UN misses deadline to fund new AU mission in Somalia, raising concerns over peacekeeping future

Source: Hiiraan, Friday May 16, 2025

Members of the United Nations Security Council convene on December 27, 2024, in New York to adopt Resolution 2767, approving the deployment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) for an initial 12-month period beginning January 1, 2025. CREDIT/ UNMogadishu (HOL) — The United Nations Security Council has failed to authorize a critical funding framework for the African Union’s new peace mission in Somalia, missing a self-imposed May 15 deadline and casting doubt on the operation’s viability before its scheduled launch.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), slated to replace the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on July 1, was expected to receive partial funding through a hybrid model established by Security Council Resolution 2719. That framework would allow the UN to finance up to 75% of eligible AU-led operations, with the AU and other donors covering the remaining 25%. However, the implementation of this mechanism depended on the Council adopting a follow-up resolution by May 15 under the terms of Resolution 2767—a deadline that has now passed without action.

The delay has fueled anxiety among African troop-contributing countries and regional security officials. AUSSOM was envisioned as a streamlined successor to ATMIS, tasked with supporting Somali-led stabilization efforts while addressing long-standing concerns over the sustainability and accountability of AU-led missions.

While the AU and UN took steps to reduce AUSSOM’s projected annual budget from $190.2 million to $166.5 million, the mission still faces a substantial funding shortfall. A joint review process—led by independent experts and coordinated by the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS)—identified $124.9 million in cost savings through phased reductions in operational support, staffing, aviation, and equipment. The savings were achieved by freezing troop stipends at $828 monthly, eliminating death and disability insurance from assessed contributions, and shifting mine-clearing work by the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) to voluntary funding streams.

Despite these measures, only $14.5 million in extra-budgetary resources have been secured to date—$10 million from the AU Peace Fund and $4.5 million from Japan and South Korea, leaving a $27 million gap in the AU’s 25% cost-share obligation. The AU, which already owes $96 million in unpaid stipends to member states from prior operations, is under growing pressure to secure additional contributions.

Most Council members, including the A3+ group (Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana), the European Union, Panama, and the Republic of Korea, supported activating the Resolution 2719 framework. China, Russia, and Pakistan also backed the hybrid model, emphasizing the need for equitable cost-sharing and continued international support for African-led operations.

But the United States remains firmly opposed. Citing concerns about financial transparency and human rights compliance, U.S. lawmakers introduced the AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025 on May 2, prohibiting any U.S. contributions under the 2719 framework and requiring Washington to block related Security Council actions. While the Biden administration had avoided a direct confrontation over the issue last December, it ultimately left the decision to the incoming Trump administration, which has maintained a hard line.

Diplomatic efforts to salvage the funding plan included a visit by a senior AU delegation to Washington earlier this year in a final appeal for U.S. support. That push failed to shift the U.S. position, leaving the Council unable to act before the deadline.

AU and UN officials had hoped that a hybrid model backed by UN-assessed contributions would help overcome the chronic funding instability that plagued previous missions like AMISOM and ATMIS. Both operations suffered from delayed troop reimbursements, debt burdens, and overreliance on European donors, many of whom have signalled they are no longer willing to underwrite African peace missions alone.

With the Council deadlocked, stakeholders are exploring alternative funding avenues. The European Union has floated a €60 million support package, split between AUSSOM and bilateral security partnerships. Plans are also underway to convene a pledging conference in Doha or London to attract contributions from Gulf and Asian partners.

Despite the current financial uncertainty, AU officials have encouraged troop-contributing countries to remain committed to AUSSOM. But analysts warn that if funding gaps persist, the mission could be scaled back or delayed, risking a security vacuum as Somali forces continue to battle an entrenched Al-Shabaab insurgency.

The Council’s inaction has reignited concerns over whether global powers remain committed to stabilizing Somalia and supporting African-led peace operations. For now, AUSSOM remains scheduled to begin in July, but its future hangs in the balance without a secured funding plan.

Somalia, Turkey deepen ties in fisheries and blue economy cooperation

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday May 14, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia’s Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Ahmed Hassan Aden, held a high-level meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, Alper Aktas, in Mogadishu to advance bilateral cooperation in the fisheries and maritime sectors.

The two officials discussed expanding joint efforts in sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture development, capacity building, and investment opportunities in Somalia’s vast marine resources. They emphasized the importance of technical exchange, infrastructure development, and combating illegal fishing in Somali waters.

