Somalia Daily Brief

Feb 2, 2026 — Defence board launched; security operations; drought response

Top story

• Federal Defence Board inaugurated in Mogadishu.Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi opened the Defence Board meeting to align defence governance, coordinate operations and advance force reform; senior security officials, federal ministers, military commanders and international partners attended. (1–2 sentence overview)Why it matters: The Board is presented as the central forum to drive Somalia’s security transition and unify military and institutional reforms.Sources: SONNA — Minister of Defence inaugurates Defence Board Meeting; also from: SONNA — The Inaugural Defense Meeting Kicks Off in Mogadishu
• NISA reports strike that killed 13 Al-Shabaab militants, including five senior commanders.The National Intelligence and Security Agency said a planned operation in Maxaa Saciid (Middle Shabelle) targeted a meeting of senior Al-Shabaab leaders, killing 13 militants and wounding others; the agency named five commanders it says were killed and listed hotlines for public tips.Why it matters: Authorities say the operation disrupted planning for attacks across multiple regions.Source: SONNA — NISA eliminates 13 Al-Shabaab militants
• High-level Food Security & Nutrition coordination meeting convened in Mogadishu.The Ministry of Planning chaired a coordination session amid severe drought, bringing together multiple line ministries, the National Disaster Management Authority and directors-general to improve data sharing and evidence-based planning.Why it matters: Officials agreed on regular coordination and closer international partner collaboration to respond to food insecurity and malnutrition.Source: SONNA — Planning Ministry Hosts High-Level Food Security and Nutrition Coordination Meeting

What else happened

International / Governance

• Somalia at WHO Executive Board session in Geneva — Health Minister Dr. Ali Haji Adam Abubakar and a delegation attended the WHO Executive Board’s 158th session, noting Somalia is among the Board’s 34 member states. (SONNA)
• Somali delegation at Indian Ocean Coastal States Alliance (Bali) — The Ministry of Fisheries’ Director General led a team to the 30th CSA meeting to discuss marine-resource management and IOTC issues. (SONNA)
• Deputy Information Minister meets Somali diaspora in Birmingham — Deputy Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Al‑Adaala briefed the community on state-building, security operations and the one-person-one-vote election rollout. (SONNA)

Security

• AUSSOM and Somali National Army conduct joint patrol in Barawe — Troops carried out patrols aimed at deterring threats and building SNA capacity. (SONNA)

Economy / Energy & Water

• Federal–state Energy and Water coordination conference concludes in Dhusamareb — Ministers reviewed ILAYS, Jowhar Water Project, Barwaaqo+ and the Abaartire Program and agreed to strengthened collaboration on drought, energy and water services. (SONNA)
• Minister of Energy inspects solar installations at Dhusamareb hospital and school — Officials reported that the Somalia Electricity Recovery Project (ILAYS) has improved health services and lowered electricity costs. (SONNA)

On the ground

• Large, warm reception for the Deputy Information Minister in Birmingham as the diaspora gathered to hear updates on Somalia’s governance and security plans. (SONNA)
• Dhusamareb hospital staff said new solar power from ILAYS has significantly improved services and cut electricity costs for the facility. (SONNA)
• Local commanders and AUSSOM officers praised professionalism and "brotherhood" during joint Barawe patrols, stressing continued cooperation. (SONNA)

Watchlist

• Outcomes and follow-up decisions from the Defence Board—look for statements on timelines for force reform and resource commitments. (See Defence Board links above)
• Any official confirmation or further details on the NISA operation (casualty verification, arrests, displacement impacts). (SONNA)
• Implementation steps from the food security coordination meeting—watch for announced partner commitments, data-sharing mechanisms, or emergency response plans. (SONNA)
• Progress updates on ILAYS and related water projects (Jowhar, Barwaaqo+, Abaartire) and whether project rollouts reach additional regions. (SONNA)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.