Significant Underreporting of Deaths in Sudan

 Source: The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine posted on 12 November 2024 a study titled “War-Time Mortality in Sudan: A Capture-Recapture Analysis.”

The civil war in Sudan has resulted in a higher death rate than previously reported.  The number of intentional-injury deaths in Khartoum alone surpass those estimated for the entire country in the first 14 months of the war.  This suggests extensive underreporting of a severe mortality impact in Khartoum and likely across Sudan.

Russia Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution on Ceasefire in Sudan

 Source: Reuters published on 18 November 2024 an article titled “Russia Vetoes UN Security Council Action on Sudan War” by Daphne Psaledakis and David Brunnstrom.

Russia vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called on warring parties to cease hostilities immediately and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.  All other countries of the 15-member UNSC voted in favor of the resolution drafted by the UK and Sierra Leone.

Acute food insecurity to hit most people in South Sudan next year, says UN

Almost 7.7 million people will be classified as acutely food insecure in the world’s youngest nation as it grapples with floods and war.

Source: Aljazeera, Published On 18 Nov 202418 Nov 2024

Almost 60 percent of South Sudan’s population will be acutely food insecure next year, with more than two million children at risk of malnutrition, warns data from a United Nations-backed review.

The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) review published on Monday estimated that starting in April, 57 percent of the population would be suffering from acute food insecurity, which the UN defines as when a “person’s inability to consume adequate food puts their lives or livelihoods in immediate danger”.

Somalia’s parliament approves groundbreaking law to regulate political parties

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday November 20, 2024



Somali lawmakers raise their hands during a joint parliamentary session at Villa Hargeisa in Mogadishu, voting overwhelmingly to approve a landmark law regulating political parties and organizations.

Mogadishu (HOL)  — Somalia’s Federal Parliament, in a rare joint session, voted overwhelmingly on Monday to approve a groundbreaking law aimed at regulating the establishment and operation of political parties and organizations. The legislation marks a major step in the country’s ongoing transition toward a multiparty democratic system.

The law was passed in a joint session of both houses held at Villa Hargeisa in Mogadishu. Out of 178 lawmakers in attendance, 177 voted in favor, with one abstention, and no opposition, according to the Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe.

“This law lays the foundation for a transparent and constitutionally guided political process,” said Somalia’s Interior Minister, Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, who praised the lawmakers for their unanimous support. “It is a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.”

The new legislation establishes comprehensive rules for political entities, ensuring they operate transparently and responsibly while aligning with Somalia’s Constitution. It is part of a broader push to transition Somalia from a clan-based power-sharing system to a multiparty democracy that reflects universal suffrage.

However, the reform efforts have not been without controversy. The administrations of Jubbaland and Puntland, along with opposition politicians, have criticized the Federal Government, accusing it of failing to adequately consult regional stakeholders. Critics argue that such decisions could deepen divisions at a time when national unity is crucial.

The law’s passage comes on the heels of last week’s approval of legislation establishing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. While both measures are seen as essential steps toward electoral reform, they have accentuated the persistent tension between Somalia’s Federal Government and its regional administrations.

Finland halts development aid to Somalia over migration agreement stalemate

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday November 20, 2024

 
Finland’s Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Ville Tavio of the Finns Party. Image: Jorma Vihtonen / Yle
HELSINKI, Finland (HOL) — Finland has suspended its bilateral development cooperation programme with Somalia, citing insufficient progress in repatriation agreements for Somali nationals living in Finland without legal residency. The announcement was made Wednesday by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.

“The suspension means that no new funding decisions will be made until concrete progress has been made in repatriation cooperation with Somalia,” Tavio said during a press conference.The suspension affects future funding decisions, freezing an annual allocation of €8–€9 million for Somalia’s bilateral development programme starting in 2025. However, ongoing projects will continue as planned, and humanitarian aid, support for non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and private-sector initiatives remain unaffected.

Finland’s decision mirrors its broader migration policy, which ties development aid to recipient countries’ cooperation in facilitating the return of their nationals living abroad without legal status. “States must naturally strive to ensure that all those illegally in their country are returned when that can be done safely,” Tavio added.

