Canada has issued one of its starkest warnings in recent years, advising its citizens to avoid all travel to Somalia and urging those already in the country to depart without delay. The advisory, released over the weekend, reflects mounting concern in Ottawa over an increasingly unpredictable security landscape.
Canadian officials described the threat level as exceptionally high, particularly in Mogadishu and across south-central regions where armed attacks, bombings, and shifting conflict dynamics have become disturbingly frequent. The decision follows months of sporadic violence, renewed militant activity, and continued instability that have left foreign nationals especially vulnerable.
For Canadians living and working in Somalia, the advisory carries a sense of urgency. The government stressed that the volatile climate has reached a point where access to reliable assistance cannot be guaranteed should an emergency arise. In recent years, diplomatic missions and humanitarian groups have repeatedly faced movement restrictions, underscoring the fragility of the operating environment.
The warning also reflects broader international anxieties. Several partners have raised alarms about Somalia’s deteriorating security conditions, even as local and federal authorities continue efforts to stabilize key areas. Despite gains in some regions, armed groups remain active, road networks are often unsafe, and major cities face persistent threats that can shift rapidly without warning.
Canada’s message leaves little room for ambiguity. For those contemplating travel, the government is urging them to reconsider entirely. For those already there, it is a call to make arrangements to leave as soon as safely possible.