A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said the appointment of the committee is based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the government’s responsibility to commemorate the country’s historic independence and unity days.

The committee has been tasked with preparing, coordinating, and implementing events to mark the independence and unity days, while also working to coordinate government agencies and other parties participating in the celebrations.

The committee’s responsibilities also include planning and managing the costs of the commemoration, appointing a technical committee to organize various events, and ensuring security at venues where events related to the celebrations will be held.

The new committee is chaired by the Minister of Interior, Ali Yusuf Ali, (Ali Xoosh) while the other members include ministers, state ministers and other officials from the federal government.

Prime Minister Hamsa directed the committee to work closely on preparing commemorative events, to highlight the historical value of these days and to strengthen the sense of patriotism, unity and solidarity of the Somali people.

In a statement, the African Union called on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities and exercise full restraint to protect civilians and prevent any actions that could further escalate the crisis.

The African Union also urged all political stakeholders in Somalia to resolve their differences through dialogue and the country’s constitutional processes.

It encouraged the efforts of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and all political parties to promote national dialogue, reconciliation and consensus-building leading to political stability.

The African Union said it would closely monitor the situation, reaffirming that the African Union, through AUSSOM, stands ready to continue its support in restoring peace and security to Somalia.

The African Union’s statement comes at a time of international concern over the political and security tensions in Mogadishu, with several organizations and countries calling for peace to be maintained and political dialogue to be strengthened.

The protest was sparked by the recent arrest of Sultan Qabile in Mandera district of Saaxil region. An angry crowd gathered in the town, where clashes broke out between security forces and protesters.

Residents identified the woman who died as Canab Omar Jama, while another person was injured in the violence that accompanied the protest.

One of the protesters accused security forces of using live ammunition, saying the protesters were targeted during the demonstration.

Lawyer Guleed Dafac, who campaigns for police reform, called for an independent investigation into the incident, saying that by law the power used by police should be proportionate to the level of threat they face.

The Somaliland government has not yet commented on the incident in Sheikh district and the allegations against the security forces. The medical condition of the person injured in the violence is also unknown.

Sheikh’s incident has reignited debate over the way Somaliland’s police force deals with protests. In recent times, the police have faced allegations of using excessive force during protests and public gatherings.

In 2025, at least 19 people died in protests in the town of Borama, while in 2023 at least seven people died in protests organized by opposition parties. These incidents have drawn criticism from civil society organizations and human rights advocates, who have called for reforms in the way protests are handled.

The current government promised during the campaign and when it took office to strengthen protection of civil rights and reduce the use of force in dealing with protests. However, repeated incidents of death and injury raise questions about the extent to which these commitments have been implemented and whether there has been a significant change in the behavior of the security forces.

In a statement, UNTMIS said that a lasting solution can only be achieved through dialogue and political consensus, urging Somali leaders to return to the negotiating table to preserve stability in the country.

The United Nations and international partners also reiterated their previous calls for political disputes to be resolved peacefully and for steps that could undermine the democratic process and elections to be avoided.

The statement comes as heavy fighting has broken out in parts of Mogadishu between government forces and pro-opposition forces, with civilians in some areas fleeing their homes due to the exchange of gunfire and artillery fire.

UNTMIS said that Somalia’s international partners are ready to facilitate efforts to reach a political agreement and inclusive dialogue to reduce the current crisis.

A statement issued by the UK Embassy in Somalia said the violence was unacceptable and that all parties needed to avoid actions that could escalate the situation.

“The violence is unacceptable. We call on all parties to show restraint and engage in inclusive and meaningful dialogue to resolve the situation peacefully,” the statement said.

The UK’s call comes at a time of heightened political and security tensions in Mogadishu, which has caused concern both domestically and internationally.

Somalia’s governments and international partners have in recent days been repeatedly calling for political disputes to be resolved through dialogue, to prevent the situation from turning into a wider crisis that would affect the country’s security and stability.

In a press release, they stated that political protests are a constitutional right for citizens to express their views, grievances and positions peacefully, and in accordance with the law.

The organization also strongly called on the security forces to remain neutral in political matters, and to refrain from participating in organizing, encouraging or disrupting the protests.

They noted that the security forces are obliged to maintain the security and safety of the public.

Somali Civil Society Organizations also called on the leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council to show responsibility, political maturity and patriotism in order to resolve existing disputes through dialogue, and to avoid situations that could cause displacement, injury, death or insecurity affecting the Somali people.

