Mondey 24, Nov 2025 {HMC}  The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today inaugurated the Third National Conference of Somali Scholars, organized by the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs.

In his address, President Hassan Sheikh underscored the vital role Somali scholars play in state-building, community awareness, and combating the spread of narcotic substances harming the public.

“Our people are suffering greatly from the impact of narcotics. The government is waging a tough battle against traffickers, and we expect our religious scholars to join this effort with full commitment,” the President said.

The President also highlighted the government’s plan to support and uplift Qur’an teachers and religious schools, affirming that strengthening Islamic education is a national priority.

“My government has a comprehensive plan to improve the welfare of Qur’an teachers and enhance the capacity of religious schools,” he noted.

President Hassan Sheikh praised Somali scholars for their ongoing role in guiding the community, urging them to intensify public awareness on the importance of fasting, prayer, and especially Zakat — a pillar he emphasized as essential for social cohesion.

Now in its third year, the annual conference focuses on promoting unity among the Somali people. Nearly 300 scholars from around the world, senior government officials, and other distinguished guests are attending this year’s gathering.

Source Sonna

Mondey 24, Nov 2025 {HMC}  The Somalia U-17 national football team wrapped up their CECAFA East and Central Africa Championship run with an impressive win this afternoon, defeating Rwanda 3–0 in a match played in Ethiopia.

This was Somalia’s fourth game of the tournament, and the young Ocean Stars delivered a dominant performance, displaying quality football, solid teamwork, and tactical discipline — all of which secured their emphatic victory.

The result means Somalia finishes the group stage unbeaten, recording one win and three draws, and collecting six points from their four matches.

Somalia’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals now depend on the outcome of the upcoming fixture between Kenya and South Sudan.

If Kenya loses, Somalia stands a strong chance of progressing.
If Kenya wins, the Ocean Stars will be eliminated despite their positive finish.
Somalia’s young talents have nonetheless showcased significant promise throughout the tournament, earning recognition for their disciplined and spirited performances.

Source Sonna

Mondey 24, Nov 2025 {HMC} A Somali military court has on Sunday issued a series of sentences including the death penalty, prison terms, and acquittals against individuals accused of carrying out brutal killings in Wanlaweyn and Yaaqbariweyne districts of the Lower Shabelle region.

The case, closely followed by the Somali public, involved the shocking killing and burning of an elderly man with mental illness, an incident that triggered widespread outrage across the country.

The Somali Armed Forces Court of First Instance sentenced the following men to death by firing squad: Hassan Buule Isaaq, Yusuf Adan Hussein (Suuley), Abshir Cabdow Hassan Made, Mohamed Sayid Omar Awbiime, Omarey Iskoy Maame, Abuukar Da’uud Osman, Liibaan Abuukar Omar (Shiine), Yusuf Abuukey Maamo, and Jamaal Mohamed Qaadi.
The group was convicted of involvement in a mass killing in Warta Osman about 8 km from Wanlaweyn in which 12 people were murdered, as well as the killing and burning of Isaaq Da’uud Mohamed in Wanlaweyn.

The court also handed down death sentences in absentia to several individuals not currently in government custody: Ali Isxaaq Guuleed (Ali Yaris), Fu’aad Ahmed Mohamed (Duqow), Deqow Osman Nunow, Isse Abdi Mohamed (Alaan), Hussein Mohamed Qasim, and Abdi Mohamed Osman (Abdi Tuure). They are accused of carrying out a deadly attack on the Yaaqbariweyne well that killed five people and wounded five others.

Additionally, the court sentenced Abdifitaah Sokorey Gaduudow, Daahir Mukhtaar Shibow, Saah Hussein Ali, Abdihamid Abdullahi Siidow, Mohamed Daahir Osman, and Muslimo Abdi Kuusow to five years in military prison each for their roles in the burning of the elderly man.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Salah Abuukar, Qasim Abdi Hassan Amin, Abuukar Yusuf Ali Ahmed, and Osman Abdulle Aliyow were acquitted and released after the prosecution failed to prove their involvement.

The killings were linked to clan revenge attacks that have escalated in Wanlaweyn and Yaaqbariweyne districts, contributing to ongoing insecurity in the Lower Shabelle region.

Source Hiiraan Online

Mondey 24, Nov 2025 {HMC} The First Instance Court of Mudug Region in Puntland on Monday sentenced Hodan Mohamud Diiriye to death for the murder of 14-year-old Sabiriin Saylaan, a girl who had been living in her home.

The verdict followed an hours-long hearing that was streamed live on social media, drawing widespread public attention. The court also sentenced Hodan’s 65-year-old husband to one year in prison and a $500 fine for his involvement in the case.

Although Hodan denied killing the girl, she admitted in court to repeatedly torturing her. Prosecutors, however, presented evidence that convinced the court she was directly responsible for Sabiriin’s death.

Both defendants were granted one month to file an appeal. The defence lawyer said he disagreed with the judgment and confirmed that an appeal had already been submitted on behalf of Hodan.

Sabiriin’s body, which had not been buried pending the court proceedings, is expected to be handed over to her family on Monday afternoon for burial.

The killing of the young girl sparked public outrage and protests in Galkayo, where demonstrations last week resulted in the death of one person and significant property damage.

Source Hiiraan Online