Clan Clashes Erupt in Central Somalia’s Galgadud Region

Clan Clashes Erupt in Central Somalia’s Galgadud Region

Deadly clan fighting broke out Sunday near the villages of U Maraayo and Baalal Dheer in Somalia’s central Galgadud region, leaving several people dead and others wounded, according to local elders and residents.

The clashes reportedly stemmed from a revenge-related killing that quickly escalated into heavy fighting involving automatic weapons and artillery. Terrified civilians fled their homes as gunfire echoed through the rural settlements, disrupting daily life and sparking fears of further bloodshed.

Residents say the exact death toll remains uncertain as both sides continue to hold their positions. “Tensions are still high, and both sides remain armed,” said one resident from Baalal Dheer in a phone interview. “People fear the fighting could start again at any moment.”

Community elders and local leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire, urging both militias to stand down and allow peace negotiations to begin. However, early mediation efforts have so far failed to stop the violence.

Observers have expressed concern over the lack of swift intervention from both the Galmudug regional administration and the federal government. Many believe that without a strong, coordinated response, such localized clan conflicts could further undermine security in central Somalia — an area already affected by ongoing counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab.

The situation remains tense as residents hope for calm and a return to dialogue. Hiiraan Online and other local media continue to monitor the crisis closely for updates.

 

Somali Traders in Cape Town Face Renewed Wave of Violence

 

Somali Traders in Cape Town Face Renewed Wave of Violence

For the fourth consecutive day, Somali-owned shops across several Cape Town townships have remained shuttered following a disturbing wave of armed attacks that left three Somali nationals dead and two others injured. The renewed violence has shaken the Somali community in South Africa and reignited calls for better protection from local authorities.

The attacks, concentrated in the townships of Philippi, Nyanga, and Khayelitsha, saw armed gangs raid and loot Somali-run convenience stores — many of which serve low-income neighborhoods. Fearful traders have since closed their businesses, fleeing for safety as the sense of insecurity deepens.

Despite the escalating violence, police have yet to announce any arrests. Somali community leaders say this lack of accountability has intensified anger and despair among the victims’ families and business owners. Representatives of the Somali community met with police officials on Saturday, urging for stronger patrols and swift investigations to prevent further bloodshed.

The three slain traders were laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery in Mowbray, Cape Town, on the same day of the attacks. Two others remain hospitalized, suffering from gunshot and stab wounds.

For Somali migrants who left their homeland seeking peace and economic opportunity, South Africa has become both a refuge and a recurring scene of tragedy. Over the past decade, Somali traders — known for revitalizing local economies through small retail businesses — have repeatedly fallen victim to xenophobic violence, often fueled by economic tensions and criminal opportunism.

“This is not the first time we have buried our people,” one Somali shop owner in Khayelitsha told reporters. “We came here looking for peace, but every few months we face the same violence.”

As the community mourns, calls grow louder for the South African government to take decisive action to end xenophobic attacks and ensure the safety of all residents — regardless of nationality.

Education on Hold: Hundreds of Pastoralist Children in Galmudug Left Without Schooling as Funding Runs Dry

Education on Hold: Hundreds of Pastoralist Children in Galmudug Left Without Schooling as Funding Runs Dry

In the rural corners of Adado district, Galmudug State, the laughter and lessons that once filled makeshift classrooms have fallen silent. This academic year, free schools supported by the Galmudug education authority failed to open, leaving nearly 450 pastoralist children without access to education.

The shutdown came after humanitarian organizations that had funded teacher salaries withdrew their support. With no alternative funding available, the local education authority could not keep the schools running.

For families like that of Abdi Mahmoud Hassan, a father of seven in Qurdubanle, the closure has been devastating. “There’s no education at all. Everything has fallen apart,” he told Radio Ergo. His six school-aged children now spend their days at home, their dreams of learning fading fast.

The schools, which had been running under trees or in simple shelters, offered a lifeline for rural communities where formal education was once a distant hope. Parents tried to pool money to pay teachers, but their efforts were quickly overwhelmed by the harsh realities of severe drought and economic hardship. Livestock, the main source of income for these families, have grown weak and unproductive, leaving many with nothing to sell or eat.

