Thursday 26,June 2025 {HMC} Sixteen people died during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, most of them killed by police, the head of Amnesty Kenya said, a year after deadly demonstrations against a tax bill culminated in the storming of parliament.

Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to commemorate last year’s demonstrations, in which more than 60 people died, with police firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse them in the capital Nairobi, according to local media and a Reuters witness.

Some protesters clashed with police, and 16 people were “verified dead as of 8:30”, Amnesty Kenya’s executive director Irungu Houghton told Reuters, adding that the figures were verified by the global rights watchdog and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
“Most were killed by police,” Houghton said, adding that at least five of the victims had been shot dead.
The government-funded KNCHR earlier said eight deaths had been reported across the country, all “allegedly from gunshot wounds”.

“Over 400 casualties have been reported, including demonstrators, police officers and journalists,” KNCHR said in a statement shared on its official X account.

The watchdog noted heavy police deployment and “allegations of excessive use of force, including rubber bullets, live ammunition and water cannons, resulting in numerous injuries”.

Kenyan police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga declined to comment on the statements by Amnesty Kenya or KNCHR.
State-funded body Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said in a statement at least 61 people were arrested during the protests.

An official at the capital’s main Kenyatta National Hospital said the facility had received dozens of wounded people.

“107 admitted, most with gunshot injuries,” the source said, referring to rubber bullets and live rounds. He added that no deaths had been reported at KNH.

National electricity provider Kenya Power said one of its security guards was shot dead while patrolling its headquarters in Nairobi.

Large crowds were seen earlier heading in the direction of State House, the president’s official residence, in scenes broadcast by Kenyan channel NTV before it and another broadcaster KTN were pulled off the air after defying an order to stop live broadcasts of the demonstrations.

Both channels resumed broadcasts later on Wednesday after a court in Nairobi suspended the order issued by the Communications Authority of Kenya.

ANGER AGAINST POLICE

Isolated clashes were reported in the port city of Mombasa, according to NTV, with protests also in the towns of Kitengela, Kisii, Matuu and Nyeri.

Although last year’s protests faded after President William Ruto withdrew proposed tax hikes, public anger has remained over the use of excessive force by security agencies, with fresh demonstrations, opens new tab this month over the death of a blogger in police custody.

Six people, including three police officers, were charged with murder on Tuesday over the killing of 31-year-old blogger and teacher, Albert Ojwang. All have pleaded not guilty.

Ojwang’s death has become a lightning rod for Kenyans still mourning those who perished at last year’s demonstrations, blamed on security forces, against a backdrop of dozens of unexplained disappearances.

“We are fighting for the rights of our fellow youths and Kenyans and the people who died since June 25… we want justice,” Lumumba Harmony, a protester, told Reuters in Nairobi.

The unprecedented scenes on June 25, 2024, showing police firing at protesters as they broke through barriers to enter parliament, created the biggest crisis of Ruto’s presidency and sparked alarm among Kenya’s international allies.

Reporting by Nairobi newsroom; Writing by Ammu Kannampilly; Editing by Alexandra Hudson, Bernadette Baum, Philippa Fletcher and Daniel Wallis.

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Thursday 26,June 2025 {HMC} As Minnesota’s Somali community celebrates Independence Week this year, a musical and dance showcase will bring a cross-generational group of artists together at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts.

Headlined by international recording artist Suldaan Seeraar, “Star of Unity: A Night of Somali Dance and Live Music” will also feature Abdiwahab Cantar Naji, a popular singer and musician from the 1980s, and the Somali Museum Dance Troupe. Co-host Khalid Dahir, known as “Khale Male,” will bring his blend of Somali contemporary music, along with traditional music and dance to the show.

The concert’s name comes from the white star on the Somali flag, whose five points represent the five colonial territories Somalis lived under: Italian Somaliland, French Somaliland, British Somaliland, Eastern Ethiopia and the Northern Frontier District in Kenya.

It represents an ambitious step up in programming for the Somali Museum of Minnesota and the museum’s dance troupe, according to Artistic Director Mohamoud Osman Mohamed.

