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Somaliland Central Bank Launches Major Training to Revolutionize National Payment System

By
Goth Mohamed
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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – The Governor of the Central Bank of Somaliland, Mr. Abdinasir Ahmed Hersi, officially launched a comprehensive two-week training program focused on the National Payment System (NPS) on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Deputy Governor, Mr. Hamse Abdirahman Khaire; the Director General of the Central Bank, Mr. Yasiin Calase; along with representatives from banks, financial institutions, and microfinance organizations from across the country.

The training aims to strengthen government institutions and establish a solid foundation for Somaliland’s future economic growth. By leveraging modern technology, the initiative seeks to transform the nation’s financial services into a system that is faster, more efficient, transparent, and accessible to the public.

Mr. Abdifatah Maygaag, Coordinator of the National Payment System Program, explained that the training is designed to develop skilled experts within financial institutions and the Central Bank who can effectively build and integrate the national payment system.

“This training is a supportive program to equip financial service providers and the Central Bank with the necessary skills to establish a national system that belongs to all of us,” he stated.

Mrs. Muna Mohamed Artan, Deputy Director of the Legal Department at the Central Bank, emphasized the program’s critical role in modernizing Somaliland’s financial sector.

“This program is a developmental framework that paves the way for a modern national payment system,” she said, adding that it is essential for creating a transparent financial structure capable of keeping pace with global progress.

Mr. Nasir Halac, Manager of the National Payment System Program, highlighted the system’s transformative potential for the economy.

“The National Payment System will enable money to be sent and received quickly, securely, and in a fully interconnected manner. This will accelerate business activities, boost economic growth, and make financial services easily accessible to all members of society,” he said.

Mr. Khalif Sh. Omar, Chairman of the Association of Private Banks in Somaliland, expressed strong support from the private banking sector. Speaking on behalf of the country’s independent banks, he affirmed full backing for the Central Bank’s efforts.

“This initiative requires genuine commitment. On behalf of the banks, I assure the Central Bank management that you have our complete support to achieve this shared national success. We are fully ready to collaborate with you,” he stated.

Deputy Governor Mr. Hamse Abdirahman Khaire described the program as a vital step toward strengthening Somaliland’s financial independence.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in Somaliland’s journey toward building a modern and robust financial system,” he noted.

Governor Abdinasir Ahmed Hersi underscored the broader importance of developing a strong financial system.

“By modernizing and expanding our financial system, we increase the confidence the world has in us and enhance our ability to connect with the global economy,” the Governor said. “This system prepares us to integrate successfully with the international community.”

Collectively, these statements highlight the strategic importance of strengthening financial institutions to drive sustainable economic growth and foster beneficial international partnerships for Somaliland

Somalia: Abdiaziz Laftagareen Re-elected Southwest State President for Five-Year Term

By
Goth Mohamed
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Baidoa – Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has been re-elected for another five-year term following a vote held on Saturday in Baidoa, the interim administrative capital of the regional state.

According to the electoral commission, Laftagareen secured 66 votes, defeating his rival Abdullahi Haji Hassan, who received 13 votes. The election takes place amid heightened political tensions between the Southwest administration and Somalia’s federal government.

In his acceptance speech, Laftagareen thanked lawmakers and electoral officials for organizing the vote under challenging circumstances.

“I thank the members of parliament who elected me and the electoral commission for organizing the elections in difficult times and under many circumstances. I ask God to make me one who preserves unity and peace in the southwestern regions,” he said.

Two weeks prior, the Southwest leader accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of blocking regional elections since 2022. “In September 2022, all regional state leaders were present at the National Consultative Council meeting. I requested that we hold elections. The president told us that we would not hold elections, but that they would be merged,” Laftagareen said.

Federal government leaders have not yet issued an official response to the election.

Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo congratulated Laftagareen, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes in strengthening federal institutions.

