Friday 5,Sep 2025 {HMC} The State Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in charge of East African Community (EAC) Affairs, Hon. Ali Mohamed Omar, held discussions with H.E. Ms. Veronica Mueni Nduva, Secretary General of the EAC, on Friday in Arusha. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 35th Meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning, along with the 58th Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers.

The talks focused on Somalia’s roadmap for integration into the EAC and the support required for its effective implementation. Other issues addressed included the recruitment of Somali nationals into the Community and the alignment of Somalia’s third-generation passport with the EAC standard passport.

The meeting was attended by Mohamed Isack Ibrahim (Fatiir), Director General for EAC Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The State Minister reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to advancing regional integration and stressed the need to guarantee both representation and the well-being of Somali citizens within the EAC, so that the country’s membership contributes to the prosperity and unity of the region.

Friday 5,Sep 2025 {HMC} Somalis on Thursday marked the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday with a government-declared public holiday, reviving an old tradition of merriment once banned by extremist militants who reject such public spectacle.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs declared the public holiday for government and private-sector employees, citing Quranic verse on piety.

The prophet’s birthday, known as Mawlid, is marked across Somalia with Quran recitations, religious song, and processions led largely by Sufi communities. Similar celebrations took place in some other parts of the Muslim world.

In the capital, Mogadishu, the streets swelled with thousands of worshippers, many of them young people in white garments and waving bright green flags. Crowds spilled out of mosques and into open areas saturated with rhythmic chants and devotional song. Clerics recited Quranic verse via loudspeakers as people swayed in unison, clapping and ululating in joy.

Some young people filmed the processions on their phones, livestreaming chants to friends abroad, while others hoisted banners adorned with verses of praise. Security forces, rifles slung over their shoulders, stood at the edges of the crowds, scanning for threats but unable to suppress the festive mood.

“To those who oppose this celebration, I say, ‘fear God,’” said Sheikh Abati Abba Nur, a Sufi scholar. “This is the month in which our prophet was born, and celebrating it does not contradict Islamic teachings.”

Not all Somalis welcomed the government’s move to impose a public holiday.

Sheikh Abdurahman Diriye, a Wahhabi scholar, told The Associated Press that Muhammad’s birthday was not celebrated in the prophet’s lifetime.

But other ordinary Somalis said the holiday carries deep personal meaning. “People are beginning to recognize the importance of this day as they shed ignorance,” said Fadumo Abdulkadir.

Somalia faces sporadic attacks from the Islamic extremist rebels of al-Shabab, which has been fighting to impose a state governed according to Sharia law and opposes the foreign-backed government in place. Islamic militants consider Sufis heretics because of their less literal interpretations of the faith.

Mawlid celebrations in Somalia were once driven underground after al-Shabab banned them during the group’s rise, calling the practice a religious “innovation.” Sufi communities were forced to abandon public processions until the militants were pushed out of Mogadishu in 2011.

Since then the gatherings have returned, growing each year under heavy security.

While many Muslim-majority countries honor the prophet’s birthday as a public holiday, others do not. In Saudi Arabia, for example, the strict, puritanical interpretation of Islam known as Wahhabism doesn’t permit celebrations of Mawlid.

Friday  5 Sep 2025 {HMC}  The newly appointed Commander of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, has emphasized the U.S. government’s policy and commitment to regional security, particularly in Somalia. Speaking during an exclusive interview with Somali National Television (SNTV) in Mogadishu, the General highlighted Somalia’s crucial role in the Horn of Africa.

General Anderson stated that his official visit began in Somalia, a country he described as the “crossroads of the world” and of great significance to the region. His remarks reinforce the strategic importance the United States places on its partnership with Somalia. The purpose of his visit is to assess the current security situation and regional dynamics to ensure that U.S. support remains effectively aligned with the needs of the Somali government and its people.

The Commander affirmed that the U.S. is prepared to provide assistance to the Somali government. This commitment is a core aspect of the ongoing security cooperation between the two nations, focused on strengthening the capabilities of Somali forces and promoting stability. General Anderson brings a wealth of relevant experience to his new role, having previously served as the Commander of a Special Operations unit for Africa. His background provides him with a detailed understanding of the operational environment, which is vital for enhancing collaborative efforts.

The interview serves as a clear indication of the enduring partnership and shared goals between Somalia and the United States in the pursuit of peace and security in the Horn of Africa. The visit sets a positive tone for continued cooperation and joint action on matters of mutual interest.

Source Sonna

Friday  5 Sep 2025 {HMC} The Prime Minister of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, and his Serbian counterpart, H.E. Đuro Matsut, held a high-level meeting in Belgrade this week, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. The talks, which took place at the historic Palace of Serbia, focused on expanding collaboration across several vital sectors.

The two leaders engaged in productive discussions aimed at deepening ties in education, security, and economic development. The meeting’s outcomes reflect a mutual commitment to fostering a new era of cooperation, moving beyond past diplomatic relations to a more strategic partnership.

A concrete outcome of the meeting was the signing of a memorandum of understanding on health cooperation. This agreement is set to pave the way for closer collaboration in critical areas, including the exchange of medical expertise, joint research initiatives, and specialized training programs for healthcare professionals. This initiative is expected to directly benefit Somalia’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen its health infrastructure.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Barre highlighted the vast opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in education and technology. He emphasized the potential for joint projects that could benefit the youth of both countries through cultural exchanges and skill-building programs. For his part, Prime Minister Matsut pledged Serbia’s full support for Somalia’s security efforts, including the collective fight against terrorism and the promotion of regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

As the Somali delegation concluded its official visit, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdisalaam Abdi Ali, praised the trip’s successes. He noted that the productive meetings with Serbian leadership had laid the groundwork for a more collaborative and prosperous future for both Somalia and Serbia. This diplomatic engagement represents a clear signal of Somalia’s proactive foreign policy and its commitment to forging diverse and beneficial international partnerships.

Source Sonna