30,000 people from 20 villages to flee, many of whom have taken refuge in Middle Shabelle and the capital, Mogadishu,” OCHA stated in its latest humanitarian update.

Security concerns in contested areas

Al-Shabaab militants continue to carry out deadly attacks in southern and central Somalia as they attempt to advance towards Mogadishu.

Security concerns in contested areas such as Aden Yabal and Cadale in Middle Shabelle are severely restricting humanitarian access, the UN said.

Intensifying Conflict in Middle Shabelle Fuels Civilian Crisis in Somalia

This includes the closure of two nutrition facilities and all mobile health and nutrition services in Adan Yabaal district.

“Humanitarian needs are rapidly rising amidst access challenges, compounded by worsening dry conditions and rising water prices,” OCHA said.

In Puntland, nearly 800,000 people are facing acute water and food shortages due to failed 2024 Deyr rains and bleak forecasts for the upcoming 2025 Gu’ season.

The situation is forcing large-scale displacement of both people and livestock.

Military operations and inter-clan clashes have displaced over 70,000 people, including 10,000 from Qandala district in Bari region.

OCHA is currently analyzing data from rapid needs assessments to gauge the full extent of the humanitarian crisis.

The findings will inform targeted responses by aid agencies.

Additionally, prolonged dry conditions in hard-to-reach areas like Xarardheere district in Mudug have caused widespread livestock deaths, deepening the livelihood crisis.

The UN warns that both conflict and climate shocks are now driving displacement across Somalia, creating urgent and complex humanitarian challenges.

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In a press release issued on Thursday by the Somaliland Council of Ministers, the government clarified that it has had no discussions with the Somali government concerning the release of prisoners.

“The prisoners taken to Mogadishu by the Prime Minister of Somalia are not prisoners of war,” the statement from the Somaliland Presidency read.

The statement went on to say, “The Somaliland government considers this move an attempt to cover up the political failure of the Somali government.”

International cooperation on prisoner exchange

Somaliland said it had held discussions with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and ambassadors from friendly nations to resolve the prisoner issue in accordance with international laws and procedures regarding prisoners.

“Somaliland is ready to exchange prisoners through any process that aligns with international prisoner exchange frameworks, with the ICRC at the core,” the statement continued.

“The Somaliland government has already discussed the issue of prisoners with its partner countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Finland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.”

SSC-Khaatumo Releases 25 Somaliland Prisoners of War

On Tuesday, the SSC-Khaatumo administration released 25 of the Somaliland prisoners who had been held in Las Anod, Sool region.

The release came following a visit by Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to Las Anod this week.

In a joint statement issued by SSC-Khaatumo and the Somali government, it was announced that SSC-Khaatumo had agreed to release 25 prisoners due to special circumstances, describing the move as part of ongoing peace efforts.

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The battle, which lasted more than nine months and took place in the city of Lasanod, led to the defeat of Somaliland forces in August 2023.

SSC-Khaatumo captured more than 300 Somaliland prisoners, who were being held in a detention facility in Lasanod.

The release of the 25 prisoners was announced in a joint statement issued by the Federal Government of Somalia and SSC-Khaatumo.

“The SSC-Khaatumo administration, after consultation with its governing councils, has handed over 25 prisoners captured during the fighting with Somaliland to the Federal Government of Somalia,” the press release stated.

The statement coincided with the conclusion of a two-day visit to Lasanod by Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

The SSC-Khaatumo administration has released 25 prisoners of war who were captured during the 2023 conflict between SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland.

According to the press release, SSC-Khaatumo decided to release the prisoners due to their health conditions.

SSC-Khaatumo… pic.twitter.com/5bDt2ldPMM

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) April 15, 2025

According to the press release, SSC-Khaatumo decided to release the prisoners due to their health conditions.

SSC-Khaatumo said the decision was made in consideration of the ongoing peacebuilding initiative.

It remains unclear what will happen to the other prisoners still in SSC-Khaatumo’s custody.

Meanwhile, Somaliland is also holding individuals from the Lasanod area in detention in Hargeisa.

There have been calls from members of the international community urging SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland to engage in dialogue to resolve their disputes and release all detainees held by both sides.

Lasanod was previously part of Somaliland, which had declared separation from Somalia.
However, since the beginning of 2024, the Federal Government has recognized it as part of a Somali federal member state.

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The visit to Somalia is part of a broader regional tour that also includes stops in Ethiopia and Sudan.

During his stay in Mogadishu, da Silva held meetings with Somali authorities and international partners to discuss development priorities and ongoing projects across key sectors.

Moreira da Silva met with Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, reiterating UNOPS’ dedication to supporting Somalia’s reconstruction efforts and institution-building.

