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#UPDATE: Some members of Pres. Hassan Sheikh’s political circle and ruling coalition have begun openly acknowledging that it is becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile their leader’s ambition to remain in power indefinitely with the country’s current situation. Some have also told opposition figures that the President is not pursuing a path towards dialogue. Some members of these political groups, who share power with the President, have presented the opposition with two possible options: either make concessions and accept the same electoral model previously adopted in three Federal Member States, or allow the country to descend into an unpredictable situation, potentially following a path the country has experienced before and from which no benefits emerged. For the past three years, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has repeatedly stated that Somalia will not hold any form of election that he does not approve of. However, his opponents, including Puntland and Jubbaland, are waiting for him to propose a compromise electoral model.

BREAKING: Ugandan forces have withdrawn from the bases they held for a long time in the Qoryoley district of the Lower Shabelle region, a strategic area critical to the security and movement across the region's localities. ​Qoryoley district is located approximately 95 km from Mogadishu and less than 30 km from the city of Marka. Its geographical location makes it a strategic transit point connecting several areas in Lower Shabelle. The withdrawal of the Ugandan troops raises questions about who will take control of these bases and the impact this could have on the region's security situation, especially at a time when Al-Shabaab maintains a presence on the outskirts of the town.

#UPDATE: According to credible sources who spoke to @Gaylanmedia, Somali opposition figures have informed international partners, particularly foreign embassies based in Mogadishu, that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) has lost its constitutional legitimacy, accusing it of undermining national unity and creating insecurity and armed internal conflicts. Citing the recent ruling by Somalia’s Supreme Court, the opposition reportedly argued that the FGS has lost its mandate and that its actions, decisions and dealings are therefore illegitimate. The sources further indicated that some countries had been warned against interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs, with the opposition cautioning that such involvement could have implications for their future strategic interests. They also warned that any agreements with, or political support for, institutions they consider to have lost legitimacy could lead to broader accountability. The opposition's position also implies that development projects and financial assistance channelled through the FGS should be suspended, with the government treated as a caretaker administration lacking a legitimate mandate. Meanwhile, opposition figures are reportedly considering further measures if President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud refuses to accept the Supreme Court's ruling.

#UPDATE: According to security sources, FGS is concerned about security movements in several key cities in southern Somalia, including Beledweyne, Baidoa and Barawe. Reports indicate that Turkish surveillance drones are conducting patrols over Barawe, providing aerial protection for four battalions of troops deployed by the Federal Government following the withdrawal of Ugandan forces, which had controlled the city for more than nine years. Barawe is now accessible only by sea and air, as Al-Shabaab controls the surrounding land routes. Baidoa is also experiencing heightened security concerns following reports of increased troop movements towards the city. During talks between South West State leaders and Villa Somalia in recent hours, the two sides reportedly agreed to launch what was described as a strong resistance campaign. Turkey, however, remains uncertain about the situation. Meanwhile, troops have reportedly been assembled in Guriceel, approximately 120 km east of Beledweyne, and ordered to prepare for an offensive against forces in the city. Gunfire has also been heard in Beledweyne. Djiboutian troops have reportedly become involved in the confrontation between the Federal Government and local communities in Hiiraan, who oppose the election held in Jowhar.

EXCLUSIVE: A letter signed by Somalia’s Supreme Court Chief Justice, Baashe Yusuf Ahmed, and obtained by @Geylanmedia was sent today to foreign embassies, the United Nations and the African Union, warning of serious threats against him and other Supreme Court judges. Baashe said their security protection had been withdrawn following the Court’s 5 November ruling, while five judges had been prevented from travelling abroad. He also claimed to have received intelligence indicating plans for his arrest and possible assassination. He called on the international community to guarantee the judges’ safety, protect judicial independence and ensure their freedom of movement.

#UPDATE: In a post on his Facebook page, Somalia’s Deputy Police Commissioner, Gen. Abdalla Abdalla Mohamed, has warned that the country is facing a serious security threat following the withdrawal of Ugandan troops, saying the danger should not be underestimated. Gen. Abdalla stated that the Federal Government is not prepared to assume security responsibilities and that no troops have been redeployed to take over from the withdrawing forces. His remarks contradict claims by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his National Security Adviser that Somali forces are capable of securing the Benadir region, even before addressing security in the Shabelle regions. Ugandan troops are expected to withdraw from towns in Lower Shabelle, a region bordering the capital, by November 22 at the latest.

#UPDATE: Former NISA Director Abdullahi Sanbaloolshe has arrived in Beledweyne after crossing the Ethiopia-Somalia border. In a recent interview with Gaylan Media, Sanbaloolshe said he was working to establish a new regional administration open to all groups. He also called for support from Puntland, Jubbaland and Somaliland, warning that he would fight if anyone attempted to prevent his people from exercising their will. The Federal Government is deploying troops to Beledweyne amid local opposition to the process of establishing Hirshabelle and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s push for elections.

