The Darfur Genocide Never Ended

 Source: The New York Times published on 20 April 2025 a commentary titled “The Darfur Genocide Never Ended” by Emtithal Mahmoud, Sudanese community organizer from Darfur.

Genocide was first acknowledged in Darfur in 2003.  The author argues it never ended and recent Rapid Support Forces attacks on the internally displaced persons camp at Zamzam have only returned it to international attention

Heavy rainfall expected over most parts of the Greater Horn of Africa

Source: KBC Kenya’s watching , Kenya, By Judith Akolo
Tuesday April 22, 2025

Climate Scientists at the Igad Climate Predictions and Applications Center (ICPAC) are predicting that more than usual rainfall expected over most parts of Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, eastern Kenya, northern South Sudan and southern Sudan.

“Moderate rainfall of between 50-200millimeters is expected in most parts of Rwanda, Burundi, northwestern and southern Tanzania, western Uganda, coastal, northeastern and western Kenya, parts of western Ethiopia, northern South Sudan and southern Sudan,” says the Igad Climate Predictions and Applications Center (ICPAC).

The specialized institution of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is warning that “the expected heavy rainfall over parts of north-eastern Kenya and some regions in southern and northern Tanzania could trigger isolated flooding. Communities in low-lying areas should stay cautious.”

In the weekly forecast by ICPAC, light rainfall of less than 50 millimetres is expected over most parts of central to southern South Sudan, southern Sudan, western and southern Ethiopia, central to southern Somalia, central Tanzania, central Kenya and central to eastern Uganda.

Temperatures in the region are also expected to be warmer than average over most parts of the region apart from north-eastern parts of Kenya, and cross border areas of Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

“High temperatures of above 32℃elsius is expected over parts of Sudan and Afar region in Ethiopia,” says the statement and adds, “Moderate to high temperatures of between 20-32℃elsius are expected over most parts Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, northern, western and eastern Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.”

Mild temperature conditions of less than 20℃elsius are expected over most parts of Burundi, Rwanda, central to western Kenya, and central Ethiopia.

The Climate Scientists at ICPAC are warning that heat stress levels are expected in most parts of South Sudan, Sudan, eastern Kenya, eastern Tanzania, central to southern Somalia, and coastal regions of Eritrea.

Azerbaijan ratifies defense pact with Somalia to boost military and strategic ties

Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday April 22, 2025



Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Mogadishu (HOL) — Azerbaijan’s parliament ratified a defence cooperation agreement with Somalia on Monday, solidifying a growing partnership between the two countries to strengthen military ties and expand bilateral collaboration across multiple sectors.

The agreement, formally titled “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia on Cooperation in the Field of Defense and the Defense Industry,” was passed during a plenary session on April 22. Lawmakers approved the bill in its first reading.Initially signed in Baku on February 12, 2025, by Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, the agreement outlines a broad legal framework for cooperation on military training, peacekeeping, defence industry development, and the exchange of technical expertise.

The 20-article accord requires both nations to implement its provisions in accordance with their national laws and international commitments. It also specifies that the cooperation is not intended to target or threaten any third party.

The ratification follows Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s official visit to Azerbaijan earlier this year, during which he and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev pledged to deepen relations beyond the defence sector. The two leaders discussed expanding ties in education, renewable energy, and public service reform.

During the visit, Somalia and Azerbaijan signed several additional agreements, including an education cooperation pact and a memorandum of understanding to support green energy initiatives in Somalia—areas where Azerbaijan has sought to leverage its expertise as part of its broader outreach to African countries.

For Somalia, the defence pact is a key component of its effort to rebuild and modernize its armed forces following years of conflict and instability. It also aligns with Mogadishu’s strategy of diversifying its security partnerships beyond traditional allies in the Horn of Africa and the Arab world.

For Azerbaijan, the agreement reflects a growing interest in Africa as a region for strategic cooperation and diplomatic engagement. The country has recently increased its footprint across the continent, seeking partnerships in energy, infrastructure, and security.

Lack of US support clouds UN funding plan for AU mission in Somalia

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday April 20, 2025

FILE – African Union troops salute during a flag-raising ceremony marking the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM at a forward operating base in Somalia, January 2025. CREDIT: AU/AMISOM Photo
Mogadishu (HOL) — The United States’ abstention from a December UN Security Council resolution endorsing funding for the African Union’s mission in Somalia has cast a shadow over AUSSOM’s future, with fears mounting ahead of a critical vote in May to approve the mission’s financing.

