Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed addresses questions about his ties to the UAE in an exclusive interview with S24. Watch the full interview via this link: 👉 youtu.be/RyWn0TPSm8M?si…

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reports that at least 60 Christians were killed and more than 20 seriously injured in two attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region on October 20 and 24.

Somalia’s National Communications Authority and Mogadishu University have launched the fourth National Cybersecurity Forum in Mogadishu. The two-day event brings together government officials, technology companies, banks, researchers and cybersecurity experts to discuss digital security, emerging cyber threats and national response capabilities. The forum focuses on strengthening cooperation between institutions, improving cybersecurity awareness and supporting the development of safer digital systems across Somalia.

Egypt is reportedly planning to deploy around 1,000 troops to Somalia to join AUSSOM, as uncertainty continues over the withdrawal of Burundian forces.

Israel’s parliamentary election has ended without a clear majority for either Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc or the opposition led by Gadi Eisenkot. Preliminary projections indicate that neither side has secured the 61 seats needed to form a government, while Arab-led parties could play a key role in coalition negotiations. The final results and subsequent negotiations will determine who can form Israel’s next government.

Somalia has chaired a regional meeting of secretaries-general of East African Community (EAC) parliaments in Nairobi, led by Abdirahman Mohamed Abdulle, known as Jaabiri. The meeting focused on strengthening parliamentary coordination, accountability, and institutional efficiency, with participants preparing recommendations for the EAC Council of Speakers. The recommendations are expected to be submitted for consideration, although no formal adoption of new proposals was reported.

Buurhakaba District Chairman Abdullahi Shaleetey has accused Turkey of carrying out three drone strikes in Buurhakaba, allegedly targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure. He also claimed that a school had been struck and a key bridge linking Buurhakaba to Mogadishu had been targeted. He called on the UN, EU and Arab League to investigate the allegations. The claims have not been independently verified, and no response from Turkish or Somali federal authorities was included in the report.

Political tensions are rising in Beledweyne amid reported armed mobilisation and longstanding disputes over representation in Hirshabelle. The developments follow the re-election of Ali Guudlaawe as state president, despite objections from some Hiiraan politicians and traditional leaders. Questions remain over whether the dispute can be resolved through political negotiations.

The United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) is set to conclude its operations on October 31, following a two-year transition plan requested by the Federal Government of Somalia.

Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have surpassed 10,000, with 4,887 deaths reported, according to government data released on October 27. The outbreak has spread across eight provinces, while health workers face shortages of medical supplies and treatment centres struggle to cope with rising cases. Efforts to contain the virus continue amid concerns over its spread beyond the country.

Military movements in Beledweyne come amid growing political tensions over Hirshabelle’s leadership and electoral process.

At least 60 Orthodox Christians were killed in separate attacks in Ethiopia’s Oromia region on October 20 and 24, according to church officials. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church reported that more than 20 people were seriously injured and 20 homes were burned. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks, while the regional government has pledged to pursue those responsible.

The United States, the European Union and 30 other countries have warned of the risk of famine in Sudan amid the ongoing conflict and worsening humanitarian conditions. They have called for increased humanitarian assistance and urged that barriers to aid delivery be removed to ensure that food and other essential supplies reach those in need. The warning highlights growing concerns over food security and the need for urgent international support to prevent further deterioration.

Clashes in Jameeco and reports of attacks in Leego have raised conflicting accounts of casualties among government forces and Al-Shabaab, with losses yet to be independently verified.

Rising fuel and fertiliser prices linked to the Iran war are raising concerns about food security across Africa, with trade officials warning of possible impacts on agricultural production, harvests and food prices in 2027.

Fighting between Somali federal forces and Al-Shabaab near Jameeco, in the Lower Shabelle region, has reportedly resulted in casualties and military equipment losses. According to Baidoa Online, Al-Shabaab claims to have captured 12 Turkish-made armoured vehicles, while security sources report that more than eight Turkish-supplied heavy military vehicles were destroyed. The Somali federal government has not released a detailed assessment of the reported losses, and the claims remain independently unverified.

Kenya’s Health Minister, Aden Duale, says the country could be declared Ebola-free after 42 days if no new cases emerge and international health requirements are met. Authorities report that 551 people tested negative in the 48 hours before his statement, while confirmed cases remain linked to a known group of contacts. The government continues to monitor exposed individuals and urges the public to follow health precautions as efforts to contain the outbreak continue.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has announced that the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) will conclude its operations on October 31, following a two-year transition period. The mission’s responsibilities will be transferred to Somali institutions and other UN agencies, which will continue supporting Somalia’s peacebuilding, security, governance and state-building efforts.

Around 8,000 soldiers reportedly did not receive their salaries this month due to problems with the biometric identity verification system. Those affected include nearly 30 senior military officers. The affected payments reportedly also include salaries for soldiers killed or injured during the ongoing military offensive in South West State.

Kenyan authorities estimate that around 35,000 Ethiopians have sought refuge in Kenya following clashes near Moyale, with approximately 15,000 staying in temporary camps and 20,000 living with host communities. Three suspected measles cases have been reported in displacement camps, with laboratory confirmation pending. The clashes have also disrupted cross-border trade and affected businesses near the border. The humanitarian situation remains a concern, while the suspected measles cases have not been confirmed as an outbreak.