“The African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration clearly express Africa’s united stance. The continent demands at least two permanent seats with veto power, in addition to more non-permanent seats,” he noted.

Ghana also praised Germany for its consistent support for Security Council reform and Africa’s inclusion. “We commend President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and the German government for their principled stand,” President Mahama said.

Calling on the international community to go beyond declarations, he urged all nations to take concrete steps to reform the Security Council, making it “more representative, democratic and legitimate.”

The Security Council has 15 members, five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - who hold veto power, and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for staggered two-year terms.

Netanyahu described the alliance as a “relationship of partners,” noting that operational cooperation between the two countries had reached “an all-time high,” particularly during the second phase of Operation “Am Kalavi.”

He also cited recent joint efforts such as the release of all living hostages from Gaza and the return of the deceased as evidence of successful collaboration. “We are changing the face of the Middle East together,” he added.

However, Netanyahu made clear that Israel's military responses are determined solely by its leadership. “We are not prepared to tolerate attacks against us. We respond according to our discretion,” he said, referencing airstrikes in Lebanon and Gaza, including a recent operation in which Israel “dropped 150 tons on Hamas and the terrorist elements after the attack on our two soldiers.”

He emphasised that Israel takes preemptive action as well, saying, “We also thwart dangers in their formation before they materialise, as we did just yesterday in the Gaza Strip.”

Closing his remarks, Netanyahu reaffirmed that Israel does not seek external permission to defend itself, “We do not ask anyone for approval for this. We control our own security, and we have also made it clear with regard to international forces that Israel will determine which forces are unacceptable to us. That is how we operate and will continue to operate.”

Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama has underscored the critical role of communities in tackling climate change and improving disaster preparedness. Speaking at the Second Somali Disaster Resilience Conference in Mogadishu , Jama emphasised that local participation is essential to reducing vulnerability to floods, droughts, and other natural disasters that have devastated livelihoods across the country. The conference brought together policymakers, humanitarian agencies, and climate experts to develop sustainable frameworks for resilience-building. The deputy prime minister urged all stakeholders to “empower communities to take ownership of the solutions,” adding that resilience cannot be built solely through top-down approaches.

Militants in Bakool region operation

The Somali National Army (SNA) carried out a major offensive near Hudur, in the Bakool region, killing at least ten al-Shabaab militants and seizing a cache of weapons. Military officials described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle insurgent networks and secure liberated territories. The Ministry of Defence said the army’s campaign will continue until “every terrorist base is eliminated” in Bakool and neighbouring regions.

Lawmakers absenteeism

Somalia’s Lower House of Parliament has warned lawmakers against absenteeism after several legislative sessions were cancelled due to a lack of quorum. The leadership expressed frustration that critical national issues, including bills on security and economic reform, could not be discussed because many MPs failed to attend sittings.In a statement , the Speaker reminded members of their constitutional duty to represent their constituencies effectively. Lawmakers have been warned that persistent absenteeism could lead to disciplinary measures. The development has sparked public debate about parliamentary accountability and efficiency in governance.

Three brothers killed in clan-related attack

Authorities in the Lower Shabelle region are investigating a deadly clan-related attack that left three brothers dead and several others injured. The victims were reportedly ambushed by rival clans amid growing tensions over grazing land and water resources, long-standing triggers of local conflict in rural Somalia. Community elders have called for calm and urged the government to intervene to prevent retaliatory violence. Security officials say additional patrols have been deployed to the area as reconciliation efforts begin.

Bilateral cooperation

Somalia’s Police Chief has held talks with Iraq’s Interior Minister to strengthen bilateral cooperation on security, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism. The meeting , which took place in Baghdad, explored ways to improve police training, equipment, and strategic collaboration against transnational crime. Both sides agreed to establish a framework for information exchange and capacity building. The visit reflects Somalia’s broader diplomatic efforts to enhance its security institutions through international partnerships.