Tuesday 15 April 2025 {HMC} The Somali National Communications Authority (NCA) successfully convened a consultative meeting today focused on developing a regulatory framework for submarine cable landings. The initiative aims to harness Somalia’s strategic coastal location while ensuring secure, modern digital infrastructure that supports national development.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss how Somalia can better manage its connectivity gateways in alignment with international standards and national priorities.

“The strategic importance of our coastline cannot be overstated. With the right regulatory approach, Somalia can become a digital hub in the region while ensuring security and resilience in our infrastructure,” said Eng. Mohamed Hussein Ahmed, Director General of the NCA.

The NCA plans to continue engaging stakeholders in the development of a robust legal and operational framework that governs submarine cable landings, as the country advances its digital transformation agenda.

Monday 14,April 2025 {HMC} Somali Minister of Ports and Marine Transport Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur emphasized the strength of Türkiye-Somalia relations and the Antalya Diplomacy Forum’s (ADF) impact in reshaping diplomacy during the forum’s fourth edition at the NEST Congress Center.

He said the forum in coastal Belek district of Antalya has become an essential platform in a fractured world, encouraging inclusive and forward-thinking multilateralism under Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership.

“Conflict, climate change, food insecurity, and inequality no longer respect borders — they are now shared global challenges demanding shared responsibility,” he told Anadolu, the forum’s official global communication partner.

Nur pointed to the presence of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the forum as a sign of Somalia’s strong commitment to the event’s goals.

“It also underscores the strength of Somali-Turkish relations, built on shared values, mutual trust, and a commitment to building resilient and peaceful societies. The personal rapport and strategic alignment between our two presidents have laid the foundation for a partnership that reaches far beyond our two nations—offering a model of cooperation grounded in dignity, solidarity, and development,” he said.

He said this year’s theme, “Rebuilding Diplomacy in a Fractured World,” closely reflects Somalia’s history, explaining that the country has learned lasting peace comes from dialogue, trust, and inclusive governance rather than force.

“Somalia knows the power of diplomacy — because we have experienced the power of being heard, supported, and uplifted by partners like Türkiye,” he said.

He described the ADF as more than a diplomatic meeting, noting its inclusion of youth, academics, civil society, and business leaders. Somalia, he said, is ready to share its experience to help shape a fairer international system.

Türkiye-Somalia cooperation

“The Türkiye–Somalia relationship stands as one of the most enduring and exemplary partnerships on the African continent,” Nur said. He described the relationship as rooted in shared history, strengthened by trust, and guided by a joint vision of peace and regional leadership.

He highlighted President Erdogan’s 2011 visit to Mogadishu as a turning point that transformed the relationship from humanitarian support to a full partnership focused on state-building, security, economic resilience, and infrastructure.

Nur said the Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed on Feb. 8 raised bilateral ties to a strategic level, covering maritime security, counter-terrorism, and national defense.

He also pointed to oil and hydrocarbon exploration deals as key steps in Somalia’s energy independence efforts, describing Türkiye as a strategic investor and reliable partner.

Nur said these agreements represent more than economic plans — they reflect a vision for sustainable statehood.

“Türkiye and Somalia are not just allies. We are co-authors of a future defined by trust, ambition, and shared strength.”

He praised Türkiye’s support for Somalia’s port infrastructure, maritime training, and institutional development, calling them key to turning the country into a regional trade hub.

He added that maritime cooperation between the two countries goes back to the Ottoman period and reflects a deep-rooted connection.

“Somalia’s geostrategic position at the convergence of global trade routes makes our ports not only national assets but also international lifelines. Türkiye’s continued support in modernizing these gateways has empowered us to reimagine what is possible — for our economy, for our regional role, and for our people.”

Monday 14,April 2025 {HMC} The United Kingdom has pledged an additional $3.9 million to support Somalia’s security transition, bringing its total contributions to over $50 million since 2021, according to a statement from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) on Monday.

The funds will be channeled through the United Nations-administered Somali Security Forces (SSF) Trust Fund, which currently provides logistical support to 18,900 Somali National Army and Police Force personnel.

In 2024 alone, UK funding enabled UNSOS to deliver 6,000 tons of food rations and 2,000 tons of diesel to Somali security forces while also facilitating emergency casualty evacuations for hundreds of wounded soldiers on the frontlines.

