Somalia–Elections & Security: Somalia’s NISA intelligence chief, Mahad Mohamed Salad, arrived in Galmudug for talks with President Ahmed Abdi Kariye “Qoorqoor” as tensions rise over political participation and party alignment ahead of regional electoral processes, with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre reportedly preparing a visit to help de-escalate. Federal–Regional Power Struggle: Puntland’s cabinet says it is not part of Somalia’s national army and bars non-Puntland forces and vehicles, rejecting Hassan Sheikh’s post-term status—an escalation tied to accusations that Mogadishu recruits and funds militias in Puntland under a “54th Division” label. Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Somaliland’s president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi arrived in Jerusalem for a high-profile state visit after Israel recognized Somaliland, with a strategic cooperation agreement signed as Israel frames the move around Red Sea security and Horn of Africa influence. Piracy Hostages: Families of 10 Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates protested in Karachi, demanding stronger diplomatic action and warning that negotiations are stalled while the captives remain in custody. Regional Finance & Resources: At the IsDB annual meetings in Baku, IsDB approved a Somalia country engagement framework for 2026–2028 worth $45m, while AzerGold met Somalia’s development and reconstruction bank director general to discuss mineral mapping and attracting investors. Humanitarian/Conflict Watch: The UN warned Sudan’s RSF could imminently lay siege to el-Obeid in North Kordofan, raising fears of mass atrocities amid fuel shortages and intensified shelling.