A troop camp belonging to African Union mission came under attack in the Shabelle region in Somalia and according to a resident, three individuals lost their lives in the crossfire.

The attack targeting a camp with Burundian troops near Ceel Baraf village about 160 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu was carried out by heavily armed Al-Shabaab jihadist fighters.

"We were awoken by huge blasts early in the morning. The blasts were at the African Union mission base. Heavy exchange of gunfire followed," local elder Mohamed Nur told Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sense-of-urgency-us-says-russia-is-planning-to-annex-ukraines-donetsk-luhansk-regions-475904" hreflang="en">'Sense of urgency': US says Russia is planning to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk regions</a>

The local military authorities said that the Al-Shabaab group has taken responsibility of the attack.

“The terrorists attacked the Burundian army base outside Ceel Baraf early this morning, there was heavy fighting and casualties inflicted on both sides, but we don’t have more details about this incident so far,” local military commander Mohamed Ali told AFP by phone.

“They launched the attack with a car bomb blast before a heavy exchange of gunfire broke out.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leaked-draft-shows-us-court-set-to-strike-down-abortion-rights-politico-475914" hreflang="en">Leaked draft shows US Supreme Court will strike down abortion law: Politico&nbsp;</a>

Following the attacks, Al-Shabaab also released a statement. "The Mujahideen launched a pre-dawn raid on an ATMIS (African Union Mission) military base in El Baraf, middle Shabelle region," it read.

"After a fierce firefight, the Mujahideen managed to overrun the base and are now in complete control of the entire military base, " the statement further added.

The attack on Tuesday was one in a long line of bombings initiated by the extremist group against the peacekeeping forces in Mogadishu who are looking to topple the central government.

WATCH |&nbsp;US says Russia plans to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-us-says-russia-plans-to-annex-ukraines-donetsk-luhansk-476006/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">(With inputs from agencies)</div>

A troop camp belonging to African Union mission came under attack in the Shabelle region in Somalia and according to a resident, three individuals lost their lives in the crossfire.

A troop camp belonging to African Union mission came under attack in the Shabelle region in Somalia and according to a resident, three individuals lost their lives in the crossfire. The attack targeting a camp with Burundian troops near Ceel Baraf village about 160 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu was carried out by heavily armed Al-Shabaab jihadist fighters. "We were awoken by huge blasts early in the morning. The blasts were at the African Union mission base. Heavy exchange of gunfire followed," local elder Mohamed Nur told Reuters. Also read | 'Sense of urgency': US says Russia is planning to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk regions The local military authorities said that the Al-Shabaab group has taken responsibility of the attack. “The terrorists attacked the Burundian army base outside Ceel Baraf early this morning, there was heavy fighting and casualties inflicted on both sides, but we don’t have more details about this incident so far,” local military commander Mohamed Ali told AFP by phone. “They launched the attack with a car bomb blast before a heavy exchange of gunfire broke out.” Also read | Leaked draft shows US Supreme Court will strike down abortion law: Politico Following the attacks, Al-Shabaab also released a statement. "The Mujahideen launched a pre-dawn raid on an ATMIS (African Union Mission) military base in El Baraf, middle Shabelle region," it read. "After a fierce firefight, the Mujahideen managed to overrun the base and are now in complete control of the entire military base, " the statement further added. The attack on Tuesday was one in a long line of bombings initiated by the extremist group against the peacekeeping forces in Mogadishu who are looking to topple the central government. WATCH | US says Russia plans to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk (With inputs from agencies)

Three killed as Al-Shabaab militants attack African Union camp in Somalia

Twenty million people are at risk of starvation this year as delayed rains worsen an already brutal drought in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, the UN warned Tuesday.&nbsp;

An extreme months-long drought has left the Horn of Africa on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe, destroying crops and livestock and forcing huge numbers of people to leave their homes in search of food and water.

As long-awaited rains fail to materialise nearly a month into the current rainy season, "the number of hungry people due to drought could spiral from the currently estimated 14 million to 20 million through 2022," the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/record-breaking-drought-enters-its-13th-year-chile-announces-revolutionary-water-rationing-plan-470431">As record-breaking drought enters its 13th year, Chile announces revolutionary water rationing plan</a>

Six million Somalis or 40 per cent of the population were facing extreme levels of food insecurity and there was "a very real risk of famine in the coming months" if current conditions prevailed, WFP said.&nbsp;

In Kenya, half a million people were on the brink of a hunger crisis, with communities in the north of the country especially at risk due to their reliance on livestock.&nbsp;

The number of Kenyans in need of assistance has risen more than fourfold in less than two years, the agency said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile malnutrition rates in drought-hit southern and southeastern Ethiopia have surged above emergency thresholds, while the north of the country has been in the grip of a 17-month war between government forces and Tigrayan rebels.

Watch |&nbsp;Drought threatens hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam in Southwestern US

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drought-threatens-hydropower-at-glen-canyon-dam-in-southwestern-us-471013/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The dire conditions have been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, which has contributed to soaring food and fuel costs and disrupted global supply chains, WFP said.

The agency warned that a lack of funding could trigger a catastrophe, calling for $473 million (438 million euros) over the next six months.&nbsp;

A previous appeal in February raised less than four percent of the cash needed, it said.

"We know from past experience that acting early to avert a humanitarian catastrophe is vital, yet our ability to launch the response has been limited due to a lack of funding to date," said Michael Dunford, WFP's regional director for East Africa.

East Africa endured a harrowing drought in 2017 but early humanitarian action averted a famine in Somalia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-africa-faces-historic-food-crisis-driven-by-conflict-price-surge-468566">West Africa faces historic food crisis driven by conflict, price surge</a>

In contrast, 260,000 people -- half of them children under the age of six -- died of hunger or hunger-related disorders when a famine struck the country in 2011.

Experts say extreme weather events are happening with increased frequency and intensity due to climate change.

Twenty million people are at risk of starvation this year as delayed rains worsen an already brutal drought in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, the UN warned Tuesday.

Twenty million people are at risk of starvation this year as delayed rains worsen an already brutal drought in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, the UN warned Tuesday. An extreme months-long drought has left the Horn of Africa on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe, destroying crops and livestock and forcing huge numbers of people to leave their homes in search of food and water. As long-awaited rains fail to materialise nearly a month into the current rainy season, "the number of hungry people due to drought could spiral from the currently estimated 14 million to 20 million through 2022," the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) said. Also read | As record-breaking drought enters its 13th year, Chile announces revolutionary water rationing plan Six million Somalis or 40 per cent of the population were facing extreme levels of food insecurity and there was "a very real risk of famine in the coming months" if current conditions prevailed, WFP said. In Kenya, half a million people were on the brink of a hunger crisis, with communities in the north of the country especially at risk due to their reliance on livestock. The number of Kenyans in need of assistance has risen more than fourfold in less than two years, the agency said. Meanwhile malnutrition rates in drought-hit southern and southeastern Ethiopia have surged above emergency thresholds, while the north of the country has been in the grip of a 17-month war between government forces and Tigrayan rebels. Watch | Drought threatens hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam in Southwestern US The dire conditions have been exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, which has contributed to soaring food and fuel costs and disrupted global supply chains, WFP said. The agency warned that a lack of funding could trigger a catastrophe, calling for $473 million (438 million euros) over the next six months. A previous appeal in February raised less than four percent of the cash needed, it said. "We know from past experience that acting early to avert a humanitarian catastrophe is vital, yet our ability to launch the response has been limited due to a lack of funding to date," said Michael Dunford, WFP's regional director for East Africa. East Africa endured a harrowing drought in 2017 but early humanitarian action averted a famine in Somalia. Also read | West Africa faces historic food crisis driven by conflict, price surge In contrast, 260,000 people -- half of them children under the age of six -- died of hunger or hunger-related disorders when a famine struck the country in 2011. Experts say extreme weather events are happening with increased frequency and intensity due to climate change.

20 million risk starvation as Horn of Africa drought worsens: UN

The United Nations has warned of the ongoing humanitarian crisis as Millions of people face food insecurity in Somalia.

