Tuesday  3 Feb 2026 {HMC}  The Federal Republic of Somalia and the Russian Federation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Geneva aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the health sector and advancing the development of health systems in both countries.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Dr. Ali Haji Adam, and the Deputy Minister of Health of the Russian Federation, H.E. Oleg Salagay, marking a significant step in deepening health-sector collaboration between the two nations.

The MoU reflects the longstanding relationship between Somalia and Russia in the field of health and outlines a broad framework for cooperation. Key areas of focus include the development of healthcare systems, training and capacity-building for health professionals, exchange of expertise and research, prevention and treatment of infectious and non-communicable diseases, regulation of medicines and medical equipment, and strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare services.

The agreement also covers collaboration in the implementation of digital health technologies, nuclear medicine, and the promotion of medical tourism, aligning with Somalia’s efforts to modernize its health sector and improve service delivery.

During a dedicated bilateral meeting, the two ministers emphasized the importance of further strengthening cooperation in the health field. They agreed that the MoU should be implemented effectively and translated into concrete actions that deliver tangible results and serve the mutual interests of both countries.

The partnership is expected to play a key role in improving the quality of healthcare services in Somalia and enhancing the capacity of national health institutions, contributing to better health outcomes for the Somali people.

Source Sonna

Tuesday  3 Feb 2026 {HMC} — Yemen’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has accused Eritrean forces and Somalia’s Puntland administration of carrying out deadly attacks, arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions of Yemeni fishermen working in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

In a statement issued Monday, the ministry said Eritrean forces launched a direct armed assault on Yemeni civilian fishermen while they were operating in Yemen’s territorial waters in the Red Sea. The attack, it said, involved multiple types of weapons and resulted in deaths and injuries, with several fishermen arrested and forcibly taken away.

The ministry described the incident as a grave threat to the safety and security of Yemeni fishermen, saying it undermined their livelihoods and violated their legal right to work and live with dignity.
Yemeni officials also strongly condemned what they described as illegal actions by Puntland authorities, particularly in the port city of Bosaso. The statement said fishermen from Yemen’s Hadramawt region were arrested while fishing, and that their boats, equipment and catch were confiscated.

The ministry said it holds both the Eritrean government and the Puntland administration fully responsible under international law and humanitarian law. It demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all detained fishermen, guarantees for their safety, their return to Yemen, and the restoration of their boats, equipment and belongings without loss.

It also called for those responsible for the alleged violations to be held accountable.

The ministry urged the United Nations, international organizations, and human rights and humanitarian agencies to meet their legal and moral obligations by condemning the incidents and taking swift action to protect Yemeni fishermen operating in border and international waters.

Puntland authorities have in recent years repeatedly detained Yemeni fishermen, accusing them of illegal fishing in Somali waters, a practice that has periodically strained relations between local Somali administrations and fishing communities from Yemen.

Source Sonna

Tuesday  3 Feb 2026 {HMC} Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre today inaugurated the Bula-Hubey Road in Wadajir District, highlighting the Federal Government’s continued focus on urban development, infrastructure resilience, and improved public services in Mogadishu.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, H.E. Mohamed Hassan Mungab, along with senior officials and members of the local community.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stressed the importance of safeguarding the progress achieved in the capital and ensuring that development gains are sustained.

Let this city never return to the hardships it once endured. We must protect the progress achieved today and continue building a better future for its people,” the Prime Minister said.

Governor Mohamed Hassan Mungab briefed the Prime Minister on the construction process and challenges faced during the implementation of the Bua-Hubey Road project.

Today, we inaugurated the Bula-Hubey road, which is approximately two kilometers long. The construction took three months and was carried out under challenging conditions. We have agreed that the company responsible will be fully accountable for the quality of the road. If any defects arise within the next five years, the company will be required to address them at its own expense,” Governor Mungab stated.

The Bula-Hubey Road is expected to improve mobility within Wadajir District, ease traffic flow, and contribute to the social and economic development of Mogadishu, as the government continues to prioritize accountable and sustainable infrastructure projects.

Source Sonna