Minister Ahmed Hassan expressed gratitude for Turkey’s ongoing support to Somalia’s fisheries sector, noting that there are substantial opportunities for Turkish investors in fish processing, cold storage, and coastal development.

Ambassador Aktas reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Somalia in the blue economy, pledging to share Turkish expertise and invest in Somalia’s maritime development to help unlock the country’s economic potential.

The meeting underscores the growing partnership between Somalia and Turkey, particularly in strategic sectors like fisheries that are central to Somalia’s economic recovery and food security.

U.S. rejects appeal to fund peacekeeping operations in crisis-hit East African nation

Source: Business Insider Africa
Solomon Ekanem
Tuesday May 13, 2025

US rejects appeal to fund peacekeeping operations in crisis-hit East African nation

The Trump-led administration has rejected an African Union appeal to fund its new Somalia peace mission, citing operational concerns and poor burden-sharing.

A senior AU delegation visited Washington recently in a final push to secure backing for AUSSOM, which is set to replace ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) in July.

ATMIS is an AU-authorized peacekeeping mission that replaced the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and aims to support the Somali Security Forces in combating al-Shabaab and securing the country.

On 2 May, US senators introduced the “AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025,” aiming to block US contributions to AUSSOM under resolution 2719.

The U.S. decision has dealt a major blow to international efforts aimed at stabilizing the country as it transitions from ATMIS to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM).

Despite nearly two decades of military presence by the African Union in Somalia, the Islamist insurgent group Al-Shabaab remains deeply entrenched and increasingly emboldened.

While initial AU deployments helped reclaim key areas from militant control, recent offensives by Al-Shabaab have reversed many of those gains.

AU’s financial burden
ATMIS, the outgoing African Union mission, faces a severe financial crisis, with nearly $100 million in unpaid salaries and mounting debts, undermining peacekeeper morale and raising concerns about a potential security vacuum in Somalia.

According to a report by the Security Council Report, the US has expressed consistent opposition to the use of the 2719 framework for Somalia.

The framework was adopted in December 2023 and marks a significant development in the financing of African Union (AU)-led peace support operations (PSOs), allowing, for the first time, the use of UN-assessed contributions to fund such missions on a case-by-case basis

“The US has maintained that Somalia is not an appropriate context for the application of the 2719 framework and has opposed the hybrid implementation model, arguing that it does not reflect the spirit or intent of resolution 2719. The US has suggested exploring alternative financing options that extend beyond the traditional donor base.” the report noted

To address this, the UN and AU have agreed to cut $124.9 million from the AUSSOM budget by reducing peacekeeper pay, removing insurance costs, and cutting back on flights and equipment.

As a result, the revised AUSSOM budget is now $166.5 million, down from the projected $190.2 million.

They also hope to fund mine-clearing work through donations instead of the main budget. The UN says these cuts were tough decisions but necessary to keep the mission going without asking member countries to pay more.

Several Security Council members, including EU countries, have stressed the need for diversified funding and cost-sharing for Somalia’s peace mission, while China has urged traditional donors to maintain strong financial support.

In contrast, the US has consistently opposed using the 2719 framework for Somalia.

The ongoing crisis in Somalia has led to widespread suffering, with millions facing food insecurity and displacement due to conflict between Somali forces and Al-Shabaab. Political instability and clan divisions have further weakened the government’s authority.

While Somalia plans to hold direct elections in 2025, the crisis may disrupt the process. Displacement and Al-Shabaab’s control over regions could limit voting, while political tensions between federal states may undermine the elections’ credibility, affecting turnout and legitimacy.

Azerbaijan President ratifies defense cooperation agreement with Somalia

Source: Hiiraan Online, <Tuesday May 13, 2025

Photo: AZERTAC

Baku (HOL) – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has ratified a bilateral agreement with the Federal Government of Somalia on cooperation in the field of defense and the defense industry, marking a significant step forward in military and strategic ties between the two nations.

The agreement, 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 signed on February 12, 2025, in Baku by Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov.

Officials from both sides hailed the deal as a milestone in expanding defense and military industry collaboration, potentially paving the way for technology transfer, training programs, and joint defense initiatives.

