Somaliland and Puntland signed a security and cooperation agreement in Nairobi aimed at strengthening regional stability and combating armed groups. Officials said the accord includes plans for intelligence sharing, joint border patrols, and support for reconciliation in disputed areas. The two sides also discussed improving trade and maritime security. The deal follows recent tensions with Somalia’s federal government over governance and territorial issues.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe in Kismayo to discuss constitutional reforms and preparations for Somalia’s 2026 elections, with Kenyan mediation. The talks ended without agreement after disputes over Madobe’s contested re-election. Following the stalemate, the federal government activated a contingency plan to establish a new Jubaland administration in Garbahaarey under Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. Analysts warn the move may heighten political tensions while counterterrorism efforts continue.

Somalia’s House of the People ratified the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, marking a major step toward stronger child protection laws. The bill passed with 130 votes in favor and now moves to the Upper House for approval. Human Rights Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi said the decision reflects Somalia’s commitment to children’s welfare. Officials said implementation will focus on education, health, and protection services across the country.

The UN World Food Programme warned that millions in Somalia face worsening hunger as funding shortages force aid cuts. WFP said only 350,000 people will receive emergency food assistance in November, down from 1.1 million in August. Over 4.4 million Somalis face crisis-level food insecurity, with 1.8 million children acutely malnourished. WFP urged donors to provide $98 million to sustain lifesaving aid, warning the crisis could escalate without urgent international support.

Opposition leaders and the administrations of Puntland and Jubbaland formed a new political platform called the Somalia Future Council following a high-level meeting in Nairobi. The coalition, led by former Prime Ministers Hassan Ali Khaire and Saacid Shirdoon, aims to propose governance alternatives and guide Somalia’s political transition. Analysts say the move could heighten tensions with Mogadishu over federalism and electoral reforms.

Somali security forces ended an al-Shabab attack on the Godka Jilaow intelligence prison in Mogadishu after several hours of fighting, killing all seven assailants, officials said. The assault began with a suicide car bombing before gunmen stormed the facility near Villa Somalia. Authorities said the attackers used a military-style vehicle and uniforms to evade checkpoints. The government reported no details on casualties among security personnel or detainees.