Washington’s reluctance stems from concerns over applying the hybrid funding model outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which permits up to 75% of the budget for African Union-led peace operations to be covered by UN-assessed contributions. A decisive Security Council vote on whether to release the funds for AUSSOM is scheduled for May 15.

During an explanation of the vote on December 27, 2024, U.S. Deputy Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dorothy Shea said, “Somalia is not a suitable testing ground for the proposed funding model,” adding that the model could lead to UN funds covering more than 90% of AUSSOM’s costs—exceeding the limits established under Resolution 2719. The U.S. ultimately abstained from supporting Resolution 2767, which authorized AUSSOM’s deployment, citing unresolved concerns over financial transparency and operational control.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in an April 10 report, warned the Security Council that without systematic financial support, AUSSOM’s ability to operate effectively could be compromised, undermining efforts to stabilize Somalia. The mission, launched in January 2025, is already facing severe financial difficulties, needing an estimated $90.4 million to maintain its operations from January to June alone, according to the African Union Peace and Security Council.

These funding issues occur amidst a volatile security environment. Recently, al-Shabaab militants captured the strategic town of Adan Yabaal in central Somalia, previously a base for government military operations. This development underscores the urgent need for sustained international backing of AUSSOM.

AUSSOM follows the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), which itself succeeded the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM, which had operated since 2007 and played a major role in counter-terrorism efforts. The transition to AUSSOM in January 2025 was designed to further enhance both the African Union’s operational effectiveness and the capabilities of local Somali forces.

The current funding impasse highlights deeper divisions within the international community regarding the financial responsibility for peace operations in Africa. Critics of the hybrid funding approach argue it could lead to inefficient use of resources. At the same time, supporters insist it is essential for sustainability and stability in regions like the Horn of Africa.

Yemen denies plan to sell embassy in Somalia, calls allegations false

Source: Sunday April 20, 2025



Mogadishu (HOL) — Yemen’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports claiming the government intends to sell its embassy building in Somalia, dismissing the allegations as false and part of a coordinated smear campaign.

In a statement to Yemeni media, Foreign Minister Shaea Mohsen Al-Zendani addressed the claims circulating on social platforms and in some press outlets. “They are trying to discredit the work of the Ministry abroad, including its diplomatic relations with other countries,” he said. “We know these are orchestrated and false allegations.”

Al-Zendani said his office had received several media inquiries regarding the reports and reiterated that no plans exist to sell or lease any Yemeni diplomatic property in Somalia. He described the rumours as “propaganda with no basis in fact.”

He also urged media organizations to exercise responsibility in their coverage. “He called on the media to take responsibility for what they report,” Al-Zendani said, warning against the continued spread of misinformation.

While the Yemeni government has rejected those claims, Hiiraan Online has not independently verified the ownership status of the buildings or whether any formal plans for their sale exist.

Yemen and Somalia share deep-rooted diplomatic and cultural ties. Both countries served as critical ports along ancient trade routes in the Gulf of Aden.

Somalia urges Saudi Arabia to release citizens facing execution for drug trafficking

Source: Hiiraan Online, Saturday April 19, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali government has launched formal talks with Saudi authorities to secure the release or repatriation of more than 100 Somali nationals imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, including dozens facing death sentences for drug trafficking.

Somalia’s Consul General in Jeddah, Abdiweli Hirsi Abdille, confirmed that most of the prisoners had been held in the southern province of Najran for six to eight years. He said 58 have already been sentenced—some to death—while 57 others are currently on trial. Nine remain in custody without formal charges.

The talks follow growing concern among Somali families after Saudi Arabia carried out an execution of a Somali national earlier this year. Reports of similar executions involving Yemeni and Ethiopian detainees have intensified calls for diplomatic intervention.“Somalia and Saudi Arabia have held multiple discussions on possible release or repatriation,” Abdille said. “Although progress has been limited, we remain hopeful.”

Abdille recently visited the detention facilities and met with Najran’s regional governor, Prince Jalami bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and senior prison officials. He said the detainees are in stable health but have raised unresolved concerns.

