AU Diplomacy: Somalia officially took a seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council for the first time since 2003, with a flag-raising ceremony marking a two-year term and a push for deeper continental role in conflict prevention and stability. Regional Security Talks: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made an unannounced visit to Kenya for high-level talks with William Ruto, with discussions focused on Somalia’s political and security situation amid electoral uncertainty and regional troop deployments. Somalia-Kenya Security Cooperation: In a separate meeting in Narok, the two presidents agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on maritime security and counterterrorism, including intelligence sharing against Al-Shabaab. UNFPA Partnership: Mogadishu’s Youth and Sports Ministry met UNFPA’s new Somalia representative to expand programs for youth empowerment and women’s sports. Hiiraan Clan Violence: Somalia’s acting president and Interior ministry both urged an immediate end to renewed fighting in Jalalaqsi, warning against incitement and misinformation. Federal Rift Watch: Reports say Puntland has escalated troop deployments to block federal troop movement, raising fears of armed confrontation between Mogadishu and Puntland. Electoral Deadlock: Somalia’s opposition backed a transitional direct-elections model blending direct voting with the 4.5 clan power-sharing system, while other political groups criticized recent Banadir and Southwest elections over irregularities and transparency gaps. Israel-Somaliland Tensions: Somalia’s foreign affairs state minister denied claims of a secret Israel visit, as debate continues over Israel’s growing ties with Somaliland and Somalia’s sovereignty concerns.