Somalia's parliament is set to review a series of constitutional amendments proposed by the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission. The amendments, which include lowering the age of maturity to 15, have sparked significant opposition from various political figures and organizations, including Human Rights Watch, which warns of potential risks to child protection. Former presidents and other politicians have criticized the current administration for manipulating the amendment process and lacking consensus. The opposition also concerns power-sharing arrangements, the status of Mogadishu, and the judicial system. The amended constitution is expected to be approved on Saturday.

Somalia's parliament is set to review a series of controversial constitutional amendments proposed by the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission. The amendments, which include changes to the age of maturity and other significant constitutional elements, have sparked significant opposition from various political figures and organizations. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the potential weakening of child protection laws, while former presidents and other political leaders have criticized the process as lacking consensus and being manipulated by the current administration. The debate highlights deep divisions within Somalia's political landscape, with significant implications for the country's governance and human rights commitments.

East African journalists, including Omar Faruk Osman and Erick Oduor, have been elected to leadership positions in the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ). Osman, the secretary-general of the National Union of Somali Journalists, will lead FAJ, while Oduor of the Kenya Union of Journalists will serve on the executive committee. The elections were held virtually during the 5th Congress of FAJ. The new leadership aims to address challenges faced by African media, including working conditions, safety, gender equality, legal defense, and trade union solidarity. Osman, a dedicated advocate for press freedom and workers' welfare, has been recognized for his efforts with the Human Rights Defender prize by the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project.

The African Union has not made significant progress in resolving the dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, according to a UN official. At a UN Security Council session, the Special Representative to Somalia, Catriona Laing, expressed disappointment that the AU summit avoided the issue, focusing instead on education, science, and innovation. The dispute centers on a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which Somalia opposes. The MoU has led to tensions, with concerns that it could undermine Somalia's recent achievements, such as joining the East African Community and reaching the HIPC completion point. The UK called for dialogue, and the Head of Somalia Mission condemned Ethiopia's actions as a violation of sovereignty. Major international organizations have expressed support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Somalia's recent entry into the East African Community (EAC) has sparked a debate over the use of Kiswahili versus Somali as the national language. Information and Culture Minister Daud Aweis faced criticism for addressing the press in Kiswahili, with political commentator Hodan Ali arguing that it is not understood at home. The discussion highlights the challenges of linguistic integration within the EAC.

Somalia is grappling with severe flooding caused by the El Niño season, resulting in 120 deaths and displacing over a million people. Prime Minister Hamza Barre and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have been actively addressing the crisis, with Mohamud advocating for climate finance at CoP28 in Dubai. The floods have exacerbated the humanitarian situation, with 2.4 million people affected and significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture. The World Health Organisation and Somali Disaster Management Agency are working to mitigate health risks, particularly waterborne diseases.

Somalia's admission into the East African Community (EAC) and its domestic reforms have led to the lifting of a 31-year arms embargo by the United Nations. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with celebrations in Mogadishu but continued restrictions on Al Shabaab. Somaliland remains unrecognized internationally despite its autonomous governance. Kenya has historically advocated for tougher sanctions on Al Shabaab.

Somalia's recent membership in the East African Community has sparked debate over the potential impact on the Somali language. The controversy intensified when Somali Minister of Information and Culture Daudi Aweis addressed the press in Swahili, leading to criticism from some quarters accusing him of breaking the law. The minister's actions have highlighted concerns about language policy within the expanding regional bloc.

Somalia's admission into the East African Community and domestic reforms have led to the UN lifting a 31-year arms embargo. The decision, aimed at empowering Somalia to combat Al Shabaab, has received mixed reactions. While some celebrate the move, others express concerns about potential negative outcomes, including regional security threats and the risk of weapons falling into the wrong hands. The UN Security Council requires Somalia to maintain strict weapons management and report purchases. The lifting of the embargo is seen as a significant step for Somalia, but it also poses challenges in ensuring effective control and preventing misuse of arms.

Somalia's Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf Ahmed has pledged the Supreme Court's support to protect journalists from impunity, particularly from violence by militant groups and rogue government officials. This commitment was made during the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. The National Union of Somali Journalists (Nusoj) and the African Union Transition Mission (Atmis) organized the event, emphasizing the need for press freedom. Nusoj Secretary-General Omar Faruk Osman criticized the prevailing impunity for crimes against journalists. The judiciary's support is seen as a significant step towards justice for journalists, who have faced killings, injuries, threats, and intimidation in Somalia.

Somalia's constitutional review has sparked intense debate among leaders and stakeholders, with concerns over inclusivity and political commitment. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration faces criticism for outsourcing counter-terrorism efforts and lacking a cohesive strategy. The National Consultative Council's proposal to shift from a parliamentary to a presidential system has been met with opposition, particularly from Puntland and Somaliland. Former leaders and politicians emphasize the need for broader consultations to avoid potential fragmentation and loss of statehood.

Somalia is unhappy with a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland to develop ports, as Somalia considers Somaliland its territory. The MoU aims to provide Ethiopia with access to the sea, which has led to condemnation from Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who views it as an infringement on national sovereignty. The deal includes leasing a portion of Somaliland's coastal area to Ethiopia and may involve Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland as an independent republic. The Somali government has declared the MoU null and void and recalled its ambassador from Addis Ababa. The situation has historical roots in the complex relationship between Somalia, Somaliland, and Ethiopia, and raises concerns about regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia's constitutional review has sparked intense debate, with concerns over inclusivity and the manner of amendments. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration faces criticism for outsourcing counter-terrorism efforts and lack of broad consultations. Key political figures, including former presidents and parliamentarians, emphasize the need for inclusive dialogue. The National Consultative Council's proposal to shift to a presidential system and limit political parties has been contentious, particularly with Puntland's absence from discussions. The ongoing debate underscores the challenges in achieving a consensus on Somalia's governance structure.