“The theme this year is unity — unity of Somalis across all regions and ages. There’s a disconnect between the Somali diaspora youth and their elders, so we are aiming to bridge the generational gap by putting together this inclusive and family friendly cultural event that not only offers bonding time but will also encourage mutual understanding.

“‘Star of Unity’ will have different performers from various generations and styles from modern to traditional where everyone will find something enjoyable and have a great Somali cultural experience,” Mohamoud said.

Suldaan, the show’s biggest name, became the first Somali contemporary artist to perform at the Target Center in 2022.

His catchy songs and infectious beats have boosted the popularity of Somali music with younger audiences, both in the diaspora and in the Horn of Africa. Outside of the Target Center, he has performed at mainstream venues such as the Troxy in London and Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto.

This show will be the first time Suldaan, who began singing 10 years ago in Jigjiga, Ethiopia, has performed with a live band in North America. It’s a musical performance style that was common in the late 1970s and ’80s during the heyday of Somali music production but has since fallen off since the state collapse.

Suldaan said he is excited to perform live with a full band in a style that echoes Hobolada Waaberi, a state-sponsored Somali music troupe that is seen as the beacon of Somali music. Harbi Kahiye, the only professional Somali drummer in North America, will join Suldaan and the band for the show.

Abdiwahab Cantar Naji, who made his debut in 1994, has collaborated with the Somali Museum many times, including in a 2019 show with Feynuus Sheikh Dahir that brought the audience to its feet.

Abdiwahab was discovered in the ’90s but worked with musicians throughout the golden era of Somali music from the late 1970s through the 80s. He is the nephew of Ahmed Naaji Sacad, the legendary singer and musician, who played the oud, a resonant lute that evokes deep emotion among listeners. His father, Cantar Naaji Sacad, was also a drummer for the funk-inspired Shareero Band.

He is a staunch advocate for Somali singers singing live and when he last came to the Somali Museum he sang, played the piano and danced. He represents the older generation, those that grew up watching Somali artists sing and perform live. He also sings Benadiri music, a vibrant coastal sound that is a mix of Swahili, Arabic and Somali cultures along the Indian Ocean. This particular style of songs come from Southern Somalia.

Also performing is the Somali Museum Dance Troupe, showcasing Somali folk dances including the saylici, a traditional dance from the Awdal region, harimaadee, a traditional dance from Djibouti, dhaanto, a popular and fun dance that hails from the Eastern Ethiopian region and finally the shirib, a dance associated with Southern Somalia.

In the spirit of unity, they are performing dances from all across the Somali-speaking peninsula as opposed to dances from one particular region. And the group has been adding their unique flair to each of the traditional dances, Mohamoud said.

Dancer Hodan Hassan said she joined the Somali Museum Dance Troupe three years ago to reconnect with her culture.

“You’re in an area where you are displaced but everyone looks like you. But there isn’t something that connects you to them. Through dance, I was able to touch a part of my culture outside of the language. Our parents passed down the language, but many other traditions weren’t shared because they were mainly focused on survival.”

She now leads the museum’s children’s dance program, and she lit up with excitement when describing her work with them.

“The kids — anywhere I go little kids will come up to me and say they love my Tiktoks. [When recording], I just set up my phone and record, I’m not thinking anything of it. I’ll start dancing the jandheer [a traditional Somali dance] and post it. And there’s kids that will come to the class and will replicate exactly what I do. Say I made a mistake when I was recording, I will flow and continue the dance — the kids will replicate the mistake I made and I’m so touched that they pay that much attention.”

Hodan helped open for Suldaan’s show at the Target Center and said the “Star of Unity” concert represents a full-circle moment for her. In working with many Somali artists she mentioned that the dance troupe brings energy to the stage. Singers lean on them to get the crowd hyped as many singers usually don’t dance while singing.

Suldaan said the dancers are doing important work to pass on Somali cultural traditions. He praised their dedication ahead of Saturday’s show.