“When I spoke with the prisoners, they told me they had learned a great deal during their time in detention, particularly in religious studies,” Abdille said. “They requested a Somali-speaking teacher, and the prison agreed to provide one fluent in both Somali and Arabic.”

Human rights groups say Saudi Arabia continues to impose capital punishment for non-violent drug offences despite earlier promises to scale back executions. According to Amnesty International, the kingdom executed at least 198 people in 2024, averaging one execution every two days.

Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s highest execution rates, a trend that has accelerated since King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assumed power in 2015.

Family members of the Somali prisoners say many were lured into drug trafficking after entering Saudi Arabia through Yemen. Some claim they were promised large payments for smuggling pills and hashish across the border.

“Given their desperate circumstances, they were manipulated into carrying drugs,” said Abdirahman Mohamed Abdiweli, whose relative is among the detainees.

Though discussions between the two countries have occurred for years, no detainees have been released under these negotiations. Somalia’s foreign ministry says it will continue to pursue every available diplomatic channel to bring its citizens home.

• With files from the BBC Somali Service

Somalia threatens action against African Union envoy over remarks on Al-Shabaab

Source: Hiiraan Online, Friday April 18, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali federal government has accused the Acting Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Sivuyile Thandikhaya Bam, of undermining the country’s development and expressing sympathies toward the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab.

In an interview with the Somali National Television on Thursday, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the government is considering “strong measures” against Bam, citing repeated and unacceptable actions that counter Somalia’s national interests and security priorities.

“The man who is the head of the AUSSOM mission has long been under suspicion. Now it seems he is no longer hiding—he has become a supporter of Al-Shabaab and is actively working to tarnish Somalia’s progress,” Minister Fiqi said.

He accused Bam of making statements at the United Nations Security Council suggesting that Al-Shabaab seeks political legitimacy and no longer targets civilians—remarks Fiqi condemned as dangerous and misleading.

“These kinds of statements are not only factually incorrect, but they risk legitimizing a group that continues to carry out mass killings, bombings, and terrorist attacks against Somali civilians,” Fiqi said.

Diplomatic sources told HOL that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is weighing the formal expulsion of Bam in the coming weeks, a move that would represent a major rupture in relations between Somalia and the African Union during a critical transitional period. AUSSOM replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the beginning of 2024 and is expected to take over peacekeeping operations by mid-year fully.

Al-Shabaab remains designated as a terrorist organization by the Somali government, the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, and the African Union. The group continues to carry out deadly attacks across Somalia, targeting civilians, military forces, and government officials in its ongoing campaign to topple the federal government and impose its own interpretation of Islamic law.

Washington Post Editorial on Saving the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act

 Source: The Washington Post published in its hard copy edition on 17 April 2025 an editorial titled “Save America’s Great Link to Africa.”

America’s key trade agreement for Africa, the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), is due to expire in September this year unless Congress votes for another extension. The program’s future is uncertain because the Trump administration prefers bilateral trade deals over multinational agreements such as AGOA. The editorial makes the case for renewing AGOA.  

Somaliland halts peace talks with Somalia after PM Barre’s visit to Las Anod

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday April 16, 2025

FILE — Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle, speaks during a press conference in HargeisaMogadishu (HOL) — Somaliland has formally ended negotiations with Somalia’s federal government, accusing it of repeated violations of its sovereignty after Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited Las Anod, a city at the heart of a territorial dispute.

The decision was announced Wednesday by Somaliland’s Council of Ministers, marking the collapse of more than a decade of peace talks. Hargeisa said the visit was “a blatant provocation” and evidence that Somalia had abandoned the path of peaceful resolution.

“Somalia has deviated from the principles of dialogue,” said Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Ahmed Yasin Sheikh Ali Ayanle. “Effective April 16, 2024, Somaliland is no longer part of any negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia.”

Barre’s visit to Las Anod was billed as part of a “Unity Reinforcement Mission” by Mogadishu. The city has been under the control of the SSC-Khaatumo administration since early 2023, following months of deadly conflict that forced Somaliland forces to withdraw. Somalia recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state earlier this year.

Tensions escalated further after SSC-Khaatumo handed over 25 prisoners—previously held by Somaliland—to the Somali government. The detainees were transported to Mogadishu without prior consultation with Somaliland authorities.