Finland’s development cooperation with Somalia has historically focused on state-building, crisis management, and enhancing women’s sexual and reproductive health rights. Between 2021 and 2024, Finland allocated €54 million to Somalia through its country strategy.

Somalia has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue over repatriation but has yet to meet Finland’s expectations. The two nations have long-standing ties, with Somalia being a key partner in Finland’s development cooperation initiatives, including crisis management and mediation efforts.

As of 2022, approximately 24,365 individuals of Somali descent lived in Finland, making it the country’s largest African-origin group. Among them, some lack legal residency, prompting Finland to push for repatriation agreements with Somalia. Finnish officials have not disclosed the exact number of Somali nationals affected by the current policy.

The European Union has also entered the fray, holding bilateral and regional discussions with Somalia on migration management. Finnish officials noted that dialogue with Somalia would continue, aiming for a resolution that enables the resumption of development cooperation.

Finland’s move illustrates a growing trend among donor nations to link development aid to migration cooperation.

Germany and Somalia have recently agreed to expedite the deportation of Somali nationals without legal residency in Germany, focusing primarily on those convicted of serious crimes. 

Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the agreement following talks in Berlin two weeks ago. Scholz stressed that the measure would apply to a “small number” of undocumented Somalis among the 65,000 living in Germany.

President Mohamud supported voluntary returns over forced deportations, stating that Somalia would welcome returnees and provide opportunities for reintegration.

The agreement follows the EU’s recent proposal to impose stricter visa rules on Somalia to encourage compliance with readmission demands. These measures include eliminating multiple-entry visas and increasing application fees, adding pressure on Somali authorities.

Italy has also suspended the issuance of Schengen visas fro Somalis.

Frontex data indicates that Somali nationals accounted for the highest number of irregular crossings at EU borders in 2024

Critics argue that such conditions risk undermining long-term development goals and humanitarian commitments. Similar migration deals in Africa, such as those with Gambia and Morocco, have faced criticism for their limited success in addressing underlying migration drivers. However, proponents contend that these policies encourage accountability and better governance in recipient countries.

For Somalia, the freeze in Danish bilateral aid could impact its ability to fund initiatives while navigating domestic and international pressures related to migration.

Finland and Somalia have maintained diplomatic ties since 1971, though relations were re-established in 2013 following Somalia’s decades-long conflict. Cooperation between the two countries spans various sectors, including crisis management, mediation, and development. Despite the suspension, Finnish officials emphasized that bilateral relations remain strong and that dialogue on repatriation will continue.

Source: Egypt supports efforts for swift ceasefire in Sudan – FM
Sunday November 17, 2024

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting efforts for a swift ceasefire, a political resolution, and stability in Sudan, alongside ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Abdelatty was meeting with Annette Weber, the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa on Saturday, on the sidelines of the Sir Bani Yas Forum in the UAE.

The discussion focused on the situation in Sudan, emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire to achieve a comprehensive political solution and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.

The two sides also exchanged views on various issues in the Horn of Africa, addressing its escalating tensions and challenges, as well as developments in Somalia.

Abdelatty underscored Egypt’s dedication to fostering stability in Somalia by supporting its state institutions, emphasizing the importance of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

He called for international efforts to assist the Somali government in achieving security, combating terrorism, and asserting its authority across the country.

Both sides expressed a shared commitment to maintaining coordination and consultation on mutual concerns in addition to working together to enhance security and stability in the region.

ATMIS concludes phase three troop drawdown

Source: Hiiraan Online, Friday November 15, 2024

Kismayo (HOL) — The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) handed over the Burgavo Forward Operating Base (FOB) to Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) on Thursday, marking the conclusion of phase three in ATMIS’s drawdown efforts.

ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF)-controlled the Burgavo military base, which is located on Somalia’s southern coast, 530 kilometres from Mogadishu. The base has played a vital role in countering Al-Shabaab’s influence and securing the critical Burgavo-Ras Kamboni Main Supply Route (MSR).

