Home Blog Page 30

Somali Military Court Sentences Al-Shabab Member to 10 Years for Plot Against Boxer Ramla Ali

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

MOGADISHU – A Somali military court has sentenced a man convicted of belonging to the al-Shabab militant group to ten years in prison for plotting an attack against internationally renowned Somali boxer Ramla Ali.

The court found Abdisalaam Mohamed Hassan, also known as “Aamusane,” guilty of espionage and gathering intelligence to target Ali during her recent visit to Mogadishu. Presiding over the case on Tuesday, Colonel Hassan Ali Nur Shute ruled that Hassan had been a member of the group’s intelligence wing, the “Amniyat,” since 2014.

Prosecutors accused him of involvement in assassination and bombing units, spying on government facilities, and using his electrical skills to assess key locations in the capital to identify potential targets. Court officials noted that Hassan had previously escaped from a rehabilitation center before being re-arrested and tried.

In a related ruling, Fadumo Osman Subeyr Ali was convicted of providing shelter to Hassan and sentenced to one year of security surveillance.

Ali: A Symbol of Somalia’s Progress

In an interview with BBC Somali, the 35-year-old boxer described the plot not as a personal vendetta against her, but as a reflection of a larger ideological conflict over Somalia’s future.

“I left Mogadishu when I was young, and I returned when I was successful and a hero,” Ali said. “That journey—beautiful and painful—is the victory of Somalia.”

Ali expressed confidence in Somalia’s judicial and security institutions, framing the case as a clash between two visions for the nation. “There are two Somalias confronting each other: a developing Somalia and forces that fear that development. I represent the first,” she stated, dismissing fear as a tactic employed by extremists. She reaffirmed her commitment to returning to Mogadishu despite the alleged threats.

From Refugee to Olympic Trailblazer

Born in Mogadishu in 1989, Ali fled Somalia with her family during the civil war after her brother was killed in a mortar attack. After resettling in London, she took up boxing as a teenager.

She won England’s national novice title in 2015 and the elite national championships in 2016, later claiming the African Zone featherweight title in 2019. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she became the first boxer to represent Somalia at the Games. In 2022, she made history again as the first woman to compete in a sanctioned professional bout in Saudi Arabia, winning by first-round knockout.

During her recent visit to Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud honored her achievements with a certificate at the Presidential Palace. A feature film about her life is currently in production, and she has also authored a memoir.

Court officials did not indicate whether the convicted man plans to appeal the sentence

Somalia: JSP Secretary General Resigns, Marking Second High-Profile Exit in Days

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

MOGADISHU  — Somali federal lawmaker Abdirahman Mohamed Hussein Odawaa has resigned as Secretary General of the Justice and Solidarity Party (JSP), which is led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Odawaa cited deep disagreements over governance, constitutional amendments, and the country’s electoral process.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on March 25, 2026, Odawaa announced his resignation from both the party leadership and his membership, accusing the president of sidelining party leaders and consolidating decision-making authority.

“Today, March 25, 2026, I officially resign from the position of Secretary General and also from my membership in the Justice and Solidarity Party,” Odawaa said. “This resignation is due to deep differences of opinion that have existed between me and the chairman of the JSP Party and the President of the Republic, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.”

Odawaa, a longtime ally of the president, criticized what he described as unilateral decision-making within the party and government. He accused President Mohamud of failing to consult party leadership and disregarding differing views on national governance.

He also objected to the recently approved constitutional amendments, which extend the mandate of federal institutions by one year, arguing that the process lacked consensus and risked undermining Somalia’s federal system.

“We have different opinions with the president on the country’s electoral system,” Odawaa said. “The president has insisted on establishing an electoral system in which he can control the results. I believe elections should be agreed upon by all political stakeholders, given our country’s vulnerability to political conflict and instability.”

The lawmaker further criticized federal policies toward regional administrations, warning against actions he said could weaken Somalia’s federal structure. He condemned restrictions imposed on lawmakers and citizens traveling within and outside the country, particularly the reported prevention of federal MPs from leaving Mogadishu.