Abdi’s story is echoed by Fadumo Elmi Abdi, a mother of three whose children also lost their place in school. “The children who dropped out have started engaging in bad habits because they have nothing to occupy them,” she said, expressing deep concern for her children’s future. Her family, like many others, survives on one meal a day and relies on help from neighbors.

With water prices soaring — up to $60 per truckload — and shops refusing further credit, the situation in villages like Qurdubanle and Far-janno has grown desperate. Families owe hundreds or even thousands of dollars in unpaid food and water debts, leaving them trapped in a cycle of poverty and dependence.

According to Hussein Ali Sahal, Adado’s district education coordinator, efforts are ongoing to reopen the schools, but funding remains the biggest obstacle. “If we could recruit new teachers, we could restart classes. We’ll keep working on it, no matter how long it takes,” he said.

The schools were originally established three years ago to give pastoralist children a fair chance at education — a goal now at risk. Without urgent intervention from government and international partners, an entire generation of Somali children in Galmudug may lose their opportunity to learn, thrive, and build a better future for their communities.

Somalia’s NIRA Ends Free National ID Registration: Citizens Urged to Apply Before Deadline

Somalia’s NIRA Ends Free National ID Registration: Citizens Urged to Apply Before Deadline

 

The National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) of Somalia has announced that the issuance of national ID cards will no longer be free of charge after October 31, 2025.

In an official statement, NIRA urged citizens to make use of the ongoing fee exemption before it expires.

“The National ID Card Registration Fee Exemption Period ends on October 31. Please take advantage of the opportunity and apply at your nearest NIRA Center,” the statement read.

The move has prompted a surge in activity at registration centers across the country as thousands of citizens rush to acquire their IDs ahead of the deadline. Authorities have implemented crowd management measures to ensure smooth service delivery and maintain order.

While NIRA did not disclose the new registration fees, officials emphasized that the national ID system is a cornerstone of Somalia’s digital governance strategy. The government aims to register 15 million citizens by 2029, paving the way for improved access to essential public services, financial inclusion, and transparency in governance.

The digital ID program marks a major milestone in Somalia’s modernization journey, providing every citizen with a secure, verifiable identity that connects them to vital services—from education and healthcare to banking and voting.

As the October 31 deadline approaches, NIRA’s message is clear: register now, and be part of Somalia’s digital future.

Mogadishu Port: Powering Somalia’s Economic Comeback and Regional Trade Integration

Mogadishu Port: Powering Somalia’s Economic Comeback and Regional Trade Integration

Somalia’s largest harbour, the Port of Mogadishu, is fast emerging as a strategic hub in East Africa’s growing maritime economy. As regional trade intensifies among the ports of the Horn of Africa, Mogadishu stands out for its efficiency, modernization, and expanding capacity.

The 2024 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), published by the World Bank and S&P Global, ranked Mogadishu as the most efficient port in East Africa—ahead of regional giants like Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, and Djibouti. It also claimed the second position in Sub-Saharan Africa, marking a historic achievement for Somalia’s maritime sector.

Under the leadership of the Federal Government and the Mogadishu Port Authority, major infrastructure upgrades are underway. A new container terminal opened in August 2025, increasing capacity to 250,000 TEUs annually, easing congestion, and improving vessel turnaround time.

Plans are now advancing for a new state-of-the-art port, located 35 km outside Mogadishu. This ambitious project will include a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) featuring logistics hubs, light industries, and a transshipment area — turning Somalia into a gateway for trade, investment, and manufacturing across East Africa.

The port currently handles up to 2 million tonnes of cargo annually, generating vital federal revenue and thousands of jobs. Once the new expansion is complete, Mogadishu Port is projected to double its income to US$500 million by 2030 and create over 25,000 direct and indirect jobs.

With improved security, regional connectivity, and government-backed reforms, Mogadishu Port is not just rebuilding Somalia’s economy — it’s redefining the Horn of Africa’s role in global trade.

