Somalia and Turkey Sign Strategic MoU to Boost African Maritime Trade

Somalia and Turkey Sign Strategic MoU to Boost African Maritime Trade

In a significant step toward regional development, Somalia’s Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkey to strengthen cooperation in transport infrastructure and economic development across African coastal nations.

The agreement, signed by Somalia’s Minister of Ports, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, and Turkish officials, represents a joint effort to enhance regional trade links, develop critical infrastructure, and promote long-term economic growth. It also signals stronger collaboration between Turkey and several African countries with coastal access.

“This is a major step forward in uniting African countries and Turkey to build sustainable connectivity,” said Minister Nur. The initiative aims to boost production, create jobs, and support Somalia’s ambition to become a regional trade hub.

This MoU aligns with Somalia’s national development strategy and ongoing efforts to rebuild after years of conflict. By investing in port infrastructure and international partnerships, Somalia is positioning itself at the heart of Africa’s economic future.

 

Somalia’s Army Is Winning – And the World Should Take Note

 Somalia’s Army Is Winning – And the World Should Take Note

In a world grappling with the persistent threat of terrorism, one nation is silently but steadily turning the tide. Somalia — once viewed only through the lens of instability — is today writing a new chapter of resilience, led by the brave men and women of its National Army.

Day after day, the Somali National Army (SNA) is reclaiming towns, dismantling terror cells, and striking decisive blows against groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS. These are not symbolic gestures. They are real, strategic victories that weaken extremist networks and restore safety to Somali citizens.

What’s remarkable is not just the scale of the military achievements, but the spirit behind them. Somali soldiers, many of whom come from the very communities they protect, are risking everything — their comfort, their safety, and sometimes their lives — to create a future where Somalia stands tall again.

This isn’t just Somalia’s war. It’s a global one. Terrorism knows no borders. Every hideout neutralized, every bomb defused, and every community freed in Somalia makes the world a safer place. That’s why Somalia deserves the recognition and support of the international community.

Moreover, the Somali people are not spectators. They stand firmly behind their army — celebrating victories, sharing intelligence, and rebuilding life after liberation. The unity between the military and the public is the secret weapon that terrorists cannot defeat.

The Somali Army’s efforts are also reshaping regional perceptions. Across Africa and beyond, militaries are beginning to see the Somali model as a source of inspiration — proof that indigenous, well-led, and determined forces can win the fight against violent extremism.

Let us not overlook what is happening in Somalia. Let us not ignore the sacrifices being made daily for a safer tomorrow. Let us raise our voices in support of those who are fighting — not just for a nation, but for an idea: that terrorism can be defeated, and peace can prevail.

Chelsea overcome Club World Cup weather delay, set up Palmeiras quarter-final

 Chelsea overcome Club World Cup weather delay, set up Palmeiras quarter-final

In one of the most dramatic games in recent memory, Chelsea overcame Benfica 4-1 after extra time in a Club World Cup match that lasted nearly five hours, including a two-hour weather delay. The match, played at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, saw goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall seal Chelsea’s spot in the quarter-finals, where they’ll face Palmeiras.

Chelsea led 1-0 through Reece James until a storm halted play in the dying minutes. After the break, Benfica equalized via an Angel Di Maria penalty, sending the game to extra time. Down to 10 men, Benfica fought hard, but Chelsea’s depth and energy proved too much.

Meanwhile, Palmeiras also booked their place in the quarter-finals after a Paulinho winner helped them defeat domestic rivals Botafogo 1-0 in Philadelphia.

Chelsea now return to Philadelphia to continue their quest for Club World Cup glory.

Somalia Strikes Back: Danab Commandos Deal Major Blow to al-Shabab in Lower Jubba

 Somalia Strikes Back: Danab Commandos Deal Major Blow to al-Shabab in Lower Jubba

In a powerful show of strength, the Somali National Army’s elite Danab Commandos launched a decisive operation in the Lower Jubba region, killing more than 37 al-Shabab militants in Maqoogaha village. Backed by international partners, this mission struck at the core of one of the terrorist group’s operational zones, located just 13 kilometers west of Buulo Xaaji.

Among the casualties were key al-Shabab leaders whose deaths represent a significant blow to the network’s command structure. The Ministry of Defense praised the precision and professionalism of Danab forces, calling the mission a vital part of Somalia’s broader strategy to eliminate extremist threats.

