Somalia's government denied a flight carrying Ethiopian officials to Somaliland entry into its airspace, escalating tensions over a proposed port deal. Ethiopian Airlines flight ET8372, which included VIP Ethiopian delegates, was turned back by the Somalia Civil Aviation Authority. The incident follows Ethiopia's announcement of recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state and a deal to lease land for military and commercial maritime purposes. Somalia, which claims sovereignty over Somaliland, has threatened military retaliation. Support for Somalia's sovereignty has been expressed by Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab League. The US expressed concern that the deal could disrupt efforts against the Islamist military group al-Shabaab.

Somalia's government denied a flight carrying Ethiopian officials to Somaliland entry into its airspace, escalating tensions over a port deal. Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed plans to recognize Somaliland's sovereignty in exchange for a stake in Ethiopian Airlines and access to the Red Sea for military and commercial purposes. Somalia, claiming sovereignty over Somaliland, has threatened military action, while Egypt, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab League support Somalia's territorial integrity. The US expressed concern that Ethiopia's deal could disrupt efforts against the Islamist group al-Shabaab. Somaliland, though self-governed with its own institutions, lacks broad international recognition.

A United Nations guard was killed in a mortar attack on the UN compound in Somalia's capital, marking the second attack against UN personnel in the country within a week. Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has been conducting an insurgency since 2006, holding strongholds in central and southern Somalia and launching attacks in the capital and other countries contributing troops to the African Union-led mission.

Somalia has recalled its envoy to Ethiopia following Ethiopia's memorandum of understanding with the breakaway enclave Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned the deal as an infringement on Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The European Union emphasized the importance of respecting Somalia's unity and territorial integrity. Somaliland's special envoy Edna Adan stated that the region has the authority to sign agreements independently. The MOU could allow Ethiopia to use facilities on the Gulf of Aden for military and commercial purposes for 50 years and may lead to Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland's sovereignty. The deal has potential to escalate tensions in the Horn of Africa and affect the regional military balance. Al-Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked militant group, threatened action against Ethiopian expansion.

Somalia is experiencing rising tensions due to proposed constitutional changes that aim to transition from a parliamentary to a presidential system, eliminating the prime minister's role in favor of a deputy president. The National Correction Caucus was formed by parliamentarians to protect the constitutional framework, while President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud leads the push for change. The 4.5 power-sharing formula, a source of controversy, is also under scrutiny. Critics argue for its abolition in favor of a multiparty democracy. Interior Minister Ahmed Mo’alim Fiqi and others support reforms for a new political direction, but there is debate over the proposed two-party versus multiparty systems. Concerns about increased presidential powers and the need for broad consensus to prevent clan tensions are prominent. The potential constitutional amendments risk a new crisis, with Puntland's president opposing changes without wider consultations. The reforms are seen as a test to Somalia's federal structure and democratic transition.

Somalia's expected accession to the East African Community (EAC) has elicited mixed reactions due to the country's political instability, security challenges, and unresolved issues within the EAC. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud prioritizes EAC membership to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, potentially increasing security and stability. Critics argue the move benefits Kenya and Uganda, who have troops in Somalia and host Somali entrepreneurs. Concerns include trade imbalances, tax revenue loss, and Somalia's limited agricultural exports. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is set to withdraw by 2024, prompting calls for the EAC to bolster Somalia's security. The Somali government seeks a three-month pause in ATMIS's withdrawal to build its security forces' capacity.

The Somali National Museum in Mogadishu hosted Somalia's first international contemporary art exhibition since the civil war in 1991, marking a significant cultural revival. The museum, which had been damaged and looted during the war, underwent a massive restoration led by Abdi Baaruud. The exhibition, featuring 18 artists and over 60 works, explores the theme 'Hoy' meaning 'home'. It signifies a message of peace and tranquility, with hopes of attracting tourists and developing the country's heritage sector. The event, although not attended by foreign visitors due to security concerns, is a milestone for Somalia's cultural landscape.

The Mogadishu Book Fair, an annual event launched in 2015, resumed last week at the National Theatre of Somalia after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. The fair aims to foster a love for reading and celebrate Somali culture and heritage by connecting literary figures with the youth.

Somalia has initiated the evacuation of its citizens from Sudan, with over 100 individuals already returned on a flight from Khartoum and additional flights planned. A network of Somalis, who were educated in Sudan following the collapse of Somalia's government and schooling system, are particularly interested in the situation and express gratitude towards Sudan for their education, hoping for a swift end to the conflict.

Somalia has initiated the evacuation of its citizens from Sudan, with over 100 individuals already returned on a flight from Khartoum. Additional flights are scheduled for the near future. This development is of particular interest to Somalis who received their education in Sudan following the collapse of Somalia's government and educational system. They express gratitude towards Sudan for the education opportunities and hope for a swift resolution to the conflict.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced in his New Year's Day speech that the country aims to eliminate al-Shabab militants this year and take over security operations from African Union peacekeepers by the end of 2024. The Somali National Army, with local militia support, has made progress against al-Shabab. Mohamud's speech, which included calling al-Shabab 'Khawaarji,' was met with mixed reactions. Ahmed Abdisalam, former deputy prime minister, supported the president's timeline for security responsibility, while political analyst Abdullahi Gafow expressed skepticism, noting the ongoing U.N. arms embargo that limits Somalia's security capacity.

Somalia is facing a record drought that threatens to cause famine for nearly eight million people, half of the country's population. Baidoa, the largest city in Somalia's South West state, is particularly affected, with thousands of families fleeing starvation in rural areas to seek refuge in displaced camps within the city. Somali authorities and aid groups are urgently calling for international assistance to prevent further loss of life.