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Somaliland to Convene National Crisis Summit on Road Safety

By
Goth Mohamed
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Hargeisa, Somaliland – In a decisive response to a persistent national crisis, the Somaliland government will host a high-level National Road Safety Conference on November 25–26, 2025. The two-day summit, led by the Ministry of Transport and Roads Development, aims to formulate a comprehensive, actionable strategy to stem the tide of fatal traffic accidents.

Officials have characterized the country’s road safety situation as a continuing disaster, with accidents monthly claiming hundreds of lives and inflicting severe economic and social costs.

Announcing the conference, Minister of Transport and Roads Development Osman Adan Afgab delivered a stark assessment. “The epidemic of road accidents remains one of the gravest threats to our citizens’ safety,” he stated. “While the root causes—dangerous driving and unsafe vehicles—are clear, our countermeasures have thus fallen short. This conference will produce the definitive, integrated solutions we urgently need.”

Minister Afgab confirmed that the strategy will address the triad of road safety: driver behavior, vehicle roadworthiness, and road infrastructure conditions, based on extensive data compiled with traffic authorities. He issued a broad appeal for input, declaring the issue “a national emergency—a matter of life and death for every citizen.”

Providing a statistical backdrop, General Mohamed Ige Cidhere, Commander of the Somaliland Traffic Police Force, reported a modest decline in incidents but emphasized the unacceptably high toll.

Key Accident Data (This Year):

· Total Accidents: 6,409 (down from 7,618)
· Fatalities: 164
· Injuries: 4,454
· Vehicles Damaged/Destroyed: 2,925

“The data confirms that the driver, the vehicle, and the road are the three pillars we must address simultaneously to achieve a breakthrough,” Gen. Cidhere stated.

The conference is set to unite a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including government leaders, traffic police, transport engineers, vehicle inspection authorities, civil society, and the public, with the unified goal of drastically reducing preventable road deaths and injuries across Somaliland.

Somaliland Marks African Statistics Day with Strong Call for Evidence-Based Development

By
Goth Mohamed
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Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Ministry of Planning and National Development hosted a high-profile event in Hargeisa to celebrate African Statistics Day, underscoring the critical role of reliable data in steering the nation’s development. The occasion, observed annually on November 18th, is formally recognized in Somaliland as National Statistics Day.

The ceremony brought together cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, directors-general, and representatives from international organizations, universities, and national data agencies, highlighting a unified commitment to strengthening the country’s statistical ecosystem.

In her opening address, the Minister of Planning and National Development, Hon. Kaltun Sheikh Hassan Abdi, declared accurate and independent data the cornerstone of effective governance and sustainable progress.

“Somaliland is a self-reliant nation that independently collects, stores, and transparently utilizes its own data to guide our development and present evidence-based facts to the world,” Minister Kaltun stated. She emphasized that meaningful development is impossible without comprehensive data spanning health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and the economy.

The Minister stressed the necessity of region-specific data to ensure efficient resource allocation. “To achieve real development in any region, you must first have accurate data showing whether that area needs better roads, agricultural support, or other interventions. Without data, we waste both time and resources,” she explained.

Senior officials, including Director-General Mohamed Said Mahmoud and Statistics Director Khadar Mohamed Gahayr, reinforced how quality data is fundamental to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving public services.

The event featured presentations of new data systems and publications from several key ministries, including:

· The Ministry of Health, which showcased its Health Management Information System (HMIS).
· The Ministry of Education, which presented its Education Management Information System (EMIS).
· The Ministries of Finance and Planning, which shared the latest economic and household welfare reports.

Participants unanimously agreed on the need to strengthen national statistical systems and enhance inter-agency collaboration to support evidence-based policymaking.

This year’s celebration served to demonstrate Somaliland’s growing data capacity and reaffirm its readiness to engage with African and international statistical communities as an equal partner. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all government institutions and partners to continue developing Somaliland’s independent national statistics ecosystem.

Somaliland’s Minister of Local Government Launches Landmark Decentralization Conference in Berbera

By
Goth Mohamed
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Berbera, Somaliland – A major technical conference on implementing Somaliland’s Decentralization Governance System was officially launched in the port city of Berbera, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to bring essential public services closer to citizens at the district level.

