⚽ "I Had the Right Visa."
Somali referee Omar Artan was set to make history as the first Somali official at the FIFA World Cup. Instead, his dream ended at Miami airport after US authorities denied him entry despite holding a valid visa.
#OmarArtan#FIFAWorldCup#Somalia #Football #Referee https://t.co/kvChx6dgxq
Fresh Ghana Police Contingent Arrives in Somalia for Peacekeeping Mission
Somali Report — A new contingent of Ghana’s Formed Police Unit has arrived in Somalia to serve under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), officials confirmed on Saturday.
The Ghana Formed Police Unit-5 (GFPU-5) will be deployed in Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Beletweyne, where it will work alongside the Somali Police Force in joint operations, capacity building, specialized training, and mentorship programs.
The newly arrived unit replaces GFPU-4, whose personnel have completed their tour of duty after supporting Somali security forces in implementing the AUSSOM mandate.
AUSSOM Police Coordinator ACP Dr. Samuel Asiedu Okanta welcomed the incoming officers and urged them to maintain high levels of professionalism, discipline, and conduct throughout their deployment.
He said the Ghanaian unit will play a key role in strengthening the Somali Police Force and supporting ongoing efforts to enhance peace, stability, and security across the country.
The deployment is part of broader international support under AUSSOM, aimed at helping Somalia build strong security institutions as it gradually assumes full responsibility for national security operations.
#ghana
#GhanaNews
#Somalia
#somalitiktok
#Kenya
Fresh Ghana Police Contingent Arrives in Somalia for Peacekeeping Mission
@SomaliReport_ — A new contingent of Ghana’s Formed Police Unit has arrived in Somalia to serve under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), officials confirmed on Saturday.
The Ghana Formed Police Unit-5 (GFPU-5) will be deployed in Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Beletweyne, where it will work alongside the Somali Police Force in joint operations, capacity building, specialized training, and mentorship programs.
The newly arrived unit replaces GFPU-4, whose personnel have completed their tour of duty after supporting Somali security forces in implementing the AUSSOM mandate.
AUSSOM Police Coordinator ACP Dr. Samuel Asiedu Okanta welcomed the incoming officers and urged them to maintain high levels of professionalism, discipline, and conduct throughout their deployment.
He said the Ghanaian unit will play a key role in strengthening the Somali Police Force and supporting ongoing efforts to enhance peace, stability, and security across the country.
The deployment is part of broader international support under AUSSOM, aimed at helping Somalia build strong security institutions as it gradually assumes full responsibility for national security operations.
#Ghana
#Somalia
#Mogadishu
#Africa
#Kenya
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) has arrived in Israel on Sunday, joining a small list of leaders from Muslim-majority countries and territories to ever visit the Jewish state.
He will spend his visit at several of Israel’s most symbolic national sites, including Yad Vashem, the country’s Holocaust memorial and museum. The visit will include tours of the Holocaust History Museum, the Children’s Memorial, the Book of Names, and the Hall of Remembrance.
He is also expected to lay a wreath at the grave of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism, and meet representatives of Israel’s business community during a series of investment and economic forums.
📌 Read the full story on Somali ReportSomalireport in the comments.
#Somaliland
#Israel
#Somalia
#palestinelivesmatter
#somalitiktok
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) has arrived in Israel on Sunday, joining a small list of leaders from Muslim-majority countries and territories to ever visit the Jewish state.
He will spend his visit at several of Israel’s most symbolic national sites, including Yad Vashem, the country’s Holocaust memorial and museum. The visit will include tours of the Holocaust History Museum, the Children’s Memorial, the Book of Names, and the Hall of Remembrance.
He is also expected to lay a wreath at the grave of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism, and meet representatives of Israel’s business community during a series of investment and economic forums.
📌 Read the full story on @SomaliReport_ https://t.co/gXIVkyVlpB
#Somaliland
#Israel
#Somalia
#Palestine
#Africa
Somaliland President Lands in Israel for Historic First-Ever Visit
@SomaliReport_ — Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Cirro, has arrived in Israel for what is being described as the first official visit by a Somaliland head of state, marking a significant milestone in the growing relationship between the two sides.
The visit comes months after Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent country in December 2025. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has yet to gain broad international recognition.
