akins station

Mogadishu News

World news Affecting Somalia

Somalia has been elected to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2026-2027, marking a major diplomatic milestone. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has completed Phase III of its drawdown, with Somali National Army forces assuming security responsibility in 3 more regions. The UN reports that drought conditions are worsening in southern Somalia, with 2.1 million people now facing food insecurity.

Turkey has announced a new $50 million development package for Mogadishu, focusing on infrastructure and education. Meanwhile, tensions persist with Ethiopia over the Somaliland port deal, with Somalia reiterating its territorial sovereignty at the recent IGAD summit.

Economic News

Somalia's economy is projected to grow by 3.8% in 2025, driven by construction, telecommunications and diaspora remittances. The Central Bank has maintained the exchange rate at 23,000 Somali shillings to the US dollar. Inflation has eased to 6.5% due to improved food imports.

The Mogadishu Port expansion project is 60% complete, with Turkish firm Albayrak Group on schedule to finish by December 2025. The city's first modern shopping mall, the Jazeera Mall, opened this week with 50 retail spaces. However, youth unemployment remains critically high at 67%.

Political News

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces growing pressure over delayed constitutional reforms as the term extension debate continues. The Federal Parliament has approved a new cabinet reshuffle, with 5 ministers replaced in the security and economic sectors.

Mogadishu's municipal government has launched "Operation Clean City" to improve waste management, deploying 200 new sanitation workers. Security forces have disrupted 3 al-Shabaab plots in the city this month, according to the National Intelligence Agency.

Entertainment News

Mogadishu's cultural revival continues with the opening of the new National Theater annex, hosting daily poetry readings and musical performances. Popular Somali artist Aar Maanta will the "Return to Mogadishu" concert on June 20 at the Peace Garden.

The Banadir International Film Festival (June 28-25) will showcase 40 Somali-produced films, including the award-winning "The Sea Behind Us." Local cinemas are screening the Turkish-Somali coproduction "Istanbul to Mogadishu" to packed audiences.

Election News

Preparations for the 2026 national elections have begun, with the National Independent Electoral Commission announcing voter registration will start in September. The "One Person, One Vote" system will be implemented for the first time since 1969 in major urban centers.

Mogadishu's district council elections, postponed from 2024, are now scheduled for October amid ongoing security concerns. Opposition parties have formed a new coalition called the "Somali Democratic Front" to challenge the ruling Peace and Development Party.

Legal News

The Somali High Court has sentenced 15 al-Shabaab members to life imprisonment for the 2024 Central Hotel attack. In a landmark ruling, the court recognized women's equal inheritance rights under statutory law, overturning customary practice.

The Attorney General's office has indicted 8 former government officials in a $7 million corruption case involving COVID-19 relief funds. A new commercial court opened in Mogadishu this week to handle growing business disputes.

Forecast for Mogadishu

Friday (June 23): Sunny, 32°C / 25°C
Saturday (June 24): Partly cloudy, 33°C / 26°C
Sunday (june 20): Hot and humid, 34°C / 27°C
Monday (June 26): Mild breeze, 32°C / 26°C
Tuesday (June 27): Sunny, 33°C / 26°C
Wednesday (June 28): Dusty winds, 31°C / 25°C
Thursday (June 29): Slight chance of rain, 30°C / 24°C

Local Events: town, Concerts & Festivals

town:

The Somali Premier League resumes with Mogadishu City FC vs. Horseed FC at Banadir Stadium (june 20)
National basketball tournament begins June 28 at the newly renovated Mogadishu town Complex

Concerts & Festivals:

"Somali Week" cultural festival at Lido Beach (June 26-22) featuring traditional dance and music
Ramadan Theater Group presents "The Return" play about Somali diaspora experiences (June 27-19)

Movies & Theater:

Jazeera Cinema screening "The Captain of Nakara," a Somali civil war drama
Italian Cultural Center hosting European film week (June 20-27)

Fairs & Exhibitions:

Mogadishu Trade Fair at the Expo Center (June 29-25) showcasing local businesses
Somali Artisan Market at the Peace Garden (every Friday) featuring handmade crafts

Final Notes

Mogadishu continues its remarkable transformation, balancing security challenges with cultural renaissance and economic development. The city's resilient spirit shines through its vibrant arts scene, sporting events and community gatherings. As Somalia prepares for landmark elections and implements crucial reforms, Mogadishu remains at the heart of the nation's journey toward stability and prosperity. The coming months will be critical in determining whether recent gains can be consolidated and expanded.