The two-day event, organized by the Ministry of Local Government and Urban Development, was inaugurated by Minister Hassan Ahmed Duale. In his opening address, the Minister emphasized that decentralization is not a contest for power, but a strategic reform designed to streamline and accelerate the delivery of critical services.

“Decentralization is about efficiency and proximity,” stated Minister Duale. “It ensures that education, healthcare, clean water, and security are managed and delivered directly at the local level, rather than waiting for slow decisions from the capital.”

The Minister noted that a recent inspection tour of Berbera District revealed education and health services have already reached commendable standards, describing the district as a model for other regions.

Senior officials at the conference, including the Governor of Sahil Region, the Mayor of Berbera, and the Director General of the Ministry, unanimously endorsed the policy. They stressed that transferring authority and resources to local governments will:

· Enhance transparency and accountability.
· Boost community participation.
· Reduce bureaucratic delays.
· Counter the over-concentration of power in Hargeisa.

Governance experts participating in the event highlighted that effective decentralization will empower districts to respond swiftly to local needs and foster grassroots development.

“This is a historic step toward building a more responsive and people-centered administration,” one expert remarked. “When services are managed locally, citizens see tangible results faster, and trust in government grows.”

The Berbera conference is expected to finalize the technical and legal framework for rolling out decentralization across all of Somaliland’s regions in the coming years. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to the policy, describing it as a cornerstone of its vision for equitable development and efficient public service delivery nationwide.

Somaliland Central Bank Unveils Ambitious 2026–2028 Strategic Plan to Lead National Financial Markets

By
Goth Mohamed
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Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Central Bank of the Republic of Somaliland has concluded a high-level workshop to finalize its Medium-Term Strategic Plan for 2026–2028. This initiative marks a pivotal step in positioning the institution as the leader of the nation’s financial and economic markets.

Held in Hargeisa, the workshop united the Bank’s senior leadership, including Governor Abdinasir Ahmed Hirsi, Deputy Governor Hamse Kheyre, Director General Yasin Alas, and a team of local and international financial experts. This collaboration marks the first time the Central Bank has partnered with a global consultancy firm.

Governor Abdinasir Ahmed Hirsi stated that the new strategy is designed to transform the Central Bank into a modern, powerful institution capable of effectively steering Somaliland’s financial sector.

“We want our Central Bank to have the full authority and capacity to lead the nation’s financial and economic markets,” Governor Abdinasir told participants. He revealed that the past ten months have been dedicated to diagnosing challenges, building technical and financial resources, and forging the international partnerships necessary to support the Bank’s transformation.

Deputy Governor Hamse Kheyre described the workshop as a defining moment, stating, “Today, we are answering fundamental questions: What kind of central bank does Somaliland need, and how do we build a world-class institution that meets international standards while serving our national development goals?”

The three-year strategic plan emphasizes:

· Strengthening governance and transparency.
· Enhancing regulatory and supervisory powers over financial institutions.
· Expanding access to modern financial services across the country.
· Deepening international cooperation and knowledge transfer.
· Driving sustainable economic growth and financial stability.

Participants praised the Bank’s clear vision and its commitment to adopting global best practices. The Director General emphasized that the strategy will equip the Central Bank with cutting-edge tools and expertise to efficiently oversee Somaliland’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.

The successful workshop signals a new era of institutional strength and ambition for the Central Bank. Officials expressed confidence that the 2026–2028 plan will be central to achieving long-term economic prosperity and stability for the nation.

Somalia: Attorney General Office Investigates Turkish Airlines Manager Following Passenger’s Complaint

By
Goth Mohamed
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Mogadishu, Somalia – The Office of the Attorney General of Somalia has announced the launch of a formal investigation into a complaint filed against the Station Manager of Turkish Airlines, following allegations of rights violations and arbitrary actions at Aden Adde International Airport.

The case was initiated after a citizen, Abdifatah Ahmed Hussein, submitted a formal complaint alleging that his constitutional rights were violated during his departure from the airport. In his account, he accused Turkish Airlines Station Manager Turhan Kenmen of authorizing procedures that flouted the law, leading to him being barred from his flight.

In an official press statement, the Attorney General’s Office confirmed that it immediately opened a case file upon receiving the complaint and has begun a comprehensive investigation to verify the facts and identify all parties involved.

