Shabelle Media Network

UPDATE: Uganda has begun withdrawing its troops from Somalia after 20 years, military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba says, adding that Ugandan forces are handing over security responsibilities to Somali forces.

UPDATE: Prof. Shafici Yusuf says Somalia’s national army should stay out of politics, criticizing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s use of the military.

UPDATE: Abas Bashir, a father of six, says he arrived in Mogadishu alongside others forcibly deported from Sweden. He says his Swedish passport was revoked illegally, leaving him separated from his family and unable to see them.

UPDATE: @SoDMA_Somalia has distributed food aid to vulnerable families in Jowhar as part of the second phase of a relief effort prioritizing people with special needs amid drought-related hardship.

Somalia’s ex-President @M_Farmaajo called for an investigation into the deadly attack near Leego, accusing President @HassanSMohamud of risking soldiers’ lives. He also called for better medical care for wounded soldiers and full benefits for families of those killed.

“When we protect a woman journalist, we protect the people’s right to know,” SOMWA Executive Director @MSeylac told a U.N. panel in New York, calling for greater protection and leadership opportunities for women in media. shabellemedia.com/surviving-… Latest by @Tuuryare_Africa

UPDATE: @HSNQ_NISA says Hassan Nur Muse, an al-Shabab suspect, was arrested in a joint operation over an alleged security threat in Mogadishu’s KPP neighborhood. He allegedly threw away a hand grenade while attempting to flee, the agency said.

Somali women journalists continue to face threats, intimidation, arrests and abuse online, SOMWA Executive Director @MSeylac told a U.N. panel in New York. She called for stronger protections, accountability for attacks and greater opportunities for women in media leadership.

Somalia’s parliamentary speaker, @Amohamednur, met with private media executives to discuss protecting press freedom, strengthening media independence and improving cooperation. He also called on media outlets to combat misinformation and propaganda during the meeting.

Somalia's ex-PM Hassan Ali Khaire has mourned soldiers killed in an attack near Leego while on their way to Burhakaba, accusing President @HassanSMohamud of politicizing the military. He called for the army to be shielded from political disputes and focused on fighting al-Shabab.

Somalia’s ex-President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has warned against using SNA soldiers to pursue political ambitions or personal interests after an al-Shabab ambush left dozens dead near Leego in the Lower Shabelle region. “The life of an SNA soldier must not be gambled with,” he said.

UPDATE: Sheikh Somow urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to halt the offensive in South West State, warning against further bloodshed and the loss of SNA soldiers. “Keep your hands off the bloodshed,” he said.

BREAKING: Somalia’s Defence Ministry says SNA forces killed nearly 75 Al Shabab fighters and wounded 56 others during Monday's fighting. The Ministry said al-Shabab damaged some army vehicles, using a vehicle-borne explosive.

UPDATE: Heavy fighting erupted after al-Shabab ambushed SNA soldiers near Leego in Lower Shabelle region, a resident said. Al-Shabab says it killed 321 soldiers and seized weapons and vehicles, with Turkish F-16 jets reportedly seen during the fighting. No word yet from SNA.

Somalia’s finance minister, @BihiEgeh, says his ministry has not reduced payments to families of soldiers killed fighting al-Shabab. However, families say monthly allowances for the soldiers’ orphaned children were cut in half, from $200 to $100, last month without explanation.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has invited opposition groups and civil society organizations to talks on elections scheduled for Nov. 14-18 in Mogadishu.

Federal MP Buux questions Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh over revenue from demolitions and the sale of state-owned land in Mogadishu, asking: “We see fathers and mothers crying over their demolished homes. Where is the money?”

BREAKING: Heavy fighting has erupted between SNA and South West State forces and fighters loyal to ousted President Abdiaziz Laftagareen near Baidoa, with reports of F-16 airstrikes in the Burijeed area.

UPDATE: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says he is open to dialogue and compromise as tensions over the electoral process continue.