Somalia sought $40 million from international partners to launch new banknotes, aiming to stabilize the economy and reduce counterfeiting. Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh said the Central Bank would manage the rollout to ensure transparency and proper distribution. The initiative formed part of broader economic stabilization efforts following debt relief, with authorities emphasizing the need for credible currency circulation to restore confidence in the financial system.

The Somalia Salvation Forum announced plans to sue President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, his government, and senior officials in domestic and international courts. The group alleged constitutional violations, corruption, and human rights abuses. It cited forced evictions, illegal land sales, delayed state elections, and weakened anti-Al-Shabaab efforts. The forum urged citizens to organize peaceful protests and warned that political disputes and mismanagement threatened governance, security, and Somalia’s 2026 electoral transition.

Egypt pledged full support for Somalia’s security and stability, committing to send troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The Egyptian Foreign Ministry praised Somalia’s efforts to enforce the rule of law and combat terrorism. Egypt recently signed a military cooperation protocol, delivered aid, and sent officials to Lower and Middle Shabelle. The first Egyptian contingent is expected to deploy soon under the AU mandate.

Somalia’s National Communications Authority consulted with telecom operators on joining the East African One Network Area, a regional initiative to reduce roaming costs and enhance digital integration. Officials presented a roadmap to align laws, tariffs, and regulations with regional standards. The move is expected to give consumers cheaper cross-border calls and data, strengthen economic ties, and support Somalia’s digital transformation within the East African Community framework.

Somalia and Saudi Arabia signed a cooperation framework to advance artificial intelligence and space technologies. The agreement, reached in Riyadh during the Global Symposium for Regulators, was formalized between Somalia’s National Communications Authority and Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission. Officials said the partnership will focus on regulatory standards, infrastructure, knowledge sharing, and policy development to promote innovation, ethical technology use, and digital cooperation between the two countries.

Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moallin Fiqi met Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun at the Xiangshan Forum, marking the first ministerial-level talks in nearly 40 years. They agreed to deepen cooperation on regional security, counter-terrorism, AU mission support, and Somali National Army development. The meeting highlighted Somalia’s gains against Al-Shabaab and laid the groundwork for intelligence sharing, training, and economic support to strengthen stability in Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni met US officials in Bosaso to review counter-ISIS operations in the Calmiskaad mountains. Puntland forces received praise for recent gains and pledged ongoing cooperation with international partners. Discussions focused on strengthening Somalia’s fight against ISIS and Al-Shabaab, with US representatives confirming support via AFRICOM. Authorities emphasized that these operations are crucial for stability in Puntland and the wider Horn of Africa.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced plans to replace passports with a biometric national ID system, warning institutions against obstructing the rollout. He noted that over 10 million passports had been issued without reliable records, undermining security and governance. The new system will centralize identity management, improve transparency, and prevent fraud, aiming to strengthen national security and ensure government institutions operate with unified, verifiable identity data.

Somalia and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) opened the fourth review of the Extended Credit Facility program in Nairobi. Finance Minister Bihi Iman Egeh and senior IMF officials led the talks. They assessed Somalia’s progress on economic reforms, public financial management, and fiscal transparency. The review aims to strengthen governance, sustain debt relief gains, and consolidate reforms for long-term economic stability.