In conclusion, SONSA stated that it has been conducting efforts to bring the two sides closer in recent days, and called on intellectuals, traditional elders, scholars, women, youth and the international community to support efforts to resume talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council, in order to reach a peaceful solution that preserves the stability and unity of the country.

Somali Civil Society Organizations Call for Resolution of Political Conflicts and Preserving Peace.

In a statement read to the media by the Banadir Regional Administration Spokesperson, Salah Hassan Omar (Salah Dheere), it was stated that the Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, authorized the demonstration, citing the principles of democracy, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly as enshrined in the country’s constitution.

The administration said the decision was based on protecting the rights of citizens to express their political views, while at the same time protecting security, business and activities in the capital.

According to the statement, the demonstration has been designated at three locations, namely Engineer Yarisow (Ex-Koonis) Stadium in Abdiaziz district, Stadium Mogadishu in Wardhiigley district and University Stadium in Hodan district.

Regional authorities said the selection of these locations aims to easily ensure the safety of those participating in the protest, and to prevent insecurity or chaos that could cause disruption in the city.

The Banadir administration also urged protesters to refrain from violent acts, blocking important roads, and damaging public and private property.

The statement specifically stressed that participation in the protest using weapons or other equipment that could threaten the security and stability of Mogadishu will not be allowed.

This decision comes at a time when there are intense political activities and preparations for the opposition protest in Mogadishu, as political parties are at odds over issues related to the elections and the political direction of the country.

The report, titled “Areas Where the United States Can Cooperate with Somaliland,” states that the United States views Somaliland as an important security partner, given its strategic location near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea coast. According to the report, Somaliland can contribute to efforts to combat extremist groups in the region, particularly the alleged links between Al-Shabaab and the Houthi group in Yemen.

The report also states that the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is in regular contact with Somaliland authorities and is exploring additional opportunities for security cooperation. On the diplomatic front, the US Embassy in Mogadishu is said to be making regular visits to Somaliland to discuss security, humanitarian assistance, and economic development issues.

On the economic front, the US noted that Somaliland’s ports, particularly the development of the Berbera port and airport, could create new investment and trade opportunities, especially given that Ethiopia is a landlocked country. However, the report noted that political disputes over Somaliland’s status and its relationship with the federal government of Somalia remain obstacles to investment, banking, and trade in the region.

While the report highlighted Somaliland’s strategic importance and the opportunities for cooperation, it also clearly emphasized that the official US policy remains to recognize a unified Somalia, with Somaliland described as a region of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

This appointment is stated to be in accordance with Article 9 of the National Disaster Risk Management Fund Regulation (Prime Minister’s Decree No. 197/2026 dated 08/02/2026).

Government Spokesperson Abdinasir Ahmed Bashir read out the appointment decree, stating that the Prime Minister has considered the importance of obtaining immediate financial resources to meet unexpected needs, while strengthening emergency and disaster management activities.

The newly appointed committee consists of members of the Council of Ministers, government agencies, civil society organizations, and religious and charitable sectors.

It is chaired by the Minister of Interior and Reconciliation, while the Minister of Finance is the deputy chair.

Other members include government ministers such as Planning, Health, Commerce, Environment and Climate Change, Animal Husbandry, and other officials including the Disaster Management Authority, scholars, and civil society organizations.

In addition, this committee includes charitable institutions and organizations including the Hormuud Salaam Foundation and representatives from civil society.

The document states that the committee will be the highest governance body of the fund, responsible for setting the strategic direction, overseeing operations, and ensuring the implementation of the fund’s objectives.

The committee’s responsibilities include: Developing and approving the overall strategy of the fund, Overseeing and monitoring financial management, Leading fundraising efforts, Strengthening government, business and civil society partnerships, Approving financial and operational reports, and Establishing bylaws to guide the fund’s operations.

The Prime Minister stressed that this fund is essential for strengthening disaster response and providing immediate funding to support communities in times of emergency.

Sheikh Sharif made the remarks at a meeting of opposition politicians, noting that the government had been informed of the protest plan and that there was no reason to limit its location.

“The protest should take place wherever it can, the whole city should come out,” said Sheikh Sharif, calling on the public to participate in the planned rallies.

He also called on the youth not to fear repression or arrest, saying that defending citizens’ freedoms requires resilience and social participation.

The former president accused the government of committing torture and arrests against people who expressed their political views, saying that the issues they were discussing were not just political debates but realities that the Somali people had seen.

Sheikh Sharif said the opposition wanted to continue with the protest plan, describing rallies as a constitutional right that cannot be prevented from the people.