ATMIS Sector Two Deputy Commander, Col. Meshack Kishoyian, officiated at the ceremony attended by ATMIS military Chief Engineer Col. Suleiman Ibrahim, SNAF representative Maj. Sakariye Mohamed Omar, Badhadhe District Commissioner Gen. Mohamed Ibrahim Farah, who represented the Jubaland State administration, and officials from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).

Outgoing ATMIS FOB Commander Maj. Charles Kaara signed the handover documents alongside incoming SNAF FOB Commander Maj. Muktar Mohamed. UNSOS representative Santosh Koka signed on behalf of the transition planning cell.

“This significant event demonstrates the growing capacity and dedication of the Somali Security Forces to take over the security responsibilities of Somalia, with the support of ATMIS, UNSOS and other partners,” said Col. Ibrahim, who represented the ATMIS Force Headquarters.

He commended ATMIS and SNAF troops for jointly pacifying the Lower Juba region, paving way for the Somali-led transition process.

“I commend the Somali Security Forces for their display of character in holding on to all the military bases handed over… I am confident that in partnership with all of us, they will continue to exhibit their capabilities and ensure the return of lasting peace to Somalia,” added Col. Ibrahim.

Badhadhe District Commissioner, Gen. Mohamed Ibrahim Farah, said the Federal Government of Somalia is ready to defend its territory and the people against Al-Shabaab.

“It is now time for Somalis to take charge of their own security. We are ready to take over this base and continue to maintain its security. Somalia now has a strong government that can take charge of its security,” said Gen. Farah.

ATMIS troops, alongside SNA forces, liberated Burgavo from Al-Shabaab control in 2011, significantly weakening the group’s operations in Lower Juba.

“This FOB has been very key in curtailing Al-Shabaab activities within this region. Being a port town, it has managed to block imports of unwanted items into this region,” said Col. Kishoyian, the ATMIS Sector Two Commander.

SNAF representative, Maj. Sakariye Mohamed Omar acknowledged the ATMIS KDF troops’ contributions in degrading Al-Shabaab. “Somalia has now become much safer, and the momentum of our forces remains undeterred,” noted Maj. Omar.

UNSOS gifted UN-owned equipment to SNAF, including generators, refrigerators, and freezers to maintain their operational capacity.

Under a drawdown process implemented in three phases since 2023, ATMIS has so far handed over 21 military bases to the Somali Security Forces (SSF) and withdrawn 9,000 troops from Somalia.

Ethiopia summons Sudanese envoy over Nile dam war threat

Source: Sudan Tribune, Friday November 15, 2024

Ethiopia summoned Sudan’s ambassador on Wednesday to protest comments by Sudan’s acting foreign minister suggesting possible war with Ethiopia if disagreements over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) are not resolved.

Acting Foreign Minister Ali Youssif said in a recent television interview that Sudan could side with Egypt if talks on the GERD fail and that the option of war remained open if an agreement ensuring the water rights of all three countries was not reached.

Ethiopia’s foreign ministry expressed “displeasure” with Youssif’s remarks to Ambassador Al-Zein Ibrahim, emphasizing its commitment to strong relations with Sudan.

Diplomatic sources told Sudan Tribune that Youssif himself is expected to visit Addis Ababa soon, possibly to clarify his statements. However, these sources also noted that Ibrahim has yet to present his credentials to the Ethiopian president formally.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Nebiat Getachew downplayed the incident at a press briefing on Thursday, calling the relationship with Sudan “developed and strategic” and dismissing the comments as social media hype.

Getachew reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving the GERD issue through dialogue and stressed that the dam poses no threat to downstream countries. He cited 13 years of “practical experience”, demonstrating that Sudan was not harmed during the dam’s filling.

He further emphasized the GERD’s potential for regional economic integration and reaffirmed Ethiopia’s rejection of foreign interference in Sudan’s internal conflict.

Getachew also confirmed that the Nile Basin Agreement has entered into force with South Sudan’s recent ratification, opening the door for donor-funded development projects.

In a separate announcement, Getachew pledged continued Ethiopian support for Somalia’s stability and the fight against al Shabaab militants.

