On the ninth anniversary of the devastating 14 October 2017 Mogadishu bombing, we honour the memory of the hundreds of innocent civilians who lost their lives or were injured in that tragic attack. The @UN stands in solidarity with the people of Somalia as they continue to build a peaceful, secure, and resilient future free of terrorism in all its forms.

Preserving the intricate art of weaving the Koofi Baraawe (traditional hats) keeps a vital piece of Somali cultural history alive. Handcrafted by local women, this trade does more than safeguard centuries-old skills—it provides sustainable livelihoods and strengthens national pride both at home and across the diaspora.

Somalia’s coastal communities hold a deep-rooted heritage that has sustained the nation’s livelihoods and food security for generations. Protecting traditional fishing practices and elevating the voices of local artisanal fishers is essential to preserving this rich maritime identity and driving sustainable economic resilience along the nation's coastlines.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 📸– Inclusion means ensuring that persons with disabilities can participate fully in society, access essential services and exercise their rights with dignity. In Somalia, important steps are being taken to strengthen disability rights and remove barriers faced by persons with disabilities. With support from the @UNTMIS Human Rights and Protection Group, Somali deaf communities and their partners have developed a Somali Sign Language alphabet and curriculum to help expand communication and access to services for people with hearing loss. The @UN continues to encourage the formal recognition and adoption of standard Somali Sign Language frameworks developed with the participation of deaf communities. Shown here, students respond to questions during a classroom discussion in sign language at Galkacyo Model School.

Recently in Mogadishu, the leadership of @SNAForce signed a landmark Command Order on conflict-related sexual violence, which operationalizes Somalia’s national and international commitments to investigate and sanction perpetrators while supporting survivors seeking redress. Developed with support from @UNTMIS_, the Office of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and @UNAction, this order reinforces zero tolerance and the STOP RAPE NOW across SNA ranks.

Somali women media professionals bring rich contributions to shaping the national narrative. Targeted support for their professional presence within newsrooms is essential to ensure a diverse media environment, advance gender inclusivity, and promote sustainable social progress across Somalia.

Recently in Mogadishu, the @UNDSS Principal Security Adviser and @UNTMIS_ Head of the Police Component visited the @SoPoliceForce to observe progress made by the Diplomatic Police Unit and its Quick Reaction Force (QRF). The UN delegation also paid a courtesy call on @SoPoliceForce’s Commissioner @GenAsadOsman, who highlighted the SPF-QRF’s readiness to commence operations. @UNPOL and @UNDSS have supported the Somali Police Forces in implementing the federated policing system through the provision of strategic advice, coordination of international support, human rights promotion, and institutional capacity-building.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 📸 – Somalia's youth are not simply the leaders of tomorrow—they are already shaping peace and community life today. Across the country, young Somalis are using their voices and ideas to promote dialogue, strengthen communities and contribute to peacebuilding. In partnership with the Federal Government and its ministries, the @UN supports youth leadership and participation in local governance, elections, livelihoods and peace dialogues—creating space for young people to contribute to decisions that shape their communities and their country's future. Shown here, Abdifatah Mohamed Ahmed and Ruun Mahamud Osman, presenters at Radio Daar Dheer—the first-ever UN-supported community radio station in Dhusamareb, Somalia—at work in the studio.

Overcoming barriers to ensure equal access to education for children with disabilities in Somalia requires investing in inclusive classrooms and teacher training—a step that both protects their right to learn and builds vital human potential for national development.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 📸 – Across Mogadishu, new and revitalised public spaces are becoming part of the city's changing landscape — giving communities places to gather, play, create and connect. These spaces represent more than physical development. They offer opportunities for social interaction, cultural expression, recreation and livelihoods, helping strengthen community ties and a growing sense of shared urban life. Through @UNHabitat_Som, the @UN supports efforts to create safe, accessible and inclusive public spaces as an essential part of building resilient communities and a more livable future for Somalia's growing cities. Shown here, children enjoy a boat ride at Darusalaam park in Mogadishu.

Recently in Mogadishu, @UNTMIS_ Police and Human Rights experts supported the @SoPoliceForce in a three-day workshop on the Protection of Children in Armed Conflict, attended by 40 women police officers from the Criminal Investigation Department. The workshop strengthened the capacities of police officers to prevent the six grave violations against children in armed conflict, and to take appropriate measures in response to alleged child rights violations.