Somalia’s Justice Minister Hassan Moalim said the government was focused on reintegrating the released individuals, who had been detained for nearly two years. He emphasized their humanitarian needs, noting that some suffered from chronic illnesses or injuries.

“These are Somali citizens who were caught in a conflict. They are no longer prisoners. They’re receiving medical care and being reunited with their families,” Moalim said in an interview with the BBC. “This is a message of peace. We hope Somaliland will take similar steps.”

Moalim added that the federal government specifically requested the release of the most vulnerable individuals, including women and the elderly. He credited SSC-Khaatumo for agreeing to the transfer without conditions.

However, Somaliland dismissed the move as unlawful. Ayanle said the individuals were not prisoners of war and claimed their transfer was a politically motivated abduction meant to deflect from Somalia’s internal problems.

“There were no negotiations. This act violates international norms and the rights of Somaliland citizens,” Ayanle said.

The Council of Ministers also urged the international community to condemn what it called continued violations by Somalia in the eastern Sool region and to support efforts to stabilize the area, which remains contested.

The SSC-Khaatumo administration emerged following a grassroots rebellion against Somaliland’s rule in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions. Its rise has reshaped local power dynamics, and its recognition by the federal government has further strained relations with Somaliland.

Clashes in early 2023 between Somaliland forces and local fighters left hundreds dead and displaced tens of thousands, drawing international concern.

Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, operates with its own government, institutions, and currency but has yet to receive international recognition. Multiple rounds of dialogue with Somalia—hosted in Djibouti, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates—have failed to yield a political settlement.

Türkiye, Somalia ties gained strategic dimension: Minister

by Dilara Aslan
Thursday April 17, 2025

Source: Daily Sabah, Growing cooperation areas have strengthened relations between Türkiye and Somalia, Mogadishu’s top diplomat says, hailing Ankara’s mediation for regional challenges

The Somali flag (R) and the Turkish flag are seen above a Turkish warship docked in Mogadishu port after its arrival, more than two months after the signing of a 10-year economic defense agreement, April 23, 2024 (Reuters Photo)

Relations between Ankara and Mogadishu have gained a strategic dimension through cooperation in fields such as security and energy in recent years, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ali Mohamed Omar said.

“We value our relations with Türkiye. This is a brotherly relationship based on partnership. Although the first cooperation dates back to the Ottoman period, a new page was opened in ties with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit during the height of the famine in the country in 2011,” Omar told Daily Sabah.

Cooperation, which was centered mostly around humanitarian aid, agriculture and education, soon developed into more strategic fields.

“With investment made in the energy sector, our relations have strengthened. Our cooperation has gained a more strategic dimension,” Omar added.

Last summer, Ankara and Mogadishu inked an agreement on hydrocarbon exploration and production. Türkiye then dispatched its domestically developed seismic research vessel to Somalia to begin seismic surveys for oil and natural gas in three licensed maritime jurisdictions later in the year.

“Between Türkiye and Somalia, there is also cooperation to consolidate Mogadishu’s security infrastructure. Türkiye is experienced in the fight against terrorism. There are things we have to learn from Ankara. Besides, Türkiye also helps in building Somalia’s armed forces,” the minister continued, indicating that Ankara supports Mogadishu in tackling al-Shabab.

Türkiye’s biggest overseas military training base, which was inaugurated in 2017, is located in Somalia and is also among the largest foreign-run military centers in the country.

Mediation

Omar also touched upon the mediation efforts of Türkiye, led by Erdoğan, in long-standing disagreements between Somalia and Ethiopia.

“As Ethiopia and Somalia, we are neighbors and have to have good relations. Yet, historically, we had challenges. Thanks to Türkiye’s mediation, we had the chance to smooth problems,” Omar said.

As part of the Ankara Declaration, he indicated that the trilateral format might come together again at the end of this month.

Land-locked Ethiopia’s desire for access to the sea had deepened long-standing grievances between the two neighbors. Somalia was outraged when Ethiopia signed a deal one year ago with its breakaway region of Somaliland, reportedly to recognize its independence in exchange for a port and military base on the Red Sea.

“This problem had been continuing for many years and there were obstacles in discussing it face to face. Erdoğan has made this possible,” he added.

Türkiye stepped in to mediate last July, holding three previous rounds of talks – two in Ankara and one in New York – before December’s breakthrough, which won praise from the African Union, Washington and Brussels.