“For over three decades, we have worked with Somali institutions and international partners to strengthen governance, healthcare, infrastructure, and security,” da Silva said in a statement. “We remain committed to offering practical solutions that support peace and resilience.”

Al-Shabaab threats

His visit comes at a time when Somalia is grappling with an increasingly fragile security landscape.

The militant group Al-Shabaab—designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations and numerous countries—continues to pose a serious threat across much of the country.

In recent months, the group has escalated its attacks on civilian and government targets, including deadly bombings, ambushes, and targeted assassinations, particularly in Mogadishu and central Somalia.

Security analysts warn that Al-Shabaab remains a well-organized and adaptive force, capable of disrupting humanitarian efforts and development progress.

The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands and contributed to a worsening humanitarian crisis, with nearly six million people—one-third of Somalia’s population—in need of urgent assistance.

Despite these challenges, UNOPS is pressing ahead with vital programs.

Among them is the construction of Somalia’s first fully functional national blood bank—a milestone in the country’s efforts to improve healthcare services.

UNOPS is also collaborating with the Ministry of Health to build and rehabilitate six regional hospitals and a central cold chain facility.

Furthermore, da Silva underscored UNOPS’ work to enhance the capacity of the Somali National Army by providing non-lethal support, funded through the European Peace Facility.

This initiative is aimed at bolstering Somalia’s security forces and promoting rule of law.

“Our support is especially critical in this context of instability,” he noted. “Whether through infrastructure, procurement, or crisis response, UNOPS stands with the Somali people in their pursuit of peace, security, and a better future.”

As the visit concluded, da Silva emphasized the need for sustained international support to help Somalia overcome the dual challenges of violent extremism and humanitarian need while laying the groundwork for long-term stability and development.

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Diplomatic sources have informed Kaab TV that Addis Ababa has been given approval to deploy up to 2,000 troops as part of the new peacekeeping mission.

The AUSSOM mission has been launched despite facing financial challenges.

Ethiopian forces were previously part of the ATMIS mission, which has now ended.

The decision to include Ethiopian forces in AUSSOM comes after Burundi withdrew from the mission, citing dissatisfaction with the limited troop allocation.

Burundi has labeled the decision to exclude them from AUSSOM as an act of betrayal.

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The agreement, witnessed by Puntland’s Interior Minister Abdi Farah Said, marks a critical step toward restoring peace after days of violence between the Reer Mahad and Mohamed Omar clans of the Majerteen sub-clan.

Local authorities report that 14 people were affected by the conflict, with four killed and 10 others injured.

The fighting, which lasted two days, centered around disputes over rural land and access to water wells, culminating in the destruction of a vital well that served the local community.

The violence forced much of the local population to flee, leaving schools closed and many still afraid to return to their homes.

Discussions for a comprehensive and lasting peace are set to begin on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at the residence of Sultan Mohamed Sultan Mohamoud in Xarfo.

In today’s preliminary agreement, Interior Minister Abdi Farah Said announced strict measures to prevent further hostilities.

Ceasefire Commitment

Both parties have agreed to a complete ceasefire.

Clan militias must vacate Xarfo and move to designated areas agreed upon during the meeting. Weapons are prohibited within and around the town.

The clans will prepare for the upcoming peace conference to address the root causes of the conflict.

Any party breaking the ceasefire will be fined $20,000 and held accountable for any resulting damages.

Puntland’s government will assume responsibility for ensuring Xarfo’s security.

The clans involved, Reer Mahad and Mohamed Omar, will equally share the expenses for the peace conference and hospitality.

Local leaders endorsed the agreement, expressing hope for long-term stability. Xarfo District Commissioner Abdirahman Hirsi emphasized the importance of peace.

“Xarfo district is at the heart of Puntland. It doesn’t need bullets—it needs peace and development,” Commissioner Hirsi said.

On his side, Mudug Regional Governor Faisal Sheikh Ali (Jifo Jabsade) addressed the need for accountability.

“When an oppressive criminal is killed, instead of condemning his actions, some cry out claiming, ‘We’ve lost a son.’ That mindset is not right. We need clan leaders to prevent future violence and work with the government to bring criminals to justice,” stated Governor Faisal.

Women’s Role in Peacebuilding

Women played a significant role in advocating for peace. Mamo Hawo, a respected local peace advocate, delivered a compelling speech urging accountability and unity.

“We are a Muslim and noble people. The cow’s milk that is on our shoulders—if we spill it, the regret will be ours,” she noted in her poem addressed to the warring sides.

Hawo challenged elders to take responsibility for their sons’ actions and reminded the community that without peace, everything, including their livelihoods, would be lost. She further warned about the consequences in the hereafter, saying, “Killing and looting will never be forgotten.”

Hawo also called for the government and the local community to work together, emphasizing the need for a deep assessment of the underlying causes of the recurrent conflict.

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