Monday August 18, 2025 {HMC} Four Al-Shabaab militants surrendered to the Southwest State branch of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Hudur, the capital of Bakool region, on Monday.

The defectors, who were members of the group’s so-called “brigades,” said they could no longer endure the harsh conditions of life in the bush under Al-Shabaab.

Security forces in Bakool have recently intensified operations under the campaign “Common Storm,” which has increased pressure on militants in the area and prompted defections to the government.
This marks the second group of four Al-Shabaab members to surrender to NISA in Southwest state in less than a week. On Saturday, four young men surrendered in Baidoa, citing similar reasons, including harsh conditions in the bush, ongoing clashes with Somali National Army forces, and sustained airstrikes.

Federal government officials said the defectors will be transferred to rehabilitation centers, where they will undergo reintegration programs before rejoining their communities and resuming their education.

Monday August 18, 2025 {HMC} A group of Somali professionals from Tana River County convened at a Nairobi hotel for a landmark meeting aimed at fostering unity within their community and laying groundwork for a new political direction.

The closed-door gathering brought together professionals from diverse sectors — including business, education, civil service, and political leadership — all united by a common vision: advancing the socio-political standing of the Somali community in Tana River County.

Following several hours of deliberations, the group addressed the media, outlining key resolutions reached during the meeting.

MaryanRoon Mohamed, one of the lead organisers, emphasised the importance of internal cohesion and a collective approach to political participation.

“Today, as a community of Somali professionals, we met in Nairobi to deliberate on ways of uniting the community and charting a political discourse,” said MaryanRoon.

“We believe this will mark a turning point toward greater unity and political maturity for our people in Tana River.”

Sala Ward MCA Mohamud Ali Barrow, who highlighted the urgency of forging a unified political identity, echoed her sentiments.

“This meeting was purely about unity and ways of bringing together the Somali community in Tana River County,” Barrow said.

“But we also agreed on the importance of working with other communities in the county to form a joint political agenda.”

In a significant move, the group announced plans to unveil a new political party in the coming days, signaling a more structured and inclusive approach to political engagement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

While the name and finer details of the new outfit remain under wraps, sources close to the organisers said the party will focus on good governance, inclusion, and empowering marginalised voices, especially women and youth.

By focusing on unity, inclusion, and development-oriented leadership, the professionals aim to realign local politics with broader national ideals.

The Nairobi meeting is expected to be the first in a series of countywide consultative forums. Similar engagements are planned in key towns across Tana River.

Political observers see the emerging movement as a potentially transformative force in the region, with the capacity to redefine alliances and shift the county’s leadership landscape.

Monday August 18, 2025 {HMC} Co-hosts Kenya held their nerve to beat Zambia 1-0 on Sunday and reach the African Nations Championship quarterfinals on their tournament debut.

Kenya finished top of Group A thanks to striker Ryan Ogam’s 75th-minute goal in Nairobi.

The home team already had one foot in the knock-out phase heading into the final round of group matches, knowing avoiding defeat would guarantee progress.

Morocco grabbed second place in the group and a last-eight berth courtesy of a 3-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in a winner-takes-all clash.

Berkane forward Oussama Lamlioui scored in the eighth minute to put Morocco, who were level on six points with their opponents before kick-off, into the lead.

The DRC responded through Jephte Kitambala when he fired home for his second goal of the tournament shortly before half-time.

Two-time champions Morocco retook the lead through a Mohamed Hrimat penalty with 20 minutes remaining, before Lamlioui put the game to bed in the 80th minute.

Kenya will face Madagascar in the last eight, while Morocco will play co-hosts Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Friday.

Elsewhere, Japan winger Ritsu Doan scored twice on his debut as Eintracht Frankfurt thumped fifth-tier Engers 5-0 in the first round of the German Cup on Sunday.

Doan, who joined Frankfurt from Bundesliga rivals Freiburg in the summer, scored in each half.

The Japan international scored Frankfurt’s second in first-half stoppage time, collecting the ball on the run and scoring past the goalkeeper in one motion.

Doan got his second 54 minutes, cutting into the corner on his left foot to put Frankfurt 3-0 up.

Jean-Matteo Bahoya, Elye Wahi and Paxten Aaronson also got on the scoresheet for the five-time German Cup winners.

On Monday, five-time winners Borussia Dortmund will play at neighbors Essen.