During his visit, President Abdullahi is expected to hold talks with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other senior officials on expanding cooperation in areas including security, trade, technology, agriculture, energy, and water management.
A major highlight of the trip is the planned inauguration of Somaliland’s diplomatic mission in Jerusalem. The move follows the appointment of Dr. Mohamed Hagi as Somaliland’s first ambassador to Israel, with the envoy presenting his credentials earlier this year.
The Somaliland leader is also scheduled to visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, and participate in business and investment forums aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two sides.
Officials from both governments are expected to discuss Israeli investment opportunities in Somaliland, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, and water projects. Somaliland has also promoted its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and its untapped mineral resources as areas of potential cooperation.
The visit follows a series of diplomatic exchanges since Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, including a visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to Hargeisa earlier this year, where President Abdullahi formally accepted an invitation to visit Israel.
Analysts say the trip represents the highest level of engagement yet between Somaliland and Israel and is likely to draw close attention across the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East.
#Israel
#Somaliland
#Somalia
#Palestine
#Middleeast
@MohamedSelh@farahblue@dhoorebbc@somalilandmfa@RepOfSomaliland
Former Mandera Senator Billow Kerrow Calls Somaliland President’s Israel Visit a “Dark Day”
@SomaliReport_ — Former Mandera Senator @BillowKerrow has strongly criticized Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi ahead of his planned visit to Israel, describing the trip as a “dark day” for Somaliland.
In a statement posted on social media, Kerrow condemned reports that President Abdullahi, also known as Cirro, is expected to visit Israel, meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders, and open Somaliland’s diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.
Kerrow argued that the move contradicts international positions on Jerusalem and accused Somaliland’s leadership of aligning itself with Israel at a time when the war in Gaza continues to draw international criticism.
“Somaliland’s alliance with Israel at the height of its brutal genocide and ethnic cleansing in Palestine makes it a party to this crime,” Kerrow said.
He also criticized the president’s planned visits to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, and the grave of Theodor Herzl, the founder of modern political Zionism.
Kerrow further accused Israeli President Isaac Herzog of supporting military actions in Gaza and questioned Somaliland’s decision to deepen ties with Israel amid the ongoing conflict.
The remarks come as President Abdullahi prepares for what is expected to be a historic visit to Israel. Reports indicate he will hold meetings with senior Israeli officials and formally inaugurate Somaliland’s diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.
Neither Somaliland nor Israeli officials have publicly responded to Kerrow’s comments.
#Somaliland
#Israel
#somalitiktok
#kenya
#Somalia
Somaliland Ministerial Delegation Arrives in Israel Ahead of President’s Historic Visit
Somali Report — A senior Somaliland delegation led by Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakaal has arrived in Israel ahead of what is expected to be President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi’s landmark state visit.
The delegation is one of the highest-level Somaliland missions ever sent abroad and signals the growing diplomatic relationship between Somaliland and Israel following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Members of the delegation include the Minister of the Presidency, the Minister of Minerals and Energy, the Minister of Water Development, the Chairman of the Central Bank, the Minister of Defence, and the President’s Senior Foreign Affairs Adviser.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, commonly known as Cirro, is expected to arrive in Israel on Sunday to begin a series of high-profile meetings with Israeli leaders.
According to reports, the Somaliland leader will officially open Somaliland’s diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, marking a significant milestone in relations between the two sides.
During the visit, President Cirro is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. He is also scheduled to hold discussions with Israeli business leaders and economic organizations.
The Somaliland president is expected to visit several symbolic sites, including Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and the grave of Israel’s founding leader, Theodor Herzl.
The visit comes months after Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland, a move strongly opposed by Somalia’s federal government, which continues to regard Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory.
Images circulating online showed Somaliland flags displayed in parts of Israel ahead of the visit, underscoring the significance both sides attach to the growing partnership.
#Somaliland
#Israel
#Somalia
#Africa
#somalitiktok
Meet Yusuf Abdurisag, Qatar’s Somali Player
Tonight, as Qatar faces Switzerland, all eyes turn once again to Yusuf Abdurisag, a Somali attacking player representing Qatar National Team in the World Cup!
#Qatar#Switzerland#WorldCup#WorldCup2026#Somalia
Al-Shabaab Attack Injures Three Police Officers in Mandera Night Raid
Somali Report - Three police officers were injured after suspected Al-Shabaab militants attacked a Special Operations Group (SOG) camp in Fino, Lafey Sub-County, Mandera County, on Friday night.
