Mogadishu (SOMALI MAGAZINE): The Universal Postal Union (UPU) has formally forgiven Somalia’s outstanding postal debt of roughly $2 million. The debt forgiveness was declared after a critical meeting in Berne, Switzerland, between the Somali Minister of Communications and Technology, MP Mohamed Adan Macalin Ali, and UPU Director General, Mr. Masahiko Metoki.
The debt, which included a one-million-dollar membership deposit and accumulated interest dating back to September 1982, was cleared when Somalia met the UPU’s standards. This enormous financial relief ushers in a new era for Somalia, providing it full membership status in the UPU and lifting earlier limits.
During his visit to Geneva, MP Mohamed Somali detailed the Ministry’s ambitious plans to reinvigorate the country’s postal services. The complete approach involves policy formation, worker training, the acquisition of critical supplies, and the rehabilitation of postal hubs in major cities across Somalia.
The Minister thanked the UPU for its constant assistance throughout the years, notably for supporting postal services in Somalia despite difficult conditions. The UPU’s support has been critical in preserving the flow of mail into the nation, despite current outgoing service restrictions.
With the debt forgiven, Somalia is ready to begin on a transformational path to upgrade and expand its postal infrastructure, with the goal of improving connection and service delivery to its inhabitants.