UN warns against the humanitarian crisis as Millions of people face food insecurity in Somalia

The rivalry between Somalia's President & PM is showing no sign of cooling down. The rift between Somalia's President & PM has grown after PM Roble expelled the African Union representative.

The rift between Somalia's President & PM grows after PM Roble expelled AU representative

The United States barred on Friday travel by&nbsp;Somali&nbsp;officials&nbsp;and other individuals to the United States, accusing them of "undermining&nbsp;the democratic process" in&nbsp;Somalia.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States imposed the visa ban after&nbsp;Somalia pushed back to March 15 parliamentary elections due to have been completed on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-conflict-us-eu-uk-sanction-russian-president-vladimir-putin-top-officials-456616">Ukraine conflict: US, EU, UK sanction Russian President Vladimir Putin, top officials</a>

"We are now imposing visa restrictions under this policy against a number of&nbsp;Somali&nbsp;officials&nbsp;and other individuals to promote accountability for their obstructionist actions," Blinken said in a statement issued by the State Department.

No central government has held broad authority for 30 years in&nbsp;Somalia, which is caught in a lengthy election process repeatedly held up in a power struggle between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalia-president-suspends-prime-minister-over-corruption-charges-440324">Somalia: President 'suspends' prime minister over corruption charges</a>

The parliamentary election, which started in November, is an indirect process that involves clan elders picking the 275 members of the lower house, who then choose a new president on a date yet to be fixed.

Data from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs shows 4.3 million people in&nbsp;Somalia are affected by drought, with 271,000 displaced as a result.

The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group, which frequently carries out gun and bomb attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere in&nbsp;Somalia, has also been an impediment to the election.

Watch |&nbsp;UN urge feuding Somalian leaders to reduce tensions

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-urge-feuding-somalian-leaders-to-reduce-tensions-441200/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In mid-February, a suicide bomber targeted a minibus full of election delegates, killing at least six people in Mogadishu. The delegates were unharmed.

The United States barred on Friday travel by Somali officials and other individuals to the United States, accusing them of "undermining the democratic process" in Somalia.

The United States barred on Friday travel by Somali officials and other individuals to the United States, accusing them of "undermining the democratic process" in Somalia. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States imposed the visa ban after Somalia pushed back to March 15 parliamentary elections due to have been completed on Friday. Also read | Ukraine conflict: US, EU, UK sanction Russian President Vladimir Putin, top officials "We are now imposing visa restrictions under this policy against a number of Somali officials and other individuals to promote accountability for their obstructionist actions," Blinken said in a statement issued by the State Department. No central government has held broad authority for 30 years in Somalia, which is caught in a lengthy election process repeatedly held up in a power struggle between President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble. Also read | Somalia: President 'suspends' prime minister over corruption charges The parliamentary election, which started in November, is an indirect process that involves clan elders picking the 275 members of the lower house, who then choose a new president on a date yet to be fixed. Data from the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs shows 4.3 million people in Somalia are affected by drought, with 271,000 displaced as a result. The al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group, which frequently carries out gun and bomb attacks in the capital, Mogadishu, and elsewhere in Somalia, has also been an impediment to the election. Watch | UN urge feuding Somalian leaders to reduce tensions In mid-February, a suicide bomber targeted a minibus full of election delegates, killing at least six people in Mogadishu. The delegates were unharmed.

US restricts visas for Somali officials accused of undermining democracy

According to reports, at least about 15 people have been killed and dozens of others being wounded in a suicide bombing attack at a restaurant in central Somalia.

Suicide bombing in central Somalia: Prime Minister condemns the attack

Suicide bombing in central Somalia: Prime Minister condemns

In Somalia, a team of 20 doctors have opened the nation's only public blood bank that serves life-saving donations to most hospitals.

A team of 20 doctors in Somalia opens up the nation's only public blood bank

The United Nations is in talks with Somalia's Prime Minister and President. The international community is urging them to reduce tensions.

United Nations is in talks with Somalia's Prime Minister & President amid tensions

The United nations is in talks with Somalia's PM and president, the international community is urging them to lo reduce tensions in their political feud that has fed fears of a military clash.

UN urge feuding Somalian leaders to reduce tensions

Amid the prolonged political crisis and delayed election, Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has suspended the prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble for suspected corruption.

Somalia: President suspends Prime Minister amid election spat

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of Somalia has suspended the Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and removed the commander of the marine forces until corruption investigations are concluded, deepening a destabilising disagreement in the Horn of Africa.

"The president's office said in a statement that he decided to suspend prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and stop his powers since he was linked with corruption, and accused the prime minister of obstructing an inquiry into a land grabbing case.

According to Reuters, he would be suspended until the corruption investigations against him are completed.

The suspension comes a day after the two leaders had a verbal altercation, accusing each other of being a hindrance to the election process's postponement.

According to Channel News Asia, the parliamentary election, which began on November 1, was intended to be concluded by December 24. However, one of the newly elected MPs stated that, as of Saturday, just 24 of the 275 representatives had been elected.

Following that, the president convened a meeting to map the course for elections, slamming the prime minister for failing to carry out his mission of guiding the country to the polls. 
 
Watch | UN: Somalia drought affects 2.3 million people, one in four Somalis face acute hunger

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-somalia-drought-affects-23-million-people-one-in-four-somalis-face-acute-hunger-438772/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a statement on Sunday, the Presidential office said Prime Minister Roble was "posing a serious threat to the electoral process and overstepping his mandate.".

In Somalia's convoluted indirect voting system, regional councils are supposed to elect a senate. Clan elders are then expected to choose members of the lower house, which would subsequently select a new president.

The president's move reignites a feud that had been laid to rest when he placed Roble in charge of security and organised the country's first direct elections in more than three decades.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of Somalia has suspended the Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and removed the commander of the marine forces until corruption investigations are concluded, deepening a destabilising disagreement in the Horn of Africa.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of Somalia has suspended the Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and removed the commander of the marine forces until corruption investigations are concluded, deepening a destabilising disagreement in the Horn of Africa. "The president's office said in a statement that he decided to suspend prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and stop his powers since he was linked with corruption, and accused the prime minister of obstructing an inquiry into a land grabbing case. According to Reuters, he would be suspended until the corruption investigations against him are completed. The suspension comes a day after the two leaders had a verbal altercation, accusing each other of being a hindrance to the election process's postponement. According to Channel News Asia, the parliamentary election, which began on November 1, was intended to be concluded by December 24. However, one of the newly elected MPs stated that, as of Saturday, just 24 of the 275 representatives had been elected. Following that, the president convened a meeting to map the course for elections, slamming the prime minister for failing to carry out his mission of guiding the country to the polls. Watch | UN: Somalia drought affects 2.3 million people, one in four Somalis face acute hunger In a statement on Sunday, the Presidential office said Prime Minister Roble was "posing a serious threat to the electoral process and overstepping his mandate.". In Somalia's convoluted indirect voting system, regional councils are supposed to elect a senate. Clan elders are then expected to choose members of the lower house, which would subsequently select a new president. The president's move reignites a feud that had been laid to rest when he placed Roble in charge of security and organised the country's first direct elections in more than three decades. (With inputs from agencies)

Somalia: President 'suspends' prime minister over corruption charges

After immense conflict, a drought is now battering Somalia. More than two million people have been affected and the situation continues to get worse. UN has said that one in four Somalis faces acute hunger.

UN: Somalia drought affects 2.3 million people, one in four Somalis face acute hunger

A car bombing near a school in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu claimed eight lives and left around a dozen injured on Thursday, in the attack claimed by Al Shabaab Islamic terrorists.

According to reports, a large convoy carrying troops from AMISOM, the African Union force fighting the Al-Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab group, was passing through the area when the bomb went off.

Somalia police spokesman Abdifatah Adan said in a brief statement that eight civilians were killed, and 17 others wounded, without giving further details.