“Preventing a national parliamentarian with immunity from traveling is an unjustifiable violation of the law and an affront to the independence of parliament,” he said.

Odawaa’s resignation marks the second high-profile departure from the JSP in recent days, following the resignation of Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen from the party. The developments reflect widening political divisions as tensions escalate between the federal government and several regional administrations.

President Mohamud’s current term is scheduled to end in May 2026, although the recently amended constitution extends the mandate of federal institutions by one year. The extension has been rejected by Puntland, Jubbaland, and Southwest State, as well as opposition groups, raising concerns about the risk of parallel political processes.

Somaliland Cabinet Holds 57th Session, Reviews Security, Economy, and Regional Impacts

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

HARGEISA – The 57th session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland was held today at the Presidential Palace, chaired by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) and attended by Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi. The meeting addressed critical national issues, including security, public finances, the impact of regional conflicts, and preparations for the upcoming rainy season.

Security Situation Remains Stable

Minister of Interior and National Security Abdalle Mohamed Arab briefed the cabinet on the country’s security situation, affirming that Somaliland remains stable with no security incidents or unrest reported across all regions. He noted that police forces and security agencies successfully maintained public order before, during, and after the Eid al-Fitr celebrations, allowing citizens to observe the holiday in peace. The minister commended the dedication of security personnel in ensuring a safe environment.

Economic Resilience Amid Global Pressures

Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development Ismail Mawlid Abdilahi presented an overview of revenue management and fiscal stability. While acknowledging global challenges, he reported that the ministry is maintaining effective revenue collection systems. He highlighted the impact of Middle East conflicts on fuel prices and the cost of living, given Somaliland’s strong trade links with the region. To reduce vulnerability, the government is exploring new trade markets and considering the establishment of national strategic reserves for food and fuel.

Ministers Report on Eid Celebrations Across Regions

Ministers who traveled to various regions to celebrate Eid with local communities reported widespread peace, unity, and social harmony. They held meetings with regional and district officials, traditional elders, and civil society, reinforcing the importance of national cohesion and the defense of Somaliland’s statehood. The ministers praised the public’s conduct and noted that security agencies ensured safe and joyful festivities nationwide.

Rainfall Impact and Preparedness

Minister of Agricultural Development Mohamoud Ige Yusuf provided an update on recent rains, highlighting both benefits and challenges. While the rains are favorable for farming and livestock, some areas experienced flash floods and damage to agricultural land. The minister urged the public to exercise caution near flood-prone areas and encouraged farmers to adopt water-harvesting techniques to maximize the upcoming spring rains.

Addressing Rising Fuel and Living Costs

Minister of Commerce and Tourism Abdirahman Hassan Noor briefed the cabinet on the effects of the Middle East conflict on fuel prices and the cost of living. He outlined government measures, including regular market monitoring, fuel price oversight, and close collaboration with the business community to maintain market stability. He called on traders to act with national responsibility and avoid unjustified price hikes, emphasizing the need to protect the public’s purchasing power.

The cabinet concluded with a commitment to continued coordination on these pressing issues, underscoring the government’s focus on stability, economic resilience, and the well-being of Somaliland’s citizens.

Why Recognizing Somaliland Could Unlock Peace and Prosperity Across the Horn of Africa

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Ahmed M. Saleban

For more than three and a half decades, a quiet success story has been unfolding in the Horn of Africa — one that the world has largely chosen to ignore, until last it gained its first diplomatic recognition from Israel.

While much of the region has been plagued by conflict, corruption, and collapsing governance, the Republic of Somaliland has built something remarkable: a functioning democracy, relative peace, and steady development — all without a single dollar of foreign aid or a shred of international recognition.

Since reclaiming its independence in 1991, Somaliland has held multiple credible elections, established modern institutions, strengthened the rule of law, and expanded basic services to its people. Its streets are safer, its politics more stable, and its economy more vibrant than many of its neighbors. And it has done all this on its own.

