Irro said Somaliland had repeatedly entered negotiations with Somalia in good faith but claimed that agreements reached during those talks were later abandoned by Mogadishu.

“We have held talks with Somalia many times in good faith, and we have paid a very high political price. Unfortunately, Somalia later withdrew from some of the few but important agreements that were reached during those negotiations,” the Somaliland president said.

He said the experience of previous negotiations had exposed serious challenges in implementing agreements once they were reached.

According to Irro, future talks should therefore be based not only on reaching agreements but also on ensuring that both sides respect and implement the commitments they make.

The remarks come amid the long-running political dispute between Somaliland and Somalia’s Federal Government.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since operated its own government, security forces and other state institutions.

Mogadishu, however, continues to regard Somaliland as part of Somalia and rejects its claim to internationally recognized independence.

The two sides have held several rounds of negotiations over the years, with discussions addressing political relations, security, economic cooperation and the broader question of Somaliland’s status.

Regional countries and international partners have at various times supported or hosted efforts to bring the two sides together, but previous negotiations have failed to produce a comprehensive and lasting settlement.

Irro’s comments suggest that the implementation of past agreements remains a central concern for Somaliland as it considers the possibility of future negotiations with Mogadishu.

His administration appears to be seeking stronger assurances that any commitments reached in future talks will be respected and implemented by both sides.

The dispute has remained one of the most sensitive political issues in the Horn of Africa, with its implications extending beyond the two administrations to regional security, trade and diplomatic relations.

Any renewed dialogue between Hargeisa and Mogadishu is therefore likely to face pressure to address both the political disagreement over Somaliland’s status and the question of how previously negotiated commitments should be honored.

For Somaliland, Irro’s latest statement reinforces the position that future negotiations must be built around trust, mutual recognition of commitments and clear mechanisms for implementation.

For Somalia’s Federal Government, any dialogue remains complicated by its constitutional position that Somaliland is part of the country and that Somalia’s territorial integrity must be preserved.

The post Irro Accuses Federal Government of Bad Faith in Talks appeared first on Kaab TV.

In a statement, Galmudug alleged that the commission’s chairman, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, has been involved in activities linked to a candidate reportedly seeking the presidency of Galmudug, raising concerns about the commission’s neutrality ahead of the regional election.

The administration said it cannot accept an electoral body that is perceived to be aligned with a particular candidate or political party, stressing that the legitimacy of any election will depend on the existence of an independent and impartial commission trusted by all stakeholders.

Galmudug emphasized that all candidates and political parties must be given an equal opportunity to compete, warning that any perception of favoritism or political interference could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and the eventual outcome.

The regional government further called for an election framework that guarantees fairness, transparency, and broad participation, arguing that only a credible process can produce results that enjoy legitimacy, public trust, and acceptance among competing political actors.

The statement adds to growing concerns surrounding Somalia’s electoral process. The National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission was established by the federal government as part of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s push toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system. However, several federal member states, including Puntland and Jubbaland, as well as opposition political groups, have rejected the commission, arguing that it was formed without broad political consensus and lacks the confidence of key stakeholders.

Opposition leaders and some regional administrations have repeatedly questioned the commission’s independence, accusing the federal government of exerting undue influence over its operations. They have called for a more inclusive political agreement before major elections are conducted.

Galmudug’s concerns come amid reports that the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP) is backing Liban Ahmed Hassan, a businessman widely regarded as a close ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in the upcoming Galmudug presidential election. The reports have fueled speculation about federal involvement in the regional political contest, although neither the presidency nor the electoral commission has publicly responded to the allegations.

The dispute highlights the broader political tensions surrounding Somalia’s electoral roadmap, with disagreements over electoral management, constitutional reforms, and power-sharing continuing to dominate relations between the federal government, opposition groups, and some regional states.

The post Galmudug Questions the Neutrality of Somalia’s Electoral Commission appeared first on Kaab TV.

Zubeida Hassan Sheikh, the daughter of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, was recently appointed as a Counsellor and Legal Adviser at Somalia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Despite lacking prior experience in government service or international organizations, she is now among the figures expected to contribute to the advancement of Somalia’s foreign policy.

Similarly, Mushtaq Dahir Hassan, the sister of Kamal Dahir Hassan (Kamal Guutale)—a senior official in the Office of the Prime Minister—has also become part of the diplomatic staff. This appointment has further fueled debate about the influence of family ties within Somalia’s foreign affairs sector.

As this continues, President Hassan Sheikh, whose term is nearing its end, is seen as defending his administration by distributing key responsibilities as follows:

Foreign affairs have been entrusted to Jihaan and Subayda.

National security has been assigned to Maslax and Abdifataah.

National development has been handed to his brother-in-law, Adam Rooble.

Major government contracts have reportedly been delegated to his son, Abdiqani Hassan.

With the exception of General Maslax, who has some military background and limited experience, the others are viewed as lacking the professional skills or expertise required for the positions they hold.

Critics argue that instead of selecting qualified Somali intellectuals at home and abroad, President Hassan Sheikh has chosen to place his own children and close relatives into government roles, expanding their influence into offices they were never previously expected to occupy.

This situation, according to sections of the Somali public, has caused widespread frustration and concern.

The post Allegations of Nepotism in Somalia’s Foreign Policy appeared first on Kaab TV.

