Fahad Yasin claims Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, also known as "Jama," ordered the attack on General Mahad Abdirahman Aden's residence.
Somalia's former intelligence chief Fahad Yasin has accused Speaker of the House of the People Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, known as "Jama," of directing a drone strike that hit the Doolow residence of former Custodial Corps commander Gen. Mahad Abdirahman Aden. General Shub, as Aden is known, survived the attack near the Ethiopian border with minor injuries. Jubaland's Ministry of Information stated that four civilians, including the general's wife, were also injured.
Yasin alleged that Nur, currently serving as acting president, previously demonstrated command responsibility for lethal operations in December 2017. The Federal Government has denied involvement and disputed that a drone strike occurred, suggesting the blast originated from explosives inside the house. Jubaland officials and former presidents have called for an independent investigation into the incident.
Jubaland's Ministry of Information stated that Turkish military aircraft carried out the operation, firing two missiles. Former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen also alleged the involvement of two Turkish and one Somali national in the attack. Turkey, which has a military base in Mogadishu, has not commented on the allegations.
Why it mattersThe accusation of a drone strike directed by a high-ranking official and potentially involving foreign actors affects political stability and security within Somalia and its neighboring countries.
Read in ASJ →The African Union Commission congratulated Somalia on ratifying the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, marking a step toward deeper continental market integration.
Somalia has ratified the agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), an action welcomed by the African Union Commission. AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf congratulated Somalia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Gamal Mohamed Hassan, stating the ratification is an important step toward deeper integration into the continental market. Youssouf noted that Somalia’s ratification advances Africa’s wider economic integration agenda and strengthens the country’s role in regional and continental trade.
The AU chairperson highlighted Somalia’s significant potential to contribute to intra-African trade and investment, citing the nation’s commercial traditions, entrepreneurial dynamism, and historic trading links. He also commended Somalia’s progress in peace and stabilization, emphasizing their importance for unlocking economic potential and promoting development. Minister Gamal also briefed Youssouf on the inaugural Horn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting, which discussed strengthening regional trade and economic cooperation.
The Horn of Africa Trade Ministers’ Meeting, held in Addis Ababa, brought together ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan, along with representatives from Sudan and development partners. Discussions focused on practical measures to enhance regional trade, including the establishment of a Trade Facilitation Roadmap and a regional coordination mechanism to address trade barriers and promote economic growth.
Why it mattersSomalia's ratification of the AfCFTA agreement is expected to enhance its role in regional and continental trade, potentially boosting economic opportunities.
Read in ASJ →Mogadishu's Ministry of Information reports a significant increase in the closure of online platforms used for extremist propaganda this year.
Somalia's federal government has closed 82,000 social media pages in 2026, which officials allege were used by terrorist groups to spread extremist propaganda. Abdullahi Hayir Duale, director general of the Ministry of Information, stated that the government is intensifying its ideological and public awareness campaigns against armed groups, viewing ideological warfare as a crucial component of its counterterrorism strategy.
Duale explained that the fight against extremist groups operates on three fronts: military, economic, and ideological. He noted that the Ministry of Information has been actively closing thousands of pages across platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram in recent years. The number of pages shut down in 2026 is still rising as the year has not yet concluded, and extremist groups frequently re-emerge with new pages after their accounts are removed.
To counter extremist narratives, the Ministry of Information is also leveraging national media, artists, television programs, and Somali religious scholars to educate the public. Duale emphasized that these national media platforms reach millions of people both within Somalia and abroad, playing a vital role in the government's efforts to combat the spread of extremist ideologies.
Why it mattersThe government's closure of social media pages aims to prevent the spread of extremist propaganda, potentially impacting public discourse and the reach of extremist ideologies within Somalia and among its diaspora.
Read in ASJ →Cairo's Foreign Ministry is engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts and direct contacts with Somali and Yemeni authorities to secure the swift release of detained Egyptian sailors.
Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptian Expatriates confirmed ongoing intensive efforts to secure the swift release of Egyptian sailors held aboard a vessel off the Somali coast. FM Badr Abdelatty is personally overseeing developments and has directed continuous efforts on all fronts to ensure the sailors' safety and prompt return.
The ministry is conducting intensive contacts with relevant Somali and Yemeni authorities to monitor the situation and push for the sailors' release. These efforts also aim to ensure their well-being, meet basic needs, and provide adequate living conditions until the crisis is resolved and they can return home safely.
Contacts are also maintained with the vessel's owning company to ensure the sailors' release and compel the company to fulfill its international legal responsibilities. The ministry is regularly updating the sailors' families on the progress of these efforts.
Why it mattersEgyptian sailors are directly affected by being detained and are the focus of diplomatic efforts for their safety and release.
Read in ASJ →Human rights groups, government officials, and community leaders are partnering to combat female genital mutilation and address rising school absenteeism.
Human rights activists in Garissa have joined forces with the national government and local leaders to initiate a campaign targeting female genital mutilation (FGM) and the increasing number of school-age children not attending classes. The initiative, organized by the non-governmental organization Girlkind, involves police, administrators, religious figures, elders, women, youth, and boda boda riders. This collaborative effort aims to directly reach residents with its message.
The campaign represents a departure from traditional awareness methods, as organizers are proactively engaging communities in their neighborhoods rather than relying on public meetings. This direct approach was highlighted during a recent meeting in Iftin town, which served as a focal point for the initiative. Girlkind programme officer Hamas Abdi stated the organization's commitment to meeting people where they live.
The partnership seeks to raise awareness and implement strategies to reduce the prevalence of FGM and encourage school attendance. By involving a wide array of community stakeholders, the campaign aims to foster a collective responsibility towards protecting children's rights and ensuring access to education within Garissa County.
Why it mattersThe campaign affects children and families in Garissa County by addressing harmful traditional practices and promoting education.
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