“The case has now entered a legal phase that will enable us to take appropriate measures based on the findings of the investigation,” the statement read.

The Attorney General reaffirmed the office’s commitment to handling the matter in strict compliance with Somali law and the constitution, ensuring that all citizens have the right to legal recourse and defense.

The investigation follows a viral social media post by Abdfatah Ahmed  Hussein, widely known online as “Somali Gamer.” In a video shared with his followers, he detailed the incident, claiming he was humiliatingly denied boarding despite having successfully passed all standard airport and immigration security checks.

In the video, he directly blamed the Turkish Airlines Station Manager for his removal from the flight, sparking public discussion and leading to the official complaint.

Somalia’s Electoral Commission Appeals for International Funding to Hold Elections

By
Goth Mohamed
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Mogadishu – The Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission (INEC) has sent an appeal to the international community, calling on electoral stakeholders to participate in accelerating all the various stages of the electoral process.

The Commission specifically emphasized the need for preparing a formal financial budget, which they stated is essential for implementing all levels of the country’s elections. They stated that funding the election is a necessary matter for implementing a one-person-one-vote election in the country.

Similarly, the electoral commission appealed to the Federal Government, the Federal Member States, political stakeholders, and the international community to provide visible support on the financial side, so that the country’s elections do not face setbacks related to lack of resources and insufficient funding.

The Commission also highlighted the importance of the international community fully participating in the observation and financial support of the electoral activities to ensure integrity and transparency.

However, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose term is expected to end in a few months, is trying to make his administration the first in 60 years to hold a direct one-person-one-vote election at the constituency level, although Puntland, which is a member state of the Federal Government, has previously held such elections.

Somaliland Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Digital Finance Future at SIIPS 2025 Conference

By
Goth Mohamed
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Eswatini – The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Somaliland, Mr. Hamse Abdirahman Khayre, and the delegation he led, have concluded their participation in the SIIPS 2025 international conference held in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The Deputy Governor extended Somaliland’s gratitude to the hosts for the successful organization of the event.

In a statement issued from the conference, Mr. Khayre expressed his appreciation:

“On behalf of the Central Bank of Somaliland delegation, I extend our profound gratitude for the exceptionally warm reception and high-level hospitality extended to us in the Kingdom of Eswatini.

The flawless and dignified organization, which seamlessly incorporated rich local culture for delegates from over twenty African nations, has firmly established SIIPS 2025 as a landmark event in Africa’s history, particularly for the digital transformation of its financial sector.”

The Deputy Governor also extended thanks to key African financial leaders for their collaborative efforts, including:

· Mr. Henry F. Saamoi, Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia.
· Dr. Rogério Lucas Zandamela, Governor of the Bank of Mozambique.
· The Deputy Governors of the Central Banks of Sierra Leone and Botswana.
· The Directors General of leading payment system institutions: EthioSwitch (Ethiopia), GhIPPS (Ghana), and NIBSS (Nigeria).

“The insight, leadership, and expertise of the Central Bank of Eswatini were instrumental in enriching the critical discussions of SIIPS 2025,” he added.

A special note of thanks was reserved for the partners at AfricaNenda for their high-level presentation and the preparation of a vital report that will guide the future of inclusive instant payment systems across the continent.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of Somaliland’s commitment: “The Republic of Somaliland reiterates its steadfast dedication to the development of digital finance in Africa. We are actively and comprehensively engaged in the implementation of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (SIIPS) and are fully committed to supporting the continent’s 2030 goal for inclusive instant payments, which aims to simplify economic processes and improve the lives of ordinary Africans.”


University of Hargeisa and Quality Control Agency Forge Partnership with New Agreement

By
Goth Mohamed
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Hargeisa, November 16, 2025 – The University of Hargeisa (UoH) and the Somaliland Quality Control Agency (QCA) have signed a landmark cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration in higher education and quality standards.

The agreement was formalized today during an official visit by a high-level delegation from the QCA, led by its Chairman, Mr. Mohamed Keyse, and Vice-Chairman, Dr. Mahmoud Jama. The delegation was warmly received by the University President, Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Sulub, and the Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Partnerships.

