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Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

President of Somalia

Appears in 2 stories

Born: 1955 (age 70 years), Jalalaqsi, Somalia
Education: Barkatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Bhopal (1986–1988), Somali National University (1978–1981), Eastern Mennonite University, and more
Spouse: Sahro Cumar Xasan (m. 1990) and Qamar Cali (m. 1981)
Party: Union for Peace and Development Party
Presidential terms: May 23, 2022 – and September 16, 2012 – February 16, 2017
Office: President of Somalia
Organizations founded: SIMAD University and Peace and Development Party

Notable Quotes

We will eliminate al-Shabaab in five months. — August 2022, launching the government offensive

"A grave breach of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national unity, in flagrant violation of the principles of international law." —Response to Israeli recognition, December 26, 2025

"According to Somali intelligence, Somaliland has accepted three Israeli conditions in exchange for Israeli recognition: the resettlement of Palestinians, the establishment of an Israeli military base on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, and Somaliland joining the Abraham Accords." —Interview with Al Jazeera, December 31, 2025

Stories

America's longest shadow war: two decades of counterterrorism in Somalia

Force in Play

In office since May 2022; previously served 2012-2017

Since 2007, the United States has conducted hundreds of airstrikes and special operations raids against al-Shabaab in Somalia—more than in any other country outside of declared war zones. On February 16, 2026, Jubaland regional forces and American troops completed a four-day operation in the Badhadhe District, killing more than 60 al-Shabaab fighters and destroying militant camps, communication centers, and depots containing over 100 different types of explosives.

Updated Feb 16

Israel recognizes Somaliland, shattering 34-year diplomatic freeze

Rule Changes

Leading diplomatic campaign to reverse Israeli recognition and rally international support

On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland as independent—34 years after the region broke from Somalia during a brutal civil war. Prime Minister Netanyahu called President Abdullahi to announce full diplomatic ties, framing the move as aligned with the Abraham Accords and citing Somaliland's fight against terrorism. Within days, the diplomatic shockwave intensified: Somalia's parliament unanimously declared the recognition 'null and void,' the UN Security Council convened an emergency session, and 21 Muslim-majority nations issued a joint condemnation—though Abraham Accords signatories conspicuously abstained. By early January 2026, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar became the first Israeli cabinet minister to visit Somaliland, meeting President Abdullahi in Hargeisa on January 6 and announcing plans to 'soon' open embassies and appoint ambassadors. The African Union Peace and Security Council responded with an emergency ministerial session demanding 'immediate revocation,' declaring the recognition 'null, void, and without legal effect under international law.'

Updated Jan 30