The lawmakers of Somalia have handed over the presidency to former leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for a second time. Mohamud has returned to the nation's top office defeating the incumbent leader Mohamed Abdullahi

Somalia elects new President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud wins Presidency again

Al-Shabaab controls large parts of rural Somalia and has surrounded the capital Mogadishu. How has Al-Shabaab managed to hold ground, even though the African Union forces have been stationed in the country? What has made Al-Shabaab bigger, bolder and more powerful than before?

World at War: Is Al-Shabaab the biggest threat on the African continent?

Every month, Abdow Omar, who runs a business importing flour and sugar, gets a call from the Somali militant group al-Shabab reminding him that it’s time to pay them taxes — or risk losing his business, or even his life.

After more than 16 years, al-Shabab, a terrorist group linked to al-Qaida, now has a firm grip on much of Somalia, extorting taxes, judging court cases, forcibly recruiting minors into its forces, and carrying out suicide bombings.

The country is about to get its next leader Sunday in an election that has been delayed for almost two years. No less than 38 candidates, including one woman, registered to vie and unseat the incumbent president. But many residents, observing the government’s infighting and paralysis, are asking whether a new administration will make a difference at all.

“While the government is busy with itself, we are suffering,” Omar said. “The Shabab are like a mafia group. You either have to obey them or close your business. There’s no freedom.”

Somalia, a nation of 16 million people strategically located in the Horn of Africa, has suffered for decades from civil war, weak governance, and terrorism. Its central government has been bolstered by United Nations peacekeepers and Western aid, including billions of dollars in humanitarian aid and security assistance from the United States, which sought to keep the country from becoming a safe haven for international terrorism.

Now, inflation is climbing, and food prices are sharply on the rise because of a biting drought and the loss of wheat imports from Ukraine.

The country doesn’t have a one-person, one-vote electoral system. Instead, more than 325 lawmakers, who were chosen by clan representatives, will select the next president.

The candidates, who include former presidents and prime ministers, are looking to unseat the current president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who has served for five years. Critics accused Mohamed — a former U.S. citizen and bureaucrat — of trying to illegally stay in power, cracking down on the opposition and journalists, fomenting a rift with neighboring Kenya and undercutting the power-sharing model that buttressed the country’s federal system.

Al-Shabab exploited the political instability, and the bitter divisions among security forces, to grow its tentacles. In the weeks and months before the vote, the group killed civilians including at beachside restaurants, mounted a major offensive on an African Union base — killing at least 10 peacekeepers from Burundi — and dispatched suicide bombers to jump on the cars of government officials.

In interviews with more than two dozen Somali citizens, lawmakers, analysts, diplomats and aid workers before Sunday’s vote, many expressed concern at how the deteriorating political, security and humanitarian situation has reversed the few years of stability the nation achieved after al-Shabab was kicked out of the capital in 2011.

“These were five lost years, ones in which we lost the cohesion of the country,” said Hussein Sheikh-Ali, a former national security adviser to Mohamed and chair of the Hiraal Institute, a research center in Mogadishu.

The protracted political battles, particularly over the elections, undermined the government’s ability to deliver key services, observers say. Critics and opposition figures have accused Mohamed of trying to cling to power at all costs, exerting pressure on the electoral commission, installing leaders in regional states who would help sway the election and trying to fill the parliament with his own supporters. Last year, when he signed a law extending his rule by two years, fighting broke out in the capital’s streets, forcing him to change course.

As the election of lawmakers got underway, observers said it was rife with corruption and irregularities.

Abdi Ismail Samatar, a first time senator who is also a professor at the University of Minnesota who researches democracy in Africa, said this election could be ranked as “the worst” in Somalia’s history.

“I don’t think I could have ever imagined how corrupt and self-serving it is,” Samatar said. While no one attempted to bribe him, he said, “I saw people being given money in the election for the speakership right in front of my face in the hallway.”

Larry André Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Somalia, said that the majority of the seats had been selected by regional leaders, “sold” or “auctioned,” and the messy election had pushed the country to the “cliff’s edge.”

The United States imposed visa sanctions in both February and March on Somali officials and others accused of undermining the parliamentary elections. The parliamentary vote finally concluded in late April, producing new speakers and deputy speakers mostly aligned with groups opposed to Mohamed.

Because of the indirect nature of the vote, presidential candidates in Mogadishu aren’t shaking hands with citizens or campaigning in the streets. Instead, they are meeting with lawmakers and clan elders in glitzy hotels and compounds guarded by dozens of soldiers and blast walls. Some aspirants have put up election billboards along major roads in the capital, promising good governance, justice and peace.

But few in this seaside city believe they would make good on their pledges.

“Everyone wears a suit, carries a briefcase and promises to be as sweet as honey,” said Jamila Adan, a political science student at City University. “But we don’t believe them.”