On the Ground Report from Omdurman, Sudan

 Source: The International Crisis Group posted on 7 November 2024 a 32-minute podcast titled “Inside Sudan’s Catastrophic Civil War” with Elissa Jobson and Mohanad Hashim, Sudanese journalist with the BBC.

Mohanad Hashim travelled by road from Port Sudan on the Red Sea to Omdurman, across the White Nile from Khartoum, escorted by troops from the Sudan Armed Forces. He provides insightful analysis of the situation in Sudan.  

The devastation in this part of Sudan is near total.  He said the younger generation of Sudanese believes a new Sudan needs to be formed; the previous generation of leaders is not up to the task.  He concludes that neither side can win a military victory; it is a war of attrition. 

Ethiopia launches first-ever shipment of fruits, vegetables to European market

Tuesday November 12, 2024

Ethiopia has launched the first-ever shipment of refrigerated fruits and vegetables to the European market, the Ministry of Agriculture disclosed.

Ethio Vegfru, a private limited exporter and importer company, has officially launched shipments Sugar Snap and Mangetout vegetable products to the Netherlands today in the presence of Agriculture State Minister, Sofia Kasa.

Ethiopia is known for offering ideal climate conditions for the year-round cultivation of vegetables and fruit like mangos, grapes and oranges.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director and Founder of Ethio Vegfru, Tsegaye Abebe indicated that 12 tons of Sugar Snap and Mangetout vegetable products will be delivered to the port of Djibouti, using a container equipped with modern refrigerators and new technology.

The fresh produce was loaded at Koka and will be transported to Netherlands via the Ethio-Djibouti transport corridor within 23 days.

This shipment is a milestone in the development of a cool logistics corridor for the export of fruit, vegetables and other perishables by sea freight via the Port of Djibouti, it was learned.

Noting that Ethiopia has not yet exploited its full potential in the sphere of fruits and vegetables production, Tsegaye said that we should continue to produce vegetables and fruits on a large scale and increase the export destination markets.

He also stressed the need for maximizing the utilization of the sector and further investments in fruits and vegetables productions.

According to the managing director, starting the transportation of vegetable products by ship is a great move to Ethiopia in order to penetrate the global market.

He also urged for redoubling the ongoing efforts and expanding the product as well as presenting it to the markets.

Following the market destinations in European countries have reduced due to environmental protection factors, Tesgaye noted Ethiopia has already embarked on a big task by starting the shipments of various vegetable products through using modern refrigeration containers

US Grants Somalia Major Debt Cancellation

 Source: The Guardian published on 6 November 2024 an article titled “US Cancels $1.1 Bn of Somalia’s Debt in ‘Historic’ Financial Agreement” by Faisal Ali.  

Somalia announced the United States will cancel more than $1.1 billion in outstanding loans, which date back to the Siad Barre government that collapsed in 1991.  This is the largest single component of Somalia’s $4.5 billion external debt.

Other Paris Club members also announced this year they are waiving $2 billion of additional debt.  These decisions will allow Somalia to more readily access public financing from international financial institutions. 

Nearly 380,000 people displaced by South Sudan floods, UN says

A surge in malaria is reported in several states and is overwhelming the health system, according to a UN agency.

Video Duration 02 minutes 31 seconds02:31

Source: Aljazeera, Published On 9 Nov 20249 Nov 2024

Flooding in South Sudan has displaced more than 379,000 people, according to a United Nations update that warned about a surge in malaria.

Aid agencies have said the world’s youngest country, highly vulnerable to climate change, is in the grip of its worst flooding in decades, mainly in the north.

The African country that’s just seen more than £860m of ‘suffocating’ debt being cancelled

Source: Daily Express
By Tom Burnett
Sunday November 10, 2024

Somali Minister of Finance, Bihi Egeh signs the agreement with the US ambassador (Image: US Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia )

An African country blighted by warlords and piracy has had $1.1bn (£860m) of debt forgiven by the USA.

Somalia has announced the loans, around a quarter of what it owes, have been cancelled as part of a series of agreements.

The country’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia had been “suffocating” under its debts, which have accrued interest since the collapse of a military dictatorship that accrued the debts up to 1991.

