Mogadishu (HOL) – The United Kingdom has fully cancelled Somalia’s historic debt through the completion of the HIPC Initiative, which aims to assist the Horn of the African country in attracting investment, fostering economic growth, and building a secure and stable Somalia.
Deputy Ambassador Sam Thomas made the announcement during his meeting with Minister of Finance Bihi Iman Egeh in Mogadishu on Tuesday.
“Today I confirmed to Finance Minister Bihi that the UK has cancelled 100% of Somalia’s historic debts. As Somalia’s debt relief champion, we are committed to helping attract investment and grow the Somali economy,” the UK embassy in Mogadishu posted on its X (formerly Twitter).
The Minister of Finance described the decision as remarkable and building on the progress made during last month’s Paris Club discussions.
Last month, Paris Club, a collection of some of the world’s wealthiest creditor nations, canceled 99% of Somalia’s debt, a major boost as the country continues its fragile economic recovery from an ongoing three-decade conflict.
In a statement released by the Paris Club, which is run by senior officials from the French Treasury, Somalia’s creditors, including the US, UK, Russia, Norway, and Japan, announced the cancellation of $2bn owed to club members as of January 2023.
The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has raised concern on the continued acts of maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia from January to March 2024.
According to IMB, a total of 33 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were recorded in the first three months of 2024, an increase from 27 incidents for the same period in 2023. Of the 33 incidents reported, 24 vessels were boarded, six had attempted attacks, two were hijacked and one was fired upon. Violence towards crew continues with 35 crew members taken hostage, nine kidnapped and one threatened.
Worrying rise in Somali pirate activity
The Q1 report highlights the continued threat of Somali piracy incidents with two reported hijackings. In addition, one vessel each was fired upon, boarded and reported an attempted approach. These incidents were attributed to Somali pirates who demonstrate mounting capabilities, targeting vessels at great distances, from the Somali coast.
A Bangladesh flagged bulk carrier was hijacked on 12 March and its 23 crew were taken hostage by over 20 Somali pirates. The vessel was underway approximately 550 nautical miles (nm) from Mogadishu while enroute from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates.
The IMB is aware of several reported hijacked dhows and fishing vessels, which are ideal mother ships to launch attacks at distances from the Somali coastline.
IMB has commended the timely and positive actions from authorities ensuring the release and safety of the crew.
A 40-hour operation by the Indian navy in the Indian Ocean on 15 March 2024 culminated in the capture of 35 Somali pirates and the release of a previously highjacked vessel and its 17 crew.
A bulk carrier boarded by pirates on 4 January over 450 nm off the east coast of Somalia was rendered safe along with its 21 crew members by an Indian naval vessel.
In late January, the Seychelles coast guard intervened to safeguard a hijacked fishing vessel and its six crew. Three suspected Somali pirates were apprehended in this operation.
“We reiterate our ongoing concern on the Somali piracy incidents and urge vessel owners and Masters to follow all recommended guidelines in the latest version of the Best Management Practices (BMP 5). We also commend the actions of the Indian navy and Seychelles coast guard for intercepting hijacked vessels, safeguarding crews and capturing pirates.”
Caution urged in the Gulf of Guinea
Incidents within the Gulf of Guinea waters continue to be at a reduced level. Six incidents were reported in Q1 2024 compared to five in the same period of 2023. The IMB urges continued caution as nine crew were kidnapped from a product tanker on 1 January 2024 around 45nm south of Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.
Rising risks in Bangladesh and Singapore Straits
There has been a noticeable increase in reported low-level opportunistic crimes in Bangladeshi waters in 2024 with seven reported incidents received – six from vessels at anchorage in Chattogram – compared to one report for the whole of 2023.
The Singapore Straits recorded five incidents against four large bulk carriers and a general cargo vessel, considered low-level opportunistic incidents. But the threat for crew safety remains high as five crew were taken hostage in three separate incidents in January.
Mogadishu (HOL) – Djibouti has nominated Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, its seasoned Foreign Affairs Minister, as its contender for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson, joining Kenya and Somalia in a competitive race for this key position.