“This is not just a tactical success — it’s a strategic victory,” the Ministry stated. “Our operations are designed to break their infrastructure and restore lasting peace to every corner of Somalia.”

The campaign against terror is far from over. With further offensives planned, Somalia remains firmly on the path to reclaiming its security and sovereignty — led by the fearless Danab forces and supported by international allies.

As the dust settles in Maqoogaha, one thing is clear: Somalia is done playing defense. The offensive is on — and terror is being driven out.

Somalia Launches 5-Day National Immunization Campaign to Protect 4 Million Children from Polio

 

Somalia Launches 5-Day National Immunization Campaign to Protect 4 Million Children from Polio

This week, the Somali Ministry of Health, with the vital support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners, officially launched a five-day National Immunization Days (NID) campaign aimed at protecting the nation’s youngest citizens from the threat of polio.

The campaign targets over 4 million children under the age of five, delivering the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2)—a next-generation vaccine specifically designed to combat outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus.

A National Effort to Protect the Future

Polio remains a serious threat in several regions, and Somalia is no exception. Due to years of conflict and limited access to healthcare in some rural and hard-to-reach areas, the risk of outbreaks remains high. The NID campaign represents a coordinated effort to close immunity gaps and stop transmission by ensuring that every eligible child is vaccinated.

Speaking on the initiative, officials from the Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of working closely with communities, local health workers, and regional leaders to ensure full coverage and effective outreach, especially in underserved areas.

Why nOPV2 Matters

The use of the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) is a crucial step forward. Unlike older formulations, nOPV2 offers a safer and more stable response to variant poliovirus strains, reducing the risk of further outbreaks while delivering strong protection.

By rolling out nOPV2 at scale, Somalia is aligning with global strategies to eliminate polio and prevent future resurgence.

Collaboration Is Key

This ambitious campaign is made possible through strong collaboration between government bodies and health partners including WHO Somalia, UNICEF, and Gavi. Their combined resources, technical support, and on-ground logistics are driving the national immunization effort.

Looking Ahead

With the campaign now underway, health teams across the country are working tirelessly to reach every child—door-to-door, in health centers, and through mobile outreach units. The Ministry has also emphasized ongoing public awareness and community engagement to ensure parents understand the importance of the vaccine and are encouraged to participate.

Somalia’s fight against polio is far from over, but initiatives like this bring hope. By prioritizing prevention, the country is not just combating a disease—it’s investing in a healthier, safer future for its next generation.

Somalia’s Ground Forces Push Forward: A Bold Visit, A Stronger Army

 Somalia’s Ground Forces Push Forward: A Bold Visit, A Stronger Army

This week, General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, Commander of the Somali National Army’s Ground Forces, visited key frontline positions in Middle Shabelle to honor the courage and recent achievements of Somali forces fighting al-Shabab militants.

His visit highlighted the momentum gained by government troops and allied local fighters, particularly in areas such as Masaajid Ali Gadud, where notable advances have recently been made.

“These victories show the army is capable and determined. With continued effort and unity, peace will return to our country,” Gen. Sahal declared, standing beside the brave men and women who have risked their lives to secure Somalia’s future.

The general emphasized the national importance of their mission: liberating communities from the grip of al-Qaida-linked extremists and restoring safety and governance.

In recent weeks, Somali forces have successfully regained control over territories that were once terrorist strongholds. This growing strength and coordination is a sign that Somalia is not just fighting back—it is winning.

As the military continues its offensive into the heart of remaining insurgent-held areas, the people of Somalia are witnessing a shift: from fear to hope, from occupation to liberation.

The road is long, but each victory is a step closer to lasting peace.

Decisive Airstrike Eliminates 18 Al-Shabaab Militants in Hiiraan

 

Decisive Airstrike Eliminates 18 Al-Shabaab Militants in Hiiraan

A powerful joint airstrike conducted by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and international partners has struck a significant blow to the Al-Shabaab terrorist group in the Hiiraan region.

The operation, which took place in the past few hours near Mabaax, specifically targeted two vehicles carrying Al-Shabaab fighters. According to an official statement from the Federal Government of Somalia, the airstrike successfully eliminated 18 militants and destroyed both combat vehicles the group was attempting to flee in.

“This operation, executed with precision in the Mabaax area, resulted in the neutralization of 18 Khawarij militants and the destruction of two military vehicles they intended to escape with,” the government said in its statement.