 

Puntland Forces Capture Turkish ISIS Fighter in Ongoing Operation Hilac

Puntland Forces Capture Turkish ISIS Fighter in Ongoing Operation Hilac

Puntland’s Dervish forces have captured a Turkish national identified as Feyzul Hashim Suleyman, a member of ISIS, during a military operation in the Togga Balade area of the Bari region. The arrest took place during the fourth phase of Operation Hilac, a campaign aimed at eliminating ISIS militants entrenched in the rugged Cal-Miskaad mountains of northeastern Somalia.

According to Puntland security officials, Feyzul Suleyman is the second Turkish national captured by Puntland forces in two months. In June, security units detained Hassan Ataar, another Turkish citizen with links to ISIS operations in the same region. Authorities added that two more Turkish nationals — Emre Kemal Yilmaz and Aylin Derya Kaya — remain at large, believed to be hiding in the Cal-Miskaad area.

Gen. Ahmed Abdilaahi Sheikh, a senior Puntland military officer, confirmed that the captured militants are Turkish fugitives who fled their country after the failed 2016 coup attempt, with some reportedly being former members of the Turkish military.

“Intelligence reports indicate that these individuals first joined ISIS in Syria before being relocated to Puntland’s Cal-Miskaad mountains,” said Gen. Ahmed.

He further noted that ongoing investigations aim to uncover the detainees’ potential ties to international smuggling and terrorist networks, including possible links to the PKK.

Security analysts view this arrest as further proof of the transnational nature of terrorism, warning that the presence of foreign fighters in Somalia poses a regional and global security concern. Experts have called for enhanced intelligence sharing and international cooperation to dismantle these extremist networks.

In addition to Feyzul Suleyman’s capture, Puntland forces also apprehended a Somali fighter during clashes with ISIS militants in Togga Balade on Monday — a sign that Operation Hilac continues to make steady progress in neutralizing extremist cells across the Bari region.

 

Somalia Launches International Tender for Next-Generation Passport

Somalia Launches International Tender for Next-Generation Passport

Somalia’s Immigration and Citizenship Agency (ICA) has taken a significant step toward modernizing the country’s identity and travel document systems by launching an international tender to produce a new third-generation passport.

The upcoming e-passport, made from durable polycarbonate material, will include advanced biometric and anti-forgery features that meet the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The initiative aims to strengthen the security, credibility, and global recognition of Somali travel documents.

In a statement released Saturday, the ICA described this as “a major milestone in modernizing Somalia’s immigration and citizenship services.” The project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to enhance efficiency and ensure transparent service delivery.

The agency confirmed that the tender will follow Somalia’s Public Procurement Act, guaranteeing fairness, competition, and public oversight at every stage. Officials emphasized that transparency will be at the core of the process.

Beyond technology, the ICA announced plans to involve citizens, government institutions, and civil society groups in shaping the design and identity of the new passport. “We want this passport to reflect the dignity, pride, and aspirations of every Somali citizen,” the agency stated.

The last major upgrade to Somalia’s passport was in 2013, when the first e-passport was introduced. The new third-generation version marks another leap forward, aligning Somalia with international travel standards and supporting the country’s digital governance vision.

 

Somali Opposition and Government Agree to Postpone Planned Mogadishu Protest Amid Security Concerns

 Somali Opposition and Government Agree to Postpone Planned Mogadishu Protest Amid Security Concerns

The Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of opposition groups, and the federal government have once again agreed to postpone a planned demonstration in Mogadishu due to ongoing security concerns following last week’s attack on the Godka Jilacow detention center.

According to opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, who heads the Wadajir Party, the decision was reached after a joint meeting that brought together members of the Somali Salvation Forum, the government’s mediation committee, and top security officials, including police and intelligence commanders.

“We agreed to form a joint security and coordination mechanism to ensure protesters can demonstrate safely and without interference,” Abdishakur stated. “The government is expected to uphold citizens’ right to protest.”

The protest, initially scheduled for late September, was first delayed following government objections. After mediation by community elders, a new date of October 9 was agreed upon — only for it to be postponed again amid renewed security threats.