Anguished parents rushed to the scene of the attack, which severely damaged the school building, with injured students taken to hospitals around the city, according to AFP.

Claiming responsibility for the blast, Al-Shabaab said the bomb was aimed at the “military trainers.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-militants-attack-military-base-recapture-somalian-town-from-govt-forces-408112">Al Shabaab militants attack military base, recapture Somalian town from govt forces</a>

The latest attack comes on the back of the killing of a prominent Somali journalist, Abdiaziz Mohamud Guled.

Al-Shabaab had claimed responsibility for the bombing, which left a colleague of the journalist seriously wounded.

Guled, the director of government-owned Radio Mogadishu, was a fierce critic of the Islamists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/al-shabaab-calls-for-attacks-on-us-french-interests-in-djibouti-373888">Al-Shabaab calls for attacks on US, French interests in Djibouti</a>

Al Shabaab, which has been waging a violent insurgency against the country’s fragile government since 2007, said its fighters had long pursued the journalist.

The militants also claimed two attacks in September that killed 17 people.

A car bombing on September 25 near the presidential palace killed eight people, including the prime minister’s adviser for women and human rights, Hibaq Abukar.

Eleven days earlier, nine people, most of them members of Somalia’s security forces, died in a blast near a Mogadishu checkpoint.

Al-Shabaab controlled the capital until 2011 when it was pushed out by AMISOM troops, but it still holds territory in the countryside and launches frequent attacks against government and civilian targets in Mogadishu and elsewhere.

(With inputs from agencies)

A car bombing near a school in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu claimed eight lives and left around a dozen injured on Thursday, in the attack claimed by Al Shabaab Islamic terrorists.

A car bombing near a school in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu claimed eight lives and left around a dozen injured on Thursday, in the attack claimed by Al Shabaab Islamic terrorists. According to reports, a large convoy carrying troops from AMISOM, the African Union force fighting the Al-Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab group, was passing through the area when the bomb went off. Somalia police spokesman Abdifatah Adan said in a brief statement that eight civilians were killed, and 17 others wounded, without giving further details. Anguished parents rushed to the scene of the attack, which severely damaged the school building, with injured students taken to hospitals around the city, according to AFP. Claiming responsibility for the blast, Al-Shabaab said the bomb was aimed at the “military trainers.” Also read | Al Shabaab militants attack military base, recapture Somalian town from govt forces The latest attack comes on the back of the killing of a prominent Somali journalist, Abdiaziz Mohamud Guled. Al-Shabaab had claimed responsibility for the bombing, which left a colleague of the journalist seriously wounded. Guled, the director of government-owned Radio Mogadishu, was a fierce critic of the Islamists. Also read | Al-Shabaab calls for attacks on US, French interests in Djibouti Al Shabaab, which has been waging a violent insurgency against the country’s fragile government since 2007, said its fighters had long pursued the journalist. The militants also claimed two attacks in September that killed 17 people. A car bombing on September 25 near the presidential palace killed eight people, including the prime minister’s adviser for women and human rights, Hibaq Abukar. Eleven days earlier, nine people, most of them members of Somalia’s security forces, died in a blast near a Mogadishu checkpoint. Al-Shabaab controlled the capital until 2011 when it was pushed out by AMISOM troops, but it still holds territory in the countryside and launches frequent attacks against government and civilian targets in Mogadishu and elsewhere. (With inputs from agencies)

8 killed, 17 injured in suicide blast near school in Mogadishu, Al Shabaab claims responsibility

Camels are at the heart of the Somali traditional life and economy, they have a price of their milk, meat and as a means of transport. But, millions of herders are now giving up traditional life and moving to cities. The change in climate has added to their troubles, forcing them to travel long distances for water and grazing camels.

Somalia: Herders giving up traditional life due to political instability, climate change

Climate migrants are the people who are forced to migrate because of climate change-induced-disaster. According to the world bank, 86 million Africans are at the risk of becoming climate migrants.

World Bank: 86 million Africans to become climate migrants by 2050

The international court of justice has ruled largely in favour of Somalia. In its long running dispute with Kenya over their maritime border. It has awarded Somalia control over a potentially oil and gas rich chunk of the Indian Ocean.

International Court of Justice rules in favour of Somalia over dispute with Kenya

Somalia has opened the country's first public oxygen plant as the Horn of Africa nation with one of the world's weakest health systems combats COVID-19. It is expected to produce 1,000 cylinders of oxygen a week.

Somalia opens first public oxygen plant

Somalia hosted its first screening of a movie in three decades under heavy security on Wednesday, as the conflict-ravaged country hopes for a cultural renewal.

Built by Chinese engineers as a gift from Mao Zedong in 1967, the National Theatre of Somalia has a history that reflects the tumultuous journey of the Horn of Africa nation.

It has been targeted by suicide bombers and used as a base by warlords.&nbsp;

And it has never screened a Somali film. Until now.

"This is going to be a historic night for the Somali people, it shows how hopes have been revived... after so many years of challenges," theatre director Abdikadir Abdi Yusuf said before the screening. &nbsp;

"It's a platform that provides an opportunity to... Somali songwriters, storytellers, movie directors and actors to present their talent openly."

The evening's programme was two short films by Somali director IBrahim CM -- "Hoos" and "Date from Hell" -- with tickets sold for $10 (8.50 euros) each, expensive for many.

Although Mogadishu was home to many cinema halls during its cultural heyday, with the national theatre also hosting live concerts and plays, the seaside capital fell silent after civil war erupted in 1991.

Warlords used the theatre as a military base and the building fell into disrepair. It reopened in 2012, but was blown up by Al-Shabaab jihadists two weeks later.

The Al-Qaeda linked Islamist group launches regular attacks in Mogadishu and considers entertainment evil.

- Happier times -

After a painstaking restoration, the authorities announced plans to hold the theatre's first screening this week.

For many Somalis, it was a trip down memory lane and a reminder of happier times.

"I used to watch concerts, dramas, pop shows, folk dances and movies in the national theatre during the good old days," said Osman Yusuf Osman, a self-confessed film buff.

"It makes me feel bad when I see Mogadishu lacking the nightlife it once had. But this is a good start," he told AFP.

Others were more circumspect, and worried about safety.

"I was a school-age girl when my friends and I used to watch live concerts and dramas at the national theatre," said a mother-of-six, Hakimo Mohamed.&nbsp;

"People used to go out during the night and stay back late if they wished -- but now, I don't think it is so safe," she told AFP.

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The jihadists were driven out of Mogadishu a decade ago, but retain control of swathes of countryside.

Attendees had to pass through several security checkpoints before arriving at the theatre, inside a heavily guarded complex that includes the presidential palace and the parliament.

But for some, the inconvenience and the risks paled in comparison to the anticipation of seeing a film in a cinema after such a long wait.

"I was not lucky to watch live concerts and or movies in the theatre (earlier)... because I was still a child, but I can imagine how beautiful it was," NGO employee Abdullahi Adan said.

"I want to experience this for the first time and see what it's like to watch a movie with hundreds of people in a theatre."

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Somalia hosted its first screening of a movie in three decades under heavy security on Wednesday, as the conflict-ravaged country hopes for a cultural renewal. Built by Chinese engineers as a gift from Mao Zedong in 1967, the National Theatre of Somalia has a history that reflects the tumultuous journey of the Horn of Africa nation.