Former Somali presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed have united in opposition to current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's approach to constitutional changes. They argue that the administration is manipulating the process without proper consultation, risking national unity. The debate, held in Garowe, Puntland, also involved Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and other politicians. The former presidents emphasize the need to focus on security and criticize proposals such as a two-party system and the abolition of the prime minister's post. Their stance aligns with other critics who accuse the president of seeking to extend his tenure indirectly.

Journalists in Somaliland were detained following a raid by security forces on Maan Media TV, sparking condemnation from the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). The raid, which involved physical violence and equipment damage, was reportedly triggered by a debate on the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement. NUSOJ and its General Secretary, Omar Faruk Osman, have called for the immediate release of the detained journalists and an end to the harassment of media workers. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by journalists in Somalia, including threats, violence, and repression.

Somalia has rejected a port and sea access deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland, recalling its envoy from Addis Ababa. Despite Ethiopia's attempts to de-escalate tensions, Somalia's traditional allies, including Turkey, the Arab League, and the European Union, have supported its stance. The African Union and Igad have called for calm and mutual respect. The historical context of Somalia and Ethiopia's relationship, marked by past conflicts and alliances, adds complexity to the current dispute.

Somalia's Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Khadija Almakhzoumi, received the Africa Sustainability Award for her efforts in combating climate change through local initiatives like the Great Green Wall Initiative. The award recognizes her commitment to sustainable development in Somalia, a country frequently affected by drought and flooding. The ASO Awards honor individuals and institutions making significant contributions to a sustainable future in Africa. Other notable awardees include Wanjira Mathai, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and Mohammed Umaru Bago.

Somalia is seeking funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as its budget surpasses $1 billion for the first time. The proposed budget for the next fiscal year is $1,025,687,991, with plans to raise funds through domestic revenue and international grants. The budget includes allocations for healthcare, education, and security, with a significant portion dedicated to new investments. The IMF has granted Somalia an additional $100 million under a three-year Extended Credit Facility, recognizing the country's economic reforms. Despite progress, Somalia still faces challenges related to economic, social, security, and climate risks.

Somalia and its partners are leveraging internal leadership conflicts within Al Shabaab to target the militant group more effectively. The US government has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of Abukar Ali Adan, a key leader in Al Shabaab. The group's internal strife, driven by leadership ambitions, clan rivalries, and alleged collaborations with foreign intelligence agencies, presents both challenges and opportunities for regional counter-terrorism efforts. The power struggle between Mahad Karate and Ahmed Dirie is exacerbating the group's instability, with potential shifts in allegiance from Al Qaeda to ISIS.

President Said Abdullahi Deni has been re-elected by Puntland legislators, securing 45 out of 66 votes, defeating his closest rival Dr. Guled Salah Barre. Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in Somalia, held its first direct local council elections in May, though the presidential election was conducted through a clan-based parliamentary vote. The Federal Government of Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, congratulated Deni on his victory. Puntland, established in 1998, is the oldest federal member state in Somalia.

Somalia's recent inclusion in the East African Community has sparked a debate over language use after Minister of Information and Culture Daud Aweis addressed a press conference in Swahili. Critics argue that Swahili is not an official language of Somalia, while others defend its historical presence in the country. The discussion highlights broader issues of language policy and cultural identity within the context of regional integration.

Somalia's recent membership in the East African Community has sparked a debate over language use, following Minister Daudi Aweis's decision to address a press conference in Swahili. Critics argue that Swahili is not an official language of Somalia, while others defend its historical presence in the country. The controversy highlights broader issues of language policy and cultural identity within the context of regional integration.

Somalia is seeking funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as its budget surpasses $1 billion for the first time. The proposed budget for the next fiscal year is $1,025,687,991, with plans to raise funds through domestic revenue and international grants. The budget includes allocations for healthcare, education, and security, with a significant portion dedicated to new investments to boost the economy. The IMF has granted Somalia an additional $100 million under a three-year Extended Credit Facility, recognizing the country's progress in economic reforms. Despite these advancements, Somalia still faces challenges related to economic, social, security, and climate risks.

Somalia's recent accession to the East African Community has sparked a debate over language use, following Somali Minister of Information and Culture Daud Aweis's decision to address a press conference in Swahili. Critics argue that Swahili is not an official language of Somalia, while others defend its historical presence in the country. The controversy highlights broader discussions on language policy and cultural identity within the context of regional integration.

Somalia's recent membership in the East African Community (EAC) has sparked a debate over the use of Kiswahili, the lingua franca of most EAC countries. Information and Culture Minister Daud Aweis faced criticism for addressing the press in Kiswahili, with some arguing it violates Somali language laws. Critics like Hodan Ali emphasized that Somali and Arabic are the official languages, while others defended the historical presence of Kiswahili in Somalia's coastal regions. The debate highlights differing views on language policy and cultural identity within Somalia.

Somalia's bicameral federal parliament is set to review a series of constitutional amendments proposed by the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission. Human Rights Watch has criticized the amendments, particularly those affecting the age of maturity, which could lead to increased risk of child marriage and lowered juvenile justice standards. Former Somali presidents Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, along with other political figures, have expressed opposition to the amendments, accusing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration of initiating changes without consensus. The opposition also concerns power sharing arrangements and the special status of the Somali capital Mogadishu. The amended constitution is expected to be voted on by the parliament.

Somalia's recent addition to the East African Community has sparked debate over the potential impact on the Somali language after Minister of Information and Culture Daudi Aweis addressed journalists in Swahili in Arusha, Tanzania. Critics have condemned his decision, with some accusing him of breaking the law.