Opposition groups say the goal of the demonstration is to condemn the displacement of civilians from government-owned land and to challenge the government’s political and electoral agenda.

The repeated postponement highlights the tense political climate in Somalia, where balancing public freedoms with national security remains a constant challenge. Both sides, however, have expressed commitment to ensuring that any future demonstrations take place peacefully and within the framework of the law.

EA Gears Up for the Launch of Battlefield 6 Before Going Private

 EA Gears Up for the Launch of Battlefield 6 Before Going Private

Electronic Arts (EA) is preparing to release Battlefield 6, the next chapter in its legendary shooter franchise. The move comes as the company plans to go private, marking a major shift in its business strategy.

Industry watchers say EA hopes Battlefield 6 will stand as a strong competitor to Call of Duty, which has long dominated the first-person shooter market. The company aims to win back players with new gameplay features, advanced graphics, and larger online battles.

As EA prepares for privatization, analysts believe this could give the company more flexibility to innovate without the pressure of public shareholders. Gamers around the world are now waiting to see whether Battlefield 6 can bring the franchise back to the top of the gaming world.

Upper House and North Eastern State Parliament Strengthen Cooperation

Upper House and North Eastern State Parliament Strengthen Cooperation

The Second Deputy Speaker of the Upper House of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, Hon. Abdullahi Ali Hirsi Timacadde, met on Tuesday with Dr. Adan Abdullahi Aw-Hassan, Speaker of the North Eastern State Parliament, and his accompanying delegation in Mogadishu.

Their discussions centered on a comprehensive briefing from Speaker Aw-Hassan regarding the legislative activities of the North Eastern State Parliament and the political and social developments in the newly formed state.

Both sides explored ways to strengthen collaboration between the Upper House and the North Eastern State Parliament, emphasizing the importance of partnership on key national priorities and shared legislative responsibilities at both federal and state levels.

Dr. Aw-Hassan has been in Mogadishu for several weeks, holding meetings with federal government officials and community leaders as part of ongoing efforts to enhance coordination with national institutions.

In August 2025, Dr. Adan Abdullahi Aw-Hassan was elected Speaker of the North Eastern State Parliament after defeating his challenger, Abdiqafar Dheeliye, who received 29 votes. One ballot was declared invalid, according to the electoral commission.

 

Somalia to Teach Swahili Nationally as Part of East African Integration

 Somalia to Teach Swahili Nationally as Part of East African Integration

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has announced plans to accelerate the introduction of Swahili into Somalia’s national curriculum for schools and universities as part of efforts to deepen the country’s integration within the East African Community (EAC).

Swahili — East Africa’s lingua franca and one of the continent’s most widely spoken languages — will be promoted as both a working and instructional language alongside Somali, Arabic, and English. The initiative aligns with Somalia’s new membership in the EAC and reflects the government’s commitment to regional unity.

Speaking at the 2nd East African Community Cooperation Conference (EACON2025) in Mogadishu, President Mohamud urged Somali universities to take the lead in teaching and promoting Swahili across the country.

“The Somali National University and all other universities in the country must lead the way in promoting Swahili — the common language of the East African region,” President Mohamud said.

Minister of Education Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir confirmed that the government is working with regional institutions to develop a framework for nationwide Swahili education.

“We want to see Swahili become a language of communication, trade, and learning — even replacing English during our next conference,” the minister added.

The newly established National Higher Education Board is collaborating with the East African Universities Association and the East African Qualifications Framework to implement the initiative.

Spoken by over 200 million people across East and Central Africa, Swahili is already an official language of both the African Union and the East African Community.

Somalia officially joined the EAC in 2024, becoming the bloc’s eighth partner state alongside Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Somali Soldier Honored for Heroic Role in Foiling Al-Shabaab Attack

Somali Soldier Honored for Heroic Role in Foiling Al-Shabaab Attack

Somalia’s federal government has announced plans to honor a soldier who stopped Al-Shabaab militants from advancing toward the presidential palace during Saturday’s deadly assault on the Jilicow detention center in Mogadishu.

