Somalia Roundup: Humanitarian crisis, counterterrorism, direct elections

U.S. aid cuts and airstrikes deepen Somalia's humanitarian crisis

Health clinics in Baidoa, Somalia, report worsening child malnutrition and declining vaccination coverage. According to Save the Children’s Moazzam Malik, prolonged drought, loss of livelihoods, and climate change have left families in urgent need. He also cited the impact of international aid reductions. Meanwhile, the U.S. conducted additional airstrikes in Somalia last week—the 49th since President Donald Trump returned to office, as recorded by the New America think tank.

Turkey’s Erdoğan and Mohamud discuss counterterrorism and regional tensions

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hosted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara on Friday, July 11, to strengthen bilateral relations, with a focus on counterterrorism and regional cooperation. The meeting took place behind closed doors at the Presidential Complex, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate. The talks occurred amid rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia following a stalled mediation process over Ethiopia’s port access deal with Somaliland. The agreement, signed in January 2024, grants Ethiopia access to a portion of Somaliland’s coastline in exchange for support for Somaliland’s international recognition. Somalia opposes the deal, calling it a violation of its sovereignty. Turkey has been mediating since February 2024.

Egypt delays troop deployment to AU Somalia mission

Egypt has yet to deploy its pledged battalion to the African Union Stabilisation Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), raising concerns over the mission’s stability. While AU officials publicly describe the situation as a delay, diplomatic sources suggest Cairo is increasingly unwilling to participate. As a result, the AU has extended the mandate of a Burundian contingent to fill the gap. The 1,091 Egyptian troops were scheduled for deployment in the Middle Shabelle region, a strategically important area now left exposed due to the drawdown of the previous mission, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Somalia’s HirShabelle state begins voter registration for direct elections

In south-central Somalia, Ali Gudlawe Hussein, president of HirShabelle state, initiated a voter registration drive in the state’s capital, Jowhar, on Sunday, July 13, a push for the state’s first direct elections in over half a century. He became the first registrant during a public ceremony attended by hundreds. The registration, overseen by the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC), supports a federally-backed transition from the clan-based power-sharing system to a “one person, one vote” electoral model.

Puntland president denies claims of anti-federal agenda

President of the autonomous state Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni, has rejected accusations that his administration is acting against the Somali federal government. In a public address in its capital, Garowe on Saturday, July 12, Deni reaffirmed Puntland’s commitment to Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, describing the state as a foundational part of the federal structure. The statement follows growing political tensions with Mogadishu over disputed proposals involving the Sanaag region, which Puntland opposes.