Djibouti’s presidency, which announced Youssouf’s candidacy on Tuesday, highlighted his over two decades of diplomatic experience. Youssouf is set to compete against Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Adam and Kenya’s Raila Odinga for the chairpersonship, succeeding Moussa Faki, who has been in office since 2017.
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“Djibouti expresses its faith in Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf’s seasoned diplomacy and in-depth knowledge of the Continental Organization,” the Djibouti presidency stated, endorsing him as a candidate capable of revitalizing the Pan-African Organization.
As the February 2025 elections approach, Kenya has garnered endorsements from Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Ghana, reflecting President William Ruto’s intensive campaign for Odinga.
The AUC Chairperson election is part of the African Union’s broader reforms aimed at improving leadership selection transparency, regional representation, and gender parity. The Eastern Africa region has been designated to nominate candidates for the next Chairperson, a decision ratified by the African Union’s Executive Council.
Candidates for the AUC Chairperson position who will serve a four-year renewable term are expected to have substantial expertise and advanced degrees in law, international relations, or political science. The Chairperson acts as the Union’s Chief Executive Officer and legal representative.
Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adan, who announced her candidacy in early March, is a trailblazer in Somali politics. She previously served as Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister from November 2012 to January 2014, becoming the first Somali woman to be nominated for this prestigious position.
Somalia, a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, has never held the top position within the organization, making Adan’s candidacy a watershed moment for the country.
In late March, Somalia formed an eight-member committee led by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to prepare for the African Union Commission (AUC) election campaign.
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — The Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan was celebrated by Muslims on Wednesday with family reunions, new clothes and sweet treats.
In Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, nearly three-quarters of the population were traveling for the annual homecoming known locally as “mudik” that is always welcomed with excitement.
“Mudik is not just an annual ritual or tradition for us,” said civil servant Ridho Alfian, who lives in the Jakarta area and was traveling to Lampung province at the southern tip of Sumatra island. “This is a right moment to reconnect, like recharging energy that has been drained almost a year away from home.”
Before the Eid al-Fitr holiday, markets teemed with shoppers buying clothes, shoes, cookies and sweets. People poured out of major cities to return to villages to celebrate the holiday with their loved ones. Flights were overbooked and anxious relatives weighed down with boxes of gifts formed long lines at bus and train stations for the journey.
In Pakistan, authorities have deployed more than 100,000 police and paramilitary forces to keep security at mosques and marketplaces. People were shopping as usual Tuesday, with women buying bangles, jewelry and clothes for themselves and their children.
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the financial turnover during the Eid holiday this year will reach nearly $10 billion and cross sectors including retail, transit and tourism.
For Arini Dewi, a mother of two, Eid al-Fitr is a day of victory from economic difficulties during Ramadan. “Eventually I’m happy in celebrating Eid holiday despite surge of food prices,” she said.
An Indonesian youth lights a flare atop of a vehicle during the celebration of the eve of Eid al-Fitr holiday which marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) Copyright 2024 The Associated Press.
Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla was among Jakarta residents offering prayers at the Al Azhar mosque yard. “Let’s celebrate Eid al-Fitr as a day of victory from many difficulties… of course there are many social problems during fasting month of Ramadan, but we can overcome it with faith and piety,” Kalla said.
On the night before the holiday, called “takbiran,” Jakarta residents celebrated the eve of Eid al-Fitr by setting off firecrackers on streets that were mostly empty as city residents traveled home.
On Wednesday morning, Muslims joined communal prayers shoulder-to-shoulder on the streets and inside mosques. Jakarta’s Istiqlal Grand Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, was flooded with devotees offering the morning prayers.
Preachers in their sermons called on people to pray for Muslims in Gaza who were suffering after six months of war.
“This is the time for Muslims and non-Muslims to show humanitarian solidarity, because the conflict in Gaza is not a religious war, but a humanitarian problem,” said Jimly Asshiddiqie who chairs the advisory board of the Indonesian Mosque Council.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A new Pearl District lounge could be the perfect spot to fulfill your late-night coffee fix.
Located on 419 NW Broadway, Above GRND held its soft opening in early April. The coffee shop was co-founded by siblings Ahlam Osman and Abdulrahim Osman, along with close friend Mehamed Ali.