The ratification comes after high-level talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and President Ilham Aliyev, during which the leaders discussed a broad range of strategic issues, including green energy, economic cooperation, and enhanced defense relations.

Azerbaijan’s parliament had approved the agreement during a plenary session on April 22, affirming the country’s intent to deepen engagement with Somalia across multiple sectors.

The agreement reflects the growing strategic partnership between Baku and Mogadishu, as Somalia continues to seek global allies in its efforts to strengthen national security and defense capabilities.

Has US Given Up on Preventing Wars in Horn of Africa?

 Source: The New York Times published on 9 May 2025 a commentary titled “The Wars We Still Can Stop” by Cameron Hudson, Center for Strategic and International Studies.

As the Trump administration steps back from the Horn of Africa and guts existing diplomacy tools, it raises the question whether Washington has abdicated its peacemaking role in the region.  The author asks, “how many American warriors do we intend to commit to wars we could have stopped before they started?

Ethiopian Government Paper Praises Relations with China

 Source: The government-sponsored Ethiopian Herald published on 6 May 2025 an article titled “The Deepening Strategic Relations between Ethiopia, China.”

The article summarizes recent cooperation between China and Ethiopia in the fields of financing, infrastructure, investment, trade, and space.  It concludes that “the overall trajectory of Ethiopia-China relations remains positive, characterized by mutual benefits and shared aspirations for economic development and modernization.”  It suggests that the China-Ethiopia “partnership serves as a model for South-South cooperation.”

Sudan Conflict Increasingly Becomes a Drone War

 Source: Aljazeera published on 13 May 2025 an article titled “Drones, Gold, and Threats: Sudan’s War Raises Regional Tensions” by Mat Nashed.

As Sudan’s civil war enters its third year, drones are playing a larger role in the conflict.  The Sudan Armed Forces relies on the relatively affordable Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones.  The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces uses Chinese-made drones purchased and supplied by the UAE. 

Revealed: UAE deploys Israeli radar in Somalia under secret deal

Puntland’s President Said Abdullahi Deni turns Bosaso airport over to the United Arab Emirates without parliamentary approval

A satellite image taken near Puntland’s Bosaso airport on 5 March shows an Israeli-made ELM-2084 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array Multi-Mission Radar supplied by the UAE (Google Earth)

Source: By Ragip Soylu in Ankara

Published date: 24 April 2025 14:14 BST | Last update: 2 weeks 1 day ago

The United Arab Emirates deployed a military radar in Somalia’s Puntland earlier this year to defend Bosaso airport against potential Houthi attacks from Yemen, sources familiar with the matter told Middle East Eye.

Satellite imagery from early March reveals that the Israeli-made ELM-2084 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array Multi-Mission Radar was installed near the airport.

Publicly available air traffic data indicates that the UAE is increasingly using Bosaso airport to supply the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.

The RSF has been engaged in a war with the Sudanese military for two years.

Earlier this year, the Sudanese government filed a lawsuit against the UAE at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocide due to its links with the RSF. The UAE denies it backs the RSF militarily.

No water, no power – Port Sudan reeling after week of attacks

10 May 2025

Mohamed Osman & Priya Sippy

Source: BBC News Arabic & BBC News, Port Sudan & London

A massive increase in the price of water is just one consequence of a week of aerial attacks on the Red Sea city of Port Sudan.

Once seen as a relatively safe haven from Sudan’s devastating civil war, Port Sudan is now reeling from days of bombardment from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.

After six days of drone attacks, smoke is still rising from three fuel depots which were targeted. Rescue teams are gathered around the destroyed sites, but they are struggling to put the fires out.

The conflict, which began as a struggle between the leaders of the RSF and the army more than two years ago, has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises and forced more than 12 million people from their homes.

One of those who fled to Port Sudan is 26-year-old Mutasim, who did not want his second name published for safety reasons.

The BBC spoke to him after he had waited hours for a water vendor to turn up.

The vital commodity has become scarce. The explosions at the fuel depots have left Port Sudan without the diesel used to power the pumps that bring up the groundwater.

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Military Rule Is Not the Answer in Sudan

 Source: Foreign Policy published on 8 May 2025 a commentary titled “Military Rule Is Not the Answer to Sudan’s Conflict” by Suha Musa.

Neither the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces nor the Sudan Armed Forces is a viable option for governing Sudan.  Foreign partners must insist on a lasting peace in Sudan and amplify the voices of Sudanese civil society leaders.