The visit included a tour of the University’s modern teaching and research laboratories, showcasing facilities dedicated to academic instruction, scientific research, and community engagement. This was followed by a strategic meeting at the University’s School of Graduate Studies, where both parties explored concrete avenues for partnership.

During the meeting, Mr. Ali I. Mire, Director of University Relations and Marketing, provided an overview of UoH’s history, academic services, diverse departments, and its local and international research partnerships. Mr. Mohamed Farid, Director of Planning at the QCA, elaborated on the Agency’s structure and strategic mandates.

Senior officials from both institutions, including UoH’s Vice Presidents Dr. Khaled Abdi (Research) and Dr. Abdirashid Ismail (University Development), Dr. Mahmoud Jama (QCA Vice-Chairman), Dr. Suheyr Hassan (Director of the Graduate School), and Ms. Sacad Haddi (Advisor to the QCA), delivered remarks. They unanimously highlighted the significant mutual benefits of the pact and outlined a framework for effective collaboration.

In his closing address, QCA Chairman Mr. Mohamed Keyse reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to a strong, action-oriented partnership with the University of Hargeisa. He commended UoH’s vital role in national development and stressed that the agreement would be swiftly translated into tangible collaborative projects.

University President Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Sulub concluded the ceremony by reiterating UoH’s core mission to deliver quality education, produce solution-oriented research, and serve the community. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to engaging with national institutions to address societal challenges,” Dr. Sulub stated.

The University of Hargeisa expresses great optimism for this new agreement, which is poised to significantly contribute to enhancing quality standards in higher education and advancing public awareness

Somali Immigration Agency Responds to Data Security Incident, Launches National Investigation

By
Goth Mohamed
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0

Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Immigration and Citizenship Agency (SICA) announced today that it identified and has successfully contained an unauthorized security breach targeting its Electronic Travel Authorization System (e-TAS). The Agency acted immediately to investigate the incident and minimize any potential impact.

In response, the Federal Government of Somalia has constituted a high-level national investigation committee. This committee brings together national security agencies, international digital forensics experts, and relevant government data protection authorities. Its mandate is to conduct a full investigation into the breach’s scope, origins, and potential effects.

Upon the investigation’s conclusion, a detailed report will be made public, outlining the findings and the corrective actions taken.

The Agency assures that any individuals potentially affected by this incident will be contacted directly through the official channels of the Federal Government of Somalia. SICA strongly advises the public and international partners to rely solely on its official communications for accurate information.

“SICA holds the trust of the Somali people as our highest responsibility. We deeply regret this incident and are unequivocally committed to protecting the data of our citizens and the integrity of our services,” a senior agency official stated. “We are already implementing enhanced security measures, including advanced data encryption and multi-factor authentication, to fortify our systems.”

SICA remains dedicated to transparently resolving this matter and upholding the highest standards of data security.

Somalia Alleges Illegal Mining Funds Terrorists, Vows Crackdown

By
Goth Mohamed
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Mogadishu – The Somali Federal Government has announced that illegally extracted minerals from various locations across the country are being used to finance terrorist groups. In response, the government has pledged to take decisive action against all illicit activities profiting from the nation’s natural resources.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources reiterated its commitment to closely monitoring unauthorized mining operations, which it alleges involve a network of both Somali and foreign individuals and companies.

In a firm statement, the Ministry underscored that, under the Somali Federal Constitution and international law, the exclusive authority to manage and oversee the country’s natural resources rests solely with the Federal Government. It declared that all unauthorized mining activities are therefore illegal and lack any legal standing.

The Ministry further asserted that these illegal operations constitute a dual threat: they are not only a violation of national sovereignty and public property but also a critical source of funding for terrorism, thereby endangering national and regional security in the Horn of Africa.

All groups and individuals involved in these activities were urged to cease operations and abandon their unlawful plans immediately. The Ministry warned that failure to comply would result in comprehensive legal measures from the Federal Government.

The statement did not, however, name any specific groups or individuals. This warning comes amid heightened attention on mining activities in the Sanaag region, which is administered by the Puntland state.

The position of the Federal Government appears to contrast with that of Puntland. The President of Puntland, Said Deni, has previously expressed openness to investment aimed at developing the mineral resources within its territory.

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