The business is situated above and partners with BridgeCity Soles, a shoe store that celebrated its own opening in September 2023.
Ahlam Osman said the area is becoming a sneaker hub, with sneaker-themed café Deadstock Coffee and footwear design company Hilos just a drive away.
Above GRND features a similar, yet homier aesthetic, with sneakers, wicker chairs and a cozy green couch on display.
The owners are ready to introduce the coffee shop’s fresh vibe to the neighborhood.
“I think Old Town has kind of a bad rap since the pandemic, especially with the big businesses moving out with the houselessness and all of that, but we really see a lot of potential in this neighborhood and this district and area, in terms of small businesses growing here,” Osman said.
Above GRND owners (left to right) Mehamed Ali, Abdulrahim Osman and Ahlam Osman.
Since Portland is often recognized as a coffee city, it can be difficult for new shops to make a name for themselves. But according to Osman, one attribute that sets Above GRND apart from similar businesses is the cultural aspect.
She, her brother and Ali are all Somali — a culture that is proudly depicted in the coffee shop’s offerings.
Osman told KOIN 6 that cinnamon, cardamom and bananas are popular flavors in the Somali community. Customers will notice some of those flavors on the café’s menu, which includes a banana milk latte, matcha chai latte and a cardamom-cinnamon-infused beverage.
Food isn’t offered on the menu quite yet, but the owners plan to add Somali treats and other pastries in the near future.
Another aspect that sets Above GRND apart from other businesses is its hours. Plenty of coffee shops close in the late afternoon or early evening, but the Pearl District lounge will remain open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., or while supplies last.
The founders got the idea from their community, who noted there was a need for late-night spaces that allow people to socialize with friends without going to a bar or nightclub.
Ali added that he and his team are already friendly faces in their shop, and aim to give back to their community through fundraising events.
“It’s one thing for us to pay our taxes and stuff like that, but it’s just bigger than that for us,” Ali said. “We come from a household where we have… a good family background and we like to give, so that’s our plan.”
Above GRND’s grand opening, one of its first official events, will be held this Saturday. The celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting and new menu items.
Arbaco 10, April ,2024 {HMC} TEHRAN — Hogaamiyaha sare ee Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ayaa Arbacada mar kale uga digay Israel in “lagu ciqaabi doono” weerarkii cirka ee Dimishiq ee lagu dilay 7 ka tirsan Ilaalada Kacaanka, oo laba ka mid ah ay ahaayeen jeneraalo.
“Maamulka sharta ah wuu ku khaldamay arrintan, waa in la ciqaabaa, waana la ciqaabi doonaa,” ayuu Khamenei ku yiri khudbad uu telefishinka ka jeediyay salaadii Ciidul-Fitri ee Tehran kadib.
Wasiirka arrimaha dibadda ee Israel, Israel Katz ayaa si deg deg ah wuxuu dib ugu daabacay qoraalkaas oo luuqadda Farsiga ahaa bartiisa X.
“Haddii Iran ay dalkeeda ka soo weerarto, Israel way ka jawaabi doontaa oo weerari doontaa Iran,” ayuu yiri.
Khamenei waxa uu sheegay in weerarkii 1-dii April, kaas oo dhulka la simay dhismaha 5-ta dabaq ee qunsuliyadda Iran ee ku taalla caasimadda Suuriya, uu jebiyey heshiisyada caalamiga ah oo dhigaya in aan lagu xad-gudbin karin xarumaha diblomaasiyadda.
“Xafiisyada qunsuliyadda iyo safaaradaha dal kasta waa dhul uu dalkaas leeyahay,” ayuu yiri. “Markii ay weerareen qunsuliyaddeena, waxay la macno tahay inay soo weerareen dhulkeenna.”
Khamenei ayaa saraakiisha Iran ku hogaamiyay ballamo is xigxigay oo ah in ay ka aargudan doonaan weerarkaas oo si weyn loogu eedeeyay cadowgooda ugu weyn ee Israel.
Mid ka mid ah la-taliyayaashiisa sare, Yahya Rahim Safavi, ayaa Axaddii ka digay in safaaradaha Israel “aysan hadda kadib ammaan ahayn.”
Israel ayaa todobaadkii hore sheegtay in ay xoojinayso difaaceeda isla markaana ay joojinayso fasaxa ay qaateen cutubyada dagaalka ka dib hanjabaadaha aargoosi ee Iran.
Iran dal ahaan uma aqoonsana Israel, waxaana labada dal dhexmarayey dagaal daahsoon muddo sanado ah.
Iran ayaa ku eedaysay Israel inay ka dambaysay mowjado weeraro arbushaad ah iyo dilal qorsheysan oo lala beegsaday barnaamijkeeda Nukliyeerka.
Mogadishu, 10 April 2024 {HMC} – The United Nations in Somalia extends its warmest greetings to all Somalis as they celebrate the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
“The United Nations family wishes ‘Ciid Wanaagsan’ to the people of Somalia. Eid al-Fitr is a time for celebration of the values of togetherness, compassion, and reconciliation. These values are part of the firm foundation on which Somalia is building its future and are shared by the United Nations. Eid Mubarak to all,” said the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing.
Arbaco 10, April ,2024 {HMC} Itoobiya ayaa lagu wadaa in ay noqoto dalkii 9-aad ee Beesha Bariga Afrika ee magaceeda loo soo gaabiyo EAC, taas oo ku soo beegmeysa dhowr bilood ka dib markii Soomaaliya ay si rasmi ah ugu biirtay urur goboleedkan.
Wasiirka Kenya u qaabilsan Bariga Afrika iyo Horumarinta Dhulka Egenka ah, Peninah Malonza ayaa warkan ka sheegtay munaasibad cunto gargaar ah lagu qaybinayey oo ka dhacday degmada Kitui ee gobolka Bari.
Ms. Malonza oo sii hadleysa ayaa shaaca ka qaadday in wadahadallaa u dhexeeya Addis Ababa iyo madaxdaa ugu sarreya dallada EAC ay meel gebogebo ah marayaan, islamarkaana ay Itoobiya ay goor dhow ku soo biireyso Beesha Bartiga Afrika.
Peninah Malonza oo uu soo xigtey Telefishinka Dowladda Kenya ee KBC intaas ku dartay in dalalka ku midoobey Beesha Bariga Afrika ay doonayaan in ay mideeyaan siyaasadahooda ku aadden hirgelinta hannaan maaliyadeed oo qura iyo hay’adihii yagleeli lahaa lacag qura oo dalalkaas yeeshaan.
Beesha Bariga Afrika waxaa ku bahoobay 8 dal oo kala ah: Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Soomaaliya, South Sudan, Uganda iyo Tanzania, waxaana xarun u ah magaalada Caruusha ee dalka Tanzaniya.
Inkastoo aan dhanka Itoobiya weli laga hayn wax xaqiijinya jiritaanka xogta ay bixisay wasiirddu, haddana waxaan qarsooneyn in EAC dooneyso in ay isku ballaariso Bariga Afrika, waxayna sidoo kale u gacan haatineysaa dalalka Jibuuti, Eriteriya iyo Sudan.
Arbaco 10, April ,2024 {HMC} Madaxweynaha Somaliland Muuse Biixi Cabdi oo shacabka ku dhaqan magaalada Hargeysa kala qayb-galay tukashada salaadda Ciidul-fidrida ayaa ku dheeraaday qadiyadda gooni isu-taagga Somaliland, isaggoo eedeyn culus u jeediyay dowladda federaalka.
Muuse Biixi ayaa waxa uu sheegay in xukuumadda Muqdisho ay is qaawisay, islamarkaana ay banaanka usoo saareen iyada iyo dadkeedu naceybka xad dhaaf ah ee ay u qabaan Somaliland, sida uu hadalka u dhigay madaxweynaha Soomaaliya.
“Dadka Xamar joogaa waxay ku leeyihiin Shabaabka nalaynaya ee na qarxinaya ayaa nooga dhaw Somaliland oo la ictiraafo,” ayuu yiri Muuse Biixi oo sheegay inay Xamar ka xun tahay wixii usoo kordha Somaliland.
Waxa uu intaas kusii daray “Anigu taasan u arkaa waana walaalkay waana kii aan wax u geeyey, waana kaan sharfay, waana kaan leeyahay walaalo aynu kala garbaxno, culimo, caamo iyo waxgarad bal caqligaasi siduu yahay ha la eego ayaan leeyahay Soomaali oo dhan ee maaha inteena halkan joogta oo qudha.”
Mudane Biixi ayaa sidoo kale waxa uu tallaabooyinkii u dambeeyay ee Muqdisho ku tilmaamay kuwa aan caqli-gal aheyn, isaggoona ku dooday in Somailand ay tahay dal madax-banaan, inkasta oo caalamka uu taasi u aqoonsaneyn.
“Suurta-gal maah sidaasi, wax la qaadan karana maaha, saddexdii midiba gaar isu taagtayna weli nin soomaaliyeed oo saddexdaa ka mid ah oo yidhaahda war meesha waxbaa qaldan, waana la kala garleeyahay ma hayno,” ayuu hadalkiisa sii raaciyay madaxweyne Xasan Sheekh Maxamuud.
Dowladda federaalka ee uu hoggaamiyo madaxweyne Xasan Sheekh ayaa meel adag iska taagtay is-afgaradkii Addis Ababa ee Somaliland ay sheegtay inay Itoobiya dhul badeed uga beddelaneyso aqoonsi, ayada oo tan iyo markaas ay sii kala fogaadeen Muqdisho iyo Hargeysa.
Arbaco 10, April ,2024 {HMC} Jabuuti ayaa ku soo biirtay loolanka adag ee loogu jiro hoggaanka xiga ee Midowga Afrika oo markan ka iman doono wadamada dhaca bariga Africa.
Kulankii 44aad ee golaha midowga Africa ee ka dhacay sanadkaan Magaalada xarunta Midowga Africa ee Addis Ababa ayaa lagu sheegay in hoggaanka xiga ee midowga Afrika uu ka iman doono wadamada bariga Africa.
Qabashada xilka madaxtinimada hoggaanka Midowga Afrika dadka u tartamaya waxaa ku jira Fowsiyo Yuusuf Xaaji Aadan oo siyaasadda Soomaaliya kusoo jirtay illaa 2012-kii..
Hoggaamiyaha Mucaaradka ee wadanka Kenya Raila Odinga ayaa shaaciyay inuu u tartami doono qabashada xilka hoggaanka midowga Africa 19-kii bishii Febraayo ee sanadkaan.
Warsaxaafadeed ka soo baxay Ururka Bulshada Bariga Afrika ayaana lagu sheegay in ay taageerayaan musharaxnimada Raila Odinga ee qabashada xilka hoggaanka Midowga Africa.
Maxamuud Cali Yuusuf, Wasiirka Arrimaha Dibadda ee Jabuuti ayaa noqonaya musharaxa dalkiisu u soo taagay tartanka qabashada xilkan waana wasiirka Arrimaha Dibadda ee ugu wakhtiga dheer dalka Djibouti waxuu xilka hayaa tan iyo 2005 tii. Waana diblumaasi caan ah.
“Jamhuuriyadda Jabuuti waxay si rasmi ah ugu dhawaaqaysaa murashaxnimada wasiirkeeda arrimaha dibadda mudane Maxamuud Cali Yuusuf ee xilka guddoomiyaha guddiga midowga Afrika” sidaa waxaa lagu sheegay war-murtiyeed ay Jabuuti soo saartay maanta.
Tani waxay ka dhigan tahay in markii ugu horreysay ay Soomaaliya iyo Jabuuti ku wada tartami doonaan xil noocan ah. Tanina waxay noqon kartaa xifaaltan siyaasadeed oo u dhexeeya Soomaaliya iyo Djibouti.
Haatan waxaa xilka guddoonka Midowga Afrika haya Moussa Faki, oo ka soo jeeda dalka Chad, kaasoo ay u dhammaaneyso muddo-xileedkiisii labaad. Muddo-xileedka kursigan ayaa ah 2025-2028