According to the Ethiopia-Somalia Ankara Declaration, the two parties decided to launch technical negotiations facilitated by Türkiye by the end of February 2025 and conclude them within four months. They also agreed to abandon differences of opinion and contentious issues and to move decisively toward shared prosperity.

Prime Minister Barre visits voter registration site in Mogadishu’s Shangani district

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday April 16, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, accompanied by Mogadishu Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jimale and several cabinet members, visited a voter registration site in the capital’s Shangani district on Wednesday to observe the rollout of the country’s landmark voter registration process.

Addressing the crowd, Prime Minister Barre hailed the moment as a “victory for Somalia,” highlighting it as a turning point in the country’s journey toward democratic governance.

“Today marks an important milestone. For the first time in decades, our people can exercise their democratic right—to elect and be elected,” Barre said. “This is the beginning of an era where leadership is earned through accountability, not appointed by clan formula or political favoritism.”

The Prime Minister stressed the significance of the universal voter registration initiative, which began on Tuesday in Mogadishu—the first such effort in more than 50 years—as Somalia prepares for one-person, one-vote elections in 2026. The country last held direct elections in 1969, just before the military coup led by Siad Barre.

“Every Somali has the right to a national ID, to register, and to vote,” Barre said. “Those seeking office must now present their ideas, track records, and commitments directly to the people.”

Barre applauded the residents of Shangani for being at the forefront of a historic transition and praised the resilience of Mogadishu’s population in the face of terrorism, insecurity, and hardship.

“The skeptics said it couldn’t be done—that Somalia could not hold credible elections. But the turnout today proves them wrong,” he added. “Our offensive against extremism is gaining ground, and our path toward economic progress is clearer than ever.”

The Prime Minister also framed the electoral process as a critical instrument for rebuilding public trust in government institutions. “From today, the people will decide who deserves to lead, and who must be held accountable,” he said.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pledged to replace the 4.5 clan-based indirect electoral model—long criticized for entrenching patronage and political stagnation—with direct suffrage. The process is being rolled out in phases, starting with voter registration in nine districts across Mogadishu.

Trump vows support for Somalia against Houthis, cites new U.S. military directive

Source: Hiiraan Online, Monday April 14, 2025

President Donald Trump departs O’Hare International Airport after speaking at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference and Exposition, Monday, Oct. 28, 2019, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Mogadishu (HOL) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday vowed to support Somalia against the Houthi movement, warning that American forces had been newly empowered to eliminate terrorist threats following his removal of what he called “dangerous red tape” from the Biden administration.

“Time for the terrorists to hide, but it won’t do them any good,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Our Warfighters, the Greatest the World has ever seen, will find them, and bring them to swift Justice.”

Trump referenced the Houthis—Yemen’s Iran-aligned group that has targeted vessels in the Red Sea—as attempting to embed in Somalia. “We will support the Somali People, who should not allow the Houthis to embed (which they are trying to do!), to end terrorism, and bring prosperity to their Country,” he said.He also praised Gen. Daniel Caine, whom he appointed as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, crediting him with helping to defeat ISIS “in three weeks” during Trump’s first term. “I just got rid of Joe Biden’s dangerous red tape, and empowered our Warfighters, once again,” he added.

Trump’s comments follow growing concerns over reported ties between the Houthis and Somalia-based militant groups, including al-Shabaab and the Islamic State in Somalia. According to recent analysis by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Institute for the Study of War, the Houthis have attempted to coordinate logistics and weapons transfers with Somali militants to bolster operations across the Red Sea corridor. Analysts warn that these ties could further destabilize the Horn of Africa and enhance militant access to advanced weaponry, including drones and missile systems.

Somalia, located across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, has long been a focal point of U.S. counterterrorism operations. Washington has supported Somali forces through airstrikes and training in their fight against al-Shabaab and ISIS affiliates.

The rising Houthi influence in Somali waters has coincided with a resurgence of piracy off the Horn of Africa, with over 20 hijacking attempts reported since late 2023. Security analysts attribute the uptick in maritime threats to reduced international patrols and the Houthis’ aggressive presence in the Red Sea. In response, the United Nations Security Council recently extended its authorization allowing member states to intercept illicit arms shipments to and from Somalia.

