Dr. Ali Said Fiqi claims rifles meant to fight al-Shabab are being handed to militias in Burhakaba, warning that the diversion of national security assets is "fueling tension" and putting innocent lives at risk.
Somalia is urging a formal security alliance with Saudi Arabia and Egypt to counter Red Sea threats, militant violence and foreign interference, while condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Donald Trump has offered renewed U.S. mediation over Ethiopia’s GERD dispute with Egypt and Sudan, proposing drought safeguards and energy cooperation as tensions rise over Nile water security.
Ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Sudan left Mogadishu on 17 January 2026 to attend the Northeast Somalia President’s inauguration, underscoring rising foreign support for Somalia’s federal state-building.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Cirro says Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey ignored identical appeals that drew a response from Israel, and warns any Somali military move against Somaliland would fail.