Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro has blocked a move by telecom providers Telesom and Somtel to double internet prices, defusing public anger and averting mass protests planned for Sunday.
“The prices of services will remain the same until further notice,” Irro said on X, adding that the government will hold urgent talks with telecom companies.
Somtel quickly complied, issuing a statement accepting the suspension. The reversal drew public praise for Irro and lawyer Guuleed Dafac, who helped mobilize opposition.
The move came just days after Somalia began nationwide access to Starlink’s satellite internet, which officials say could expand service in rural areas alongside providers such as Hormuud, Telesom, and Somtel.