Last month, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reportedly offered the U.S. exclusive access to several key military and maritime facilities, according to a draft letter obtained by the Associated Press. The proposal, dated March 16 and leaked online, grants “exclusive operational control” over the Berbera and Baledogle air bases and the ports of Berbera and Bosaso, aiming to “bolster American engagement in the region.”

The Somali Foreign Ministry confirmed to AP that the letter was authentic but declined to say whether it had been officially sent.

Somalia recognizes SSC-Khaatumo, invites leader to national consultative council

Source: Hiiraan Online, Monday April 14, 2025

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre speaks in Las Anod on April 13, 2025, where he officially announced Somalia’s recognition of SSC-Khaatumo as a federal administration.Las Anod (HOL) — Somalia’s federal government has officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal administration, placing it alongside the country’s existing member states, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre announced Sunday during a visit to Las Anod.

Barre declared the region’s formal inclusion in the federal system and extended an invitation to SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye to attend the upcoming National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, scheduled for May 1–2 in Mogadishu. The NCC is Somalia’s top political forum, bringing together federal and regional leaders to deliberate on national priorities such as security coordination, constitutional reforms, and humanitarian responses.

“SSC-Khaatumo is a Somali territory and a legitimate part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. It is not a contested area,” Barre said at a public ceremony in Las Anod.

The move marks a major political milestone for SSC-Khaatumo, a northern region that declared itself an autonomous administration following Somaliland’s withdrawal from Las Anod in early 2023. Since then, the area has remained aligned with the federal government and sought formal recognition as a member state.

“This recognition was long overdue,” Barre said, noting that the region would now be included in national development plans.

Sunday’s developments further cement SSC-Khaatumo’s role in national decision-making. Firdhiye previously attended an NCC summit in May 2024, where he emphasized the region’s demand for constitutional recognition and urged the federal government to address longstanding grievances. His inclusion in next month’s summit reflects the government’s broader efforts to foster national unity and resolve internal conflicts through inclusive governance.

Barre also used his visit to launch several development projects in Las Anod, including the construction of administrative buildings, a police headquarters, a national ID center, and new education and healthcare facilities. He pledged that SSC-Khaatumo would now be incorporated into national development plans and receive its share of federal funding.

While many residents in SSC-Khaatumo welcomed the recognition, debate continues over whether the region has fulfilled the constitutional requirements to become a formal federal member state. Somalia’s provisional constitution requires a structured process involving public consultations and parliamentary approval—steps that observers note have not yet been completed.

The announcement drew swift condemnation from Somaliland’s government, which maintains that Las Anod remains part of its territory. Authorities in Hargeisa described the Prime Minister’s visit as a “clear violation of sovereignty” and accused the federal government of interference.

US won’t let ‘terrorists’ hide in Somalia, says President Trump

Source: Anadolu Agency, Esra Tekin
Monday April 14, 2025

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that the US would not let “terrorists” hide among the people of Somalia.

“We will support the Somali People, who should not allow the Houthis to embed (which they are trying to do!), to end terrorism, and bring prosperity to their Country,” he wrote on social media, referring to the Yemeni Houthis, who have been targeting ships connected with Israel in a show of solidarity with besieged Gaza.

Somalia is situated in the Horn of Africa, close to Yemen.

“Time for the terrorists to hide, but it won’t do them any good. Our Warfighters, the Greatest the World has ever seen, will find them, and bring them to swift Justice,” Trump added.

“I just … empowered our Warfighters, once again, just like I did against our fight with ISIS (Daesh), who were completely obliterated in three weeks under General Daniel Caine, our new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”

Trump previously said that Caine was “instrumental in the complete annihilation” of ISIS.

In a 2018 speech, during his first term as president, Trump said Caine had told him ISIS could be defeated in a week.

Somaliland To Press Trump Administration for Recognition

 Source: The New York Times published on 12 April 2025 an article titled “African Breakaway State Offers U.S. a Chance to Stick It to China” by Abdi Latif Dahir and Joao Silva.

Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has reportedly offered the United States the option of establishing a military base in exchange for diplomatic recognition.  Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi plans to visit Washington in the coming months when he will make the case for recognition, which is already supported by some Republican members of Congress.  