Somalia hosted its first screening of a movie in three decades under heavy security on Wednesday, as the conflict-ravaged country hopes for a cultural renewal. Built by Chinese engineers as a gift from Mao Zedong in 1967, the National Theatre of Somalia has a history that reflects the tumultuous journey of the Horn of Africa nation. It has been targeted by suicide bombers and used as a base by warlords. And it has never screened a Somali film. Until now. "This is going to be a historic night for the Somali people, it shows how hopes have been revived... after so many years of challenges," theatre director Abdikadir Abdi Yusuf said before the screening. "It's a platform that provides an opportunity to... Somali songwriters, storytellers, movie directors and actors to present their talent openly." The evening's programme was two short films by Somali director IBrahim CM -- "Hoos" and "Date from Hell" -- with tickets sold for $10 (8.50 euros) each, expensive for many. Although Mogadishu was home to many cinema halls during its cultural heyday, with the national theatre also hosting live concerts and plays, the seaside capital fell silent after civil war erupted in 1991. Warlords used the theatre as a military base and the building fell into disrepair. It reopened in 2012, but was blown up by Al-Shabaab jihadists two weeks later. The Al-Qaeda linked Islamist group launches regular attacks in Mogadishu and considers entertainment evil. - Happier times - After a painstaking restoration, the authorities announced plans to hold the theatre's first screening this week. For many Somalis, it was a trip down memory lane and a reminder of happier times. "I used to watch concerts, dramas, pop shows, folk dances and movies in the national theatre during the good old days," said Osman Yusuf Osman, a self-confessed film buff. "It makes me feel bad when I see Mogadishu lacking the nightlife it once had. But this is a good start," he told AFP. Others were more circumspect, and worried about safety. "I was a school-age girl when my friends and I used to watch live concerts and dramas at the national theatre," said a mother-of-six, Hakimo Mohamed. "People used to go out during the night and stay back late if they wished -- but now, I don't think it is so safe," she told AFP. Billie Eilish, BTS, Elton John in concert for climate action, vaccines Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie now fight over their French wedding venue The jihadists were driven out of Mogadishu a decade ago, but retain control of swathes of countryside. Attendees had to pass through several security checkpoints before arriving at the theatre, inside a heavily guarded complex that includes the presidential palace and the parliament. But for some, the inconvenience and the risks paled in comparison to the anticipation of seeing a film in a cinema after such a long wait. "I was not lucky to watch live concerts and or movies in the theatre (earlier)... because I was still a child, but I can imagine how beautiful it was," NGO employee Abdullahi Adan said. "I want to experience this for the first time and see what it's like to watch a movie with hundreds of people in a theatre." Netflix CEO meets up with I&B minister Anurag Thakur, gets Bhagvad Gita as gift

'Historic night' as Somalia screens first film in 30 years

Al Shabaab militants on Tuesday launched a surprise attack on a military base in Somalia and managed to recapture&nbsp;the central town which was earlier lost to the government, local media quoting eyewitnesses said.

Al Shabaab is a religiously-motivated violent extremist organisation based in Somalia. The group is an officially recognised affiliate of Al-Qaeda which promotes sectarian violence against those who do not agree with its extreme religious interpretation.

According to the residents of Amara in the Galmudug region, the morning assault started with a suicide bomb attack, targeting government special force units—Danab and Darawish.

“Al Shabaab militants have launched an attack on a government base in the town of Amara this morning. The government forces, especially the Danab and the Darawish of Galmudug, withdrew from the area and al Shabaab took control of the area,” Farah Osman, a resident of Amara, told Reuters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-launches-second-air-strike-in-a-week-targeting-al-shabaab-in-somalia-400262">Also read |&nbsp;US launches second air strike in a week targeting Al-Shabaab in Somalia</a>

The Somali Army and Darawish forces responded with airstrikes and succeeded in killing “several” combatants of al Shabaab forces, according to the state media which did not provide details on the casualties or the status of the military base or town.

Amara is a strategic town which lies on the route to the coastal town of Harardheere, another al Shabaab stronghold. Harardheere was once a pirate base at the peak of hijackings of merchant ships in 2011

Al‑Shabaab’s primary objective is the establishment of an Islamist state in the Horn of Africa based on Sharia law and the elimination of secular and foreign influence, including through violent means.

(With inputs from agencies)<o:p></o:p>

Al Shabaab militants on Tuesday launched a surprise attack on a military base in Somalia and managed to recapture the central town which was earlier lost to the government, local media quoting eyewitnesses said.

Al Shabaab militants on Tuesday launched a surprise attack on a military base in Somalia and managed to recapture the central town which was earlier lost to the government, local media quoting eyewitnesses said. Al Shabaab is a religiously-motivated violent extremist organisation based in Somalia. The group is an officially recognised affiliate of Al-Qaeda which promotes sectarian violence against those who do not agree with its extreme religious interpretation. According to the residents of Amara in the Galmudug region, the morning assault started with a suicide bomb attack, targeting government special force units—Danab and Darawish. “Al Shabaab militants have launched an attack on a government base in the town of Amara this morning. The government forces, especially the Danab and the Darawish of Galmudug, withdrew from the area and al Shabaab took control of the area,” Farah Osman, a resident of Amara, told Reuters. Also read | US launches second air strike in a week targeting Al-Shabaab in Somalia The Somali Army and Darawish forces responded with airstrikes and succeeded in killing “several” combatants of al Shabaab forces, according to the state media which did not provide details on the casualties or the status of the military base or town. Amara is a strategic town which lies on the route to the coastal town of Harardheere, another al Shabaab stronghold. Harardheere was once a pirate base at the peak of hijackings of merchant ships in 2011 Al‑Shabaab’s primary objective is the establishment of an Islamist state in the Horn of Africa based on Sharia law and the elimination of secular and foreign influence, including through violent means. (With inputs from agencies)

Al Shabaab militants attack military base, recapture Somalian town from govt forces

Somalia has postponed elections that were due to start on Sunday after months of delays in the deeply unstable Horn of Africa country, officials told AFP.

Indirect parliamentary and presidential polls were due to open on July 25 with four days of voting for the upper house by state delegates. The election cycle was due to end with a presidential poll on October 10.

"Even though the plan was the upper house election to start around the various states today, there is a delay, the election may not take place as planned," a member of the electoral commission told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The delay was due to the fact that federal regions were neither able to submit candidates' lists in time, nor to form local committees to cast the ballots, the source added.

A spokesman for the federal government, Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimu, told AFP that the elections were "postponed," without providing details.

Last week, the country's Al-Shabaab jihadists warned politicians against taking part in the elections, which were due to kick off after months of deadlock and delays.

The threat, in an audio message purportedly recorded by Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaidah, underscores the security challenges facing the election process in the country.

The Al-Qaeda-linked group has been fighting to overthrow the federal government since 2007 and frequently attacks government, security and civilian targets.

Somalia was plunged into an unprecedented constitutional crisis early this year, when President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and the leaders of Somalia's five states were unable to agree on the terms of a vote before his term lapsed in February.

After months of stalemate that at times turned violent, the political leaders finally agreed last month on a voting timetable.

According to the agreed plan, delegates from the five federal states, chosen by various clans in that state, elect parliamentarians, who then elect a president. The process was due to kick off on Sunday.

But according to several sources who spoke to AFP, the sole state that was capable of carrying out a vote "during the week" was Jubaland. According to one source, the state has already chosen its delegate committee and could publish a list of candidates "during the week."

"We are expecting the election to take place soon," said Mohamed Adan, a senior government official in Jubaland. Another source said the electoral process could kick off in the state later on Sunday.

In Puntland state, sources told AFP that the elections were delayed because of "technical reasons."

In Galmudug state, the local parliament is on a break and will reconvene in early August.

In South-West state, the process is blocked because the regional president is out of the country.

Impasse explodes into violence

Somalia's political impasse exploded into violence in April when negotiations collapsed and the lower house extended the president's mandate by two years, sparking gun battles on the streets of Mogadishu.

Under pressure the president, commonly known as Farmajo, reversed the extension and ordered his prime minister to reconvene with the state leaders to chart a fresh roadmap towards elections.

The ballots follow a complex indirect model whereby special delegates chosen by the country's myriad clan elders pick lawmakers, who in turn choose the president.

Successive leaders have promised a direct vote but political infighting, logistical problems and the Al-Shabaab insurgency has prevented such an exercise.

The upper house vote will be followed by elections for the lower house from September 12-October 2, according to an updated timetable issued last week.

According to a statement issued in June, both assemblies were due to convene to vote for the president on October 10, but no date for this election was given in the updated timeline.

Somalia has not held a direct one-person, one-vote election since 1969, the year dictator Siad Barre led a coup and went on to rule for two decades.

