Somalia: Al-Shabab strikes at two military bases

The attack took place shortly after negotiators failed to end a stalemate over the selection of a new president. Islamist terror group Al-Shabaab took responsibility for the attack near the town of Dhusamareeb.

As the Horn of Africa nation struggles to reach a consensus on this year's general election, the country's controversial clan-based indirect voting system is under scrutiny.

In a statement, the US embassy in Mogadishu urged “Farmaajo and Somalia's national leadership to act now to resolve the political impasse that threatens Somalia's future and find agreement with Federal Member State leaders to allow the conduct of parliamentary and presidential elections immediately”.

Police in the capital, Mogadishu, fired at the attacker as he broke through a checkpoint, allowing civilians to escape before the explosion.

In this edition: clashes break out in Mogadishu at a protest organised by the opposition. Residents reported hearing sporadic gunfire and grenades being fired in the capital. Our regional correspondent Mukelwa Hlatshwayo brings us the latest. Also, voters in Niger are gearing up for Sunday's presidential run-off between Mohamed Bazoum and Mahamane Ousmane. The fight against insecurity will be a major challenge for the next president. And camel milk is becoming increasingly popular in Kenya. We meet farmers taking advantage of the lucrative drink.

Asha Mohammed is a taxi driver in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu. In a country which the UN classifies as one of the most difficult for women, her courageous career choice is breaking stereotypes. N°93L89XN°93Q22N

Police suspect a suicide bomber blew up a car outside a popular restaurant in the capital city. Victims were still reportedly being pulled from the rubble through the evening.

Many Somali women have limited chances to find earn an income for themselves. But a series of worskshops in the capital Mogadishu is slowly changing that.

A dispute between Kenya and Somalia over an oil- and gas-rich area in the Indian Ocean is unlikely to spark an armed conflict. But it may have ramifications for fishing communities, as well as the wider region.

The Islamist group detonated car bombs before launching nighttime raids at two locations in southern Somalia.

The United States and European Union say Somalia risks facing sanctions if it fails to resume talks to end its deadlock over elections. But President Mohamed has extended his mandate despite the international criticism.

Sporadic clashes broke out in the Somalian capital as tensions continue after embattled President Mohamed extended his mandate last week sparking a political crisis.