AGP Executive Report

Regional Parliament Diplomacy: Somali Parliament Speaker Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur chaired the 21st EAC Speakers’ Bureau meeting in Arusha, highlighting progress on Somalia’s constitution, laws passed, and security/rule-of-law priorities. Human Rights & UN Engagement: Somalia’s Family and Human Rights Minister met UN human rights officials in Geneva to discuss deeper cooperation and plans for an OHCHR presence in Mogadishu. Economic Reforms: Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh met Norway’s ambassador to push financial-system reforms and public financial management support. Galmudug Politics: The Justice and Solidarity Party won big in Galmudug’s court-ordered rerun, taking 67 of 89 seats in the House and 179 of 243 local council seats, with Towfiiq barred from the ballot. Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160m from its emergency fund for 12 underfunded crises, including $16m for Somalia. Security & Troops: Ethiopia is reportedly preparing to withdraw over 3,000 troops from Somalia amid fighting at home, though Mogadishu says it received no notice. Piracy Aftermath: Pakistan announced compensation and housing for families of three Pakistani sailors killed during the MT Honour 25 rescue; UN and maritime bodies also renewed calls to protect seafarers.

Galmudug Politics: Somalia’s electoral commission says court-ordered rerun results are out for Galmudug, with NIEBC reporting repeat voting outcomes for the House of Representatives and local councils, reshaping the political balance after the legal dispute. Humanitarian Funding: The UN released $160 million in emergency aid for 12 underfunded crises, including $16 million for Somalia, with UN officials warning that money won’t reach people unless access barriers are removed. Piracy and Diplomacy: Pakistan says four of 10 crew members from the hijacked MT Honour 25 off Somalia have been retrieved and are due to arrive in Karachi on Oct. 3, while three others killed in the operation are being repatriated and the remaining three are still aboard—prompting fast-tracked legal steps and continued coordination with partners. Maritime Security: The IMO chief mourned five seafarers killed during the Honour 25 rescue in Somali waters, calling again for stronger protection for crews. Regional Security: Qatar reaffirmed support for Somalia’s institutions at the UN Human Rights Council, urging reforms and sustained international backing for stability and sovereignty.

Ethiopia–Eritrea Rift: Fighting in northern Ethiopia between federal forces and Tigrayan rebels is spilling into diplomacy, with Ethiopia expelling Eritrean diplomats and closing its embassy in Asmara, while Eritrea cuts ties in a tit-for-tat move—raising fresh fears of a wider Horn of Africa conflict. Regional Security & Shipping: Reports also warn of growing links between Yemen’s Houthis and Somalia’s al-Shabaab, with analysts saying arms, training, and maritime access could widen threats to Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping. Somalia–UN Support: Qatar reaffirmed backing for Somalia at the UN Human Rights Council, while the UN allocated $160M from CERF to 12 underfunded humanitarian crises including Somalia. Piracy Aftermath: Pakistan says four Pakistani crew from the hijacked MT Honour 25 will arrive in Karachi on Oct 3, while the “mortal remains” of three killed crew are being repatriated—highlighting ongoing maritime insecurity off Somalia. South West Reconciliation: A delegation led by former Lower House speaker Mohamed Mursal arrived in Baidoa to push dialogue amid tensions as forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen remain positioned around the city. Somali Regional Politics: In Jigjiga, Mustafe Mohamud Omar Cagjar was reelected for another five-year term and named a new 27-member executive council.

UN Human Rights: Qatar told the UN Human Rights Council it backs Somalia’s state-building, security, rule of law and a new human rights office, urging longer-term development linked to emergency aid. Piracy & Diplomacy: Pakistan says survivors of the hijacked MT Honour 25 have been moved to Garowe, while three Pakistani crew died and four others were injured during the Puntland-led recovery; repatriation efforts are underway. Regional Politics: In Ethiopia’s Somali Region, Mustafe Cagjar was reelected for a new five-year term as lawmakers also renewed top regional posts. Military Developments: Reports say Ethiopia may withdraw 3,000+ troops from Somalia amid renewed fighting at home; Mogadishu says it was not informed. Food Security Risk: A UN official warned that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could worsen fertilizer shortages, naming Somalia among the most exposed countries. Security & Rights: A new global Bible access report lists Somalia among countries where restrictions make Scripture access difficult or dangerous.

