Somalia

Somalia asks Saudi Arabia to act against North Western State of Somalia leader, warns against any Israeli military presence MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s federal government has formally asked Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries to take action against North Western State of Somalia President Abdirahman Cirro, drawing a comparison to how Riyadh has dealt with Yemen’s separatist leader Aidarus al-Zubaidi, the country’s defense minister said. Defense Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, speaking in an interview with Al Jazeera, said…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s lower house of parliament on Monday overwhelmingly approved a national tobacco control framework, a landmark move aimed at curbing tobacco use and tackling what lawmakers and health officials describe as a growing public health threat. The House of the People backed the measure with 139 votes in favor, three abstentions and none against, signaling rare cross-party consensus on the need to rein in tobacco consumption and marketing across the country. Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, widely known…

$SOMAL Launches on MEXC Decentralized Exchange The launch of the $SOMAL token on the Seychelles-based MEXC decentralized exchange marks a significant step towards a transparent and accountable financial system in Somalia. Built on the Solana blockchain, $SOMAL aims to address the persistent issues of corruption and fraud that have plagued Somali society. Introduced by Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib, the Leader of Accountability and Transparency Caucus in the House of People of Somalia. Designed as a decentralized…

Puntland State president vows measured response amid Somalia’s political uncertainty AXADLE, Somalia — Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni pledged a restrained, experience-driven response to political shifts at home and abroad, warning that unilateral constitutional changes by Somalia’s Federal Government risk deepening divisions at a critical moment for the country’s statehood. Speaking to a youth forum in Garowe, the regional capital, Deni said Puntland State’s record since its formation will continue to guide…

Raphinha’s brace seals Barcelona’s Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah thriller over Real Madrid Monday January 12, 2026 JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — Barcelona retained the Spanish Super Cup with a breathless 3-2 win over Real Madrid on Sunday night, riding a two-goal performance from Raphinha and a wave of late resistance to lift the trophy in a raucous Jeddah final. The Brazilian winger struck first just before halftime and delivered the decisive touch in the 73rd minute, his second effort taking a fortuitous deflection off Raul Asencio…

BEIJING — China reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and invited President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Beijing, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned against any separate arrangements sought by North Western State of Somalia with Taiwan, according to statements from both governments. Wang delivered the message during a phone call Sunday with Somalia’s foreign minister, Abdisalam Dhaay, held while the Chinese diplomat was traveling in Africa. Both sides said China remains fully committed…

Somalia’s Upper House passes National Payment System Bill, clearing path for payments oversight law MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Upper House of Parliament on Monday overwhelmingly approved the National Payment System Bill, a keystone measure designed to regulate the country’s fast-growing digital payments industry and strengthen consumer protection in a mobile-money-driven economy. Parliamentary officials said the bill passed during the 14th session of the Upper House’s seventh sitting with 28 senators voting in favor and none…

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s defense minister accused Israel of planning to forcibly relocate Palestinians to North Western State of Somalia and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reverse Israel’s surprise recognition of the breakaway region, escalating a diplomatic standoff that has rippled across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. In an interview with Al Jazeera broadcast Saturday, Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi called Israel’s move a “serious violation” of international law and a “direct attack” on…

Greenland leaders reject Trump’s renewed push to take control, insist island’s future is theirs to decide Sunday January 11, 2026 NUUK, Greenland — Greenland’s political leaders on Friday forcefully rejected renewed statements by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Washington could take control of the Arctic island, saying Greenland’s future can only be decided by its own people. In a rare joint statement, the leaders of all five parties represented in Greenland’s parliament said they opposed any form of external pressure…

MINNEAPOLIS — Three Democratic members of Congress from Minnesota, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, were blocked from entering a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center near Minneapolis on Saturday morning, escalating tensions in the Twin Cities after the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent earlier in the week. The lawmakers — Omar, Rep. Angie Craig and Rep. Kelly Morrison — said they were briefly admitted to the facility inside the Bishop Whipple Federal Building before officials rescinded access and…