system

SSC-Khatumo: Embracing Somalia’s Federal Family After Extended Negotiations LAS ANOD, Somalia - In the dynamic geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa, where history writes itself in bold strokes, the northern regions of Somalia have long stood on the outskirts of acceptance. This Monday brought a noteworthy shift—Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn, collectively known as SSC-Khatumo, have finally been embraced as a recognized federal member state. This milestone did not come easily, nor was it a simple bureaucratic…

Somali Government's National ID Card Initiative Faces Opposition MOGADISHU, Somalia — In a bold move that is stirring more than just government halls, the Somali government has rolled out a mandate that requires every citizen to obtain a National Identity Card, known as NIRA, to gain access to essential services like passports, birth certificates, and educational documents. Announced on Tuesday, this directive is hitting a wall of opposition, particularly in Northeastern State and Jubaland, the self-governing…

Mogadishu: In an exciting leap towards digital transformation, the Somalia Payment Switch (SPS) has unveiled the nation's inaugural Instant Payment System, enriched with QR payment functionality and steered by BPC's cutting-edge SmartVista platform, a top-tier entity in the realm of payment solutions. This initiative, fervently driven by the Central Bank of Somalia (CBS), signifies a robust stride towards not only modernizing Somalia's financial landscape but also fostering broader inclusivity and economic fortitude.…

The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria Faces Visa Service Delays: Navigating Through System Glitches In a world where global mobility hinges on efficient visa processing, any disruption can feel monumental. The recent travails of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, grappling with a partial system outage, leave many asking, "What next?" Imagine you're a hopeful traveler, suitcase packed with dreams of America, only to hear that the system facilitating your journey has hit a snag. This reality has been the experience of numerous…

OP-ED: North Western State of Somalia Citizens Urge President Irro to Reform Judiciary and Justice System In the heart of North Western State of Somalia, a storm is brewing—a storm of dissatisfaction and urgent cries for justice. The once-revered halls of justice have, over time, come to resemble animal slaughterhouses. This was a sentiment bluntly shared by citizens who see justice slipping through their fingers, replaced by the clinking sound of coins during North…

Mogadishu: A Step Towards Universal Suffrage In a decisive announcement during an interview with VOA Somali, the Somali Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalin Fiqi, made a firm commitment: the Somali federal government is poised to hold universal suffrage elections by the year 2026. This promise marks an ambitious step to encompass all regions, including the often-contentious territories of Northeastern State and Jubbaland. Why is this noteworthy? Let's rewind a bit. Post-1969, Somali elections have hinged on indirect voting…

Mogadishu—In a fervent declaration of hope and determination, Somali Lower House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madobe articulated a vision this Monday. The vision was for a Somalia where every voice counts—a nation transitioning to an electoral system where one person equals one vote. Imagine a democratic renaissance, where each Somali citizen can directly elect their leaders; it's not just reform—it’s a transformation of a nation's soul. Isn’t it time for such a progression? During a spirited gathering in…

Jowhar (AX) – On an ordinary Tuesday, the heart of Jowhar buzzed with unusual activity, as if aware that history was quietly being scripted within its folds. A delegation from Somalia's National Electoral Commission and Boundaries descended upon the city's worn, dusty streets, with an unmistakable sense of urgency that seemed to echo through the air. Their mission? A straightforward, yet monumental task—to meet with Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe. The gathering was a mere two days post a similar visit…

Somalia's Democratic Leap: The Road to One-Person, One-Vote Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling corridors of Somalia's political heart, the visionary journey toward a one-person, one-vote electoral system is unfurling with vibrant ambition. On a crisp Monday morning, Abdikarim Ahmed Hassan, the steely chairperson of Somalia’s Electoral Commission, engaged in earnest dialogue with the European Union Ambassador, Karin Johansson. Their tête-à-tête was a symphony of democratic dreams and international solidarity.…

MOGADISHU, Somalia— As Somalia embarks on an ambitious journey to bring its identification framework into the digital age, the rollout of the new National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) system is lighting up the proverbial switchboard with public apprehension. The buzz isn’t just white noise; concerns about the safekeeping and longevity of personal data are resonating across the nation like a chorus of warning bells. Imagine the skepticism swirling around the NIRA initiative as a tempestuous cloud, casting…