Tuesday 23, Sep  2025 {HMC}Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his delegation attended a high-level international conference in New York on Monday on Palestinian statehood, where Somalia reaffirmed its longstanding support for the recognition of Palestine and the protection of the Palestinian people’s historical rights.

In a statement from the presidency, Mogadishu emphasized that Somalia was among the first nations to recognize Palestine and would continue to stand firmly with the Palestinian government and people.

“The Federal Government of Somalia encourages the countries that have taken the historic decision to recognize the Palestinian state, which strengthens the stability and peace of the region, and ensures the historical rights of the Palestinian people,” the statement read.

The government underscored that the creation of a strong, independent Palestinian state is not only essential for safeguarding Palestinian rights but also for ensuring broader stability in the Middle East, where conflict has continued for decades.

The New York meeting, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, came as momentum builds internationally for recognition of Palestine. Six countries — including France, which co-convened the conference with Saudi Arabia — announced their recognition of Palestinian statehood: Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta and Monaco joined Paris in formally backing a Palestinian state.

Leaders from Australia, Canada, Portugal and the United Kingdom, which had recognized Palestine a day earlier, also addressed the gathering. Their decisions mark a significant diplomatic shift, adding to mounting international pressure for a two-state solution amid the ongoing conflict.

SOURCE HIIRAAN ONLINE

Tuesday 23, Sep  2025 {HMC}Somali government on Tuesday repatriated 173 citizens who had been held in prisons across Libya, where they endured harsh conditions and widespread human rights abuses.

A plane carrying 151 returnees landed at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, while another 22 were disembarked in Hargeisa, officials said.

Most of those repatriated were young Somalis who had faced years of hardship in overcrowded Libyan detention centers notorious for torture, neglect and poor living conditions.

Government leaders, including the second deputy prime minister, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the deputy foreign minister and representatives of the presidential envoy for migration and children’s rights, were at the airport to welcome the group. Officials from the National Commission for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (NCRI), the European Union and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) also attended.

The operation was the result of joint efforts between Mogadishu and international partners, particularly IOM, which coordinated the logistics of the return.

Ambassador Mariam Yassin Hagi Yussuf, the president’s special envoy for migration, returns and children’s rights, said the government remains committed to helping Somalis trapped in prisons and detention centers abroad.

“The Somali Government is committed to investing time in the repatriation of Somalis suffering in prisons,” Yassin said.

Some of the returnees, visibly relieved as they stepped off the plane, spoke of their ordeals in Libya — describing fear, abuse, lack of medical care and torture — before expressing joy at finally returning home. Many thanked Somali authorities for securing their release and giving them a chance to rebuild their lives.

For Somalia, the repatriation underscores both the risks young migrants face when attempting to travel irregularly through North Africa toward Europe and the government’s efforts to bring its citizens back from cycles of abuse and displacement.

SOURCE HIIRAAN ONLINE

Tuesday 23, Sep  2025 {HMC}Brig. Gen. Ahmed Abdi Ali Qarjab, widely known as Gen. Qalyare, was killed Tuesday when a landmine exploded in the Bari region of Puntland during ongoing operations against Islamic State militants, security sources said.

The blast struck in the Dhasaan area, also wounding and killing some of the troops traveling with the commander, according to officials familiar with the operation.

Puntland authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on his death.

Gen. Qalyare had been a prominent figure in Puntland’s fight against ISIS, a campaign centered in the rugged Calmiskaat Mountains that has stretched on for nearly a year. He was previously injured in clashes in Calmiskaat but had returned to the front lines after receiving medical care abroad.

His killing highlights the shifting tactics of the militant group, which has turned to improvised explosive devices and roadside bombs after suffering losses in direct combat. Fighters are believed to be regrouping in the Baallade stream area, where they remain under pressure but continue to target Puntland forces with mines and ambushes.

The death of Gen. Qalyare comes amid mounting losses among Puntland’s senior officers leading the offensive, underscoring the high costs of the protracted battle against ISIS in northeastern Somalia.

SOURCE HIIRAAN ONLINE

Tuesday 23, Sep  2025 {HMC}  Somali international boxing champion Ramla Said Ahmed Ali, known as Ramla Ali, has been awarded the Medal of Honor by the Governor of Banadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu, Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab, in recognition of her groundbreaking achievements on the global stage.

Ali, Somalia’s first Olympic boxer, was also recently decorated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for elevating the country’s name in international arenas and for demonstrating the resilience and talent of Somali women.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Muungaab praised Ali’s accomplishments, calling her an inspiration to Somali youth, particularly young women. 

“She became an example to Somali youth who want to compete internationally and represent the country. We encourage the youth to follow in Ramla’s footsteps,” he said. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening sports programs and expanding Somalia’s participation in the Olympic movement.

Ali, 35, who competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, expressed gratitude for the recognition and commended the president for progress made during his second term. “I have witnessed positive change in the country,” she said.

On Sunday, Ali received a hero’s welcome at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. Federal officials, community leaders, and fans carrying Somali flags gathered to celebrate her arrival. Ali turned professional in 2020 and has since built a record of 10 wins and two losses.

Her journey to the ring is as striking as her victories. Born in Mogadishu on Sept. 16, 1989, Ali fled the civil war with her family after her 12-year-old brother was killed by a mortar. The family moved through Kenya before resettling in London, where Ali discovered boxing as a teenager. Initially training in secret, she captured England’s national novice title in 2015, the elite national championships in 2016, and the African Zone featherweight title in 2019.

Ali’s rise has made her a symbol of hope for Somalis worldwide, bridging her country of birth and her adopted home while breaking barriers for women in sport.

SOURCE  HIIRAAN ONLINE