MP Jeesow stated that government soldiers—specifically those from the 7th Battalion led by Ahmed Gaashaan—killed five people in Yaaq-Bariweyne yesterday. Among the victims, he said, were two children between the ages of three and ten, as well as a schoolteacher.

He also reported that four women were injured in the incident and transported to Mogadishu for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the Somali National Army’s 7th Battalion stated that during their operation in Yaaq-Bariweyne yesterday, they killed and arrested several men whom they described as operators of illegal checkpoints.

Recently, two clan militias clashed in the Wanlaweyn district of Lower Shabelle, committing brutal acts. Several men accused of involvement in those incidents were subsequently sentenced to death.

The post Somali MP Accuses Government Forces of Killing Children and Women appeared first on Kaab TV.

This operation is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the activities of the terrorist organization in the region.

The airstrike occurred approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Bosaso, the capital of the Bari region in the Puntland State of Somalia.

The operation is ongoing, and assessments are being conducted to determine the extent of the impact, including casualties among government-aligned forces and the achievement of operational objectives.

The primary goal of the strike is to support Puntland security forces in their campaign to eliminate Daesh fighters from areas under their jurisdiction.

The Federal Government of Somalia has reaffirmed its strong collaboration with international partners—particularly the United States—in combating terrorism and working toward lasting peace and stability in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa.

The post U.S Airstrike Targets Daesh in Puntland Airstrike appeared first on Kaab TV.

Speaking during a regional environmental conference held in Kismayo on Monday, Madobe claimed that President Hassan Sheikh derailed negotiations aimed at reuniting Somalia’s key federal actors around shared national priorities, including constitutional reform and upcoming elections.

“If someone can overstay their mandate, then why did we insist on removing our friend [former president] Farmaajo in 2022?” Madobe asked, questioning what he described as double standards regarding presidential term extensions.

Madobe warned that Somalia is heading in a dangerous direction, saying the risk of communal conflict is higher than ever.

He emphasized that no single Somali leader should impose decisions unilaterally and called for inclusive dialogue.

“We tried to bring Somalis back together for a national conversation on the constitution, elections, and the future of the country. But it ended with the federal leadership insisting, ‘We’re moving ahead regardless,’” he said.

“That attitude is dangerous—you can imagine where it might lead.”

Reflecting on his withdrawal from the October 2024 National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, Madobe said he faced repeated rejections when raising concerns about the constitutional process and political inclusion.

“We attempted to gather all sides so we could reach a consensus. But we failed to agree,” he noted. “I raised the issue of inclusivity in constitutional discussions—Somaliland was absent, and Puntland walked away. We needed real dialogue, not exclusion.”

The Jubaland leader also addressed internal political tensions in his own region. He criticized the Jubaland parliament’s decision to extend the presidential term from four to five years, claiming it was made without his consultation.

READ MORE: A Political Pandora’s Box: NCC Recognition of SSC-Khaatumo

Madobe has boycotted NCC meetings since October 2024, deepening the rift between Kismayo and Mogadishu.

That divide widened further following his disputed re-election, which the federal government refused to recognize.

In December, the conflict escalated into an armed confrontation when federal forces deployed into Raskamboni town.

On December 11, Jubaland forces launched a surprise counter-attack, capturing hundreds of federal troops. Over 1,000 federal soldiers reportedly surrendered to Kenyan authorities, effectively halting the federal offensive.

READ MORE: Battle for Jubaland

The post Jubaland’s Ahmed Madobe Accuses Hassan Sheikh of Blocking Consensus with Puntland appeared first on Kaab TV.

This meeting was initially announced by president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

A brief statement published on the official Facebook page of the Office of the Prime Minister of Somalia announced the postponement, citing internal consultations among national leaders as the reason for the delay.

“The National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, which was scheduled to officially begin in Mogadishu tomorrow, has been rescheduled to Monday, May 5, 2025, following consultations among the country’s leaders,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the postponement aims to allow more time for further dialogue on key issues to ensure unified outcomes that serve the interests of the Somali people and nation.

Some federal government sources told Kaab TV that the meeting was delayed partly due to pressure from the Puntland State House and Jubbaland, who insisted that the talks be relocated to Garowe — a proposal strongly opposed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

International partners, who recently met with President Hassan Sheikh, have reportedly urged him to compromise for the sake of national unity, as the NCC summit has not convened since October 2024.

The last NCC meeting was held in October 2024, but a political dispute disrupted the session, leading President Ahmed Madobe of Jubbaland to withdraw and abruptly depart from Mogadishu.

The ongoing tensions between President Hassan Sheikh and federal member states have overshadowed preparations for the meeting and negatively impacted joint military operations against Al-Shabaab.

The growing political fragmentation continues to hinder Somalia’s path toward peace and reconciliation.

It remains unclear whether the rescheduled meeting will indeed take place on May 5, as previous attempts have also been postponed multiple times.

Meanwhile, President Hassan Sheikh’s administration has only a year left in office, yet the type of election the country will hold has not been agreed upon.

Despite this, the federal government is moving ahead with its controversial unilateral electoral process without the approval of regional states and other political stakeholders.

The post Somalia NCC Meeting Postponed Amid Political Disputes appeared first on Kaab TV.