Barre's military regime collapsed in 1991 and Somalia sank into anarchy.

Somalia has postponed elections that were due to start on Sunday after months of delays in the deeply unstable Horn of Africa country, officials told AFP. Indirect parliamentary and presidential polls were due to open on July 25 with four days of voting for the upper house by state delegates.

Somalia has postponed elections that were due to start on Sunday after months of delays in the deeply unstable Horn of Africa country, officials told AFP. Indirect parliamentary and presidential polls were due to open on July 25 with four days of voting for the upper house by state delegates. The election cycle was due to end with a presidential poll on October 10. "Even though the plan was the upper house election to start around the various states today, there is a delay, the election may not take place as planned," a member of the electoral commission told AFP on condition of anonymity. The delay was due to the fact that federal regions were neither able to submit candidates' lists in time, nor to form local committees to cast the ballots, the source added. A spokesman for the federal government, Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimu, told AFP that the elections were "postponed," without providing details. Last week, the country's Al-Shabaab jihadists warned politicians against taking part in the elections, which were due to kick off after months of deadlock and delays. The threat, in an audio message purportedly recorded by Al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Umar Abu Ubaidah, underscores the security challenges facing the election process in the country. The Al-Qaeda-linked group has been fighting to overthrow the federal government since 2007 and frequently attacks government, security and civilian targets. Somalia was plunged into an unprecedented constitutional crisis early this year, when President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed and the leaders of Somalia's five states were unable to agree on the terms of a vote before his term lapsed in February. After months of stalemate that at times turned violent, the political leaders finally agreed last month on a voting timetable. According to the agreed plan, delegates from the five federal states, chosen by various clans in that state, elect parliamentarians, who then elect a president. The process was due to kick off on Sunday. But according to several sources who spoke to AFP, the sole state that was capable of carrying out a vote "during the week" was Jubaland. According to one source, the state has already chosen its delegate committee and could publish a list of candidates "during the week." "We are expecting the election to take place soon," said Mohamed Adan, a senior government official in Jubaland. Another source said the electoral process could kick off in the state later on Sunday. In Puntland state, sources told AFP that the elections were delayed because of "technical reasons." In Galmudug state, the local parliament is on a break and will reconvene in early August. In South-West state, the process is blocked because the regional president is out of the country. Impasse explodes into violence Somalia's political impasse exploded into violence in April when negotiations collapsed and the lower house extended the president's mandate by two years, sparking gun battles on the streets of Mogadishu. Under pressure the president, commonly known as Farmajo, reversed the extension and ordered his prime minister to reconvene with the state leaders to chart a fresh roadmap towards elections. The ballots follow a complex indirect model whereby special delegates chosen by the country's myriad clan elders pick lawmakers, who in turn choose the president. Successive leaders have promised a direct vote but political infighting, logistical problems and the Al-Shabaab insurgency has prevented such an exercise. The upper house vote will be followed by elections for the lower house from September 12-October 2, according to an updated timetable issued last week. According to a statement issued in June, both assemblies were due to convene to vote for the president on October 10, but no date for this election was given in the updated timeline. Somalia has not held a direct one-person, one-vote election since 1969, the year dictator Siad Barre led a coup and went on to rule for two decades. Barre's military regime collapsed in 1991 and Somalia sank into anarchy.

Somalia postpones long-delayed election

The US military conducted an&nbsp;air&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;on Friday against Al Qaeda affiliated&nbsp;Al-Shabaab&nbsp;jihadists, the&nbsp;second&nbsp;in four days after a six-month hiatus, the Pentagon said.

The US military command for Africa (AFRICOM), "conducted an airstrike against&nbsp;Al-Shabaab&nbsp;in the vicinity of Qeycad" in Galmudug province 300 miles (500 kilometers) north of the capital Mogadishu, Pentagon spokeswoman Cindi King told AFP.

The&nbsp;strike&nbsp;was carried out by a drone and there were no US forces on the ground, King said, adding no further details could be provided.

The&nbsp;strike&nbsp;was the&nbsp;second&nbsp;carried out by the US military in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;in a&nbsp;week, and only the&nbsp;second&nbsp;under US President Joe Biden, who took office in January this year.

On Tuesday, AFRICOM targeted&nbsp;Al-Shabaab&nbsp;jihadists near Galkayo, northwest of Qeycad.

As soon as Biden arrived at the White House, he limited the use of drones against jihadist groups outside US theatres&nbsp;of war.

That reversed the policy of his predecessor Donald Trump, who had given the military carte blanche in countries such as&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;and Libya.&nbsp;

King noted "US forces are authorised to conduct strikes in support of combatant commander-designated partner forces under the 2001 AUMF," referring to the Authorisation for the Use of Military Force, whose authority US presidents have relied on to launch operations against armed Islamist groups.

Last month, the US House of Representatives voted to repeal a 2002 use-of-force measure that gave the US military the legal authority to invade Iraq and has since been used to justify military action against groups linked to Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-authorises-100-million-for-afghan-migration-aid-400236">Also read |&nbsp;Washington authorises $100 million for Afghan migration aid</a>

Supporters of repealing the 2002 AUMF argue it has long outlived its purpose and that Congress should reclaim its war-making powers.

No elected officials have indicated there is any immediate plan to reverse the 2001 measure.

Defence Department spokesman John Kirby said last&nbsp;week&nbsp;that AFRICOM commander General Stephen Townsend has "the authority to act in defense of our forces and our Somali partners."

The recent strikes "underscore the threat that&nbsp;Al Shabaab&nbsp;poses in&nbsp;Somalia, and in certainly the Horn of Africa," Kirby said.

"That threat remains significant, and we're going to continue to be vigilant about it."

Drone strikes had multiplied during Trump's term, going from 11 in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;in 2015, to 64 in 2019 and 54 in 2020, according to the non-governmental group Airwars, which monitors civilian deaths in bombings around the world.

Just before he left office, Trump ordered the withdrawal of some 700 special forces soldiers who were deployed in&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;to train and advise the Somali army.

The US military conducted an air strike in Somalia on Friday against Al Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab jihadists, the second in four days after a six-month hiatus, the Pentagon said.

The US military conducted an air strike in Somalia on Friday against Al Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab jihadists, the second in four days after a six-month hiatus, the Pentagon said. The US military command for Africa (AFRICOM), "conducted an airstrike against Al-Shabaab in the vicinity of Qeycad" in Galmudug province 300 miles (500 kilometers) north of the capital Mogadishu, Pentagon spokeswoman Cindi King told AFP. The strike was carried out by a drone and there were no US forces on the ground, King said, adding no further details could be provided. The strike was the second carried out by the US military in Somalia in a week, and only the second under US President Joe Biden, who took office in January this year. On Tuesday, AFRICOM targeted Al-Shabaab jihadists near Galkayo, northwest of Qeycad. As soon as Biden arrived at the White House, he limited the use of drones against jihadist groups outside US theatres of war. That reversed the policy of his predecessor Donald Trump, who had given the military carte blanche in countries such as Somalia and Libya. King noted "US forces are authorised to conduct strikes in support of combatant commander-designated partner forces under the 2001 AUMF," referring to the Authorisation for the Use of Military Force, whose authority US presidents have relied on to launch operations against armed Islamist groups. Last month, the US House of Representatives voted to repeal a 2002 use-of-force measure that gave the US military the legal authority to invade Iraq and has since been used to justify military action against groups linked to Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Also read | Washington authorises $100 million for Afghan migration aid Supporters of repealing the 2002 AUMF argue it has long outlived its purpose and that Congress should reclaim its war-making powers. No elected officials have indicated there is any immediate plan to reverse the 2001 measure. Defence Department spokesman John Kirby said last week that AFRICOM commander General Stephen Townsend has "the authority to act in defense of our forces and our Somali partners." The recent strikes "underscore the threat that Al Shabaab poses in Somalia, and in certainly the Horn of Africa," Kirby said. "That threat remains significant, and we're going to continue to be vigilant about it." Drone strikes had multiplied during Trump's term, going from 11 in Somalia in 2015, to 64 in 2019 and 54 in 2020, according to the non-governmental group Airwars, which monitors civilian deaths in bombings around the world. Just before he left office, Trump ordered the withdrawal of some 700 special forces soldiers who were deployed in Somalia to train and advise the Somali army.