“The UK is a firm friend of Somalia and at this vital moment, I’m proud to be announcing further funding to support the fight against violent extremists. I encourage other partners to contribute to the UNSOS SSF Trust Fund, to support the brave Somali Security Forces and to ensure a safe and secure future for all Somalis and the region,” British Ambassador to Somalia Mike Nithavrianakis said.

UNSOS, which manages the fund, warned that it needs at least $2 million monthly to meet the growing demands of the Somali Security Forces. A planned increase in personnel to 20,900—outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024)—has intensified the need for predictable, sustainable funding.

Somalia’s National Security Advisor Hussein Sheikh Ali welcomed the UK’s continued support and echoed calls for increased donor funding.

“The logistical support provided by UNSOS has been vital for the Somali Security Forces, especially in areas like casevac and medevac,” said Ali. “We urge our partners to increase contributions in 2025 as the Federal Government continues to generate new forces. Somalia remains committed to transparency, accountability, and compliance with international standards in managing these resources.”

Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, Head of UNSOS, also thanked the UK for its ongoing partnership, noting that casevac operations have been life-saving and morale-boosting for Somali forces.

“It is crucial to have a reliable, predictable Trust Fund,” Kacyira said. “I urge partners to contribute as we continue supporting Somalia’s security transition.”

The $3.9 million contribution follows several other UK donations over the past year, including £5 million in February 2025, £5 million in September 2024, £2.75 million in April 2024, £5 million in January 2024, and £5 million in December 2023. Cumulatively, the UK has provided more than £40.73 million (approximately $50 million) to the SSF Trust Fund since 2021.

Monday 14,April 2025 {HMC} Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry held talks in Cairo on Wednesday, discussing regional security, migration, and bilateral ties—but announced no formal agreements following the meeting.

The discussion on the sidelines of the second Ministerial Meeting of the Khartoum Process focused on strengthening diplomatic and development cooperation. Both sides reiterated support for Somalia’s sovereignty and unity and stressed the need for closer coordination on shared security concerns, including the African Union Stabilization Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

They also discussed potential trilateral cooperation with Eritrea, signalling a broader intent to align on regional peace and integration goals. However, no binding commitments or joint statements were issued.

Minister Fiqi appreciated Egypt’s historical support in education, security training, and development assistance. Shoukry reaffirmed Egypt’s backing for Somalia’s federal institutions and emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in addressing cross-border challenges.

The meeting is part of Somalia’s broader diplomatic outreach within the Arab League and among regional allies. While the dialogue highlighted mutual goodwill, it yielded no specific deliverables beyond promises to maintain close coordination on future initiatives.

The Khartoum Process, launched in 2014, brings together countries from the Horn of Africa and Europe to address migration management and regional development. Somalia’s participation underscores its aim to shape policy discussions beyond its borders.

Monday 14,April 2025 {HMC} Somali Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre has taken 25 prisoners who were captured by SSC-Khaatumo forces during the 2023 conflict in the Sool region, according to a statement issued during his landmark visit to Las Anod.

The SSC-Khaatumo administration formally handed over the detainees to the Federal Government of Somalia as part of what officials described as a goodwill gesture tied to the government’s broader peace and reconciliation program.

“In consideration of the Peace Program sponsored by the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, the SSC-Khaatumo administration, in consultation with local councils, has handed over to the Federal Government 25 prisoners who were captured during the war in Somaliland, along with others in special humanitarian circumstances,” the statement read. “The Federal Government will ensure their safe return to their families.”

Officials confirmed that the detainees were captured during months of fighting that culminated in the expulsion of Somaliland forces from Las Anod in early 2023. Both SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland are believed to hold additional prisoners from the conflict, though negotiations for further exchanges remain ongoing.

The handover follows Prime Minister Barre’s historic visit to the region, the first by a sitting Somali prime minister in more than 50 years. Barre declared SSC-Khaatumo a recognized federal administration and extended a formal invitation to its leader, Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye, to attend the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu scheduled for May 1–2.

The federal government has dismissed claims that SSC-Khaatumo territory is disputed, asserting full jurisdiction and urging all government institutions, NGOs, and international partners to operate normally in the area.

The prisoner handover is viewed as a confidence-building measure aimed at reducing hostilities and opening the door to broader reconciliation efforts between SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland.