Somalia

Finland’s Development Aid Standoff: A Tug of Policy and Humanity HELSINKI, Finland — A cultural tug-of-war is playing out in the frosty Scandinavian air as Finland suspends its development aid to Somalia, pressuring Mogadishu to accept more deportees. This policy stalemate, spearheaded by Development Minister Ville Tavio, underscores a growing tension in Europe over migration, deportations, and international diplomacy. A Diplomatic Tightrope "I think it is fair that an administration that does not welcome its citizens…

Somalia's Pioneering Climate Fund: A Beacon for Resilience in a Changing World In the bustling heart of Mogadishu, a significant milestone was set as Somalia launched its first National Climate Fund. Over two days, this transformative initiative was etched into the narrative of a nation that has long been at the frontlines of climate adversity. A Bold Step Towards Climate Resilience Under the guidance of Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh, this fund emerges as a key strategy to tackle the mounting pressures of recurring…

Somalia Defends Diplomatic Moves Amid Regional Tensions By Ali Musa Axadle Times International–Monitoring. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud shakes hands with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan during a meeting in Mogadishu on August 27, 2025. CREDIT/ SONNA In the midst of a tempestuous geopolitical landscape, Somalia finds itself at the heart of swirling online discussions, with its recent diplomacy under intensified scrutiny. The arrival of notable delegations from…

Somalia's Leap into the Digital Age: E-Visa System Set to Transform Travel and Trade In a significant stride towards modernizing its immigration framework, Somalia has officially announced the launch of its Electronic Visa and Travel Authorization System (E-Visa/ETAS), set to take effect on September 1, 2025. The unveiling marks a progressive move to digitalize processes in a nation eager to welcome the world with open arms amid security and infrastructural challenges. A Step Towards Global Integration The announcement…

A Complex Global Stage: US Affirms 'One Somalia' Policy Amid Calls for North Western State of Somalia Recognition In a world where geopolitical lines are often redrawn with the stroke of a pen, the United States firmly reaffirmed its commitment to the "One Somalia" policy, dispelling rumors of any potential shift towards recognizing North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. This assertion comes amidst growing pressure from certain American political figures, notably Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who has been vocal…

Somalia’s Bold Step Towards Climate Resilience Amidst the harsh realities of droughts and floods, Somalia is taking a decisive leap towards combating climate change with the launch of the Somali Climate Finance Trial and the National Climate Fund (NCF). These initiatives aim to mobilize and effectively manage climate finance, crucial for a nation facing severe environmental challenges. A Collaborative Inception In late August, Mogadishu hosted the National Inception Workshop, drawing over 60 key players across…

Somalia Embraces Digital Transformation: E-Visa System to Enhance Travel and Security In a groundbreaking move aimed at modernizing its immigration protocols, Somalia has unveiled an electronic visa (E-Visa) and electronic travel authorization system (eTAS), marking a significant step towards digital governance. This initiative is set to become a mandatory entry requirement for all foreign visitors starting September 1, 2025, offering a seamless online platform for visa applications. The launch represents a broader trend of…

Behind the Lines: Ethiopia and Egypt's Tug of War Over Somali Peacekeeping The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa is shifting, and at its heart lies a quietly simmering tension between two regional powers: Ethiopia and Egypt. The backdrop to this palpable unease is Somalia, a nation struggling to rebuild amidst the shadows of its past conflicts. As Cairo prepares to send troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), questions arise about the motives and implications of their…

Somalia’s Education Triumph: A Story of Resilience and Hope In a remarkable turn of events that marks a significant milestone in Somalia's historical narrative, the Federal Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Learning unveiled the results of the 2024-2025 national Grade 12 examinations on Sunday. The results symbolize not just an academic achievement but a triumph over adversity for a nation that has long been burdened by decades of conflict. A Resounding Success Amidst Adversity Out of the 37,052 students who…

Charting a New Educational Course: Somalia's Ambitious Stakeholder Dialogue On a balmy Sunday morning in Jowhar, Hirshabelle state's interim administrative capital, the air buzzed with a sense of promise and renewed purpose. The city, known for its verdant landscapes and strategic location, played host to a crucial event with national implications: the National Education Consultation Conference. Amidst a landscape reshaping itself after decades of turmoil, Somalia stands at an educational crossroads. This gathering,…