Maritime Security & Diplomacy: Pakistan says it is coordinating with Somali authorities to repatriate bodies and treat survivors after pirates killed five crew members during the MT Honour 25 recovery, with three Pakistanis among the dead and four injured. Humanitarian Crisis in Baidoa: The ICRC reports 148 wounded treated after heavy fighting in Baidoa, while UNICEF warns children are again bearing the brunt and urges protection of schools and health facilities. UK Calls for Restraint: Britain urges rival sides in Baidoa to de-escalate and protect civilians as the fighting worsens an already fragile humanitarian situation. Internal Governance Pressure: Somalia’s federal government began enforcing NIRA ID requirements for domestic travel, disrupting flights for Puntland passengers who lack the card. Regional Military Fallout: Ethiopia is reportedly planning to withdraw more than 3,000 troops from Somalia amid renewed fighting at home, though Mogadishu says it has not been officially notified. Security & Foreign Influence: Turkey’s growing military footprint in Somalia is being pulled into local political violence, with accusations of airstrikes around Baidoa and Doolow. Education Support: Qatar Charity marked the graduation of 162 sponsored students from Mogadishu University, highlighting continued investment in higher education.

Maritime Security & Piracy: UAE condemned the killing and wounding of crew during Puntland’s operation to free the hijacked MT Honour 25 off Somalia, where pirates reportedly killed five before the rescue; Pakistan’s Foreign Office said three Pakistani sailors died and four others were injured, while Puntland said 16 pirates were detained. Diplomacy & Regional Politics: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud kept up a diplomatic push, meeting Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed and then Djibouti’s Guelleh, as Baidoa fighting and wider Horn tensions test alliances. Elections & Governance: Direct voting began for parliamentary and municipal elections in Galmudug and Hirshabelle, with curfews and security measures in place as voters chose representatives. Humanitarian Crisis: UNICEF warned that renewed clashes in Baidoa are hitting children and damaging health facilities as hunger worsens under El Niño pressures. Education: Qatar Charity marked the graduation of 162 sponsored students from Mogadishu University, highlighting long-running support for higher education.

Piracy and maritime security: Puntland says it rescued the hijacked MT Honour 25 off Dharin-baar, Bandar Beyla, after pirates killed five crew members before the operation; 16 suspected pirates were arrested and others are being pursued, while a separate tanker (MT Eureka) saw the release of Egyptian sailors after months in captivity. Diplomacy and regional security: Somalia’s President held a working visit with Ethiopia’s PM in Addis Ababa focused on Horn security, with multiple sensitive files reportedly on the agenda, including Baidoa’s defense and the legal basis for counter-terror roles. Governance and budgeting: Somalia’s Deputy Finance Minister concluded public consultations on the 2027 national budget in Mogadishu, gathering input on spending priorities. Humanitarian support: WFP welcomed a $2m Republic of Korea contribution to back home-grown school meals and treat moderate acute malnutrition for 47,500 children as crisis hunger deepens. Energy and investment: Applus+ began offshore rig services in Somalia, providing inspection and certification support for drilling equipment. Parliamentary oversight: Somalia’s Senate Secretary-General attended a pan-African parliamentary administrators conference in South Africa, pushing institutional modernization.

Somalia Security & Governance: Puntland says it has freed the hijacked MT Honour 25 after more than five months in pirate hands, detaining suspects and reporting two wounded pirates; earlier reports from the same operation also say pirates killed five crew members, including three Pakistanis, during an exchange of fire as forces rescued the tanker. Regional Conflict & Red Sea Risks: A new report warns al-Shabaab has built a transactional relationship with Yemen’s Houthis, including training and drone/weapon know-how, raising fears of a wider Red Sea security threat. Baidoa Political Violence: Southwest Somalia’s Laftagareen-aligned forces accuse the federal government and Türkiye of airstrikes on Baidoa that hit civilian areas, as fighting continues around the city. Diplomacy: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa to discuss security and political stability in the Horn. Humanitarian Pressure: New hunger findings warn El Niño-linked risks could push millions in the Horn toward crisis, with Baidoa among the worst-hit areas.

