Category: Local News

  New York, Baidao Star – Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi addressed the UN Security Council, thanking Switzerland for its leadership and commending Ambassador Sania Strasi for her role in past deliberations.  He highlighted Somalia’s ongoing national consultations, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aimed at advancing inclusive governance and key electoral reforms. Minister Fiqi strongly rejected Ethiopia’s territorial claims, accusing it of using counterterrorism as a pretext for annexation.  He also reported the interception of illegal arms shipments from Ethiopia, which are fuelling local conflicts and empowering extremist groups, calling these actions a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. Recognizing the support of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Foreign Minister Fiqi emphasized intensified operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, with local governance extending into liberated regions.  He reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to working closely with the UN on security and governance as the country navigates critical transitions.

  Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, highlighted the severe impacts of climate change on her country and called for immediate international support to address the crisis in a powerful address at the high-level Climate Mobility Summit in New York City,.  Ambassador Al-Makhzoumi painted a stark picture of the current climate crisis in Somalia, where prolonged droughts and devastating floods have displaced over 4 million people internally. She warned that without urgent intervention, this number could rise to over 7 million by 2050.  The minister emphasized that these climate-induced displacements are not just statistics but represent real human suffering and loss. “Somalia is on the front lines of the climate crisis,” she stated. “Our people are enduring unimaginable hardships due to extreme weather events that are becoming more frequent and severe. We cannot afford to wait; the time for action is now.” The minister’s speech was a clarion call to the international community to step up their efforts in supporting Somalia’s fight against climate change. She urged global leaders to back projects that would help mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience among the affected populations.   “International cooperation is crucial,” Al-Makhzoumi asserted. “We need support for sustainable projects that can help us adapt to these changes and protect the rights and livelihoods of our people.” Despite the challenges, Somalia is making significant strides in addressing climate change through international cooperation.  The minister highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s response to climate issues, including partnerships with various international organizations and participation in global climate initiatives. “Somalia is committed to playing its part in the global fight against climate change,” she said. “We are working tirelessly to implement policies and projects that will make a difference. But we cannot do it alone. We need the continued support and solidarity of the international community.” In her concluding remarks, Ambassador Al-Makhzoumi stressed the importance of the upcoming COP29 conference, where nations will gather to discuss and negotiate further actions on climate change.  She expressed hope that the conference would yield concrete results that would benefit vulnerable countries like Somalia. “We must continue to work together to prepare for the outcomes of COP29,” she concluded. “Our future depends on the decisions we make today. Let us ensure that we leave a legacy of hope and resilience for the generations to come.” The minister’s speech was met with widespread acclaim, emphasizing the urgent need for global action to address the climate crisis and support those most affected by its impacts.

  Mogadishu, Somalia – Somalia’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mr. Hassan Macallin, welcomed the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Karin Johansson, for a pivotal meeting in Mogadishu today. The discussions centered on enhancing justice and reinforcing the rule of law in the country. During the meeting, Minister Macallin expressed profound gratitude to the European Union for its unwavering support to the Somali people and government.  He highlighted the critical role of the EU in fostering stability and legal reforms in Somalia. Ambassador Johansson reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to collaborating with Somalia in its journey towards a robust and fair justice system. The meeting highlighted the shared vision of both parties to advance legal frameworks and ensure justice for all Somali citizens.  This meeting marks another step forward in the enduring partnership between Somalia and the European Union, aimed at building a just and equitable society.

  Mogadishu ( Baidao Star) Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre has officially inaugurated the fully operational National Blood Bank in Mogadishu on Sunday, addressed the significance of availability and accessing sufficient blood services for the Somali people.   He said that the government is committed to improving the health and well-being of all Somalis, and that the blood bank is a major milestone in their efforts to provide safe and reliable blood products to those in need. He registered and donated blood, with the national blood registry set to save lives across Somalia. The blood bank, which is located at Banadir Hospital, has a capacity to store 10,000 units of donated blood at any given time.  It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for screening, preparation, and secure storage of blood and blood products to ensure safety and quality. The Prime Minister thanked the government of the Saudi Arabic kingdom for its role in implementing this health sector.

