Authority

Somalia to roll out new passport in 2026 as immigration agency touts security, digital reforms Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Authority will issue a new national passport in 2026, replacing the current document as part of a wider modernization drive aimed at securing borders, improving service delivery and restoring global confidence in Somali travel documents, officials said Wednesday. Announcing the plan at an event in Mogadishu, ICA Director Mustafa Dhuhulow presented the…

Jubbaland declares itself a “government,” deepening Somalia’s constitutional crisis Jubbaland on Sunday said it will operate as a government rather than a federal member state, a sharp escalation in its confrontation with Somalia’s federal authorities that widens the country’s unresolved constitutional crisis. Abdi Mohamed Abdirahman, speaker of the Jubbaland Parliament, said lawmakers approved amendments removing all references to “federal member state” from the regional charter and formally rebranding the entity as the…

Somalia’s push to operationalize a National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) has ignited a debate that reaches far beyond technical administration. At stake are core questions about the Provisional Constitution, the balance of power between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Federal Member States (FMS), and the real-world consequences of layering a new federal ID on top of existing systems, including the country’s internationally recognized biometric passport. The outcome will shape citizen…

Abdirahman emphasized the widespread repercussions of the recent disappearances, which have left a deep impact even within government circles. "This isn't just an issue for officials—opposition folks are feeling the heat too," he remarked. In the midst of probing deeper into these incidents, he assured transparency would be the order of the day. Now, diving into the unexpected drama on social media: a slew of Facebook accounts belonging to prominent figures, like journalists, have mysteriously gone silent—vanished into…

In Kismayo, a significant announcement is expected soon from the Jubaland Election and Boundaries Commission, which plans to unveil a novel approach to selecting its parliamentary members. This marks another chapter in the ongoing tug-of-war between the federal government of Somalia and the semi-autonomous Jubaland region. The new selection procedure, set to be detailed today, highlights Jubaland's push for increased self-governance, further straining its relationship with Mogadishu.Under the leadership of President Ahmed…

In the wake of Donald Trump’s electoral triumph, President Joe Biden has called on Americans to “cool down” their political tensions, emphasizing the importance of a smooth, orderly transition of power. After the Democrats faced a setback with Kamala Harris’ loss in the recent election, Mr. Biden took to the public stage to share the phone conversation he had with Trump. He assured his successor that his team would collaborate amicably with the incoming administration. Biden also reached out to Ms. Harris, highlighting the…

Mogadishu (AX) — Reports buzzing on social media about a supposed crash involving government aircraft were dismissed by the Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), dismissing them as sheer fabrications. The SCAA firmly stated that none of the newly acquired planes have faced such mishaps, rubbishing claims of them hitting the ground in off-limit locales.Releasing a detailed statement on Tuesday, the SCAA labeled these stories as part of a concerted effort to spread falsehoods by what they termed "Somalia's antagonists." As…

Mogadishu (AX) - The Somali government firmly declared its control over selecting which international allies will provide forces for the African Union's upcoming Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, set to succeed the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the dawn of January 2024. On Wednesday, a formal communique from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored the necessity for troop decisions to mesh with Somalia’s core interests and sovereign rights. The administration took a strong…

Djibouti Denies Ethiopia's Total Control Over Tadjoura Port, Proposes Joint Management Agreement Djibouti is adamantly opposed to granting Ethiopia complete oversight of Tadjoura Port, instead suggesting a partnership arrangement. The Tadjoura Port, a $60 million investment by Djibouti, is currently grappling with high operational expenditures, particularly concerning staff salaries. Youssouf has underscored the government’s ambition to transform this port into a bustling commercial center. This strategic move aims…

In the Central African Republic, Sunday's legislative elections took place peacefully. There was no major security issue that many feared. Of the 118 constituencies called to vote in the second round or in the partial one - which were prevented from voting on December 27 - 112 were able to vote correctly. as reported from…