0
The new league is part of a planned development structure announced by Somali Football Federation president Abdiqani Said Arab in August last year.
Kismayo is the provincial capital of the semi-autonomous Somali State of Jubbaland. Eight teams from cities and towns in the three regions that make up the Jubbaland state will play in the league which is the blueprint for the launch of other leagues to be held in other semi-autonomous Somali states.
The opening game between Dowlada Hoose and Koban FC was watched by thousands of spectators including key government officials and football federation leaders. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
"After a long time of preparations and spreading football knowledge across the country, we have finally launched the regional football league in Somalia which is one of our long-standing ambitions. I congratulate Jubbaland for becoming the first Somali State of the federal government to host a regional football league. This is an iconic history for the region,” said Abdiqani Said Arab said in a statement.
With leagues in other semi-autonomous states now in the final stages of preparation Said Arab outlined the next stage of the development pathway. "The teams who win in the leagues in their respective states will gather in the capital Mogadishu and will play a final tournament. Then the team who wins in that final tournament will be recognised as the Champion of Somalia’s federal States and will get top profile awards.”
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia's Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has sparked outrage after issuing strong threats against opposition leaders planning anti-government demonstrations in Mogadishu, warning that security forces would respond forcefully to any protests challenging the federal government. Full Article
The Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ) has expressed concern over what it describes as growing pressure, intimidation, and suppression targeting independent media and freedom of expression in Somalia. Full Article
MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — Turkey is increasingly emerging as the dominant foreign diplomatic force in Somalia following the failure of political talks previously supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, and international partners, highlighting a major shift in influence inside Somalia's political landscape. Full Article
The European Parliament has approved a new and controversial migration proposal that would allow European Union member states to transfer rejected asylum seekers to non-EU countries under bilateral agreements. Full Article
By Dahir Alasow | Waagacusub.net — Opinion / Analysis Mogadishu — The Federal Government of Somalia's decision to annul all cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—including security and defence-related arrangements—represents one of the most consequential foreign-policy turns Somalia has taken in years. Full Article
The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity. Full Article
ANKARA, Turkey — Libya's Chief of Staff, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, along with four senior military officials, was killed Tuesday night when the private jet carrying them crashed shortly after taking off from Ankara's Esenboğa Airport in Turkey, Libyan and Turkish authorities confirmed. Reuters +1 Full Article
Waagacusub.net - Turkey has openly indicated that 2026 could become the historic year in which Somalia officially begins oil drilling and exploitation of its natural resources—a move that, if implemented, could fundamentally reshape the country's economic future. Full Article
Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdisalam Omer Dhaay has quickly become one of the most promising and effective young diplomats to emerge in recent years. In a political landscape too often dominated by internal disputes and inconsistent foreign policy, Dhaay stands out for his professionalism, clarity, and modern diplomatic approach. Full Article
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups.
The Federal Republic of Somalia has issued a strong diplomatic condemnation following an unauthorized visit by Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Hargeisa, declaring the move a grave violation of Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.
Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities.
By Dahir Abdulle Alasow – Investigative Sports Journalist Amsterdam – 18 November 2025 =The Dutch national football team is celebrating a historic achievement after officially qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dominant 4–0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam on Monday night.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a move highlighting Ethiopia's growing focus on Gulf partnerships, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Ambassador Jamal Bakar, a senior diplomat from the Somali Regional State, as the country's new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Somalia is facing a deepening humanitarian and political crisis following widespread forced evictions, deadly security operations, and escalating tensions between the federal government and opposition groups. Full Article
MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia's Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has sparked outrage after issuing strong threats against opposition leaders planning anti-government demonstrations in Mogadishu, warning that security forces would respond forcefully to any protests challenging the federal government. Full Article
The Associated Somali Journalists (ASOJ) has expressed concern over what it describes as growing pressure, intimidation, and suppression targeting independent media and freedom of expression in Somalia. Full Article
MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — Turkey is increasingly emerging as the dominant foreign diplomatic force in Somalia following the failure of political talks previously supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, and international partners, highlighting a major shift in influence inside Somalia's political landscape. Full Article
A Somali woman identified as Farhiya Abdi Mudey, also known as "HaafTurki," has reportedly been arrested in Nairobi under controversial circumstances, with emerging claims suggesting that her detention may be linked to alleged bribery involving Kenyan police officers. Full Article
Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article
Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article
PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article
Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article
Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article
Somalia launches regional league as national plan takes shape
January 4 – The Somali Football Federation has inaugurated its first ever regional football league in the port city of Kismayo, about 500 kilometers south of the capital Mogadishu.