US launches second air strike in a week targeting Al-Shabaab in Somalia

An estimated 30 people died on Sunday when Somalia's Islamist al Shabaab group launched an attack in a town in the country's semi-autonomous state of Galmudug, a security official said. 
 
The insurgents used car bombs in the assault on a military base in Galmudug's Wisil town, located in central Somalia, triggering a fight with government troops and armed locals, Major Mohamed&nbsp;Awale, a military&nbsp; officer in Galmudug said. 
 
"They attacked the base with two car bombs and&nbsp;fierce&nbsp;fighting that lasted over an hour followed," he said. 
 
"The car bombs damaged the military vehicles...residents were well armed and&nbsp;reinforced the base&nbsp;and chased&nbsp;the al Shabaab." 
 
Thirty people, including 17 soldiers and 13 civilians, died in the fighting, Awale said. 
 
The al Qaeda-allied al Shabaab has been fighting in Somalia for more than a decade to try to topple the country's central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law. 
 
Fighters from the group frequently carry out gun and bomb assaults on a range of both civilian and military targets including busy traffic intersections, hotels and military bases. 
 
During the attack that lasted about an hour, Abdullahi&nbsp;Mohamed, a resident in Wisil said he and others had 'crept and slept on the ground,' and added he had personally seen about 30 people injured in the assault. 
 
The Somalia government condemned the attack and said 41 al Shabaab fighters had been killed in the fighting as both the military and armed residents pursued the assailants, according to a statement posted on the website of the Somalia state news agency, SONNA. 
 
Those injured in the attack, the statement said, had been airlifted to the capital Mogadishu for treatment. 
 
Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack via a statement on its Radio Al Andalus&nbsp;and said its fighters had killed over 30 soldiers and injured over 40 others. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

An estimated 30 people died on Sunday when Somalia's Islamist al Shabaab group launched an attack in a town in the country's semi-autonomous state of Galmudug, a security official said.

An estimated 30 people died on Sunday when Somalia's Islamist al Shabaab group launched an attack in a town in the country's semi-autonomous state of Galmudug, a security official said. The insurgents used car bombs in the assault on a military base in Galmudug's Wisil town, located in central Somalia, triggering a fight with government troops and armed locals, Major Mohamed Awale, a military officer in Galmudug said. "They attacked the base with two car bombs and fierce fighting that lasted over an hour followed," he said. "The car bombs damaged the military vehicles...residents were well armed and reinforced the base and chased the al Shabaab." Thirty people, including 17 soldiers and 13 civilians, died in the fighting, Awale said. The al Qaeda-allied al Shabaab has been fighting in Somalia for more than a decade to try to topple the country's central government and establish its own rule based on its strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law. Fighters from the group frequently carry out gun and bomb assaults on a range of both civilian and military targets including busy traffic intersections, hotels and military bases. During the attack that lasted about an hour, Abdullahi Mohamed, a resident in Wisil said he and others had 'crept and slept on the ground,' and added he had personally seen about 30 people injured in the assault. The Somalia government condemned the attack and said 41 al Shabaab fighters had been killed in the fighting as both the military and armed residents pursued the assailants, according to a statement posted on the website of the Somalia state news agency, SONNA. Those injured in the attack, the statement said, had been airlifted to the capital Mogadishu for treatment. Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack via a statement on its Radio Al Andalus and said its fighters had killed over 30 soldiers and injured over 40 others. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 30 killed in al Shabaab attack in Somalia: Security official

At least 15 people were killed on Tuesday in a suicide bombing as recruits lined up outside an army camp in the Somali capital Mogadishu, a Reuters witness who counted the bodies at Madina Hospital said.

Officials at the hospital confirmed the dead were killed in an attack earlier in the day at a checkpoint outside the General Degaban military training camp in the capital.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Islamist group al Shabaab frequently carries out bombings in the Horn of Africa country.

Dozens of people crowded outside Madina Hospital searching for their missing relatives.

"My son is dead. I have seen with my eyes. Many boys perished. They were asked to come for recruitment and then bombed. The government is still hiding other casualties," said Amina Farah, sobbing as she collapsed into the arms of family members at the hospital.

Government officials were not reachable for comment.

Army recruit Ahmed Ali, who was struck in the head by shrapnel, told Reuters at the hospital: "The place was overcrowded with new recruits and soldiers when the blast occurred."

A Somali military officer, Odawaa Yusuf Rage, told state media earlier on Tuesday that 10 new recruits had been killed, and 20 others wounded, when a suicide bomber detonated explosives.

At least 15 people were killed on Tuesday in a suicide bombing as recruits lined up outside an army camp in the Somali capital Mogadishu, a Reuters witness who counted the bodies at Madina Hospital said.

At least 15 people were killed on Tuesday in a suicide bombing as recruits lined up outside an army camp in the Somali capital Mogadishu, a Reuters witness who counted the bodies at Madina Hospital said. Officials at the hospital confirmed the dead were killed in an attack earlier in the day at a checkpoint outside the General Degaban military training camp in the capital. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Islamist group al Shabaab frequently carries out bombings in the Horn of Africa country. Dozens of people crowded outside Madina Hospital searching for their missing relatives. "My son is dead. I have seen with my eyes. Many boys perished. They were asked to come for recruitment and then bombed. The government is still hiding other casualties," said Amina Farah, sobbing as she collapsed into the arms of family members at the hospital. Government officials were not reachable for comment. Army recruit Ahmed Ali, who was struck in the head by shrapnel, told Reuters at the hospital: "The place was overcrowded with new recruits and soldiers when the blast occurred." A Somali military officer, Odawaa Yusuf Rage, told state media earlier on Tuesday that 10 new recruits had been killed, and 20 others wounded, when a suicide bomber detonated explosives.

At least 15 killed in suicide bombing at army camp in Somalia

Somalia's foreign minister has invited Kenya to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu in a push to resume full diplomatic ties, in a note seen by AFP on Sunday.

Kenya's mission has been shut since December when&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;broke off relations after Nairobi hosted the leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by the central government in Mogadishu.

The Kenyan ambassador was expelled and Mogadishu recalled its envoy from Nairobi.

On May 6,&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;said it had restored diplomatic ties with Kenya, which looked forward to "further normalisation".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-surprise-move-kenya-suspends-flights-from-somalia-384548">Also read |&nbsp;In surprise move, Kenya suspends flights from Somalia</a>

Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdirizak Mohamed wrote in a&nbsp;note dated Saturday: "In the spirit of good neighbourliness, the Federal Republic of&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;calls on the Republic of Kenya to reopen its diplomatic mission in&nbsp;Somalia, and the Federal Government of&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;will reciprocally reopen its embassy in Kenya.

"The resumption of full diplomatic relations will be a positive start to the commencement of bilateral discussions between the two countries," the minister said in the note addressed to Kenya's foreign minister.

The foreign ministry in Nairobi did not respond to AFP requests for comment on Sunday.

Somalia&nbsp;has long bristled over what it calls Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems.

The neighbours have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations which are believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter.

The row over which nation controls access to the lucrative deposits escalated in early 2019 after&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;decided to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area, prompting Kenya to recall its ambassador.

Somalia's foreign minister has invited Kenya to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu in a push to resume full diplomatic ties, in a note seen by AFP on Sunday. Kenya's mission has been shut since December when Somalia broke off relations after Nairobi hosted the leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by the central government in Mogadishu.