Preliminary reports indicate that the attackers launched an assault on the camp before officers responded and repelled the attack.
According to police, the militants used rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and PKM machine guns during the raid. SOG officers swiftly returned fire, engaging the attackers in a 25-minute gunfight before forcing them to retreat.
The injured officers were taken to hospital for treatment as security agencies launched an operation to pursue the assailants. Additional security personnel have since been deployed to the area as the manhunt continues.
Authorities said Fino, near the Kenya–Somalia border, has previously experienced similar attacks linked to suspected Al-Shabaab militants due to its proximity to the frontier.
The latest incident is part of a series of security breaches and attempted attacks reported in Mandera County, a region frequently targeted by the Somalia-based militant group.
Earlier on Wednesday, police in Mandera foiled another attempted Al-Shabaab attack on the Jabi Quick Response Unit (QRU) camp in Lafey Sub-County shortly after 7pm.
In that incident, about 10 heavily armed militants reportedly approached the camp and opened fire from a distance, but officers successfully repelled the attack without any breach of the facility.
The Special Operations Group (SOG) is an elite multi-agency counter-terrorism unit under the Border Patrol Unit (BPU), working closely with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to secure Kenya’s borders and respond to high-risk threats.
#Kenya
#kenyantrends
#somalitiktok
#nairobi
#Somalia
🚨 How Should Somaliland Be Resolved? Hassan Sheikh Says It Comes Down to Force or Dialogue
Somali Report — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says his government deliberately chose dialogue over military confrontation in dealing with the long-running Somaliland dispute, arguing that peaceful engagement remains the best path toward resolving differences between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Speaking in an interview with Dawan TV, Mohamud said Somalia had historically faced two options regarding Somaliland: attempting to resolve the issue through force or pursuing negotiations and dialogue.
“We weighed the two options, and in the end we chose dialogue and persuasion,” the president said. “Although it took more than 30 years, it was the most appropriate path under the circumstances.”
Mohamud stressed that his administration had rejected military solutions and remained committed to finding a peaceful political settlement through negotiations.
The president’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland in late 2025. Mohamud described the move as a serious challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He accused Israel of interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs and exploiting the longstanding dispute between Mogadishu and Somaliland.
“Israel is a member of the United Nations and other international organizations, but we do not have diplomatic relations with Israel and never have since Somalia gained independence,” Mohamud said.
The president reiterated Somalia’s support for Palestinian statehood and criticized what he described as Israel’s policies in the region.
Despite growing international attention on Somaliland’s quest for recognition, Mohamud maintained that dialogue remains the only viable path forward.
His comments signal that the federal government continues to prioritize political engagement rather than force as it seeks to address one of the most complex and enduring issues in Somalia’s modern history.
#Somalia
#Somaliland
#somalitiktok
#Israel
#Ethiopia
👉 Somalia’s President Accuses Foreign Actors of Keeping Country Weak and Unstable
Somali Report — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has accused unnamed foreign countries and their local allies of working to prevent Somalia from achieving lasting stability and development, saying his government is investigating what he described as efforts to undermine the country.
Speaking in an interview with Dawan Media, Mohamud said some external actors benefit from Somalia’s continued insecurity and have no interest in seeing the country recover from decades of conflict, political instability, and economic challenges.
“There are countries that do not want Somalia to progress,” the president said. “They prefer Somalia to remain trapped in insecurity and underdevelopment.”
Although he did not identify the countries involved, Mohamud said Somali authorities are closely monitoring both foreign actors and individuals inside Somalia suspected of advancing outside interests at the expense of national stability.
The president stressed that Somalia’s future must be determined by Somalis themselves and warned against relying on foreign actors to solve the country’s security challenges.
“No foreign country will liberate Somalia from the threats it faces,” he said. “Somalis must take responsibility for protecting and rebuilding their nation.”
Mohamud revealed that the government is conducting investigations into what he described as networks working against Somalia’s interests and said the findings would be made public once inquiries are completed.
He also pointed to what he called significant progress in military operations against the militant group Al-Shabaab but claimed the group continues to receive support from both domestic and foreign actors.
