National

The European Union is contemplating support for member states wishing to block imports from illegal Israeli settlements, with discussions set to unfold next week. This initiative is one of several being explored following a review indicating that Israel may be in violation of the human rights obligations outlined in the EU-Israel Association Agreement, especially concerning its military actions in Gaza. An options paper prepared by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas suggests that member states might be allowed to prevent…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a world increasingly defined by digital identity, Somalia's Immigration and Citizenship Agency finds itself at a crossroads. As of now, the nation has yet to fully implement its newly introduced national identity card as a requirement for passport applications. Why, you might wonder? The answer lies within a maze of technical and institutional coordination challenges that still need to be resolved. Although Somalia proudly launched its digital national ID system in 2022 under the auspices of the…

Somalia: Growing Concerns Over Personal Data Security in National ID Rollout AXADLE, Somalia — There's a rising tide of concern surrounding Somalia’s ambitious National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) project. Citizens are voicing their worries, cybersecurity experts are critically analyzing, and the authority itself is caught in a balancing act. The crux of the matter lies in the personal data security of the national ID card program, utilizing a system inconveniently hosted in…

Somali Minister Raises Concerns Over HirShabelle Leader's Electoral Actions Mogadishu, Somalia, July 6 In an increasingly complex web of politics, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs has stepped into the spotlight with a contentious accusation. The minister, Ali Omar—known more familiarly as Ali Balcad— has taken a firm stand against an indirect election recently conducted in the district of Balcad, located in the HirShabelle State. With a tone of…

When you think of iconic national airlines, names like Emirates and Qantas likely spring to mind. Emirates, with its glitzy branding and luxurious services, instantly conjures images of the United Arab Emirates, while Qantas proudly represents the spirit and ambition of Australia. These airlines are more than just airlines; they are symbols of national pride and identity. Yet, in stark contrast to these emblematic carriers, some African countries find themselves without a functional national airline. How does this absence…

Somalia's New Identification Mandate: A Step Toward Unity or Controversy? Mogadishu (AX) — In a bold move aimed at streamlining public services, Somalia's Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has mandated that all of its services will now require the presentation of a National Identification Card. This requirement is a product of the Prime Ministerial Directive XRW/415/04/2025, which aims to enhance nationwide identity verification through a unified system. The Cabinet endorsed this decision during its…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant turn of events, a coalition of ten political parties, united under the Coalition for the Restoration of Justice and Hope in Somalia, has publicly rejected the final communiqué of the recently concluded National Consultation Forum held in Mogadishu. Their discontent revolves around accusations against the federal government for neglecting the principles of inclusive dialogue, thus undermining the very essence of constitutional legitimacy in the country. On Friday, the coalition issued a…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Federal Government of Somalia has made a significant announcement regarding the postponement of the highly anticipated National Consultative Council meeting. This gathering, which was initially slated to commence on June 22 in Mogadishu, has been rescheduled for July 15, 2025. The government’s decision comes as a response to preparations for the nation’s Independence Day celebrations, a moment that resonates deeply within the hearts of many Somalis. In a concise statement released on Saturday, the…

Somalia Postpones National Dialogue Amid Political Tensions MOGADISHU, Somalia — In an unexpected twist, the much-anticipated meeting of Somalia’s National Consultative Council, originally slated for June 22, has been postponed to July 15. This announcement by the federal government on Friday came as both a surprise and a strategic decision. The reason for this delay? Officially, it’s all about giving ample time for preparations for Somalia’s…

Somalia Celebrates a Milestone in Education: The 12th Grade National Examination In a significant step forward for its education system, Somalia has successfully completed the 12th Grade National Examination for the 2024–2025 academic year. This accomplishment is a noteworthy part of the country's ongoing efforts to modernize and reform a sector that has faced numerous challenges over the years. According to the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education, a remarkable 39,382 students participated in the…