Hunger Emergency: WFP warns Somalia’s El Niño-linked crisis is worsening fast, with 5.4 million people facing crisis or worse food insecurity in the Horn, including 1.5 million in emergency and 26,000 in Baidoa at catastrophic risk. Baidoa Security: Fighting and rival claims over control of Baidoa continue, with Southwest State and federal forces trading accusations over al-Shabaab attacks and operations, while Gorgor special forces were reportedly flown in to reinforce security. Turkey’s Role Under Fire: Turkey’s growing military footprint is being pulled into Somalia’s internal political battles, as Turkish airstrikes are alleged around Baidoa and protests accuse Ankara of “occupying” Somalia. Diplomacy: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa to discuss security and regional stability. Legal/Border Dispute: A Nairobi court ordered Kenya to return EALA MP Abdirahman Bashir Shariff’s Kenyan passport within 24 hours after a dual-citizenship entry row. Maritime Security: Puntland says it freed the Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour from pirates, continuing a push against piracy off Somalia’s coast. Humanitarian Leadership: UN OCHA appointed Turkish diplomat Mehmet Gulluoglu to two senior humanitarian posts.

Baidoa Security Crisis: Heavy fighting in Somalia’s Baidoa has intensified again, with fighter jets and drones reported after thousands of fighters loyal to ousted South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen attacked federal positions; civilians struggled to flee and Doctors Without Borders reported deaths and dozens injured. Regional Mediation on Ethiopia: The UN and AU urged former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to restart mediation to prevent renewed conflict in Ethiopia’s north from unraveling the 2022 Pretoria peace deal. Ethiopia-TPLF Escalation Claims: Ethiopia’s army chief accused Eritrea, Sudan and Egypt of backing TPLF-linked forces capturing strategic towns, while denials and fears of wider spillover grow as diplomats meet at the UN. Somalia Anti-Piracy Push: Somalia is tightening coastal security as piracy resurges in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, including Puntland patrols and new piracy/kidnapping legislation with special courts. Mogadishu Security Politics: Somalia’s parliament approved piracy response laws as the government also faces ongoing internal security pressure, including clashes involving local forces. UN Reform Debate: Algeria used the UN General Assembly to call for stronger General Assembly authority and deep Security Council reform, warning against selectivity and double standards. US Military Presence: Maryland National Guard plans to deploy about 300 soldiers to support counterterrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa from Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti.

Baidoa Security Crisis: Heavy fighting erupted in Somalia’s Baidoa as Laftagareen-aligned forces attacked federal positions, with both sides claiming control of parts of the city and residents reporting shelling and drone use; casualty figures were not independently confirmed. Mogadishu Governance: Somalia’s parliament speaker says he will cut salaries and stipends for about 50 lawmakers who miss assembly meetings, including some ministers, starting this September. Counterterrorism Claims: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre denied paying Al-Shabaab to keep Mogadishu secure, saying the government fights the group and only considers talks with those willing to renounce its ideology. Economy Under Pressure: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told the UN that Strait of Hormuz disruptions cut Somalia’s customs-based revenue by about 40%, driving up food, fuel, transport and insurance costs. Maritime Hostage Update: Families of 10 Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates say they lost contact with the crew and do not know their whereabouts. Diplomacy & External Ties: Somalia and China marked the launch of a Somalia-China Youth Center for Friendship and Cooperation, with officials framing it as a people-to-people boost to the strategic partnership. Regional Politics: Nigeria renewed its push for a UN Security Council permanent seat with veto power, arguing Africa’s exclusion undermines the council’s credibility. Somalia in UN Spotlight: A UNGA walkout during Netanyahu’s speech included Somalia among countries leaving the chamber.

Somalia Security & Governance: Somalia’s House of the People approved an international judicial cooperation bill and advanced Central Bank law amendments, as lawmakers also moved to scrutinize defense spending after reported cuts to retired and disabled soldiers’ benefits and families of fallen troops. Defense Committee Fallout: The Defence Committee summoned Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and the army chief for 4 October, demanding the legal basis for benefit reductions affecting nearly 6,000 people. Elections in Disputed Areas: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said Jubaland elections will proceed in accessible areas, with alternative procedures where voting is impossible due to security or logistics. Counter-Al-Shabaab Operations: Somali forces carried out operations in Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle, targeting al-Shabaab positions and landmine threats, while NISA said 12 militants were killed in one operation. Piracy & Puntland Detentions: Puntland-linked transfers saw suspected pirates escape during movement to Garowe after the SIBU tanker raid, raising questions about custody practices. International Support Talks: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, the UK and the US held deputy-level talks on Somalia’s security and territorial integrity during UNGA week, while Somalia’s PM warned against complacency over Mogadishu security. Humanitarian & Police Capacity: Somalia launched the sixth Federal Darwish batch with EU support and inaugurated an EU-Somalia business forum for October, alongside efforts to prepare for El Niño impacts.