State Minister of Defence, Omar Ali Abdi, praised the soldier’s “extraordinary bravery” for intercepting the attackers before they could reach Villa Somalia, the seat of the presidency. “The government will reward the soldier who stopped the Khawarij, as we refer to Al-Shabaab,” Abdi said during a press briefing.

The attack, claimed by Al-Shabaab, targeted the Jilicow prison—a high-security facility managed by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), located close to the presidential compound. Somali forces battled the militants for hours before regaining control.

Minister Abdi downplayed the broader impact of the incident, noting that such terrorist acts occur worldwide and emphasizing that Mogadishu remains relatively stable. “Security in Mogadishu has improved significantly, with only one major explosion in the past year,” he stated.

The Jilicow assault underscores Al-Shabaab’s persistent ability to launch coordinated attacks despite ongoing military offensives in central and southern Somalia. The facility holds high-profile militants and terror suspects, making it a strategic target for the group.

As Somalia continues its counterterrorism campaign with support from local militias and international partners, the government’s recognition of brave soldiers reflects its commitment to strengthening morale and defending the nation’s stability.

 

Between Faith, Family, and Fur: Somali Muslims in Minnesota Debate Dog Ownership

 Between Faith, Family, and Fur: Somali Muslims in Minnesota Debate Dog Ownership

In Minneapolis, 47-year-old Somali immigrant Shamsudir Mohamud proudly raises three pitbulls with his children, describing them as loyal, protective, and full of love. Yet his affection for dogs sets him apart from many in Minnesota’s Somali Muslim community, where religious and cultural traditions often view dogs as impure.

The debate flared recently when St. Louis Park’s Somali-born Mayor Nadia Mohamed officiated a police K-9 swearing-in ceremony, sparking criticism from local imams and residents. Some saw the event as conflicting with Islamic teachings, particularly in the Shafi’i school of thought followed by most Somali Muslims.

Still, attitudes are shifting. Some families, influenced by American culture and their children’s pleas, are reconsidering long-held views. Local imams sometimes offer nuanced guidance, suggesting dogs can be kept responsibly if cleanliness is maintained.

The discussion reflects a broader cultural negotiation: how immigrant communities balance faith with the realities of life in the U.S. For parents like Nuruldin Nur and Dayib Ali, the question isn’t just about owning pets—it’s about helping their children feel they belong in a new society.

Globally, dog ownership is rising across Muslim-majority countries, with halal pet food markets booming. In Minnesota, voices like Shamsudir’s are pushing for more open dialogue and acceptance, urging Somali Muslims to embrace responsible pet ownership without abandoning their values.

“At stake is more than pets,” says social worker Abdullahi Aden. “It’s about faith, identity, and belonging in a changing world.”

Zamzam University Leads Somalia’s Fight Against Food Insecurity

 Zamzam University Leads Somalia’s Fight Against Food Insecurity

Zamzam University of Science and Technology (ZUST) in Mogadishu is taking a leading role in addressing Somalia’s long-standing food security challenges. Supported by Turkish institutions like TIKA and IHH, the university’s Faculty of Agriculture has introduced modern farming technologies — including greenhouse cultivation — to boost local agricultural production.

ZUST Rector Mohamud Mohamed Hassan Harbi said the university is proud to be the first in Somalia to pioneer greenhouse farming, producing crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, bananas, and mangoes. These efforts have significantly improved food availability in Mogadishu and beyond.

The initiative traces back to 2011, following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s historic visit to Somalia. Since then, ZUST has focused on training a new generation of qualified farmers through short courses and diploma programs, officially launching its Faculty of Agriculture in 2014.

Over the past decade, the university has produced skilled farmers now working with the Somali Ministry of Agriculture and regional authorities to enhance food production. By teaching modern techniques and efficient water usage, ZUST has become a cornerstone in Somalia’s journey toward self-sufficiency.

Deputy Dean Abdirizak Mohamed Sheikh Abdi noted that crops like corn, sesame, and wheat are now grown multiple times a year — a major achievement in a country once dependent on rainfed farming.

