Somalia

A groundbreaking collaboration has been forged between the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Somali Bankers Association (SBA). According to Abdiwali Tima’adde, the Director General at NIRA, this alliance is poised to revitalize the economy by harmonizing Somali business operations with global standards while curbing calamities like fraud and money laundering. "Beneath the facade of this partnership lies a blueprint for discussions on its potential impacts, strategies to bring registration…

Somalia: "I Ain't Going Nowhere," Deputy PM Schools Senate Speaker MOGADISHU, Somalia - The recent declaration to vacate a senate seat is a farce, according to Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, who's calling out the Senate leadership's disregard for protocol in their Saturday announcement. Jama countered the move, saying he's played by parliamentary rules without a hitch. "Booting me out? That's just nonsense, plain and simple," he claimed, urging Somalis who vibe with peace and stability to shun this…

NAIROBI, Kenya - A recent summit with Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia in attendance has birthed a coalition nicknamed the 'axis against Ethiopia,' marking an intense regional shift that edges Ethiopia into unfamiliar territory. Over the past few years, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has been wrestling with internal and external upheavals. Domestically, his administration faces significant headwinds due to regional unrest, notably the Tigray conflict, which upends his governance. On the international front,…

Somali and Jubaland Troops Achieve Major Milestones Against Al-Shabaab in Lower Jubba Territory MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a bold and coordinated effort, the Somali National Army (SNA), alongside Jubaland forces, has seized crucial areas—Quds and Gole-Shinbi—from Al-Shabaab in Lower Jubba. This region, long a bastion for the insurgents, is now witnessing a turn of the tide, according to military insiders. The operation kicked off in the early hours, marked by precise strikes that razed several Al-Shabaab hideouts, resulting…

How Digital Banking is Transforming Somalia's Economy MOGADISHU, Somalia - The digital tidal wave sweeping through banking is poised to reshape Somalia's economic landscape, which is currently on an upswing thanks to improved security in various locales. Somalia's National Digital ID initiative aims to revolutionize banking services, spurred on by a collaboration between the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) and the Somali Bankers Association (SBA). Abdiwali Tima'adde, the top honcho at NIRA, believes…

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The political scene in Somalia is heating up with tensions brewing within the Senate. Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi announced that the seat of Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Salah Ahmed Jama is now vacant due to his regular absence, which has sparked division among lawmakers. Jama, an influential player in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's government, is in hot water for skipping four consecutive Senate meetings, a violation of the Senate's Standing Orders and the country's constitution. The Senate…

This image, courtesy of the Defense Department, features Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers on the left, and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram on the right. Image is credited to Department of Defense/AP. Tragically, the investigation into the drowning of two Navy SEALs off Somalia's coast reveals these incidents were preventable. They found a deficit in adequate training and vague instructions on flotation practices at fault. As night fell, the mission was to intercept…

"FILE - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi makes a gesture during a press briefing in Cairo, Egypt, on October 25, 2023." (AP Photo, Christophe Ena, Pool, File) Somalia has announced that Egypt has proposed sending peacekeeping troops to its territory, offering support as the mandate of the existing African Union peacekeepers is winding down. President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi was present at a summit in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, where he, alongside Somalia and Eritrea's leaders, vowed to enhance cooperation for…

 Mogadishu (AX) — In a startling revelation from the Habitable Project, it's been disclosed that the specter of climate change looms large over Somalia, posing a burgeoning threat of displacement through intensified flooding. Released in July 2024, this report spells out a worrying future where flood-induced displacements could swell, moving tens of thousands from their abodes yearly. Climate change, it says, will likely ramp up flood hazards, potentially multiplying the number of displaced Somalis ninefold under bleak…

Somali Senate Gives Deputy PM the Boot for Being AWOL MOGADISHU, Somalia — It's curtains for Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama in the Somali Senate after he got the axe from his Upper House gig due to playing hooky four sessions in a row. Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi disclosed the decision. The ax-laying came after a probe into Jama's steady absence despite him still cashing in his paycheck and perks, which are rolled out on the back of foreign aid. According to Speaker Abdullahi, Article 19 (4) of the Upper…