According to the president, some individuals are spreading misinformation abroad in an attempt to weaken Somalia’s security efforts and undermine confidence in the country’s institutions.
#Somalia
#somalitiktok
#Mogadishu
#Ethiopia
#uae
How Al-Shabaab Exploited a Somali World Cup Referee’s US Entry Denial for Propaganda Campaign
Somali Report — Al-Shabaab has sought to capitalize on the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan’s exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, using the case to promote its anti-American narrative and criticize Somalia’s international partners.
The Al-Qaeda-linked militant group released a statement through its media outlet, Shahada News Agency, shortly after US authorities denied Artan entry into the United States despite his selection as one of the referees for the World Cup.
Artan, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top football officials, was prevented from entering the US after reportedly failing a security vetting process. The decision sparked widespread disappointment in Somalia, where many had celebrated his appointment as a historic achievement for Somali football.
In its statement, Al-Shabaab portrayed the incident as evidence of broader hostility toward Somalis and accused Washington of hypocrisy in its relationship with Somalia.
The group argued that the referee’s treatment reflected discrimination against Somalis rather than a routine immigration decision. It also linked the incident to longstanding grievances over US military operations and political involvement in Somalia.
The controversy generated strong reactions across Somali society, with many citizens expressing frustration over Artan’s exclusion from football’s biggest tournament. His return to Mogadishu was marked by a large public welcome, with government officials, football leaders, and supporters praising his achievements.
Analysts say Al-Shabaab frequently uses high-profile incidents involving Somali citizens to reinforce its message that foreign governments are hostile to Somalia and its people.
The case later took a positive turn when UEFA appointed Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August, a move widely welcomed by Somali football fans.
Artan has urged Somalis to remain hopeful despite the setback, thanking FIFA and supporters for standing by him.
#Somalia
#somalitiktok
#WorldCup2026
#FIFAWorldCup2026
#MAGA
Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Responds to Trump’s Remarks About Somalis
Somali Report — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has responded to repeated remarks by US President Donald Trump concerning Somalis, saying it remains unclear whether Trump’s comments are directed at Somalis living in the United States or those living in Somalia.
Speaking in an interview with Dawan Media, Mohamud was asked about Trump’s frequent references to Somalia and the Somali community in recent speeches and public appearances.
“The President of the United States should be asked whether he is referring to Somalis living in America or Somalis living in Somalia,” Mohamud said.
The Somali president stressed that relations between Mogadishu and Washington remain strong despite recent controversies, including US immigration restrictions affecting Somali citizens.
“We are not in conflict with the United States, and our relationship remains good,” he said. “The support the US provides Somalia, especially in the fight against terrorism, continues and has even become stronger.”
Mohamud praised Washington’s role in supporting Somalia’s security efforts and said the United States has consistently backed Somalia in international forums.
He also addressed the recent US visa restrictions that have affected Somalia and several other countries, arguing that the measure should not be viewed as targeting Somalia alone.
“Many people are talking about the visa issue, but Somalia is not the only country affected. The United States imposed restrictions on seven countries, including Somalia,” he said.
The president used the issue to emphasize the need for stronger state institutions and national stability.
“I want to tell the Somali people that such restrictions would not happen if we had a strong government capable of exercising authority across the entire country,” Mohamud said.
Trump has repeatedly mentioned Somalia and Somali immigrants in recent speeches, drawing criticism from some Somali-American leaders and community groups. The remarks have fueled debate both within Somalia and among the Somali diaspora regarding immigration, identity, and US-Somalia relations.
#Trump
#MAGA
#Minnesota
#somalitiktok
#Somalia
Ethiopia's Somali Regional State has secured the third-largest regional allocation under the country's record 2.34 trillion birr ($14.5 billion) federal budget. The region will receive 51.9 billion birr ($322 million), ranking behind Oromia and Amhara. #Ethiopia#Addisaba #Jigjiga #Somalia @RAbdiAnalyst@farahblue@dhoorebbc@MohamedSelh@addisstandard https://t.co/UuuI6dvyEU
Ethiopia Allocates Third-Largest Regional Budget to Somali Region in Record $14.5 Billion Spending Plan
@SomaliReport_ — Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State has been allocated 51.9 billion birr (approximately $322 million), making it the third-largest recipient of regional funding under Ethiopia’s record 2.34 trillion birr ($14.5 billion) federal budget for the 2026/27 fiscal year.
