Somalia will relaunch Somali Airlines after more than 30 years, with Transport Minister Mohamed Farah Noor saying the national carrier will enter its final operational planning stages soon. The government will establish a management board, secure international partners and acquire Airbus A320 aircraft expected to begin service once preparations are complete. The revival will build on major aviation reforms, including restored airspace control, upgraded airport standards and progress toward reintegrating Somalia into global aviation systems.

Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries launched a project to modernize fisheries infrastructure and strengthen the maritime economy in partnership with Japan and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Officials said the initiative will expand services for marine resource management and improve monitoring systems to reduce illegal fishing. The project also aims to increase productivity and market value for coastal communities by enhancing processing capacity and supporting sustainable economic activities within the blue-economy sector.

China provided $1 million to strengthen Somalia’s disaster-management operations, with the funds directed to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency. Officials said the contribution will support early-warning systems, logistics planning, and the deployment of response resources. The visit also highlighted ongoing technical cooperation, including training programs for SoDMA staff and China’s involvement in constructing state-level centers and warehouses. Authorities said the support enhances institutional capacity and improves operational readiness for climate-related disruptions.

The Central Bank of Somalia has inaugurated its first financial stability committee to strengthen macroprudential oversight and safeguard the resilience of the country’s financial system. Governor Abdirahman Mohammed Abdullahi said the committee will identify risks and coordinate policy responses. Its priorities include advancing currency reforms and integrating money transfer businesses into the national payment system. The committee reviewed the 2024 Financial Stability Report, noting banking assets of $2 billion and profits of $9 million.

The IMF has approved an additional $40 million financing package for Somalia after completing the fourth review of its Extended Credit Facility program, releasing $30 million immediately for budget support. The Fund said Somalia continues to perform strongly despite declining aid, climate shocks and fiscal pressures. Authorities plan to expand social spending in 2026 using domestic revenue, while ongoing reforms in revenue administration, financial oversight and governance continue to strengthen economic stability.

Turkey intends to start offshore oil drilling in Somalia in 2026, based on seismic surveys conducted by the Oruc Reis research vessel. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the findings will shape drilling plans in deep-water areas and onshore blocks covered under bilateral agreements. Officials acknowledged infrastructure and security constraints, including the need for new access roads. Turkey continues to broaden its economic footprint in Somalia through energy partnerships and long-term investments.

Somalia’s Cabinet approved the national Penal Code and a bill establishing an Environmental Management Agency during its weekly session, chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. Officials said the Penal Code followed consultations with religious, legal, and civil society groups and aligns with Islamic law, the constitution, and international standards. Ministers also endorsed cooperation with Algeria on natural resources and ratified key international conventions while receiving updates on security and electoral developments.

Somalia’s Parliament ratified the East Africa Standby Force treaty with an overwhelming majority, approving the regional security agreement during a session chaired by Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nuur. Lawmakers voted 144 to one in favor, with two abstentions. State Minister for Defence Omar Ali Abdi said the decision strengthens national security and regional cooperation. The vote follows Somalia’s recent hosting of EASF defense ministers, underscoring its expanding role in regional peace and stability.

The Federal Government of Somalia condemned recent violence in Boorama, Awdal region, which resulted in casualties and injuries. In a statement, officials urged the Somaliland administration to address local grievances through dialogue and avoid actions that may escalate tensions. The government appealed to community leaders and residents to maintain calm and pursue peaceful solutions. Authorities also expressed condolences to affected families and said they are prepared to provide medical assistance for the injured.