Monday 9 Feb 2026 {HMC} In a globally rare gesture, Somali citizens have built a house for their former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, popularly known as Farmaajo.

The construction of the private residence in the historic city of Marka, along the Indian Ocean coast, was funded entirely through public donations.

The initiative was launched in June 2022, with the masses, both living in Somalia and the diaspora, raising about $300,000.

The building, known as “Thank You, Mr President”, started in July 2023, costing about $295,000, according to the former president’s communications office.

The new home on a 120 by 140 square metres of land near a beach was officially inaugurated on 6 February.

In a statement shared on his social media platforms, the former president expressed his sincere appreciation to all Somali citizens, both civilians and members of the security forces, who contributed.

Farmaajo served as Somalia’s ninth president from February 2017 to May 2022 and was previously the country’s prime minister from 2010–2011.

Citizens who voluntarily contributed to the house construction extolled his leadership style, citing prudent management of resources, boosting Somalia’s image abroad, and helping to clear some of its foreign debts.

Current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud succeeded Farmaajo and has since continued efforts to rebuild Somalia from the devastation of years of conflicts and natural disasters, with support from international partners, including Türkiye.

Unlike in many countries around the world, in Somalia, former leaders do not enjoy bulky pensions and post-leadership allowances.

Farmaajo had once said publicly that he did not own a house in the capital, Mogadishu, where he has been living in a rented home since leaving office.

Marka city, where the former president’s new home is built, is a tourist destination and holds deep political symbolism, housing the residence of Somalia’s first President, Aden Abdulle Hassan.

Analysts say the gesture by Somali citizens is a powerful leadership message that could resonate beyond Somalia and Africa.

SOURCE:TRT Afrika

Monday 9 Feb 2026 {HMC} Somalia and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense and military cooperation agreement, the Somali Defense Ministry announced on Monday.

The ministry said in a statement that the agreement will strengthen defense and military cooperation between the two countries while covering an array of areas of mutual interest.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Prince Khalid bin Salman, in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.

The strategic partnership also aims to improve regional stability and Red Sea security, according to Somali local media.

The Horn of Africa nation’s relationship with the kingdom has grown even closer since Israel recognized its breakaway region, Somaliland.

Mogadishu also seeks advanced technical support and military hardware from its friendly countries to safeguard its territorial integrity and airspace.

SOURCE:AA

Monday 9 Feb 2026 {HMC} The Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, held a meeting in his office with a delegation led by the German Minister of State for Economic Cooperation and Development, Mr. Niels Annen, alongside the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Sebastian Groth. The discussion focused on the mutual interests of both countries and other vital topics.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister briefed the delegation on the latest developments in the country, including the ongoing severe drought, progress in combatting extremist groups, the mobilization of efforts for direct elections at the local level, the completion of the constitution, and the government’s offer for dialogue with the Future Council.

Mr. Niels Annen expressed gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the friendly relations that exist between the two nations, emphasizing the strengthening collaboration based on mutual benefits.

Lastly, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre assured that the Somali government would actively participate in global efforts addressing peace and stability, particularly in international forums such as the United Nations Security Council, where Somalia serves as a non-permanent member.

Source Sonna

Monday 9 Feb 2026 {HMC} — The Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education and Djibouti’s Ministry of Higher Education and Research today officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mogadishu to deepen bilateral cooperation in higher education and research.

The agreement establishes a formal framework to facilitate academic and research exchanges between universities and higher-education institutions in both countries. Key provisions include student and faculty exchanges, short-term training and research programs, joint conferences, workshops and seminars, implementation of joint degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD), and streamlined arrangements for scholarships and recognition of qualifications.

Both governments also committed to protecting intellectual property arising from joint research in accordance with national laws and international agreements. Somalia’s Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education, Farah Sheikh Abdulqadir, said the MoU will reinforce historic fraternal ties between the two nations and improve the quality of higher education and research capacity in Somalia. Djibouti’s Minister of Higher Education and Research, Nabil Mohamed Ahmed, said the partnership will create broad opportunities for students and faculty and support regional knowledge and development.

Officials described the MoU as part of ongoing efforts by both governments to expand strategic cooperation and invest in the future of emerging generations.

Source Sonna