Somalia Brief — Key moves on finance, security and partnerships

Jan 27, 2026 — Central bank licenses, senior militant killed, deeper foreign ties

Top story

• Central Bank issues first-ever Takaful insurance licenses.The Central Bank of Somalia announced that its Board approved full operational licenses for four Islamic insurance (Takaful) firms—First Somali Takaful, Amanah Insurance, Baraka Takaful and Salmastar—after the Takaful Insurance Law was ratified in May 2025. The governor said the move formalises supervision of the insurance sector and supports financial-system stability.Why it matters: this creates a regulated insurance framework for the first time, a potential catalyst for financial-sector development and investor confidence.Source: Central Bank issues first-ever Takaful licenses (SONNA)
• Defense ministry confirms killing of senior Al-Shabaab leader in Lower Shabelle.The Minister of Defence said security forces carried out a planned operation in Kunya Barrow that killed Abdullahi Hassan Abdi (Abdullahi Wadaad), described as a senior Al-Shabaab leader accused of extortion, looting and attacks on civilians and businesspeople.Why it matters: officials framed the operation as part of ongoing efforts to weaken militant leadership and protect civilians and economic activity.Source: Defense minister confirms killing of senior Al-Shabaab leader (SONNA)
• Somalia and EU officials meet to deepen military cooperation.The Somali defence minister and the Somali National Army chief met the Chair of the EU Military Committee, General Seán Clancy, to discuss troop training, continued support and strengthening national defence capabilities including AUSSOM.Why it matters: the talks signal sustained international military engagement aimed at capacity-building for Somalia’s armed forces.Source: Somalia, EU strengthen military cooperation (SONNA)

What else happened

• Governance:
  • Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation held a high-level meeting to improve service delivery and set operational targets for 2026, including plans to modernise ministry headquarters. (SONNA)
  • Office of the Attorney General reviewed 2025 achievements and presented priorities and action plans for 2026 during a two-day meeting chaired by the Attorney General. (SONNA)
  • Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre received Djibouti’s ambassador and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation; two SONNA reports cover the same meeting. (Primary: SONNA; also from: SONNA)
• Economy & infrastructure:
  • The Central Bank’s Takaful licenses mark the first formal regulation of Islamic insurance firms in Somalia. (SONNA)
  • Somalia welcomed a high-level Turkish delegation to advance port and maritime cooperation and technical exchanges on infrastructure and services. (SONNA)
• Security & international support:
  • Somali auditors are participating in a week-long capacity-building programme in Ankara with Turkey’s Court of Accounts to strengthen public-audit skills and protect public resources. (SONNA)
  • Somalia–EU meeting on military cooperation included the EU ambassador and focused on training and continued support. (SONNA)
• Diplomacy:
  • The Somali embassy in Pretoria hosted South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Social Development; discussion covered Somali community concerns including security, business regulation and legal matters. (SONNA)

On the ground

• Ministry leaders and departmental directors pledged to improve operational plans and accelerate priority initiatives for 2026 during the aviation ministry meeting. (SONNA)
• Security forces carried out a planned operation in Kunya Barrow, with officials stressing the removal of a leader accused of extortion and attacks on civilians and businesspeople. (SONNA)
• Somalis in South Africa raised concrete concerns—security, business protections and new regulations—during talks at the Somali embassy in Pretoria. (SONNA)
• Auditors from Somalia are studying alongside Turkish counterparts in Ankara to sharpen audit investigations and oversight of public funds. (SONNA)

Watchlist

• Rollout of Takaful services: watch for company registration details, product launches and regulatory guidance from the Central Bank.
• Security follow-up: official reports on the local security impact and any claimed reprisals after the killing in Lower Shabelle.
• Defence cooperation: updates on training packages, timelines and AUSSOM support pledged during the EU visit.
• Ports & maritime deals: announcements from Turkey–Somalia talks about specific investment or infrastructure projects and timelines.

Sources: Somali National News Agency (SONNA)

Compiled from public reporting; links above.