Somalia

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…

Hargeisa (AX) — In a bold move towards fostering international relationships, Taiwan has pledged a whopping $22 million to revamp Hargeisa General Hospital. Additionally, they've thrown in $2 million to aid North Western State of Somalia’s imminent elections, weaving tighter bonds between these two diplomatically unrecognized territories as they ambitiously stride towards global acknowledgment.A landmark pact was inked on Friday, uniting North Western State of Somalia's Health Minister and a Taiwanese envoy in shared…

"Somalia to Ethiopia: 'Bring It On!' as Strains Rise" MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia has firmly declared it won't be rattled by Ethiopia's intimidations concerning its contentious deal with North Western State of Somalia. The pact has stirred unrest, yet Somalia maintains its readiness for any move Addis Ababa might make, especially attempts that compromise its military or civilian tranquility. Ethiopia has persistently sidestepped apologies for its actions, which have tested Somalia’s sovereignty. The contentious…

NAIROBI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) — On Friday, Kenya Airways announced that starting Oct. 15, they will suspend their flights to and from Mogadishu, the heart of Somalia. This decision comes as the airline grapples with operational hurdles while tweaking its flight network. In a statement made public in Nairobi, Kenya's bustling capital, the airline explained that this action would help them concentrate on boosting their route management and enhancing the overall mojo of their operations. "Kenya Airways is firmly devoted to…

Al-Shabaab Militants Stage Assault on Ethiopian Troops in Somalia WAJID, Somalia: Ethiopian soldiers stationed in Somalia’s Bakool province faced an onslaught by al-Shabaab fighters late Friday, igniting an intense battle in Wajid district, insiders disclosed. The incursion against the Ethiopian base sparked a robust counter-attack, with both factions locked in fierce combat. Nearby residents recounted a barrage of booms and gunfire, hinting at serious conflict escalation. Ethiopian troops retaliated with a barrage of…