Now, that story is gaining new attention.

As diplomatic winds shift and global powers grow weary of pouring resources into Mogadishu’s dysfunctional and increasingly unstable regime, more eyes are turning toward Somaliland. Countries that once dismissed its quest for recognition are beginning to ask a simple but powerful question: Why continue backing failure when a proven success is standing right next door?

Somaliland’s leaders and people have never wavered in their peaceful campaign for recognition. Their message is straightforward: We have earned our place at the table through hard work, sacrifice, and results — not through violence or international handouts.

In a region where instability, extremism, and weak governance continue to threaten global security, Somaliland stands out as a rare example of what is possible. It has held free and fair elections, built accountable institutions, and maintained peace among its diverse clans — achievements that many internationally recognized states in the Horn can only envy.

Recognition would be more than a symbolic gesture. It would be a strategic masterstroke.

For the international community, it offers a chance to invest in stability rather than endlessly subsidize chaos. It would open the floodgates for legitimate trade, investment, and security partnerships with a reliable partner that shares democratic values. Most importantly, it would reward good governance and send a clear message across Africa: building a functioning state matters more than colonial-era borders drawn on old maps.

For the Horn of Africa, formal acknowledgment of Somaliland could mark the beginning of a new era — one where peace and prosperity have a real chance to take root. It would encourage regional cooperation, reduce the space for terrorist networks, and create a positive model that others might finally be inspired to follow.

The people of Somaliland have already done the hardest part. They have built a nation from the ashes of war through sheer willpower and determination. Now, the ball is in the international community’s court.

The question is no longer whether Somaliland deserves a full recognition. The real question is how much longer the world can afford to ignore a success story that could help transform an entire troubled region.The time to recognize Somaliland is now — not just for justice, but for the future of peace and progress in the Horn of Africa.

World-Bank Supported Workshop Concludes in Hargeisa with Emphasis on Anti-Corruption and Financial Oversight

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

A two-day knowledge-sharing workshop focused on strengthening fiduciary oversight and combating corruption in World Bank-financed projects officially concluded on Tuesday afternoon at the Ambassador Hotel in Hargeisa.

The event brought together director generals from various ministries and institutions responsible for implementing World Bank-supported projects in the Republic of Somaliland.

Described by officials as highly significant, the sessions centered on enhancing financial monitoring capabilities and intensifying efforts to prevent corruption in development initiatives.

The closing session was formally addressed by the Director General of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr. Mohamed Hassan Saleebaan, alongside the State Auditor General, Mr. Muse Jamaac Ismaan, and the Chairman of the Good Governance Agency, Dr. Ahmed Aden Dirir.

Certificates were presented to participating officials, who were commended for their contributions to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in development projects.

Somaliland Shines as Regional Freedom Beacon Amid Global Democratic Slump

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0
In a striking contrast to the authoritarian wave sweeping much of the world, the Republic of Somaliland has emerged as a standout performer in Freedom House’s latest assessments, earning a 47/100 “Partly Free” rating—far surpassing its neighbors and many established states in the region.
While the 2025 Freedom in the World report (covering events through 2024, with trends extending into recent evaluations) documented the 19th consecutive year of net global freedom decline—with more countries backsliding than advancing due to coups, repression, and weakened democratic safeguards—Somaliland bucked the trend.
 Its score reflects gains from successfully holding a long-delayed, peaceful, and competitive presidential election, boosting political rights and demonstrating resilient electoral processes since it restored its independence from Somalia in 1991, and gained recognition from Israel, the first UN member state to do so in late 2025.
Somaliland’s 47/100 markedly outpaces:
Somalia at 8/100 (Not Free),
Ethiopia (around 18/100 in regional comparisons),
Tunisia (42/100),
Morocco (37/100),
and numerous other Horn of Africa and Arab-world peers grappling with instability or autocratic consolidation.
Despite not yet receiving full formal international recognition, Somaliland’s relative success in maintaining competitive elections, civil liberties, and governance stability offers a compelling counter-narrative to broader democratic erosion.
Challenges remain, including occasional pressures on media and civic space, yet its model continues to draw attention as a rare bright spot in a region—and a world—where freedom is increasingly under siege

Somaliland President Urges Restraint and Peace in Sool and Sanaag During Eid Address

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Hargeisa – On Friday morning, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Irro joined hundreds of worshippers in Hargeisa for Eid al-Fitr prayers, seizing the opportunity to advocate for economic restraint and renewed peace in regions recently impacted by clan clashes.