Cuba says US yet to clarify fate of two doctors abducted in Kenya 6 years ago

Source: Kenyans.co.ke by Maurine Kirambia
Sunday April 13, 2025

Cuban doctors treating a patient in Mandera County in 2019. Photo

Cuba has once again pointed a finger at the US over the prolonged delays in clarifying the fate of two doctors kidnapped in Madera in 2019 and suspected to have been in an area bombed by the US African Command (AFRICOM) last year.

Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez has, however, revealed that the efforts continue to clarify the situation of the two Cuban doctors, saying talks are still ongoing.

In a post on his official X page, Rodriguez noted that the country was marking six years since the two doctors were abducted and that their whereabouts were still a priority for the Cuban government.

“Six years ago, Cuban doctors Assel and Landy were kidnapped in Kenya while on an internationalist mission. Efforts to clarify the situation continue, with the ongoing attention and commitment of the highest level of the Party and the Government of Cuba,” he wrote.

The post failed to expound on exactly which measures were being put in place to ensure that the two, Assel Herrera Correa and Landy Rodríguez Hernández, would return home and whether or not they were alive.

This comes even as the Caribbean nation continues to blame the United States of America for failing to provide the necessary information a year after the US African Command (AFRICOM) attacked an Al Shabaab camp where the two were suspected to be held.

A report from the official media outlet Prensa Latina elaborated that after an airstrike by AFRICOM on February 15, 2024, news broke that the two doctors had been killed.

However, the Cuban government noted that, despite numerous efforts to obtain information from the US, none was presented that would allow for definitive conclusions and clarify whether the doctors were still alive or confirm their deaths.

“Given the nature of the conflict in Somalia and the impossibility of obtaining confirmation, in recent weeks the Cuban government has repeatedly requested, through direct communications and diplomatic notes, precise information from the United States government regarding the events that occurred,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

After the airstrike, confusion reigned in the country, with the Cuban President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, being forced to address the news circulating on social media.

“I express all my solidarity and affection to the families of our doctors Assel and Landy in these moments of uncertainty and increased pain, in the face of the tragic news not yet confirmed, in whose clarification we are working hard with international authorities,” the president stated.

He promised to ensure that the country does not forget the two and that efforts to recover the two who were kidnapped on their way to Mandera Hospital in the presence of armed escorts would remain a priority.

Six years later, the Cuban government still blames the US for not providing detailed information on whether the doctors were found alive. With a new administration in Washington, this issue may once again take a back seat as President Donald Trump advocates for his America First agenda.

Ethiopian Journalists Detained Under Antiterrorism Law

 Source: The Committee to Protect Journalists posted on 9 April 2025 a bulletin titled “At Least 7 Journalists Detained in Ethiopia on Terror Allegations.”

Police arrested at least 7 journalists with the privately owned Ethiopia Broadcasting Service (EBS) over what authorities said was a fabricated documentary.  The EBS founder apologized for airing the fabricated allegation.  The journalists’ lawyers said the editorial lapses should be addressed under Ethiopia’s media law, not its antiterrorism legislation. 

Widening of War in Sudan

 Source: The International Crisis Group published on 7 April 2025 an analysis titled “Two Years On, Sudan’s War Is Spreading.”

Although the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) has made recent military gains in the Khartoum capital region, both the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continue to receive ample outside support, which increases the prospect for escalation on the battlefield.  Both sides are also building alliances with local militias, which tends to widen the conflict areas.

China to Help Finance Completion of Railway to Ugandan Border

 Source: Kenyans.co posted on 7 April 2025 an article titled “Kenya Agrees to Railway Tolls for New Ksh706 Billion SGR Deal with Chinese Financiers” by Frankline Oduor.  

A consortium of Chinese financiers has agreed to provide 40 percent of the funding for the controversial standard gauge railway extension from Naivasha, Kenya to the Ugandan border.  The $5.3 billion funding will be in the form of a public private partnership with the reimbursement to Chinese companies coming from tolls collected from use of the railway. 

South Sudan Agrees to Accept US Deportee

 Source: Axios posted on 8 April 2025 an article titled “South Sudan Says It Will Accept Deportee Amid Rubio’s Visa Revocations” by Avery Lotz.

South Sudan said it would accept a deportee from the United States who it previously denied entry to on the basis he was a Congolese national.  Secretary of State Marco Rubio then revoked all visas held by South Sudan passport holders. The government of South Sudan has now agreed to accept the deportee “in the spirit of the existing friendly relations between South Sudan and the United States.”