Somalia's foreign minister has invited Kenya to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu in a push to resume full diplomatic ties, in a note seen by AFP on Sunday. Kenya's mission has been shut since December when Somalia broke off relations after Nairobi hosted the leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by the central government in Mogadishu. The Kenyan ambassador was expelled and Mogadishu recalled its envoy from Nairobi. On May 6, Somalia said it had restored diplomatic ties with Kenya, which looked forward to "further normalisation". Also read | In surprise move, Kenya suspends flights from Somalia Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdirizak Mohamed wrote in a note dated Saturday: "In the spirit of good neighbourliness, the Federal Republic of Somalia calls on the Republic of Kenya to reopen its diplomatic mission in Somalia, and the Federal Government of Somalia will reciprocally reopen its embassy in Kenya. "The resumption of full diplomatic relations will be a positive start to the commencement of bilateral discussions between the two countries," the minister said in the note addressed to Kenya's foreign minister. The foreign ministry in Nairobi did not respond to AFP requests for comment on Sunday. Somalia has long bristled over what it calls Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems. The neighbours have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations which are believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter. The row over which nation controls access to the lucrative deposits escalated in early 2019 after Somalia decided to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area, prompting Kenya to recall its ambassador.

Somalia asks Kenya to reopen embassy in Mogadishu

Kenya&nbsp;announced Tuesday that flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu had been suspended, just days after&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;said diplomatic ties with its neighbour had been normalised following months of tensions.

The&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said commercial flights to and from&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;would be paused for three months, without giving a reason.

"All flights between&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;and&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;are suspended expect medevac flights and United Nations flights on humanitarian missions only," the regulator said.

KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe told AFP the suspension was "a decision by the government" but gave no further details.

The directive appeared to catch some Somali aviation officials and travel agents by surprise.

"We had not been given a prior notice, and there's been no explanation about the reason so far," an airport tower operator in Mogadishu told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The suspension comes a day after&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;said shipments of khat from&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;remained on hold. Khat is a narcotic leaf popular in&nbsp;Somalia.

Somalia&nbsp;announced last week that bilateral ties with&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;had been restored, citing "the interests of good neighbourliness" as motivating its decision.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-somalia-agree-to-normalise-ties-after-tensions-262304">Kenya, Somalia agree to normalise ties after tensions</a>

Nairobi said it took note of the statement and was looking forward "to further normalisation of relations by the Somali authorities."

Mogadishu cut off diplomatic relations in December after Nairobi hosted the political leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by&nbsp;Somalia's central government.

Somalia&nbsp;has long bristled over what it calls&nbsp;Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems.

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The pair have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter.

Kenya announced Tuesday that flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu had been suspended, just days after Somalia said diplomatic ties with its neighbour had been normalised following months of tensions.

Kenya announced Tuesday that flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu had been suspended, just days after Somalia said diplomatic ties with its neighbour had been normalised following months of tensions. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said commercial flights to and from Somalia would be paused for three months, without giving a reason. "All flights between Kenya and Somalia are suspended expect medevac flights and United Nations flights on humanitarian missions only," the regulator said. KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe told AFP the suspension was "a decision by the government" but gave no further details. The directive appeared to catch some Somali aviation officials and travel agents by surprise. "We had not been given a prior notice, and there's been no explanation about the reason so far," an airport tower operator in Mogadishu told AFP on condition of anonymity. The suspension comes a day after Somalia said shipments of khat from Kenya remained on hold. Khat is a narcotic leaf popular in Somalia. Somalia announced last week that bilateral ties with Kenya had been restored, citing "the interests of good neighbourliness" as motivating its decision. Also read | Kenya, Somalia agree to normalise ties after tensions Nairobi said it took note of the statement and was looking forward "to further normalisation of relations by the Somali authorities." Mogadishu cut off diplomatic relations in December after Nairobi hosted the political leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by Somalia's central government. Somalia has long bristled over what it calls Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems. The pair have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter.

In surprise move, Kenya suspends flights from Somalia

Somali lawmakers voted unanimously on Saturday to cancel a two-year presidential term extension they had approved last month, after clashes in the capital Mogadishu between factions of the security forces, which are divided over the issue. &nbsp;

In a speech following the vote in the lower house of parliament, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble ordered the army to return to barracks and urged politicians to avoid inciting violence. &nbsp;

The political crisis has raised fears that al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents could exploit a security vacuum if state forces split along clan lines and turn on each other. The group has taken over at least one Somali town in the past week as heavily armed fighters moved from the countryside into the capital city. &nbsp;

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's attempt to extend his term has also angered foreign donors, who have backed his government in an attempt to bring stability to Somalia after more than two decades as a failed state following a civil war that began in 1991.&nbsp;

Saturday’s lower house vote was broadcast on Somali television and came shortly after Mohamed addressed parliament and said he was directing the prime minister to prepare to hold a delayed parliamentary election.&nbsp;

Roble said in a Twitter post late on Saturday that the government will ‘soon’ prepare the plan for elections, and thanked the president and the parliament. &nbsp;

Mohamed’s term expired in February, but without a new crop of lawmakers, parliament was unable to choose a president.&nbsp;

The term extension was approved by the lower house last month but rejected by the Senate, provoking the crisis that has intensified in the past week.&nbsp;

Between 60,000 and 100,000 people were forced to flee their homes following clashes on Sunday that stirred fears of all-out war between heavily armed factions for and against the president.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Somali lawmakers voted unanimously on Saturday to cancel a two-year presidential term extension they had approved last month, after clashes in the capital Mogadishu between factions of the security forces, which are divided over the issue.

Somali lawmakers voted unanimously on Saturday to cancel a two-year presidential term extension they had approved last month, after clashes in the capital Mogadishu between factions of the security forces, which are divided over the issue. In a speech following the vote in the lower house of parliament, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble ordered the army to return to barracks and urged politicians to avoid inciting violence. The political crisis has raised fears that al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents could exploit a security vacuum if state forces split along clan lines and turn on each other. The group has taken over at least one Somali town in the past week as heavily armed fighters moved from the countryside into the capital city. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's attempt to extend his term has also angered foreign donors, who have backed his government in an attempt to bring stability to Somalia after more than two decades as a failed state following a civil war that began in 1991. Saturday’s lower house vote was broadcast on Somali television and came shortly after Mohamed addressed parliament and said he was directing the prime minister to prepare to hold a delayed parliamentary election. Roble said in a Twitter post late on Saturday that the government will ‘soon’ prepare the plan for elections, and thanked the president and the parliament. Mohamed’s term expired in February, but without a new crop of lawmakers, parliament was unable to choose a president. The term extension was approved by the lower house last month but rejected by the Senate, provoking the crisis that has intensified in the past week. Between 60,000 and 100,000 people were forced to flee their homes following clashes on Sunday that stirred fears of all-out war between heavily armed factions for and against the president. (With inputs from agencies)

Somalia's parliament votes to cancel presidential term extension 

Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed said on Wednesday he would drop an attempt to extend his term by two years, bowing to domestic and international pressure after clashes in the capital Mogadishu split security forces along clan lines.

Hours earlier, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble had denounced the proposed term extension and called for preparations for a new presidential election.

The president's term expired in February, but the country failed to hold elections as planned. Earlier this month, the lower house of parliament voted to extend Mohamed's four-year term by another two years. The Senate rejected the move, provoking a political crisis.

Commanders in both the police and military had defected to the opposition, and rival factions of the security forces had fortified positions in central Mogadishu, raising fears of clashes in the heart of the city, and a security vacuum in the surrounding areas that could be exploited by al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents.

In a televised statement in the early hours of Wednesday, the president said he commended the efforts of the prime minister and other political leaders and welcomed the statements they issued calling for elections to be held without further delay. He also called for urgent discussions with the signatories to an agreement signed last September on the conduct of the elections.

The opposition, who had called on the president to resign, did not immediately respond. The president did not discuss the opposition in his speech, but denounced unnamed "individuals and foreign entities who have no aim other than to destabilize the country."

The heads of two regional states who had been staunch allies of the president had also rejected on Tuesday the proposed two-year extension of Mohamed's term. Those leaders said in statements immediately after the president's speech that they welcomed his announcement.