In his address following the prayers, Irro cautioned that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East are disrupting global trade and shipping routes, potentially affecting food and fuel supplies.

“A war is currently underway that has affected the entire world. We are aware that it is now difficult for ships to operate as they once did, and there are obstacles along the routes they used to navigate,” the president remarked.

He urged business owners to act responsibly by avoiding unjustified price hikes, emphasizing that a significant portion of the population relies on traders for essential goods.

“There is a need to demonstrate conscience and patriotism,” he stated, calling on merchants to safeguard their reserves and assist in shielding the public from external economic shocks.

The president also addressed security concerns in eastern Somaliland, delivering a message of reconciliation to the communities in Sool and Sanaag, where recent inter-clan conflicts have heightened tensions.

“I urge the communities in the Sool and Sanaag regions to maintain their peace and unity, welcome the peace envoys, and cooperate with the security forces,” he said.

Eid al-Fitr, which signifies the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, is one of the most significant religious celebrations throughout Somalia, including Somaliland, fostering communal prayer and reflection despite ongoing political and security challenges.

Amb. Goth Hails Historic U.S. Bill as Somaliland Edges Closer to Financial Inclusion

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

Washington, D.C. –Republic of Somaliland’s U.S. envoy, Ambassador Bashir Goth, has welcomed the introduction of the Somaliland Economic Access and Opportunity Act in Congress as a “historic moment” that advances shared economic and security interests between the United States and Somaliland.

Introduced on March 19, 2026, by Rep. John Rose (R-TN), with cosponsors Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC) and Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), the bill—designated H.R. 7993—targets the persistent barriers that prevent Somaliland from fully integrating into U.S. and international financial systems.

Due to its lack of widespread international recognition following Israel’s recognition in late 2025, Somaliland remains largely excluded from global banking networks, including the SWIFT payment system. This isolation hampers consumer banking, trade, remittances, investment, and vital cooperation on counterterrorism and anti-money laundering (AML/CTF) efforts, directly impacting the lives of Somaliland’s 6.2 million citizens and constraining deeper ties with strategic partners like the U.S.

The legislation directs the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within 180 days of enactment. The mandated analysis includes:

Legal and regulatory obstacles to financial access, with specific focus on systems like SWIFT

Somaliland’s compliance with international AML/CTF standards

Practical measures Somaliland can adopt to strengthen transparency

Recommendations for U.S. actions to enable responsible and safeguarded financial engagement

Amb. Goth emphasized the bill’s broader significance, noting that it explicitly recognizes Somaliland’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa. The legislation states that “enhanced financial access, conducted under appropriate compliance safeguards, would serve to strengthen U.S. policy objectives in the region.” This approach underscores how economic inclusion, rooted in transparency and mutual interest, can bolster security partnerships and regional stability.

The Somaliland U.S. Mission described the move as “meaningful progress,” thanking Rep. Rose and the cosponsors for championing financial inclusion that benefits both nations. While the bill does not grant formal diplomatic recognition, it represents a pragmatic, targeted effort to treat Somaliland as a distinct economic entity—potentially unlocking new avenues for trade, investment, and cooperation amid evolving dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

As the bill advances through Congress, it signals growing U.S. attention to Somaliland’s role in promoting stability and opportunity in a critical geopolitical region.