The budget, recently approved by Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers and submitted to parliament, represents the largest spending plan in the country’s history and is aimed at supporting economic reforms, investment priorities, and long-term development goals.
Of the 520.5 billion birr (about $3.2 billion) earmarked for Ethiopia’s regional states and city administrations, Oromia received the largest allocation at 179.3 billion birr (approximately $1.11 billion), followed by Amhara with 112.4 billion birr (about $698 million). The Somali Region ranked third with 51.9 billion birr.
The allocation places the Somali Region ahead of several other major regional states, including South Ethiopia, which received 36.5 billion birr, Tigray with 31.3 billion birr, and Central Ethiopia with 30.9 billion birr.
The Somali Region is one of Ethiopia’s largest regional states and plays a significant role in the country’s livestock sector and cross-border trade with neighboring countries, including Somalia, Djibouti, and Kenya.
The federal government said the budget was designed to support development priorities, infrastructure projects, public services, and economic growth as Ethiopia continues implementing major reforms backed by international financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Authorities project economic growth above 9 percent in the coming fiscal year despite continued challenges related to inflation, debt pressures, and foreign currency shortages.
The new budget is expected to provide regional administrations with increased resources while supporting Ethiopia’s broader economic transformation agenda through 2031.
#Ethiopia
#Jigjiga
#addisababa
#Somalia
#Kenya
UEFA Appoints Somali Referee Omar Artan to Officiate Super Cup Final
@SomaliReport_ — Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup final, marking another historic milestone in his rapidly rising international career.
UEFA announced that Artan will take charge of the match between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria.
The appointment comes just days after Artan was denied entry to the United States and forced to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being selected as one of the tournament’s match officials. U.S. authorities cited unspecified “vetting concerns,” a decision that sparked criticism from football fans, politicians, and sports officials across the world.
Despite the setback, UEFA said Artan’s appointment reflects his outstanding performances at the highest levels of African football. The 34-year-old was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025 and has officiated several major continental matches, including the CAF Champions League final.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin described Artan as an exceptional referee who has proven himself on the international stage, while CAF President Patrice Motsepe backed the decision as part of growing cooperation between the two football bodies.
The appointment was made under a recently signed UEFA-CAF partnership agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration in areas including refereeing development.
Artan’s selection is expected to make him the first African referee to officiate a major UEFA final, further cementing his status as one of the continent’s most respected match officials.
For many Somalis, the appointment represents a powerful response to the disappointment of missing the World Cup and another source of national pride on the global football stage.
#Somalia
#UEFA
#uefachampionsleague
#africa
#WorldCup2026
Somalia Demands Clarification After U.S. Denies Entry to World Cup Referee Omar Artan
Somali Report — Somalia has formally protested the United States’ decision to deny entry to internationally renowned referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a move that prevented him from participating in preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Somali government expressed deep regret over the decision and revealed that diplomatic efforts were made to facilitate Artan’s travel to the United States. Those efforts, however, failed to secure approval from U.S. authorities.
Artan, who was named Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referee of the Year in 2025, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading match officials. His selection by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup was celebrated across Somalia as a historic achievement and a source of national pride.
The government said Artan’s accomplishments have elevated Somalia’s profile internationally and inspired a new generation of young Somalis pursuing careers in sports and other professional fields.
“His achievements and contributions remain a source of pride for the Somali people,” the ministry said.
The case has drawn significant attention both inside and outside Somalia, with questions raised about the impact of immigration and security policies on internationally recognized professionals from developing countries.
Somalia confirmed that Artan has returned home safely but indicated that the issue remains unresolved. The government said it would continue engaging with relevant international partners to seek clarification regarding the decision and to safeguard the rights and dignity of Somali citizens traveling abroad.
Analysts say the dispute has grown beyond football, touching on broader concerns about international mobility, fairness, and access for citizens of countries emerging from decades of conflict.
As calls for an explanation continue, the controversy is likely to remain a diplomatic issue between Mogadishu and Washington while fueling wider debate about barriers facing African professionals on the global stage.
#Somalia
#somalitiktok
#Africa
#MAGA
#WorldCup2026