Her friend Anisa Abdullahi, a business major, agreed, saying those running for office cannot identify with the daily tribulations facing ordinary Somalis. Security forces, she said, frequently block roads unannounced to create safe corridors for politicians, making it impossible for her and many others to get to class, do business or visit relatives.

“They never make people feel like the government comes from the people and is supposed to serve the people,” she said.

Some Somalis have now turned to al-Shabab to get services that would normally be delivered by a functioning state. Many in Mogadishu regularly travel to areas dozens of miles north of the city to get their cases heard at al-Shabab-operated mobile courts.

One of them is Ali Ahmed, a businessman from a minority tribe whose family home in Mogadishu was occupied for years by members of a powerful tribe. After he presented his case to an al-Shabab-run court, he said, two weeks later the court ruled that the occupiers should vacate his house — and they did.

“It’s sad but no one goes to the government to get justice,” he said. “Even government judges will secretly advise you to go to al-Shabab.”

Some officials admit the government’s own shortcomings. Al-Shabab has been able to widen its tax base because “elected officials were too busy politicking instead of doing policy work,” said one government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The election comes as parts of Somalia face the worst drought in four decades. Some 6 million people, or about 40% of the population, are facing extreme food shortages, according to the World Food Program, with nearly 760,000 people displaced.

Many of those impacted by the drought live in al-Shabab-controlled areas in south-central Somalia, where aid organizations are not able to reach them, crops are failing and al-Shabab demands taxes on their livestock, according to interviews with officials and displaced people. The U.N. estimates that almost 900,000 people reside in inaccessible areas administered by al-Shabab.

To find food and water, families travel hundreds of miles, sometimes on foot, to cities and towns like Mogadishu, and Doolow in the southern Gedo region. Some parents said they buried their children on the way while others left a weak child behind in order to save other offspring.

Mohammed Ali Hussein, the deputy governor of Gedo, said the lack of security prevented officials from rescuing people in al-Shabab-dominated areas even when family members pinpoint an exact location.

Dealing with the threat of al-Shabab will be among the first challenges facing Somalia’s next government, said Afyare Abdi Elmi, executive director of the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies in Mogadishu.

But the next leader, he said, needs also to deliver a new constitution, reform the economy, deal with climate change, open dialogue with the breakaway region of Somaliland and unite a polarized nation.

“Governance in Somalia became too confrontational over the past few years. It was like pulling teeth,” Elmi said. “People are now ready for a new dawn.” 
&nbsp;

Every month, Abdow Omar, who runs a business importing flour and sugar, gets a call from the Somali militant group al-Shabab reminding him that it’s time to pay them taxes — or risk losing his business, or even his life.

