President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa to discuss bilateral relations and regional stability. The leaders focused on development cooperation, security, and efforts to counter terrorism in the Horn of Africa. The meeting addressed tensions over Jubaland and Somaliland, with Mohamud seeking Ethiopian support for federal authority in disputed regions. Talks follow previous agreements, including the Ankara Declaration of December 2024, and aim to reinforce political and economic collaboration.

Several opposition-led protests in Mogadishu have been postponed amid security concerns following recent attacks. Lawmaker Mohamed Abdulqadir cited a lack of public readiness as a factor in delays, while Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi warned that protests could endanger public safety. Opposition leaders maintain their right to peaceful demonstrations and have vowed future protests. Authorities and opposition representatives plan to coordinate through a technical committee to ensure demonstrations proceed safely and orderly.

The government rejected allegations that it agreed to accept deported nationals from Sweden in exchange for development aid. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that all cooperation with Sweden remains transparent, follows international law, and is overseen by the Somali Cabinet. The clarification comes after reports suggested $9 million in aid was redirected to projects linked to the Prime Minister’s office. Somalia emphasized it has no conditional or secret agreements regarding the return of its citizens.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that Somalia will introduce Swahili into its national curriculum to strengthen regional integration within the East African Community. Speaking at the EAC summit in Mogadishu, he said adopting the lingua franca of East Africa underscores Somalia’s commitment to regional cooperation and shared identity. The decision follows Somalia’s 2024 accession to the bloc and reflects efforts to align national policies with continental goals for unity, development, and cross-border partnership.

Amnesty International has accused Puntland authorities of intensifying a crackdown on media freedom ahead of regional elections. The group said at least four journalists were arrested in Garowe and Bosaso in recent months, including Kilwe Adan Farah, who remains detained since December 2020. Amnesty warned that the arrests threaten free expression and could chill reporting during the vote. It urged Puntland to release detained journalists, end intimidation, and respect human rights and press freedom.