Source: 10ka May 2025, Wassaaradda Arrimaha Dibadda Sudan, Suudaan oo Dowladda Soomaaliya u gudbisay cabasho ah ka dhan ah Puntland oo lagu eedeeyay taageerada jabhadda RSF

Sabti, May 10, 2025 (HOL) – Wasaaradda Arrimaha Dibadda ee dalka Sudan ayaa si rasmi ah Dowladda Federaalka Soomaaliya ugu gudbisay cabasho ka dhan ah maamulka Puntland, cabashadaas oo ah in Puntland ay si dadban uga qeyb qaadanayso dagaalka sokeeye ee ka socda Sudan.

Warqad rasmi ah oo loo diray Dowladda Federaalka ayaa lagu sheegay in ilo xog-ogaal ah oo maxalli ah iyo kuwa caalami ah ay muujinayaan in Puntland ay taageero istiraatiiji ah iyo mid saadka ah siineyso ciidamada RSF (Rapid Support Forces), oo ah malayshiyaad si weyn loogu eedeeyay tacaddiyo ka dhan ah xuquuqda aadanaha iyo dambiyo dagaal oo ka dhacay gudaha Sudan.

Warqadda waxaa lagu sheegay in garoonka diyaaradaha ee Boosaaso uu noqday xarun isugu jirta safarro iyo sahay ciidan oo ay isticmaalaan ciidamada RSF, iyadoo la tuhunsan yahay in taageeradaasi ay kasoo jeeddo dalal shisheeye, oo ay ku jirto Imaaraadka Carabta.

Sidoo kale, Dowladda Sudan waxay muujisay dareen culus oo ku aaddan hadal uu jeediyay Wasiirka Warfaafinta Puntland, Maxamuud Ceydiid Diriir, oo si buuxda u beeniyay in Puntland wax xiriir ah la leedahay xiisadda Sudan. Sudan waxay sheegtay in hadalkaasi uu yahay marin-habaabin iyo isku day lagu daboolayo kaalinta Puntland ee la xiriirta taageerada RSF.

Wasaaradda Arrimaha Dibadda ee Sudan waxay sidoo kale tilmaantay in Wasiir Maxamuud Ceydiid uu haysto dhalashada British-ka ah, taasoo keentay in Safaaradda Sudan ee London ay si rasmi ah ula xiriirto dowladda UK si ay uga hadasho saameynta hadalladiisa.

Inkasta oo Sudan ay sheegtay in ay la leedahay xiriir walaaltinimo iyo diblomaasiyadeed oo wanaagsan shacabka Soomaaliyeed iyo Dowladda Federaalka Soomaaliya, haddana waxay si cad u sheegtay in taageerada Puntland u fidinayso RSF loo arko khatar weyn oo liddi ku ah amniga qaranka Sudan, islamarkaana dhaawici doonta xiriirka labada dal.

Sudan waxay si adag u sheegtay in aysan aqbali doonin in RSF ama hoggaankooda ay helaan taageero siyaasadeed, ciidan, ama saadka ah, iyadoo lagu eedeeyay in ay masuul ka yihiin dilka kumannaan qof oo rayid ah iyo xasillooni darro baahsan oo gobolka Suudaan.

Ugu dambeyn, Dowladda Sudan waxay ka codsatay Dowladda Federaalka Soomaaliya in ay si degdeg ah u baarto arrintan, tallaabo sax ah ka qaaddo, islamarkaana ay mar kale caddayso mowqifkeeda ku aaddan ilaalinta madaxbannaanida Sudan iyo nabadda gobolka.

U.S. warns Somali leaders over exclusion of regional states from key decisions

Source: Hiiraan Online, Saturday May 10, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) — The United States has strongly warned Somali leaders over recent decisions made during the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, cautioning against political consolidation and governance changes made without an inclusive national dialogue.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the United States Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs emphasized that broad-based participation is essential in shaping Somalia’s federal structure and electoral process.

“All relevant stakeholders should have a say in changes to Somalia’s federal and election systems. Decisions taken without broad based support will lack legitimacy and distract from pressing security challenges,” the post read.

The statement comes amid growing tensions following the latest NCC summit, which concluded in Mogadishu on Wednesday. The meeting, chaired by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, excluded the leaders of Puntland and Jubbaland—two of Somalia’s key federal member states—who have both previously withdrawn from the consultative process over disputes with the federal government.