Mohamed's attempt to extend his term had also angered foreign donors who backed his government, hoping it would help bring stability and quash the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgency. But the proposed extension pitted factions in the security forces against each other.

This week, opposition forces abandoned positions in the countryside as they headed for a showdown in the capital, allowing al Shabaab to take over at least one town.

Forces loyal to the opposition hold important parts of the city and clashed with government forces over the weekend, fuelling worries the country could return to all-out war.

The president said he urged "all security agencies to maintain the stability of the capital and the safety of innocent civilians, avoiding any actions that may lead to insecurity."

The unrest is the second bout of violence in Mogadishu over the proposed extension to Mohamed's term. Continued clashes could further splinter Somali security forces along ethnic lines, said the International Crisis Group, a think-tank.

"Somalia&nbsp;is teetering on the brink of a major breakdown once again," it said in a briefing published on Tuesday.

Somalia's fledgling armed forces are drawn from clan militias who have often battled each other for power and resources.

Mohamed is Darod, one of&nbsp;Somalia's major clans. The majority of the Somali military in the capital are Hawiye, another large clan. Most of the opposition leaders are Hawiye.

Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed said on Wednesday he would drop an attempt to extend his term by two years, bowing to domestic and international pressure after clashes in the capital Mogadishu split security forces along clan lines.

Somalia's President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed said on Wednesday he would drop an attempt to extend his term by two years, bowing to domestic and international pressure after clashes in the capital Mogadishu split security forces along clan lines. Hours earlier, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble had denounced the proposed term extension and called for preparations for a new presidential election. The president's term expired in February, but the country failed to hold elections as planned. Earlier this month, the lower house of parliament voted to extend Mohamed's four-year term by another two years. The Senate rejected the move, provoking a political crisis. Commanders in both the police and military had defected to the opposition, and rival factions of the security forces had fortified positions in central Mogadishu, raising fears of clashes in the heart of the city, and a security vacuum in the surrounding areas that could be exploited by al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents. In a televised statement in the early hours of Wednesday, the president said he commended the efforts of the prime minister and other political leaders and welcomed the statements they issued calling for elections to be held without further delay. He also called for urgent discussions with the signatories to an agreement signed last September on the conduct of the elections. The opposition, who had called on the president to resign, did not immediately respond. The president did not discuss the opposition in his speech, but denounced unnamed "individuals and foreign entities who have no aim other than to destabilize the country." The heads of two regional states who had been staunch allies of the president had also rejected on Tuesday the proposed two-year extension of Mohamed's term. Those leaders said in statements immediately after the president's speech that they welcomed his announcement. Mohamed's attempt to extend his term had also angered foreign donors who backed his government, hoping it would help bring stability and quash the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgency. But the proposed extension pitted factions in the security forces against each other. This week, opposition forces abandoned positions in the countryside as they headed for a showdown in the capital, allowing al Shabaab to take over at least one town. Forces loyal to the opposition hold important parts of the city and clashed with government forces over the weekend, fuelling worries the country could return to all-out war. The president said he urged "all security agencies to maintain the stability of the capital and the safety of innocent civilians, avoiding any actions that may lead to insecurity." The unrest is the second bout of violence in Mogadishu over the proposed extension to Mohamed's term. Continued clashes could further splinter Somali security forces along ethnic lines, said the International Crisis Group, a think-tank. "Somalia is teetering on the brink of a major breakdown once again," it said in a briefing published on Tuesday. Somalia's fledgling armed forces are drawn from clan militias who have often battled each other for power and resources. Mohamed is Darod, one of Somalia's major clans. The majority of the Somali military in the capital are Hawiye, another large clan. Most of the opposition leaders are Hawiye.

Bowing to pressure, Somalia's president agrees not to extend presidential term

Gunfire erupted in Somalia's capital on Sunday between soldiers loyal to the government and others angry at the country's leader as tensions spiked over President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's extended stay in power.

Gunfire erupts in Somali capital Mogadishu amid President's standoff

Gunshots rang out late on Friday in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, witnesses said, when government troops approached the home of the city's former police commander who was sacked for opposing a move by the president to extend his term.

The stand-off reveals splits within Somalia's security services that threaten to see forces turn on each other, creating an opportunity for the al Qaeda linked al Shabaab insurgency to exploit.

"Somalia's long-running political crisis has entered a new, dangerous phase," said the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think-tank, in a briefing note on Saturday.

"The opposition is said to be considering forming a parallel government; cracks have deepened in a security apparatus long divided along clan lines; and the president's opponents have vowed to resist extension of his rule."

Somalia, riven by civil war since 1991, is trying to rebuild with international help, but the path to stability has been obstructed by a political crisis caused by a failure to hold elections that were due in February.

On Monday, lawmakers extended President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's four year term by up to two years.

The resolution passed after then Mogadishu police chief Saadaq Omar Hassan announced parliament was suspended, triggering his sacking moments later.

Hassan retreated to his house in the Shirkole area of the city, which is guarded by 100 armed men who have been reinforced by clan fighters, his family and area residents said.

Calm returned after the burst of gunfire, but some Shirkole residents held street demonstrations in support of Hassan, burning tyres and shouting slogans against the president.

"If you are attacked, you have to defend yourself," said Mahad Mohamed Salad, a pro-Hassan lawmaker.

The government denied claims it wanted to attack Hassan.

"We have no interest attacking a civilian area where most inhabitants are children and women," interior security minister Hassan Hunbdubey said in an online address late Friday.

Donors, who have opposed the president's move to extend his term, fear the crisis could abet further attacks by Islamist al Shabaab militants, who have been trying for years to topple the government.

The militants on Friday killed Mohamed Abdi Hayle, the district commissioner for Hamarjajab on the edge of Mogadishu, the state news agency reported.

They also captured the Becaadweyn area of the central state of Galmudug without resistance on Thursday, after the Somali army left the area, residents said.

Gunshots rang out late on Friday in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, witnesses said, when government troops approached the home of the city's former police commander who was sacked for opposing a move by the president to extend his term.

Gunshots rang out late on Friday in Somalia's capital Mogadishu, witnesses said, when government troops approached the home of the city's former police commander who was sacked for opposing a move by the president to extend his term. The stand-off reveals splits within Somalia's security services that threaten to see forces turn on each other, creating an opportunity for the al Qaeda linked al Shabaab insurgency to exploit. "Somalia's long-running political crisis has entered a new, dangerous phase," said the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think-tank, in a briefing note on Saturday. "The opposition is said to be considering forming a parallel government; cracks have deepened in a security apparatus long divided along clan lines; and the president's opponents have vowed to resist extension of his rule." Somalia, riven by civil war since 1991, is trying to rebuild with international help, but the path to stability has been obstructed by a political crisis caused by a failure to hold elections that were due in February. On Monday, lawmakers extended President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed's four year term by up to two years. The resolution passed after then Mogadishu police chief Saadaq Omar Hassan announced parliament was suspended, triggering his sacking moments later. Hassan retreated to his house in the Shirkole area of the city, which is guarded by 100 armed men who have been reinforced by clan fighters, his family and area residents said. Calm returned after the burst of gunfire, but some Shirkole residents held street demonstrations in support of Hassan, burning tyres and shouting slogans against the president. "If you are attacked, you have to defend yourself," said Mahad Mohamed Salad, a pro-Hassan lawmaker. The government denied claims it wanted to attack Hassan. "We have no interest attacking a civilian area where most inhabitants are children and women," interior security minister Hassan Hunbdubey said in an online address late Friday. Donors, who have opposed the president's move to extend his term, fear the crisis could abet further attacks by Islamist al Shabaab militants, who have been trying for years to topple the government. The militants on Friday killed Mohamed Abdi Hayle, the district commissioner for Hamarjajab on the edge of Mogadishu, the state news agency reported. They also captured the Becaadweyn area of the central state of Galmudug without resistance on Thursday, after the Somali army left the area, residents said.

Somali government troops face off with forces loyal to sacked police boss

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