Somalia

Somalia's New Digital Payment Era: Transforming Financial Access and Inclusion March 24, 2025 – Mogadishu: The dawn of a new financial era has arrived in Somalia with the launch of the country's first-ever Instant Payment System, spearheaded by the Somalia Payment Switch (SPS). This groundbreaking system, bolstered by BPC’s cutting-edge SmartVista platform, marks a pivotal step in the modernization of Somalia's financial landscape. The Central Bank of Somalia (CBS) stands at the helm of this ambitious project, aiming not…

Qatar’s Amir Extends Support Following Mogadishu Attack MOGADISHU – In a heartfelt phone call this Saturday, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani expressed a profound denouncement of the attack aimed at Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy in Mogadishu. The commitment of Qatar to stand with Somalia was underlined once more during this crucial exchange. It is often in the darkest times that true allies stand firm. Reflecting on such solidarity, Sheikh Tamim…

Garowe (AX) – In the early hours of a sun-drenched Saturday morning, the otherwise quiet streets of Garowe were disrupted by the haunting echoes of gunfire. An unsettling skirmish between the Northeastern State Police and an unidentified armed faction resulted in the tragic loss of two police officers, with five more wounded and left to grapple with injuries both visible and invisible. The command of the Northeastern State Police Force, in a statement bathed in urgency, illuminated the events leading up to the…

Mogadishu (AX) — In an era where information seems to travel faster than the speed of light, discerning fact from fiction has become not just a skill, but a necessity. Recent claims swirling online have caught the attention of Somalia’s federal identification agency, which felt compelled to address an issue that could potentially mislead and unsettle the public. The specific allegation that prompted this response centered around a supposed transfer of two districts from Northeastern State to Galmudug, a claim the agency…

A High-Stakes Visit: AU's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in Mogadishu The vibrant city of Mogadishu recently opened its arms to the African Union Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, for a crucial two-day working visit. His agenda, packed yet purposeful, revolved around intense discussions with Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. At the heart of these meetings, unsurprisingly, was the persistent menace of terrorism – a pressing challenge that painfully continues to hinder peace and…

Somalia's President Engages with the New African Union Chairperson in Mogadishu MOGADISHU, Somalia — The air in Mogadishu held a mix of anticipation and solemnity as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud welcomed a distinguished guest at the Villa Somalia Presidential Palace. It was Sunday, a day set apart for forging deeper alliances. The occasion? The inaugural visit of Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the freshly minted Chairperson of the African Union Commission, since his election barely two months ago.…

Security Concerns in Northeastern Kenya: A Detailed Report The stark reality of insecurity hit northeastern Kenya once again, as news of a grievous attack unfolds. "Six fatalities have been confirmed with four injured and in hospital," detailed the official report, echoing through the corridors of law enforcement and media alike. Such words, routine yet jarring, compel us to question the nature of human conflict and the tenuous line separating peace from violence. No group has boldly stepped forward to claim this act, yet…

The Arrest of Imamoglu: A Nation's Reaction and a Glimpse of Justice In a world where political landscapes shift as swiftly as the tides, Turkey stands at a precipice of significant transformation. The arrest of Imamoglu, alongside more than a hundred other figures including politicians, journalists, and businessmen this past Wednesday, marks a pivotal moment in Turkey's contemporary history. One might ask, amidst this chaos, what lies beneath the surface? "This may seem like a fleeting moment to some, but to many, it's…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a compelling twist of events, the Yemeni-flagged fishing dhow, Al-Hidaya, has been set free. It was forcibly seized by Somali pirates on March 16, as it sailed off the northern coast of Somalia. The European Union Naval Force, commonly known as EUNAVFOR, officially confirmed this development on Friday. This daring hijacking unfolded near the notorious piracy zone of Eyl, close to Durdura. Have you ever wondered what draws pirates to such regions?…

Somali Army's Preparedness Challenged by Al-Shabaab: A Tale of Strength and Struggle MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a statement that echoes defiance and challenges convention, the extremist group Al-Shabaab, aligned with Al-Qaeda, has leveled a bold claim against the Somali National Army (SNA). They assert that the SNA remains inadequately equipped and prepared to challenge them, emphasizing that Al-Shabaab continues to be 'seriously empowered' and ready to face national forces. Al-Shabaab's spokesperson, Ali Dhere,…