Every month, Abdow Omar, who runs a business importing flour and sugar, gets a call from the Somali militant group al-Shabab reminding him that it’s time to pay them taxes — or risk losing his business, or even his life. After more than 16 years, al-Shabab, a terrorist group linked to al-Qaida, now has a firm grip on much of Somalia, extorting taxes, judging court cases, forcibly recruiting minors into its forces, and carrying out suicide bombings. The country is about to get its next leader Sunday in an election that has been delayed for almost two years. No less than 38 candidates, including one woman, registered to vie and unseat the incumbent president. But many residents, observing the government’s infighting and paralysis, are asking whether a new administration will make a difference at all. “While the government is busy with itself, we are suffering,” Omar said. “The Shabab are like a mafia group. You either have to obey them or close your business. There’s no freedom.” Somalia, a nation of 16 million people strategically located in the Horn of Africa, has suffered for decades from civil war, weak governance, and terrorism. Its central government has been bolstered by United Nations peacekeepers and Western aid, including billions of dollars in humanitarian aid and security assistance from the United States, which sought to keep the country from becoming a safe haven for international terrorism. Now, inflation is climbing, and food prices are sharply on the rise because of a biting drought and the loss of wheat imports from Ukraine. The country doesn’t have a one-person, one-vote electoral system. Instead, more than 325 lawmakers, who were chosen by clan representatives, will select the next president. The candidates, who include former presidents and prime ministers, are looking to unseat the current president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who has served for five years. Critics accused Mohamed — a former U.S. citizen and bureaucrat — of trying to illegally stay in power, cracking down on the opposition and journalists, fomenting a rift with neighboring Kenya and undercutting the power-sharing model that buttressed the country’s federal system. Al-Shabab exploited the political instability, and the bitter divisions among security forces, to grow its tentacles. In the weeks and months before the vote, the group killed civilians including at beachside restaurants, mounted a major offensive on an African Union base — killing at least 10 peacekeepers from Burundi — and dispatched suicide bombers to jump on the cars of government officials. In interviews with more than two dozen Somali citizens, lawmakers, analysts, diplomats and aid workers before Sunday’s vote, many expressed concern at how the deteriorating political, security and humanitarian situation has reversed the few years of stability the nation achieved after al-Shabab was kicked out of the capital in 2011. “These were five lost years, ones in which we lost the cohesion of the country,” said Hussein Sheikh-Ali, a former national security adviser to Mohamed and chair of the Hiraal Institute, a research center in Mogadishu. The protracted political battles, particularly over the elections, undermined the government’s ability to deliver key services, observers say. Critics and opposition figures have accused Mohamed of trying to cling to power at all costs, exerting pressure on the electoral commission, installing leaders in regional states who would help sway the election and trying to fill the parliament with his own supporters. Last year, when he signed a law extending his rule by two years, fighting broke out in the capital’s streets, forcing him to change course. As the election of lawmakers got underway, observers said it was rife with corruption and irregularities. Abdi Ismail Samatar, a first time senator who is also a professor at the University of Minnesota who researches democracy in Africa, said this election could be ranked as “the worst” in Somalia’s history. “I don’t think I could have ever imagined how corrupt and self-serving it is,” Samatar said. While no one attempted to bribe him, he said, “I saw people being given money in the election for the speakership right in front of my face in the hallway.” Larry André Jr., the U.S. ambassador to Somalia, said that the majority of the seats had been selected by regional leaders, “sold” or “auctioned,” and the messy election had pushed the country to the “cliff’s edge.” The United States imposed visa sanctions in both February and March on Somali officials and others accused of undermining the parliamentary elections. The parliamentary vote finally concluded in late April, producing new speakers and deputy speakers mostly aligned with groups opposed to Mohamed. Because of the indirect nature of the vote, presidential candidates in Mogadishu aren’t shaking hands with citizens or campaigning in the streets. Instead, they are meeting with lawmakers and clan elders in glitzy hotels and compounds guarded by dozens of soldiers and blast walls. Some aspirants have put up election billboards along major roads in the capital, promising good governance, justice and peace. But few in this seaside city believe they would make good on their pledges. “Everyone wears a suit, carries a briefcase and promises to be as sweet as honey,” said Jamila Adan, a political science student at City University. “But we don’t believe them.” Her friend Anisa Abdullahi, a business major, agreed, saying those running for office cannot identify with the daily tribulations facing ordinary Somalis. Security forces, she said, frequently block roads unannounced to create safe corridors for politicians, making it impossible for her and many others to get to class, do business or visit relatives. “They never make people feel like the government comes from the people and is supposed to serve the people,” she said. Some Somalis have now turned to al-Shabab to get services that would normally be delivered by a functioning state. Many in Mogadishu regularly travel to areas dozens of miles north of the city to get their cases heard at al-Shabab-operated mobile courts. One of them is Ali Ahmed, a businessman from a minority tribe whose family home in Mogadishu was occupied for years by members of a powerful tribe. After he presented his case to an al-Shabab-run court, he said, two weeks later the court ruled that the occupiers should vacate his house — and they did. “It’s sad but no one goes to the government to get justice,” he said. “Even government judges will secretly advise you to go to al-Shabab.” Some officials admit the government’s own shortcomings. Al-Shabab has been able to widen its tax base because “elected officials were too busy politicking instead of doing policy work,” said one government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. The election comes as parts of Somalia face the worst drought in four decades. Some 6 million people, or about 40% of the population, are facing extreme food shortages, according to the World Food Program, with nearly 760,000 people displaced. Many of those impacted by the drought live in al-Shabab-controlled areas in south-central Somalia, where aid organizations are not able to reach them, crops are failing and al-Shabab demands taxes on their livestock, according to interviews with officials and displaced people. The U.N. estimates that almost 900,000 people reside in inaccessible areas administered by al-Shabab. To find food and water, families travel hundreds of miles, sometimes on foot, to cities and towns like Mogadishu, and Doolow in the southern Gedo region. Some parents said they buried their children on the way while others left a weak child behind in order to save other offspring. Mohammed Ali Hussein, the deputy governor of Gedo, said the lack of security prevented officials from rescuing people in al-Shabab-dominated areas even when family members pinpoint an exact location. Dealing with the threat of al-Shabab will be among the first challenges facing Somalia’s next government, said Afyare Abdi Elmi, executive director of the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies in Mogadishu. But the next leader, he said, needs also to deliver a new constitution, reform the economy, deal with climate change, open dialogue with the breakaway region of Somaliland and unite a polarized nation. “Governance in Somalia became too confrontational over the past few years. It was like pulling teeth,” Elmi said. “People are now ready for a new dawn.”

Somalia elects next president, but terrorists hold true power

In pics: Five things you need to know about strife-torn Somalia

Some of the most vulnerable nations globally like Somalia stand at the risk of increased food insecurity and water scarcity, this is not just due to climate but now also because of the Russia-Ukraine war. As per a report by the United Nations, the fallout of this is going to impact lives of billions across the globe

Somalians endure impact of drought, Ukraine war

Somalia's Al-Shabab terrorists attacked a military base of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia on Tuesday, triggering a fierce fight which killed hundreds.

Al-Shabaab attacks AU base in Somalia

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

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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

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