The Central Bank of Somalia is expanding the Somalia Instant Payment System to connect commercial banks, mobile money services, and regional payment networks through a single interoperable infrastructure, according to Central Bank Governor Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. The initiative aims to modernize the nation’s financial systems, lower transaction costs, and bring more citizens into the formal … Read more
The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) faces a potential closure by December 31, a move that threatens to dismantle the logistical backbone of the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The Logistical Crisis Facing AUSSOM AUSSOM, which launched on January 1, 2025, relies entirely on UNSOS for transport, engineering, and … Read more
Two Somali nationals have been awarded legal costs after the Irish State failed to execute deportation orders within the required statutory timeframe. A judge ruled that the State’s “inaction” rendered the applicants’ judicial review challenges moot, making the Minister for Justice and the Attorney General liable for the legal fees. Court Rules State Inaction Rendered … Read more
The Kingdom of Eswatini has received its fourth group of third-country nationals (TCNs) deported from the United States, bringing the total number of individuals transferred under a secretive bilateral agreement to at least 30. Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli confirmed the arrival of 11 migrants in a statement issued Thursday, asserting that the transfers align … Read more
Somali referee Omar Artan, recently named Africa’s top male referee for 2025, returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday after being denied entry to the United States for the upcoming World Cup. Despite holding a valid visa, U.S. Customs and Border Protection blocked Artan at Miami International Airport on Saturday, citing “vetting concerns.” FIFA subsequently removed him … Read more
Piracy has re-emerged off Somalia’s coast, with attacks targeting high-value vessels like oil tankers. Photo: Yemen Coast Guard Somalia’s Piracy Resurgence: A Warning Sign for Global Shipping and Regional Stability After years of decline, piracy off Somalia’s coast is back with a vengeance. Recent hijackings—including the seizure of the Eureka oil tanker in May 2026—signal … Read more
Beyond the Gallery: The Rise of the Living Archive For decades, the art world relied on the “white cube”—sterile galleries and preserved museums—to hold history. However, a significant shift is occurring. We are moving toward what can be called the Living Archive, where artists no longer just reference the past but physically embody it through … Read more
The Rising Tide of Cultural Identity: Trump, Hirsi Ali, and the Future of Western Nations Donald Trump’s recent remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, asserting the need to defend Western civilization against “existential attack,” have ignited a fierce debate. The surprising endorsement from Somali-born activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali underscores a growing concern: the … Read more
Türkiye’s Somali Spaceport: A New Launchpad for the Global Space Race In a move signaling ambitious growth in its space program, Türkiye has begun construction on a spaceport in Somalia. Announced Tuesday, this project isn’t just about launching satellites; it’s a strategic play with far-reaching implications for the future of space access, the global space … Read more
Somaliland-Israel Recognition: A Ripple Effect Across the Horn of Africa The recent decision by Israel to officially recognize Somaliland, a self-declared state that broke away from Somalia in 1991, has ignited celebrations in Hargeisa but sparked condemnation from Mogadishu and warnings from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This isn’t simply a diplomatic shift; it’s a potential catalyst … Read more