“If the right steps continue,” Abdi said, “there will be no famine or food crisis in Somalia.”

Puntland Forces Deal Major Blow to ISIS in Calmiskaad Mountains

 Puntland Forces Deal Major Blow to ISIS in Calmiskaad Mountains

In a significant victory against terrorism, Puntland security forces have killed more than ten ISIS militants in a large-scale military operation carried out on Saturday in the Calmiskaad Mountains of the Bari region, officials confirmed.

According to Puntland authorities, the operation took place around the Buticiso, Dharint, and Barakallah wells along the Baallade River—areas long used by ISIS as strategic bases for launching attacks. The forces successfully seized control of the Dharint and Buticiso wells, cutting off key supply routes for the group.

During the offensive, Puntland forces also captured a foreign ISIS fighter, further highlighting the group’s international connections. Security officials stated that the troops discovered the remains of several militants previously killed in U.S. airstrikes, indicating sustained international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.

While more than ten ISIS fighters were eliminated, three Puntland soldiers lost their lives and six others were injured during the operation. Authorities emphasized that despite these losses, the mission was a decisive step toward restoring stability in the region.

The campaign against ISIS in the Calmiskaad Mountains has been ongoing for over a year. Puntland officials report that the group’s operational strength has been reduced by 95% over the past decade, thanks to continuous military pressure.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni recently revealed that ISIS had attempted to capture the coastal city of Bosaso in June 2025, but their plans were thwarted by intelligence-led operations. He added that remaining militants are now being hunted in the few areas they still occupy.

This latest operation marks another milestone in Puntland’s ongoing efforts to neutralize extremist threats and ensure peace and security for its people. The government reaffirmed its commitment to completely eradicate ISIS remnants from Somali soil, vowing that “those who threaten stability will find no safe haven in Puntland.”

Somali National Army and AU Forces Liberate Strategic Awdheegle District from Al-Shabaab

Somali National Army and AU Forces Liberate Strategic Awdheegle District from Al-Shabaab

The Somali National Army (SNA), in partnership with Ugandan troops serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), has successfully captured the strategic Awdheegle district in the Lower Shabelle region. The Ministry of Defense announced the achievement on Saturday, describing it as a significant milestone in the ongoing “Silent Storm” offensive, a multi-phase campaign aimed at dismantling Al-Shabaab’s stronghold in southern Somalia.

Awdheegle, located approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu, is a crucial agricultural town and a key hub for supply routes that support nearby communities. For years, the district had served as a hideout and revenue source for Al-Shabaab militants. With its liberation, Somali and AU forces are now conducting clearance operations to ensure the safety of civilians and eliminate any remaining threats.

The offensive began with pre-dawn operations last Friday, during which government troops, backed by AU peacekeepers, recaptured key villages within the district, including Shaamgare and Raqayle. Forces discovered and overran underground tunnels and fortified positions during brief firefights. Officials confirmed that several militants were killed while others fled the area. Notably, joint forces reported no casualties on their side.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaida-linked group that has waged a 17-year insurgency in Somalia, continues to carry out sporadic attacks while maintaining control over parts of southern and central regions. The federal government, supported by international partners, has pledged to continue the second phase of its counteroffensive, focusing on securing all liberated areas ahead of the planned drawdown of African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops.

The recapture of Awdheegle not only weakens Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities but also marks a critical step toward ensuring stability and security for local communities. By securing key towns and supply routes, Somali and AU forces are laying the groundwork for lasting peace and improved governance in the Lower Shabelle region.

 

Somalia Launches Landmark Electrification Project for Health Facilities

Somalia Launches Landmark Electrification Project for Health Facilities

On Wednesday, Somali Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre officially inaugurated a large-scale electrification project that will provide free electricity to 150 health facilities across the country. The initiative is a milestone in Somalia’s push to modernize essential services and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Powering Health and Hope

Prime Minister Barre highlighted the long-standing challenges Somalis have faced due to unreliable electricity, especially in critical sectors like health and education. He described the project as part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen economic infrastructure and social services.

