Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

Rule Changes

Ruling says his term expired May 15, 2026; his government rejects the decision, governs as a caretaker, and swore in a new chief justice on November 7

Somalia's Supreme Court ruled on November 5 that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term ended on May 15, 2026, and parliament's mandate on April 14. The five-judge panel voided the constitutional amendments that added a year to both terms and ordered elections within 90 days.

Updated Yesterday

Rule Changes

His government declared Israel's ambassador accreditation and embassy cornerstone in Hargeisa null and void on November 3, 2026, and demanded Israel reverse them.

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 civil war. Prime Minister Netanyahu called President Abdullahi to announce full diplomatic ties, framing the move through the Abraham Accords and citing Somaliland's fight against terrorism. Within days, Somalia's parliament declared the recognition "null and void," the UN Security Council held an emergency session, and 21 Muslim-majority nations issued a joint condemnation.

Updated 5 days ago

Force in Play

Pressing Kampala for a funded extension while preparing Somali forces to take over bases

A Kenyan-registered plane carried 109 Ugandan soldiers out of Mogadishu on 30 October, the first group of a planned full exit. Uganda's army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced the pullout a day earlier and set August 2027 as the target for the last troops to leave.

Updated Nov 3

Force in Play

As of May 2026: 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 and American forces completed a four-day operation in Badhadhe District, killing more than 60 al-Shabaab fighters and destroying camps, communication centers, and depots with over 100 types of explosives.

Updated May 29