Author: Somali

Puntland has rejected food aid provided by the federal government, alleging irregularities in its distribution. The regional government says aid resources have been distributed inappropriately, not benefiting affected communities. Puntland has stressed the need to better deliver aid to its citizens. Puntland has rejected food aid sent by the federal government to drought- and conflict-affected areas. The regional government alleged that the aid was not properly managed, which did not benefit local communities. Puntland has emphasized the importance of autonomy to deliver aid according to its needs. Puntland’s Position on Federal Aid Distribution Puntland has rejected the federal government’s food…

In January 2025, Somalia began the process of issuing national identity cards for the first time in three decades. The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) aims to complete the registration of 1.5 crore citizens by 2026. Currently, 5,000 people are registering daily, which is planned to increase to 20,000 in the future. This initiative will help provide legal identity to citizens and improve access to public and private services.So far, only 15% of Somalia’s population has official identity documents, while the remaining 85% are still unregistered. The new ID cards will have a unique 11-digit number for everyone, which…

Puntland security forces conducted a major operation against terrorists in Bara area, killing 20 Daesh terrorists, including foreign fighters. During this operation, the forces destroyed 4 terrorist strongholds and disabled 9 of their drones. This operation was important to weaken the terrorist network and restore security in the area. The operation is part of Somalia’s growing strategy against extremist groups, aimed at dismantling the Daesh and al-Shabaab networks. The efforts of the Puntland security forces are helping to stabilize the entire region and reduce the threat of militancy. The Somali government is intensifying its military operations to strengthen national security…

On 2 February 2025, armed members of al-Shabaab attacked a shopkeeper in Mogadishu, killing two people and injuring one. The attack was allegedly carried out because the shopkeepers had used security cameras, which the militants believed was a hindrance to their surveillance. The incident highlighted growing concern and security issues in the region and has fueled a growing wave of attacks on businesses in Somalia. Targeted Attacks by Al-Shabaab on Civilians in Mogadishu Over the past year, al-Shabaab carried out more than 50 targeted attacks in Mogadishu, 30 percent of which targeted local businesses. The attacks, aimed at spreading terror…

On February 1, 2025, the U.S. military conducted airstrikes against members of the Islamic State in the Golas Mountains in northern Somalia. Around 50 terrorists were killed in these attacks, including a high-level operation planner. According to intelligence sources, IS-Somalia fighters are between 500 and 700, most of which are active in the highlands of Puntland. The US Africa Command has confirmed that the airstrikes were carried out with utmost precision, with no civilian casualties. Over the past year, US forces have conducted more than 20 counter-terrorism operations in Somalia, resulting in a significant reduction in the strength of extremist…

Turkey will begin offshore oil exploration off the coast of Somalia in 2025, with an initial investment of $5.2 billion. The project will drill 1,000 kilometers offshore, where oil reserves are estimated to be up to 30 billion barrels. Turkish energy company TPAO will deploy five ultra-deepwater rigs with advanced technology to maximize production. The project is expected to produce up to 200,000 barrels per day, boosting Somalia’s economy by 15 percent. This will create 50,000+ new jobs, both direct and indirect. This initiative will not only increase the country’s energy self-sufficiency but also strengthen regional energy security. Turkey’s Investment…

Kenya and Somalia have approved the AUSSOM mission to start in 2025, with a financial value of more than $2.5 billion. The mission will involve 7,500 Kenyan troops and 20,000 Somali troops, to end terrorism and provide aid to 15 million people. The mission will strengthen government governance and security in seven key regions of Somalia. The operation will receive strong support from global partners including the United Nations, the African Union, and the European Union, which will provide more than $500 million in annual financial assistance. This support will include the provision of resources for logistics, technical support, and…

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025, with the aim of further strengthening economic and security ties between the two countries. The main agenda of the visit is to focus on Ethiopia’s access to the Red Sea and trade agreements between the two countries. Turkey’s total trade with Africa exceeded $45 billion in 2024, while Turkish investment in both countries increased by more than $8 billion. Since 2011, Turkey has spent more than $1.5 billion on humanitarian aid and development projects in Somalia, including $750 million for infrastructure and $600 million for…

Somaliland has expressed serious concerns over the continued arms transfer from Egypt to Mogadishu, calling it a threat to the stability of the region. In 2024, Egypt’s military aid to Somalia increased by 35 percent, providing more than 6,000 tons of arms and ammunition. The stockpile includes 2,000 heavy weapons, more than 50,000 small arms, and millions of rounds of ammunition, potentially fueling the conflict. Somaliland, which has been claiming independence for three decades, has more than 4,500 troops stationed along its borders with Somalia. The region is already suffering from a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than 2.5 million…

A Somali refugee endured a perilous sea journey, in which 200 people were put on a boat, but only 70 survived after 12 days. The boat was in poor condition and lack of water and unpleasant sea waves killed 30 percent of the passengers. With 60 percent unemployment and more than 5 million people facing food shortages in Somalia, he plans to make the trip again.In 2024, approximately 120,000 Somalis attempted to travel to Europe to escape war, economic hardship, and climate change. Their stories show the growing desperation of individuals who are forced to risk their lives for a…