“The elected leadership of the Southwest State is tasked with accelerating reconciliation among its people, completing the liberation of areas under terrorist control, and developing essential public services,” Farmaajo said in a statement.

He added that timely elections in federal member states are vital to political stability and the consolidation of Somalia’s federal system.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also welcomed the outcome, congratulating both Laftagareen and the re-elected Speaker of the Southwest Parliament, Dr. Ali Said Fiqi.

“The Southwest election has eliminated political uncertainty within the administrative institutions,” Sharif said, urging other regional administrations with expired mandates to organize elections promptly.

He also cautioned President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud against pursuing political solutions through force, warning that such actions could deepen mistrust and fuel instability.

Laftagareen’s re-election comes amid an escalating standoff between Mogadishu and the regional states of Southwest, Puntland, and Jubbaland. The dispute centers on constitutional amendments approved by Somalia’s federal parliament, which extend the mandates of federal institutions from four to five years. The three administrations have also suspended ties with the federal government, accusing Mogadishu of interfering in their political and security affairs.

Telesom Academy Celebrates Graduation of 87 Students Equipped with In-Demand Modern Skills

By
Goth Mohamed
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By Goth Mohamed Goth

Hargeisa – In a momentous ceremony held on Wednesday , 87 students officially graduated from Telesom Academy, marking a significant milestone in their professional journeys. The graduates have undergone rigorous training in a diverse range of specialized fields, all of which represent the most sought-after and essential skills driving today’s modern era.

The graduating cohort includes numerous individuals who are already part of the wider Telesom Group workforce. Notably, several graduates have also earned prestigious international certifications, widely recognized and respected across the global industry landscape.

Telesom Academy stands as a premier educational institution under the umbrella of Telesom Group, dedicated to cultivating a new generation of professionals equipped with cutting-edge expertise. The academy’s curriculum is strategically focused on developing skills that are not only among the most advanced in the world but also highly valued in the competitive global job market.

The graduates successfully completed certifications in the following programs:

  1. CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) – A foundational certification in networking and IT infrastructure.
  2. Digital Marketing – Covering modern strategies for online brand presence, SEO, social media, and analytics.
  3. HCIA (Huawei Certified ICT Associate) – A comprehensive credential in information and communications technology.
  4. Full Stack Development – Training in both front-end and back-end web and software development.
  5. Ethical Hacking – Focusing on cybersecurity practices to identify and address system vulnerabilities.
  6. Generative AI – Exploring the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, including content creation and automation.
  7. Project Management – Developing leadership and organizational skills essential for successfully executing complex initiatives.

This graduation ceremony underscores Telesom Group’s ongoing commitment to fostering local talent and bridging the skills gap by providing world-class training that meets international standards.

KAAH Party Condemns Fuel Price Hike and Government’s Poor Planning

By
Goth Mohamed
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The KAAH Party has strongly condemned the recent increase in fuel prices, attributing it to poor planning by the Waddani-led government. The government’s decision, the party stated, was made without a proper framework and constitutes an infringement on the free market system, which should not be based on price fixing.

According to KAAH, the government should have used its authority to influence market prices. During periods of economic hardship, there are established mechanisms through which governments can intervene without resorting to price controls—such as subsidizing increased costs of essential goods that impact daily life and the public’s economic well-being, or providing tax relief. These measures, the party noted, represent proper governmental action aimed at easing market prices for citizens and preventing traders from passing the full burden of price hikes on to consumers.

Unfortunately, the party continued, the government first made a unilateral decision without due consideration or consultation, failing to absorb any part of the increased costs. It then followed up with another decision that further raised prices beyond the previous level.

The party stated that both decisions reflect a lack of neutrality, government incompetence, confusion, and poor planning—shortcomings that cannot be overlooked and that give cause for serious concern. KAAH called on the government to pursue a proper and meaningful approach to reducing the price of fuel and other essential goods.

Office of the Spokesperson
KAAH Party

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

By
Goth Mohamed
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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