Somalia briefing: sovereignty, security and aid under scrutiny

Jan 10, 2026 — Sovereignty and security dominate Somali headlines

Top story

• India rejects Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. India publicly described Israel’s decision to recognise the Somaliland administration as “illegal” and reaffirmed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. (Overview: SONNA)
• Why it matters: The statement from a major regional partner sharpens international attention on recognition disputes and adds diplomatic weight to Somalia’s calls to defend its borders.
• Sources: SONNA — India rejects Israel’s recognition of Somaliland; also from: SONNA — President Hassan addresses national sovereignty and SONNA — ICA launches airspace investigation.

What else happened

• Security — Danab forces say they killed 22 Al-Shabaab militants in Bay. Somali Danab Special Forces reported a targeted operation in Buur Eyle (Buur Hakaba District) that destroyed explosives, vehicles and eliminated 22 militants allegedly planning VBIED attacks. (SONNA)
• Security — SNA reports 18 militants killed, major explosives factory destroyed in Middle Juba. The Somali National Army, with international partners, said an operation in Saakow District destroyed the group’s largest explosives facility and eliminated 18 fighters, including bomb makers. (SONNA)
• Humanitarian — Federal Government clarifies WFP warehouse allegations. Mogadishu says the food commodities remain under World Food Programme custody, that the contested warehouse sits inside Mogadishu Port and that a technical inter-agency review with partners is underway. (SONNA)
• Governance — Banadir governor lays foundation for Jamhuuriya Road in Karaan. Officials launched a 7 km dual-carriageway project the governor said will return tax revenues to residents and be completed within six months. (SONNA)
• Governance/Diplomacy — China’s foreign minister to visit Somalia as part of Africa tour. Beijing named Somalia among four countries on Wang Yi’s January trip, timed with a China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges event. (SONNA)
• Governance — Minister of Foreign Affairs holds phone call with Singapore counterpart. Somalia’s foreign minister spoke with Singapore’s Vivian Balakrishnan about strengthening ties and reaffirmed support for Somalia’s sovereignty. (SONNA)
• Local support — Middle Shabelle governor delivers livestock to government forces. The governor visited Wargaadhi to boost morale, handing over livestock to deployed troops and urging unity against militants. (SONNA)

On the ground

• Hundreds attended Jumu’ah at Abu Huraira Mosque in Bakara Market where President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud prayed and spoke publicly about defending Somalia’s unity and opposing foreign interference. (SONNA)
• Troops in Wargaadhi received live-stock donations from the Middle Shabelle governor during a morale-boosting frontline visit — an example of local administrations supporting security units. (SONNA)
• Images and descriptions around the Bakara Market visit show large public participation and high-level security presence during the president’s sermon. (SONNA)

Watchlist

• ICA investigation into alleged unauthorised use of Somali airspace — watch for findings or official actions. (SONNA)
• Outcome of the inter-agency review into the WFP warehouse and any updates on custody, distribution or donor concerns. (SONNA)
• Further reporting on the aftermath of the Danab and SNA operations — confirmations, casualty details, and whether follow-up strikes or arrests occur. (SONNA, SONNA)
• Developments from China’s planned visit and any resulting agreements or investment announcements during Wang Yi’s trip. (SONNA)

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA).

Compiled from public reporting; links above.