Somalia Dismisses Allegations of Illegal Chinese Fishing Activities, Asserts Vessels are Properly Licensed

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Mogadishu – Somalia’s federal government has firmly rejected allegations that Chinese fishing vessels are operating unlawfully in its territorial waters. Authorities assert that these ships possess valid licenses issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy. The ministry emphasized that “all licensed vessels operate legally under official permits issued by the Federal Government of Somalia.” Additionally, it highlighted that Chinese companies have shown respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and its maritime governance framework.

This statement emerges in the context of renewed scrutiny regarding foreign fishing activities off the coast of Somalia. A recent report has accused Chinese vessels of engaging in illegal fishing practices, such as exceeding established catch limits and employing destructive techniques that jeopardize marine stocks, particularly yellowfin tuna. These actions are viewed as detrimental not only to Somalia’s sovereignty but also as violations of international maritime law, as stated by the ministry.

In a related development, the Somali government expressed gratitude for the recent release of a Chinese fishing vessel that had been detained by armed groups in the Puntland region. Officials extended their thanks to security agencies and other stakeholders involved in securing the vessel’s release and ensuring the safety of its crew. However, it remains uncertain whether a ransom payment was made in connection with the release.

The ministry mentioned that the circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation and has pledged to enhance oversight within Somalia’s exclusive economic zone. Proposed measures include tightening licensing procedures, improving maritime monitoring, and fostering increased cooperation with security agencies to combat piracy and other maritime crimes.

Somalia boasts one of the longest coastlines in Africa, and its fisheries sector is deemed vital for the nation’s economic recovery. Nevertheless, the country has been grappling with issues of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, particularly during times of weakened state control.

The potential risks associated with unchecked Chinese overfishing in Somalia’s waters are considerable. Overfishing can lead to significant depletion of vital fish stocks, disrupting the local ecosystem and threatening the livelihoods of Somali fishermen who depend on these resources. Moreover, such practices threaten to squander Somalia’s natural resources, eroding the foundation for sustainable development and economic stability. These concerns are intensified by allegations of shady deals between local authorities and foreign fishing enterprises, which could lead to exploitation and further jeopardize the future of Somalia’s marine resources.

In a statement made on Sunday, the Ministry reaffirmed that the vessels are operating in accordance with Somali law and international maritime regulations, characterizing the relationship with Chinese fishing companies as a part of a longstanding strategic partnership between Mogadishu and Beijing. This partnership, while potentially beneficial, necessitates vigilant oversight to ensure that it does not compromise Somalia’s resources or sovereignty in the long run.

Somaliland Coast Guard Issues Holiday Safety Warning to Beachgoers

By
Goth Mohamed
-
0

By Goth Mohamed Goth

Berbera – The commander of the Somaliland Coast Guard has urged holidaymakers traveling to coastal towns to follow official safety guidance, stating that only the Coast Guard has the legal authority to designate safe swimming areas.

Admiral Ahmed Hurre Haariye issued the warning on Saturday ahead of the peak holiday travel period to Berbera and other coastal towns, where thousands of people typically gather during Eid and other public holidays.

“Anyone who wants to know safe areas for swimming should consult the Coast Guard,” he said, emphasizing that maritime security falls solely under his agency’s mandate.
He cautioned against relying on guidance from other institutions, including non-governmental organizations or government bodies that are not legally tasked with ensuring coastal security.

“The law clearly defines who is responsible for maritime security,” he said, adding that the Coast Guard operates a 24-hour hotline for emergencies and assistance.

Each year, large numbers of visitors from Hargeisa, Borama, and Burco travel to Berbera’s beaches during the holidays. Overcrowding and unfamiliarity with local sea conditions have, in the past, led to drownings and other safety incidents.

The commander did not specify any particular threat but stressed the importance of cooperation with security personnel to prevent accidents.

The warning comes at a time of heightened attention on Somaliland’s coastline. Israel recently recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state and is reportedly exploring closer security ties with the self-declared republic, including assessing coastal sites west of Berbera for potential strategic cooperation.

1...293031...1,091Page 30 of 1,091