By ABDULKADIR KHALIF Somalia is enforcing its authority over Somaliland by ordering corporations to stop operating as though Somaliland is an independent territory. The deadline for companies to remove references to Somaliland and use Somalia instead on their platforms was September 1. This decision has affected businesses like money transfer agencies and airlines, including Ethiopian Airlines. The move comes after an MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland raised concerns that Ethiopia might recognize Somaliland as independent. Somalia has a history of reacting strongly to any perceived recognition of Somaliland’s independence, cutting ties with countries that engage with Somaliland separately. The dispute…

By ABDULKADIR KHALIF Press freedom groups are raising alarms over Somalia’s new Official Information Bill, which they fear will hinder their work. The bill, approved by the Council of Ministers and awaiting parliament’s approval, seeks to control public information dissemination without consulting key stakeholders. Organizations like Nusoj, IFJ, RSF, Afic, and FAJ argue that the bill threatens democratic principles by curbing access to information and impeding journalists’ accountability role. They urge the Somali government to withdraw the bill for thorough stakeholder review ensuring transparency and compliance with international standards. The controversial bill, aiming to safeguard state secrets and combat terrorist…

By ABDULKADIR KHALIF Somalia’s government is partnering with major corporations to invest in combating and adapting to climate change. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change signed an MoU with local telco Hormuud and other firms to redistribute funds for green initiatives. This partnership, similar to a Public Private Partnership (PPP), aims to utilize $100 million from the Green Climate Fund for projects like reforestation and green energy. Corporate partners, including Salaam Somali Bank and Somgas, will reinvest the government funds into local projects under the Ministry’s guidance. This collaboration will accelerate climate resilience projects in Somalia over the next…