The summit communiqué pledged full support for the Somali National Army in its fight against Al-Shabaab and called for deeper cooperation between federal and regional administrations to bolster stability. However, the absence of Puntland and Jubbaland has raised concerns among opposition politicians and international partners that decisions made at the forum may lack national legitimacy.

Critics have accused the federal government of seeking to centralize power and alter the electoral process without securing consensus from all stakeholders, risking further fragmentation in the country’s fragile federal system.

The NCC is Somalia’s highest intergovernmental forum, designed to unify federal and state-level leadership around national priorities including security, governance, and democratic reforms. President Mohamud was joined at this week’s meeting by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama, and the presidents of Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West, SSC-Khaatumo, and the Banadir administration.

The international community, including the United Nations and African Union, has repeatedly urged Somali leaders to resolve political disputes through dialogue and consensus, warning that unilateral decisions could undermine efforts to defeat terrorism and consolidate democratic institutions.

Source: MEMO, Middle East Monitor, Turkiye discovers 20bn barrels of crude oil in Somalia

Saturday May 10, 2025

Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar (R) and Somalia’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Dahir Shire Mohamed (L) attend the signing ceremony of Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Agreement in Onshore Areas Between Turkiye and Somalia on April 10, 2025 in Ankara, Turkiye. [Osmancan Gurdogan/Anadolu via Getty Images]

Turkiye has discovered up to 20 billion barrels of crude oil in Somalia, amid Ankara’s exploration drive to find further energy sources in the Horn of Africa region.

According to Turkish and Somalia media outlets, Turkish exploration missions discovered reserves that are estimated to contain up to 20 billion barrels of commercially viable crude oil.

While two blocks it operates in the region have reportedly resulted in significant yields, the third block is still being explored and is expected to also contain sufficient commercial quantities of oil.

The discovery of the vast oil reserves comes a month after Turkiye and Somalia signed a deal on onshore oil and gas exploration in the East African nation; under the Turkish Petroleum Corporation and Somali Petroleum Authority.

Although the deal has been touted as a benefit for Mogadishu and its energy development, it has also been criticised by many as an agreement that overly favours Ankara, as it grants the Turkish energy authorities around 90 pe rcent of the rights for Somalia’s oil and gas output, as well as exempting Turkish entities from paying upfront costs such as bonuses and administrative fees.

Somaliland orders illegal foreigners to register for temporary residency

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Source: Hiiraan Online, Friday May 9, 2025

Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland’s government has ordered all foreigners residing illegally in its territory to register for temporary residency or face legal action, the Ministry of Interior announced Thursday.

In a press release, the ministry instructed undocumented foreigners to register with the immigration departments between May 6 and May 26, 2025. Those who comply will be granted temporary residency permits.

“All foreigners in the country are ordered to register with the immigration departments of the Somaliland Ministry of Interior within three weeks, starting from May 6, 2025, and ending on May 26, 2025. Those who register will be granted temporary residency,” the statement said.

Authorities added that a tax will be levied on registrants, and applicants are required to submit formal applications to immigration offices to receive further guidance on the necessary requirements for legal stay.

Foreigners who intend to leave Somaliland were instructed to formally register their departure at border crossing points before exiting.
The ministry warned that individuals who fail to register within the stipulated time frame will face legal measures.

The new directive modifies a previous order issued on April 29, which gave undocumented foreigners only three days to leave Somaliland. That order prompted concerns from foreign diplomatic missions, particularly Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Government’s Special Representative to Somaliland, Teshome Shunde Hamito, recently held discussions with Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, reportedly requesting a relaxation of the earlier expulsion order to accommodate Ethiopian nationals residing in Somaliland.

Thousands of Ethiopians, many of whom are working low-skilled jobs, live in Somaliland. Over the years, Somaliland authorities have periodically deported undocumented migrants as part of immigration enforcement efforts.

Ethiopia-Djibouti railway pledges to reshape trade dynamics, foster regional development

Source: Xinhua, Thursday May 8, 2025

The Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company (EDR) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to expanding the role of the Chinese-built railway as a “crucial artery of trade and connectivity” between the two countries, aiming to boost logistics efficiency and spur regional economic growth.  