In a statement, the US embassy in Mogadishu said: “This $1.1 billion in debt relief is in addition to the $1.2 billion of development, economic, security, and humanitarian assistance the United States has provided to Somalia just this fiscal year.

“The United States continues to be a steadfast partner in support of the people of Somalia.”

Somalia, with a population of more than 18 million, became a failed state after the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime in 1991.

A civil war broke out, and with a lack of central government, the country broke down.

Somaliland, a breakaway self-declared country in the north west of the country, remains independent to this day – with the unrecognised state controlling its borders and producing its own passports and currency.

Elsewhere in Somalia, warlords and Islamist groups including Al-Shabaab have plagued the country in the decades since the collapse of the regime – with the government combating them with varying degrees of success.

Meanwhile the  seas around Somalia also became a hotbed for pirates operating from the country’s coastal towns targeting shipping – with some vessels and their crews taken hostage.

Although down from its peak in late in 2008/9 following concerted naval action, piracy has increased again – with Indian commandos capturing 35 Somali pirates after taking back control of a ship in March 2024.

US ‘concerned’ about growing violence in Ethopia’s Amhara

Source: AFP, Tuesday November 5, 2024

The United States has voiced concern about growing violence in Ethiopia’s Amhara state, scene of an insurgency since last year, the country’s top diplomat said late Monday.

The Fano, a long-standing “self-defence” militia for the Amhara ethnic group, the second largest in Ethiopia, took up arms against the federal government in April 2023 after it tried to disarm regional forces.

The government declared a state of emergency in the region, home to some 23 million people, in August 2023. While this expired in June, unrest has continued with a large contingent of federal forces deployed in September.

Following a telephone conversation between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Blinken expressed “concern about growing violence in Amhara” and “underscored the need for political dialogue to address Ethiopia’s other internal conflicts”.

Blinken and Abiy also discussed “rising tensions” in the region, State Department spokesman Matt Miller said in the statement.

Relations between land-locked Ethiopia and neighbouring Somalia have nosedived following Abiy’s January deal with a breakaway Somali region to lease a stretch of their coastline, infuriating Mogadishu.

Somalia has declared the agreement “illegal” and moved closer to Addis’ long-standing rival Egypt.

Last week Abiy told his country’s parliament he had “no interest in getting involved in a war”.

Ethiopia, which has the second largest population in Africa with 120 million people, lost access to the sea when Eritrea gained independence in 1993.

African Union soldiers killed in al-Shabab mortar attack

Source: voa, By Harun Maruf
Monday November 4, 2024

FILE PHOTO

Two African Union soldiers were killed and a third one injured by an al-Shabab mortar attack Sunday on their base inside the perimeters of Mogadishu’s international airport.

A statement by the head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mohamed El-Amine Souef condemned the attack on the facility known as the Halane Base Camp.

It’s believed that a 107mm rocket was used for the attack. At least four mortar rounds were reportedly fired during the attack.

“The heinous attack will not deter us and the Somali security forces from pursuing lasting peace and in Somalia,” Souef said in the statement posted on X, formerly Twitter. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to combat terrorism and build a peaceful and prosperous Somalia.”

The statement did not specify the nationality of the soldiers killed, but an AU official told VOA’s Horn of Africa that the soldiers who were killed and the one soldier injured are Ugandans.

“ATMIS extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends, and relatives of those who lost their lives and wishes a quick recovery to those injured during the attack,” Souef said.

The AU senior leadership team later visited the site of the blasts.

The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement posted on one of its websites, the group claimed the mortars killed “white and black officers.”

Despite being driven out of Mogadishu in 2011, the group, from time to time, manages to carry out mortar attacks that hit Mogadishu’s airport, which is a base for the AU as well as some foreign embassies.

Al-Shabab mortars have also targeted residential areas in Mogadishu and have claimed the lives of civilians.

One-third of Sudan’s Population Has Deen Displaced

 Source: The Associated Press published on 29 October 2024 an article titled “Sudan Has Displaced over 14 Million, or about 30% of the Population, UN Says.”  