“The government has focused on ensuring that people have access to high-quality electricity and education,” the Prime Minister said. “This project will improve public services and enable citizens to access affordable energy.”

Green and Sustainable Energy

One of the project’s defining features is its commitment to sustainability. The electricity powering the facilities will come from green, environmentally friendly energy sources, making it not only a social achievement but also an environmental one.

Officials noted that this approach positions Somalia to embrace a more sustainable energy future, reducing reliance on costly and polluting alternatives.

Expanding Access Nationwide

While the current rollout covers 150 health facilities, Prime Minister Barre emphasized that this is only the beginning. The government is committed to expanding electrification to cover all regions of Somalia, ensuring that reliable and affordable energy becomes a national standard.

A Major Achievement for Somalia

Government officials and community leaders have hailed the initiative as a transformative step forward, underscoring the Federal Government’s determination to deliver tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.

By combining infrastructure development with renewable energy, Somalia is not only meeting urgent public needs but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable economy.

 

Al-Shabaab: Al-Qaida’s Financial Lifeline in Somalia

Al-Shabaab: Al-Qaida’s Financial Lifeline in Somalia

A new counterterrorism assessment has shed light on the alarming role of al-Shabaab as the financial backbone of al-Qaida’s global operations. According to the report by the Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) at West Point, al-Shabaab generates as much as $200 million annually, making it the most profitable affiliate in al-Qaida’s worldwide network.

How Al-Shabaab Funds Its Campaign

The group’s wealth comes from a wide range of coercive practices, including forced taxation, extortion, illicit trade, smuggling, and money laundering. Its parallel taxation system is so entrenched that many Somali businesses describe it as more efficient and reliable than the federal or regional governments. Traders, farmers, herders, and transporters are forced to pay fees disguised as zakat (Islamic alms), while importers and exporters are taxed at every stage of commerce.

This sophisticated financial network sustains an army of up to 18,000 fighters, allowing al-Shabaab to fund its military campaigns in central and southern Somalia despite ongoing Somali and U.S. counteroffensives.

Military Gains Despite Pressure

Flush with cash, al-Shabaab has intensified attacks and reclaimed territories, including the strategic town of Adan Yabaal in Middle Shabelle, northeast of Mogadishu. Once a government stronghold, the town now serves as a key logistical hub, connecting the capital with central regions and enabling the flow of fighters, weapons, and supplies.

These gains highlight persistent weaknesses in Somalia’s military operations, including stretched supply lines and challenges in maintaining control over liberated areas. Even with the support of clan militias and African Union forces, the Somali National Army has struggled to consolidate its advances.

International Countermeasures

The United States has responded with 71 airstrikes in Somalia in 2025 alone, targeting leadership compounds and training camps. In addition, the U.S.-Gulf Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC) sanctioned 15 Somali financiers in April, freezing assets linked to al-Shabaab’s networks.

Domestically, the Central Bank of Somalia and the Financial Reporting Center have ramped up regulations on informal money transfer systems (hawalas) and frozen hundreds of accounts tied to suspected al-Shabaab financiers. Prosecutions for terror financing have also been initiated through the Attorney General’s Office and Benadir Regional Court.

A Global and Local Threat

The CTC report concludes that while al-Qaida’s central command has weakened since 9/11, its African affiliates—especially al-Shabaab—are now at the core of its global strategy. By embedding itself deeply into Somalia’s economy and exploiting both state fragility and international trade routes, al-Shabaab has turned financing into a weapon of war.

For ordinary Somalis, this financial coercion means being trapped between a weak state and a militant group that functions like a shadow government. Traders across Baidoa, Beledweyne, and along key transport corridors report paying multiple layers of fees to survive, with al-Shabaab’s levies often backed by threats and violence.

Looking Ahead

The battle against al-Shabaab is not only fought on the battlefield but also in banks, businesses, and markets across Somalia. Cutting off the group’s financial lifeline is as critical as neutralizing its fighters. As the report emphasizes, al-Shabaab’s ability to collect and spend at scale has made money the backbone of its war machine—and a central pillar of al-Qaida’s resilience.