Somalia’s worsening drought and conflict have displaced thousands and left over 3.4 million people in crisis-level hunger, according to the latest IPC analysis. CARE Somalia warns that declining funding may force it to scale down aid operations from October 2025, even as needs grow. Women and girls face the greatest hardship, losing access to education and protection as food insecurity and malnutrition rise across drought-hit and conflict-affected communities.

Analysts warned Somalia faces renewed tension as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud pushes electoral reforms ahead of 2026 polls. Critics, including leaders in Puntland and Jubaland, accused him of seeking to extend his rule, while supporters said the changes aim to expand voter participation. Observers cautioned that the dispute risks delaying elections and destabilizing fragile state-building progress as Al-Shabaab regains ground and donors grow impatient.

Somaliland President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) inaugurated the 7th National Technology Expo in Hargeisa, pledging continued investment in innovation and digital transformation. He stated that Somaliland’s independence is “final and irreversible” and called for peaceful relations with Somalia. Irro outlined plans to make Somaliland a regional tech hub and announced a Presidential Award for Technological Innovation to encourage youth-driven development.

The Federal Government of Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to addressing youth unemployment through national policy reforms after nearly 1,000 youth graduated from the Baxnaano Inclusive Economic Empowerment Program in Mogadishu. Implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs with World Bank support, the initiative aligns with the government’s employment strategy to promote inclusive growth. Officials announced plans to create 40,000 new jobs in 2026 as part of broader governance and social development goals.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni warned that his administration will not accept any move to alter Somalia’s constitutional or federal foundations. Speaking at the opening of Puntland’s 57th parliamentary session in Garowe, Deni said Puntland will resist any attempt to create a power vacuum or remove legal frameworks underpinning the federal system. He reaffirmed Puntland’s support for the National Future Council and urged unity to safeguard Somalia’s political stability.

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre appointed veteran politician and academic Prof. Saalim Aliyow Ibroow as the new Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, citing the ministry’s growing role in job creation and welfare reform. Ibroow, a longtime public servant and former deputy prime minister, returns to the cabinet for the 18th time since 1991. His appointment aims to strengthen labor policy, employment programs, and social protection initiatives nationwide.