The International Organization for Migration says the civil war in Sudan has displaced about 30 percent of the population since conflict broke out more than a year ago.  Some 11 million people are internally displaced and 3.1 million are refugees in neighboring countries, making Sudan the world’s largest displacement crisis. 

____________________________

Note:

Unfortunate generals extremely hunger for power are destroying their own country and their own people and the world is just watching!!! why! Why! why!

Somalia International Rehabilitation Centre (SIRC)

Ethiopia’s Use of Drones Against Fano Rebels

 Source: The Hill published on 31 October 2024 a commentary titled “Ethiopia’s Drone Massacres Demand that US and World Pay Attention” by Mesfin Tegenu, American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee.

The government of Ethiopia has been using Turkish-made drones to attack Fano rebels in Amhara Region.  The author says one of these drones recently hit a health center in the town of Gojjam resulting in the death of a child and village elder.  

Somali President reaffirms commitment to universal suffrage elections in 2026

Source: Hiiraan Online, Saturday November 2, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding universal suffrage elections by 2026 despite opposition from two regional state leaders and prominent politicians.

Speaking in Mogadishu on Thursday, President Mohamud highlighted the need for Somalia to transition to direct elections, marking a shift from the longstanding practice of indirect elections.

“No one understands indirect elections better than me. I’ve been elected as both a member of parliament and president twice through indirect elections. We’ve been holding these types of elections for 24 years, but we’re moving forward—we won’t go back,” said President Mohamud.

The National Consultative Council (NCC) agreement endorsed Wednesday by President Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Mogadishu mayor and three regional leaders, established a roadmap for elections, with local, regional, and municipal elections set for June 2025 and parliamentary and presidential elections in September 2025. The NCC also called for creating a National Independent Electoral Commission to oversee the electoral process.

Despite recent electoral reforms, including a bill passed in March to reintroduce universal suffrage, prominent figures remain critical. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland’s Ahmed Madobe have voiced public opposition to the NCC’s timeline.

Former Presidents Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo have also disapproved of the NCC’s decisions, citing concerns over election timelines and governance.

CIA chief Burns discusses peace, security with Somali President Mohamud

Source: AA, Saturday November 2, 2024

CIA chief William Burns on Friday held talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu on a range of issues including security and terrorism.

A statement issued by Somali presidency said Burns and Mohamud held a “high-level discussion on strengthening the enduring Somalia-U.S. strategic partnership.”

The meeting, according to the readout, “covered a range of mutually beneficial topics, including supporting the Somali Federal Government in countering international terrorism promoting regional stability, and addressing key security challenges in the Horn of Africa.”

“They both emphasized the importance of collaboration on issues essential to peace and security, reaffirming their commitment to advancing stability across the region,” the statement added.

The CIA chief’s visit to Somalia comes as tensions have escalated between Somalia and Ethiopia due to Addis Ababa’s Red Sea access deal with the breakaway state of Somaliland. International partners, including Türkiye, are mediating to resolve the dispute.

Finland’s Peace Envoy Engages in Diplomatic Talks in Djibouti

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Source: by Horn Observer, Monday October 28, 2024 – 04:42:23 in Latest News by Horn Observer

Said Ahmed met with Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed.

DJIBOUTI, Djibouti (HORN OBSERVER) – Finland’s Special Envoy on Peace Mediation in the Horn of Africa, Suldaan Said Ahmed, arrived in Djibouti on Sunday, engaging in discussions with Djiboutian leaders on enhancing bilateral ties.

Suldaan Said Ahmed met with Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed and Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressing the importance of collaboration between Finland and Djibouti in peace mediation.

“Finland and Djibouti are geographically small countries but have a lot to offer in peace mediation, which is more important today than ever in our world,” said  Suldaan Said Ahmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The envoy also presented a letter from Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, though the contents were not disclosed.

Appointed by Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on January 23, 2024,  Suldaan Said Ahmed’s mandate includes supporting peace processes in the conflict-prone Horn of Africa, a region currently facing political instability, armed conflicts, and severe drought—the worst in decades. 

Finland has a long history of bilateral cooperation in the region, striving to foster stability and development.