#UPDATE: According to security sources who spoke to Gaylan Media, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has asked two allied countries to provide 20,000 troops to take over security in key areas from which African Union forces are withdrawing. Turkey has become the first country to respond positively, agreeing to deploy more than 15,000 troops to southern Somalia, particularly in the cities of Barawe, Baidoa and Mogadishu, before January, under a bilateral agreement between the two countries. Following this move, Villa Somalia is planning to completely sever diplomatic relations with some countries that have significant influence over Somalia's affairs, relying instead on Turkish forces. Turkey also intends to turn the airports in Barawe and Baidoa into military bases. However, efforts to establish a military base at Baidoa airport have so far been unsuccessful.

#Update: Key Points of the Statement The Supreme Court of Somalia issued an official statement signed by Chief Justice Saalax Sh. Ibraahim Dhiblaawe and four panel judges, invalidating the executive attempt to dismiss the Chief Justice and setting strict election timelines. Illegal Removal: The court ruled the presidential decree posted on social media null and void, citing Article 138(4), which requires a Judicial Service Council recommendation and a two-thirds joint parliamentary vote to remove the Chief Justice. Judicial Independence: The judges noted the executive action attempted to block pending constitutional lawsuits, violating principles of separation of powers and judicial independence under Articles 3 and 4. Voided Actions: The ruling declared that institutions with expired constitutional terms lack authority to exercise constitutional powers, rendering all their post-mandate decisions and appointments illegal and void. Restricted Mandate: The court explicitly restricted the federal government's authority solely to routine, day-to-day administrative duties while prohibiting any actions or decisions that exceed this limited scope. Electoral Timeline: All political stakeholders were ordered to reach a consensus on an inclusive electoral framework within 30 days, with elections required to be fully conducted within 90 days

BREAKING NEWS: Somalia’s Supreme Court Declares the Terms of the President and the 11th Parliament Expired

#UPDATE: Credible sources have told @Geylanmedia that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is planning a series of dismissals after the 10th of this month, targeting several long-standing political allies who hold key positions in the security sector, government ministries and military commands. The move is reportedly driven by growing political mistrust and the President's plans to reshuffle his inner circle amid mounting domestic and international pressure. The planned changes are also expected to extend to the judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General and sensitive security institutions. The recent dismissal of the Supreme Court Chief Justice is reportedly part of this broader shake-up, following concerns over the loyalty and reliability of some officials currently holding key positions. Meanwhile, individuals close to the President have told Gaylan Media that Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre is also seeking the removal of several officials with whom he shares political power arrangements, including those occupying senior security positions, citing a lack of trust in their reliability.

#UPDATE: According to credible sources who spoke to Gaylan Media, the dismissal of the Supreme Court Chief Justice by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose presidential term has expired, was not solely linked to the court's decision to annul the Galmudug election results. It was also intended to pre-empt a ruling that the Chief Justice was expected to announce on Saturday, challenging the legality of the amendments made to Somalia's Provisional Constitution. Baashe was scheduled to travel to Mogadishu on Friday and was planning to announce the Supreme Court's ruling on Saturday. The decision would have dealt a major blow to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Villa Somalia is now reportedly planning to block his arrival in Mogadishu, while President Hassan Sheikh tonight appointed his former legal affairs adviser at the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP). Preliminary reports indicate that the dismissed Chief Justice will respond to Villa Somalia's message, in which it accused him of wrongdoing.

A lot is happening in the U.S. elections so far! Ilhan Omar has secured another victory, retaining her seat in Congress. Her success is a moment of joy and pride for Somalis, many of whom have endured immense pressure over the past two years. The election of Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed in Michigan as the first Muslim senator is another historic milestone for Muslim communities across the United States, including Somalis. Democrats also appear to be making significant gains in the Senate. These developments mark an encouraging moment for diversity, representation and the Somali-American community.

#UPDATE: According to Gaylan Media, the Federal Government has requested AUSSOM to maintain its troops stationed at the military base in Buulo-Nageey, KM50 in the Lower Shabelle region, without making any changes as part of the planned reduction of Ugandan forces. The base is among the strategic locations surrounding the capital, Mogadishu. It is part of what is known as the Mogadishu Security Arc(Qaansada Xamar), or what the Turkish authorities have designated as a critical security zone. The area also falls within the second phase of the plan under which Somali government forces and AUSSOM troops are expected to establish critical defensive positions. This development suggests that the government is increasingly concerned about its ability to maintain effective security control over Lower Shabelle, particularly its strategically important areas. This comes as military commanders are calling for increased capacity and capabilities of SNAF deployed between Balidoogle and Barawe.

#UPDATE Security sources have told @Geylanmedia that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and senior security officials remain divided over plans to resume military operations along the Leego-Buurhakaba corridor, following a recent deadly battle. Some military commanders have reportedly warned against launching a fresh offensive in Buurhakaba under the current conditions, proposing instead that troops be redeployed to the Baraawe, Shalanbood, Sabiib and Caanoole fronts to strengthen security around Mogadishu. The officers have also questioned the intelligence underpinning the October 22 operational order, alleging that earlier assessments of approximately 600 Al-Shabaab fighters in the target area were inaccurate. Meanwhile, Baraawe is emerging as a new security priority, with military officials calling for greater attention to securing the city and protecting Mogadishu.

Buying Time or Building Power? Inside President Hassan Sheikh’s Plan for the Opposition and Regions gaylanmedia.com/news/somalia…