Military Justice: A Somali military court sentenced former soldier Cabdi Aadan Ibraahim to death for killing a civilian in Garasbaaley after firing shots and trying to flee. Defence & Welfare: Somalia’s House of the People Defence Committee summoned Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and the army chief over alleged cuts to benefits for nearly 6,000 retired/disabled soldiers and families of fallen officers, demanding the legal basis and details of any sold camps. Orphans Care Fallout: Families of Somali National Army orphans say allowances were halved from $200 to $100 months after the Orphans Care Agency was launched, with questions now aimed at the president’s promised support. Elections in Jubaland: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said Jubaland elections will proceed in accessible areas, using alternative procedures where voting is impossible. Regional Politics: Puntland urged the UN Security Council to intervene in Somalia’s political dispute and called for an inclusive dialogue and review of weapons restrictions. Security & Capacity: Somalia inaugurated the sixth Federal Darwish police batch with EU support and EU-Somalia announced a business forum for Oct. 5–6. International Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, the UK and US met in New York to discuss support for Somalia’s stability and sovereignty. El Niño Planning: Somalia launched national preparations for El Niño 2026–2027 as humanitarian agencies warn of hunger and flooding risks.

Somalia Security: Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) says it killed 12 al-Shabab militants in a planned operation in Bur Saruur, Middle Shabelle, destroying hideouts and equipment while pursuing remaining fighters. South West Governance: South West State leader Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe opened an annual forum in Baidoa focused on strengthening local institutions, improving public services, coordinating security, and preparing for El Niño flooding impacts. Allegations & Accountability: Former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has urged UN and international partners to investigate alleged federal attacks and abuses in South West Somalia, including claims of six months of operations near Baidoa and alleged airstrikes affecting villages and civilians. Regional Security & Recognition: Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro says his government wants expanded future security cooperation with the U.S. and Israel, including possible training for Somaliland forces, as part of its push for broader international recognition. Maritime Security: Puntland says it rescued a U.S.-sanctioned tanker (Sibu 1) from Somali pirates in a counter-piracy operation, capturing pirates and freeing the crew, while other hijacked tankers remain held. Humanitarian & Climate: FAO warns El Niño funding gaps are leaving millions without adequate support, noting Somalia’s hunger crisis and displacement pressures.

Counterterror Operations: Somalia’s NISA says it killed 12 al-Shabab members in a planned operation in Buur-Saruur, Middle Shabelle, destroying supplies and facilities and continuing to pursue remaining fighters. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro told U.S. and Israeli officials Somaliland wants expanded future security cooperation, including possible training for its forces, as it pushes for greater international recognition. South West Tensions: Former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen accused Somalia’s federal government of a six-month campaign against civilians and political opponents around Baidoa and Doolow, alleging airstrikes and possible coordination with al-Shabab—claims the federal side has previously rejected. Maritime Security: Puntland forces rescued the U.S.-sanctioned oil tanker Sibu 1 from pirates in the Gulf of Aden, killing one suspect, wounding four, and detaining 15, while the crew was freed safely. UN & Humanitarian Pressure: Somalia’s acting president attended the General Daud basketball final in Mogadishu, while UN officials warned El Niño-linked food crises are underfunded, with Somalia among the hardest hit. International Engagement: Somalia’s ambassador in Kenya bid farewell to students heading to Japan on scholarships, highlighting education links as part of broader government outreach.

Somalia at UNGA: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud used his UN General Assembly address to call for an immediate Gaza ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and renewed push for a two-state solution, while also stressing Somalia’s role in UN Security Council work on peace and stability. El Niño hunger pressure: The UN says it has received only about one-fifth of the $202m it requested to prepare for El Niño-linked food crises across 22 high-risk countries, with Somalia already facing severe hunger and worsening child malnutrition. Puntland anti-piracy win: Puntland maritime forces freed the oil tanker Sibu 1 after a two-day operation off Mudug, reporting casualties among pirates and taking prisoners, as the ship and crew were secured. South West mediation deadlock: South West peace efforts around Baidoa face renewed strain, with Laftagareen’s faction saying no ceasefire has been agreed, even as mediation talks and famine-risk warnings intensify. Regional security backdrop: UNHCR warned that forced displacement is outpacing durable solutions and urged political action over indefinite aid, as Yemen’s renewed fighting continues to drive mass displacement. US deportations to Somalia: US authorities deported eight Somali men from Guantanamo Bay, including a Minnesota resident, renewing scrutiny of detention and removal practices.