This marks the second successful airstrike within a week targeting the extremist group, demonstrating increased military pressure and operational coordination between Somali forces and their international allies.

The Somali government, in collaboration with local communities and global partners, is intensifying efforts to liberate all territories still under the control of Al-Shabaab. These recent operations reflect a growing commitment to eradicating extremism, securing the nation’s borders, and restoring peace and stability throughout Somalia.

As the offensive continues, the Somali people remain resilient and united behind their armed forces. Each successful operation is not just a tactical victory, but a step closer to reclaiming national sovereignty and ensuring a safer future for generations to come.

The Week Terror Lost Ground: Somalia’s Unyielding Battle Against Al-Shabaab

The Week Terror Lost Ground: Somalia’s Unyielding Battle Against Al-Shabaab

This past week marked a significant escalation in Somalia’s war against the al-Qaeda-linked group, Al-Shabaab. From targeted intelligence-led strikes to fierce frontline battles, the Somali people and their armed forces showed the world that the nation’s heartbeat still pulses with resistance and resolve.

On Monday night, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), working alongside international partners, executed a two-phase operation in Hiiraan. The result? 13 militants dead, weapons destroyed, and a major terror plot dismantled before it could touch innocent lives. This operation at Gaycad Junction, in the Mabah area, followed earlier strikes that had already put pressure on surviving insurgents.

But the war isn’t just being fought in the shadows. In Baidoa, Al-Shabaab launched another assault on a military base—only to be met with ferocious resistance. While casualties were reported, the government has yet to release official figures. Regardless, the defense held firm, proving once again that Somali soldiers will not retreat.

Meanwhile, in Hirshabelle State, joint operations between the Somali National Army (SNA) and community Macawisley fighters led to the deaths of 20 more militants. These victories are not isolated—they are part of a larger momentum building across the country.

Tragically, this war takes a toll. Seven Ugandan soldiers lost their lives this week fighting in Lower Shabelle as part of the African Union’s AUSSOM mission. Their sacrifice underlines a painful truth: Somalia’s struggle is also a regional responsibility.

Still, hope rises. NISA has reiterated its commitment to uprooting Al-Shabaab networks, especially in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle. Stabilization efforts are already underway in newly-liberated areas.

The enemy thrives on fear. But what we’ve seen this week is courage. Determination. Strategy. Unity.

Somalia is not just surviving—it is fighting back.

 

Somaliland defies Puntland, holds exams in disputed Sanaag region

 Somaliland defies Puntland, holds exams in disputed Sanaag region

Somaliland authorities have conducted national school exams in eastern Sanaag, escalating tensions in a region contested by Puntland, which had explicitly banned the tests.

The exams for secondary school and eighth-grade students began on Saturday in Badhan, Dhahar, and other towns, despite a directive from Puntland’s regional governor prohibiting any Somaliland-led education initiatives in areas under Puntland administration.

Armed personnel from eastern Sanaag provided security at exam centers, while local Somaliland-aligned politicians are reported to have facilitated logistics and ensured the tests took place.

Efforts by Puntland officials to stop the exams faltered when an attempt to disrupt testing in Badhan failed over the weekend. Following the confrontation, Puntland withdrew its enforcement teams, though no clashes were reported.

Puntland’s Minister of Education, Fuad Abshir Adeer, blamed regional politicians from Sanaag for coordinating with Somaliland’s Ministry of Education. “These officials are undermining Puntland’s sovereignty by enabling Somaliland’s agenda in our territory,” he said earlier this week.

In a sign of heightened political concern, Puntland Parliament Speaker Abdirizak Ahmed Qareje travelled to Dhahar on Sunday. His visit comes as the 56th session of the Puntland Parliament continues in Garowe, where he would ordinarily preside.

Qareje, who serves as Puntland’s top representative for Sanaag and Haylaan, is reportedly seeking to rally local leaders and restore Puntland’s authority in the area.

The dispute over educational jurisdiction reflects a deeper territorial rivalry between Puntland and Somaliland, who both claim sovereignty over Sanaag and Sool. While Puntland administers large portions of the region, Somaliland continues to assert its authority through state services, including education and security deployments.

The ongoing exams mark a significant symbolic advance for Somaliland in contested areas, raising broader questions about governance, legitimacy, and the limits of Puntland’s influence in the north.