Sunday 4 May 2025 {HMC} Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said Saturday that the federal government’s recent decision to ban Taiwan-issued passports was triggered by a planned visit of senior Taiwanese officials to Somaliland, which he described as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.

Speaking at an event in Mogadishu, Fiqi, who served as foreign minister until last week’s cabinet reshuffle, said the intended delegation was led by Taiwan’s foreign minister and aimed to enter Somaliland without notifying or consulting Somalia’s federal authorities.

“Taiwan was planning to visit Somaliland without consulting the Somali government, which is clearly against the sovereignty and unity of the country,” said Fiqi. “Taiwan is an administration that openly supports the division of the Somali people.”

The Somali government formally banned Taiwanese passport holders from entering or transiting through Somalia on April 22, citing adherence to the “One China” policy under UN Resolution 2758. The Civil Aviation Authority instructed all airlines not to accept Taiwan-issued travel documents starting April 30.

Fiqi had previously accused Taiwan of “opening unapproved offices” in Somaliland, which he said constituted a breach of Somalia’s territorial integrity. Taiwan established formal diplomatic ties with Somaliland in 2020 and appointed a new envoy to Hargeisa earlier this year.

Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry denounced the move as politically motivated and said it was pressured by China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory. Taiwan also warned its nationals to avoid travel to Somalia and Somaliland until the restriction is lifted.

U.S. lawmakers have reacted strongly to Somalia’s decision. On Thursday, Representatives Tom Tiffany and Andy Ogles sent a letter to Somalia’s ambassador in Washington urging the government to reverse the ban. The letter warned of potential consequences, including the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals in the U.S., a suspension of visa services, and even a severance of diplomatic relations.

“If the Somali government insists on acting as little more than a branch office of the Chinese Communist Party, there is no reason for the United States to continue to pretend that it is independent, legitimate, or worthy of U.S. recognition,” the lawmakers wrote.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has remained relatively stable compared to the rest of the country, though it has not received international recognition. Somalia considers Somaliland part of its territory and has consistently opposed any foreign engagement with the region that bypasses Mogadishu.

The Somali government has intensified diplomatic efforts to assert its authority over all regions, particularly amid rising foreign interest in Somaliland, including from Taiwan and Ethiopia.

Sunday 4 May 2025 {HMC} The leader of the SSC-Khatumo Regional State, Abdulqadir Ahmed Aw Ali Firdhiye, arrived in Mogadishu on Saturday ahead of the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting set to open on Monday.

Firdhiye and his delegation were welcomed at Aden Adde International Airport by federal officials and members of the public. His participation marks the first time SSC-Khatumo will participate in the NCC since declaring itself a federal member state last year.

“I came to Mogadishu to participate in the National Consultation Council Conference, which is the first time that SSC-Khatumo is participating, and I thank all the officials and the people for welcoming us to Mogadishu,” Firdhiye told reporters upon arrival.

Galmudug, Southwest, and Hirshabelle presidents are expected to arrive in the capital in the coming hours to join the talks.

However, it remains unclear whether the leaders of Puntland and Jubbaland—who have expressed political grievances with the federal government—will participate in the summit. Both administrations have previously withdrawn from the NCC over disputes related to constitutional amendments, election timelines, and the balance of power between federal and state institutions.

The international community has been urging Somali political leaders to come together to resolve longstanding disputes and ensure consensus on key national priorities, particularly the federal constitution and the electoral framework.

Sunday 4 May 2025 {HMC} Somali government forces, in collaboration with local community fighters, killed at least 50 Al-Shabaab militants in heavy fighting on Saturday along the border between the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, according to the Ministry of Defense.

The clashes occurred in several rural locations, including Muqliga Ali, El-Hareeri, Hareeri Madoobe, and Garas Magan, where Al-Shabaab launched an attack on a Somali army base. Government officials said the offensive was successfully repelled.

Abukar Mohamed, spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, said joint forces inflicted significant casualties on the militants.

“The Khawarij enemy attempted to attack our army and local allied forces, but they were repelled and suffered a major defeat. We confirm that 30 bodies were found in the forested areas where the fighting occurred, and another 20 were killed earlier,” Mohamed said in a statement.

The statement marks one of the most significant battlefield setbacks for Al-Shabaab in recent weeks as fighting in central Somalia intensifies.

In recent months, the Somali National Army and local Ma’awisley fighters have launched coordinated offensives across Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle in an effort to reclaim territory from the al-Qaeda-linked militant group.

Sunday 4 May 2025 {HMC} Somalia’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Dahir Shire Mohamed, has hailed the country’s new hydrocarbon partnership with Türkiye as a “timely boost” to unlock its vast but underdeveloped natural resources.

He made the remarks during the İstanbul Natural Resources Summit: INRES 2025, a high-level event held in Istanbul, that brought together policymakers, industry leaders, financiers and energy innovators from across the globe.

In an interview with TRT Afrika, the minister underscored Somalia’s commitment to removing barriers that have historically hindered exploration and investment in the country’s natural resources.

“Somalia is rich in mineral and hydrocarbon resources, yet much of it remains unexplored due to underlying challenges,” said Mohamed.

Mining bill

“We are now prioritizing legal reforms and investor confidence. The mining bill, currently in draft form, is before parliament. Once passed, it will pave the way for robust engagement in our extractive industries.”

A cornerstone of the Somalia–Türkiye partnership is the deployment of the Turkish seismic research vessel Oruç Reis to the Indian Ocean. The vessel is conducting a 3D seismic data survey off Somalia’s coast, which is an unprecedented milestone in Somalia’s offshore oil and gas exploration history.

“Türkiye is the only government that has taken significant risks to overcome challenges related to natural resources. For the first time in history, Türkiye’s seismic research vessel Oruç Reis has left the Black Sea and Turkish territorial waters to operate overseas, currently conducting 3D seismic surveys off the coast of Somalia in the Indian Ocean,” Mohamed noted.

“We are optimistic this process will confirm commercially viable reserves,” he added.

Security concerns

Somalia has been waging a decades-long campaign against militant groups operating in the country and the minister said addressing insecurity was part of the efforts to create a more investor-friendly environment.

“Creating a safe and stable environment is essential. Security is the number one priority for companies seeking to explore and operate in Somalia,” he said.

The country’s ultimate goal is to join the ranks of oil-exporting nations, including membership in organizations like OPEC.

“This is our vision—to see Somalia become a reliable energy exporter,” he stated.

He confirmed that Somalia had also signed an onshore exploration agreement with Türkiye, reinforcing bilateral commitment to developing Somalia’s resource wealth.

“Somalia has waited a long time. But now, with the right partnerships and technologies with Türkiye, we are ready to turn our natural wealth into national prosperity,” he said.