  Galmudug presidential candidate Liiban Ahmed Hassan has held a meeting in Nairobi, Kenya with officials and intellectuals from the Marehaan community, especially the Wagardhac, one of the most influential people in Galmudug.  Mr. Liban and the intellectuals who participated in the meeting talked about the conflicts that have been going on for the last few days in areas of Galgaduud, urging them to work for peace and be the leaders of the elders and peacemakers of Wagardhac.  How to stop the blood of the brothers who live there. The Lebanese candidate has promised the elders and intellectuals that he will stand by his side with any support, to facilitate the gathering of the warring parties to find a solution to the ongoing violence.  On the other hand, the presidential candidate of Liban Ahmed Hassan informed the politician about his political plan and Galmudug election issues, promising that if he wins the Galmudug election, he will work for general peace and stability in every region of Galmudug. The elders thanked him for his support and showed him their support.  The community from Galmudug sees the  candidate for President of Lebanon Ahmed Hassan as the only person suitable for the leadership of the Galmudug Government.

  The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has issued a press release condemning General Birhanu Jula, the head of the Ethiopian army, who recently said that the ONLF was created by the Egyptian government to attack Ethiopia.  The commander of the Ethiopian army, who did not present evidence to prove his claim, said on the 8th of this month that Egypt created ONLF, FANO, Tigray and other organizations, which he met with great condemnation.  This man who spoke in Addis Ababa also said that Egypt is now refusing to allow Ethiopia access to the sea. ONLF, which “condemned the unacceptable provocation, demanded an immediate response from the Ethiopian government.”

  The Committee on Endowments and Religious Affairs of the Federal Parliament of Somalia convened a significant accountability meeting today at Villa Hargeisa. The session was attended by the Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, along with the Director General and several departmental directors from the Ministry.  The meeting was chaired by Ali Haji Dahir, Chairman of the Committee. During the meeting, Minister Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali provided a comprehensive overview of the Ministry’s activities and future plans aimed at benefiting the people and the country. The discussion covered various aspects of the Ministry’s work, including the management of Hajj affairs.  Committee members posed several questions to the Minister and his team, focusing on the Ministry’s operations and the specifics of Hajj management. The Minister and his accompanying officials responded to all inquiries, ensuring transparency and accountability.    In his closing remarks, Chairman Ali Haji Dahir expressed gratitude to the Ministry’s representatives and the Prime Minister for their cooperation. Both parties reached a consensus to finalize the Hajj law, marking a significant step forward in the Ministry’s legislative agenda.

  The Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Salah Ahmed Jama, inaugurated the Conference on Security and Impact of Climate Change in Mogadishu in a move to address the intertwined challenges of security and climate change.  Organized by the National Security Office, the conference aims to tackle the escalating national security threats exacerbated by climate change. Key discussions centered on how climate-induced conflicts over grazing land and irrigation channels during drought periods are intensifying. The conference also highlighted the broader impacts of climate change, including displacement and food insecurity, which undermine social stability.  The event saw the participation of high-profile attendees, including members of the Cabinet of Ministers, regional government officials, representatives from the international community, and various segments of the Somali society.  This diverse gathering underscores the collective effort required to address these pressing issues. By bringing together key stakeholders, the conference seeks to develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate the security risks posed by climate change, ensuring a more resilient and stable future for Somalia.

  The Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hamsa Abdi Barre, received the Ambassador of Qatar to Somalia, Dr. Abdullah Bin Salem Al Nuaimi, in his office today, while the meeting focused on strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries.  The Prime Minister thanked the Government of Qatar for its support to Somalis in the areas of security, economic infrastructure and the development of basic services. For his part, Qatar’s ambassador to Somalia, Mr. Abdullah Bin Salem Al Nuaimi, noted that they will continue to support the various parties, who are always standing by the government and the people of Somalia.