Recently in Mogadishu, @SoPoliceForce, with support from @UNTMIS_ Police, marked International Police Cooperation Day, bringing together around 150 representatives from Somali government institutions, the police, international partners and other stakeholders. Under the theme “Protecting Against Vulnerability: Building Trust and Legitimacy in Policing,” discussions focused on police professionalism, community engagement, and strengthening public trust and legitimacy. The participation of @UNTMIS_ Police reaffirmed its support to the Somali Police Force and policing partners in advancing police cooperation and stronger relationships between the police and the communities they serve.

This week in Mogadishu, @UNTMIS_ was pleased to support the 2026 Somali Strategic Communication Forum, organized and conducted by the @MOISomalia, under the theme “Shaping Somalia’s Media Future in the Digital Era.” The two-day forum has brought together government, media, civil society, development and international partners, diplomats, academics and other stakeholders to discuss media ethics, digital transformation, AI, misinformation and disinformation, government-public communication and the future of Somalia’s media sector.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 📸 – A trusted police service is fundamental to safe and resilient communities. In Somalia, building that trust requires more than enforcement—it calls for partnership, dialogue and a police service that communities see as accountable, accessible and responsive to their needs. Through UNTMIS Police, the @UN supports the Somali Police Force with targeted training, mentoring, community engagement and institutional development—strengthening cooperation between police and communities, improving responses to crime and gender-based violence, and advancing a more professional and people-centred police service. Shown here, a duty police officer listens to a citizen to accurately record their complaint in the Occurrence Book at Baidoa Police Station, South West State.

More than 13 years of @UN support to Somali policing was recently marked at a @SoPoliceForce-hosted "lessons learned" workshop in Mogadishu for federal and Federal Member State police and security officials, @UNTMIS_, @EUCAPSOM and @AUSSOM_. Since 2016, @UN police have assisting the Federal Government and Federal Member States to implement the federated policing system through the provision of strategic advice, the coordination of international support, the promotion of human rights and institutional capacity-building.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 📸– Literacy is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of individual opportunity and national development. In Somalia, expanding access to quality education means addressing the barriers that keep children out of school while ensuring they have the resources they need to learn. Recognising that hunger can be a major barrier to education, @WFPSomalia and @UNICEFSomalia support integrated approaches that bring together nutrition, clean water, hygiene and quality learning—because children who are healthy, nourished and safe are better able to learn and thrive. Shown here, a WFP-supported school meal programme is ready for students during a lunch break at Kabasa Primary School, also supported by UNICEF, in Dollow, Somalia.

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 – Somalia’s oral traditions and cultural values of iskaashato (cooperation) offer a powerful framework for community reconciliation. Traditional storytelling focused on a shared national identity can help to resolve local conflicts and build peace from the grassroots up.

A humane and professional justice and corrections system is fundamental to the country's development. By strengthening the rule of law, it supports lasting peace, human rights and sustainable development. In Mogadishu this week, @UNTMIS_ rule of law experts held a workshop with representatives from the Federal Government and Federal Member States to mark the end of 13 years of partnership, share lessons learnt and discuss future priorities. A major part of @UNTMIS_' mandate has been to support - in collaboration with Somali institutions, UN system partners and international donors - the re-building of Somalia's justice and corrections system so that the rule of law can continue to improve after the @UN Mission departs.

In Mogadishu, 25 women from Somalia's public service institutions recently came together to found a new non-governmental organisation dedicated to supporting women’s career progress in public service. Building on an existing network of women professionals across the public sector, supported by @UNTMIS_ since its creation in 2024, participants committed to promoting individual and collective transformation and advocacy for workplaces that better support Somali women's professional growth and leadership.

𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 📸 – Poetry is the heartbeat of Somali culture. For centuries, poetry has preserved history, expressed identity, inspired dialogue and celebrated community life. As one of Somalia’s most enduring cultural traditions, it continues to connect generations and strengthen a shared sense of heritage. The @UN recognizes the role of cultural expression in promoting peace, social cohesion and the preservation of Somalia’s rich cultural legacy. Shown here, poet Zahra Abdi Hagi performs during the launch of the UNTMIS HRPG Report on Cultural Rights and Art Exhibition in Mogadishu.