Somalia Security Partnership: AFRICOM commander Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson pushed back on claims the U.S. is stepping away, saying Washington remains committed to Somalia’s counterterror fight while urging Somali forces to take more responsibility, highlighting the Danab Special Forces as a key outcome. Regional Peacekeeping Funding: AU leaders in Kampala urged extending AUSSOM and called for a phased, Security Council-backed exit as U.S. logistical support is set to end, warning a poorly coordinated withdrawal could destabilize the fight against al-Shabaab. Somali Culture Loss: Beloved singer, composer and pioneer Ahmed Ali Igaal (Egal) died in the United States, remembered for shaping modern Somali music through decades of recordings and work with the Waaberi National Band. Hunger and Children’s Health: In Baidoa, severe malnutrition cases treated by Save the Children nearly tripled in six months, driven by drought, higher food prices, aid cuts, and supply shortages. Governance and Investment: Somalia’s cabinet reviewed security operations against al-Shabaab, approved a business licensing bill to improve transparency and investment, and endorsed a religious cooperation pact with Turkey. Red Sea Tensions: Somalia backed a Saudi-led maritime defense coalition aimed at protecting shipping around Bab el-Mandeb as Yemen’s Houthis escalate pressure.