“I’m proud of the Somali Museum Dance Troupe and the work they’re doing. It’s amazing to see young people who were born to parents who came here as refugees learn their culture and be the ones to carry the torch and share it with the world,” he said.

“We will put on a show people have never seen before,” he added.

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Thursday 26,June 2025 {HMC} President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday night led the 65th Independence Week celebrations in Mogadishu, honoring the country’s historic journey to freedom and calling for renewed unity and national reconciliation.

The ceremony brought together senior government officials, dignitaries, and hundreds of citizens to commemorate Somalia’s independence and reflect on its future.

In his keynote address, President Mohamud congratulated the Somali people on the anniversary and paid tribute to the heroes—particularly from the northern regions—who led the struggle for liberation.
“Their courage helped forge the understanding that true freedom means uniting the Somali people,” he said.

The president acknowledged the “political wounds” that have shaped Somalia’s modern history, citing dictatorship, power abuse, and mismanagement as causes of national division. He emphasized the urgent need for sincere dialogue to rebuild trust and move the nation forward.

“True freedom will only be realized when the hearts and aspirations of the Somali people are reunited,” President Mohamud said. “Unity cannot be imposed—it must be cultivated through genuine brotherhood and conversation.”

He also expressed appreciation to international partners for their continued support in preserving Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the unity of its people.

The president concluded his remarks by urging greater collective efforts to achieve lasting peace, stability, and consensus across the country.

June 26, 1960, marks the independence of British Somaliland from colonial rule. Just days later, on July 1, 1960, it united with the Trust Territory of Somalia—formerly Italian Somaliland—to form the Somali Republic. This unification marked a pivotal step toward the vision of Greater Somalia, a sovereign state for all Somali-inhabited territories.

Thursday 26,June 2025 {HMC} Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madobe), called on all Somalis to unite in defending the country against al-Shabab and to work closely with the government during his address at the 65th Independence Week celebrations in Mogadishu on Wednesday night.

Speaking before a crowd of senior government officials, dignitaries, and citizens, Speaker Madobe emphasized the national importance of June 26—a historic date marking the independence of British Somaliland in 1960.

“This week holds deep meaning in the hearts of all Somalis. It symbolizes a turning point in our collective journey toward self-determination,” Madobe said.
He praised the people of the northern regions for their historic role in achieving independence and forging Somali unity. Madobe specifically honored the heroes whose determination and sacrifice led to the unification of Somali territories.

The Speaker issued a passionate appeal for unity, urging citizens to reject extremism and divisions that hinder Somalia’s path toward peace and development.

“We must stand together to defend our nation and support its progress. Those who seek to divide us or derail our future must be rejected,” he said.

The Independence Week celebration served as both a commemoration of Somalia’s past and a reflection on the country’s future, as leaders emphasized the need for national solidarity, security, and reform.

Source Hiiraan online

Thursday 26,June 2025 {HMC} The Somali Salvation Forum held a high-level meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Villa Somalia on Wednesday to discuss national politics, including constitutional reform, elections, and the fight against terrorism.

Forum spokesperson Dahir Mohamud Gelle said the discussions were part of a broader effort to resolve ongoing political tensions and move Somalia closer to democratic stability.

“The meeting’s agenda covered key national priorities such as the constitution, electoral reform, and security. Another round of discussions between the Forum and government leaders is planned for next month to help resolve the current political impasse,” Gelle said.
He added that the Somali Salvation Forum has taken the initiative to restore political dialogue and has committed to engaging with the leaders of Puntland and Jubaland—two federal member states that have distanced themselves from recent government-led consultations.

The meeting coincided with a larger National Consultation Forum convened by President Mohamud, which brought together former presidents, prime ministers, speakers of parliament, and other national figures.

According to the Office of the President, the forum focused on three key priorities: completing the constitutional review process, establishing a direct electoral system, and strengthening counterterrorism efforts.

The Somali Salvation Forum’s participation marks a renewed effort to bridge political divides and promote inclusive dialogue among federal and regional leaders.

Source Hiiraan online