Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre announced a cabinet reshuffle, appointing new ministers to key government positions. Ambassador Jamaal Mohamed Hassan was named Minister of Commerce and Industry, while Senator Ayub Ismail Yusuf was appointed Minister of Public Works and Reconstruction. The Prime Minister’s office said the changes aim to strengthen government performance and improve service delivery. Newly appointed ministers were urged to assume their duties immediately.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud urged Mogadishu residents to participate in the upcoming Banadir local council elections, describing them as a historic step toward direct local representation. He said citizens should vote based on candidates’ competence and accountability. The elections mark the first direct local polls in nearly six decades. Electoral officials said about 200,000 voter cards have been issued ahead of the December 25 vote.

The UN Security Council unanimously renewed the mandate of the panel monitoring sanctions on Somalia-based Al-Shabaab, extending key enforcement measures until November 30, 2026. The decision maintains authorization for naval inspections to uphold the arms embargo, restrictions on charcoal exports, and controls on improvised explosive devices. Council members said the move supports efforts to limit the group’s access to weapons and finances while strengthening Somalia’s security capacity.

Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moalin Fiqi rejected comments made by US President Donald Trump, saying Somalis will not accept insults. Speaking to Reuters, Fiqi urged Trump to focus on domestic priorities. He acknowledged American military support against Al-Shabaab but stressed Somali resilience and work ethic. Fiqi distinguished Trump’s rhetoric from the broader US–Somalia security partnership and reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to maintaining national dignity on the international stage.

The President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, met in Kismayo with the UN Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, and the EU Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, to discuss Somalia’s political situation. Talks focused on challenges facing state-building, strengthening cooperation between federal institutions and member states, and advancing dialogue to resolve political disputes. UN and EU officials reaffirmed their support for peace, stability, and institutional reconstruction.