This photo taken on May 10, 2024, shows a train at Lebu Railway Station in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang)

The Ethio-Djibouti Standard Gauge Railway Share Company (EDR) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to expanding the role of the Chinese-built railway as a “crucial artery of trade and connectivity” between the two countries, aiming to boost logistics efficiency and spur regional economic growth.

In a response to Xinhua, the EDR outlined plans to raise the 752-km electrified railway’s annual freight capacity from the current two million tonnes to 6.2 million tonnes by 2027. Ultimately, the railway aims to handle at least 25 percent of Ethiopia’s total import and export trade.

Touting the railway’s growing strategic importance, the EDR said its operations are anchored in value-added services such as multimodal transport, freight forwarding, warehousing, customs clearance, and passenger services, helping reshape logistics between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

“The railway has significantly improved Ethiopia’s import-export trade by providing a reliable and efficient transportation corridor to the port of Djibouti. It has streamlined logistics, reduced transportation time and costs, ultimately increasing trade competitiveness,” it said.

Data from the EDR suggested that the railway has slashed freight transport time between the two countries from more than three days to under 18 hours.

According to the EDR, the railway’s ability to “seamlessly connect major cities, industrial parks, and key economic zones in Ethiopia and Djibouti” has enabled the efficient movement of cargo and passengers. Its electrified system offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to road transport.

The EDR also highlighted the railway’s broader socio-economic benefits, including job creation, stimulation of local economies along the route as well as its role in strengthening people-to-people ties and fostering cultural exchanges between Ethiopia and Djibouti.

As part of its “ambitious yet achievable” five-year growth plan, the EDR aims to increase its annual cargo capacity from the current 2.09 million tonnes to 10.1 million tonnes and passenger numbers from around 180,000 to over 560,000, while improving its net profit margin by 38.2 percent.

The railway is implementing a multifaceted strategy involving infrastructure expansion, enhancement of its rolling stock, digitalization of logistics operations, and diversification of services. With newly added capabilities such as multinational operations, customs clearance, and freight documentation, the EDR is also working to deepen partnerships and attract new clients.

By offering “end-to-end comprehensive services,” the EDR said it is positioning itself as a regional logistics leader. Its growing role, the company emphasized, is helping to reshape trade dynamics and lay the groundwork for sustainable regional development.

Jointly constructed by China Railway Engineering Corporation and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, the 752-km standard-gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, is Africa’s first electrified transboundary rail line.

Source: Sudan Government Loses International Court Case Against UAE

 The Associated Press published on 5 May 2025 an article titled “The UN’s Top Court Dismisses Sudan’s Genocide Case Alleging the Emiratis Funded RSF Rebels” by Molly Quell.

The International Court of Justice in The Hague dismissed a case on procedural grounds brought by the government of Sudan accusing the UAE of breaching the Genocide Convention by arming and funding the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Upcoming Vote on South Sudan Arms Embargo

 Source: The International Crisis Group (ICG) posted on 6 May 2025 a commentary titled “UN Readies for Critical Vote on South Sudan’s Arms Embargo” by Maya Ungar.  

The UN Security Council will vote in late May on whether to renew the arms embargo on South Sudan for 12 months.  Even as the internal security situation deteriorates, the South Sudan government opposes the embargo.  The ICG argues that removing the arms embargo now could stoke escalating violence in South Sudan. 

News|Migration

Rwanda confirms talks with US over receiving deported migrants

Source: Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe says the ‘ongoing’ discussions are ‘still in the early stages’.

Published On 5 May 20255 May 2025

Rwanda’s foreign minister has confirmed his country has entered discussions to receive immigrants deported from the United States, less than a year after a similar plan with Britain fell through.

“It has not yet reached a stage where we can say exactly how things will proceed, but the talks are ongoing,” Olivier Nduhungirehe told state broadcaster Rwanda TV in an  interview late on Sunday. “Still in the early stages.”

Somali defense minister, US ambassador discuss expanding security cooperation in Mogadishu

Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday May 6, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi met with US Ambassador to Somalia Richard H. Riley in Mogadishu on Monday to discuss ongoing security cooperation and efforts to enhance the partnership between the two nations.

Minister Fiqi expressed gratitude for the US government’s continued support in counterterrorism operations targeting Al-Shabaab and ISIS, describing Washington as a longstanding defense partner of Somalia.

“I am pleased to meet with Ambassador Riley. The U.S. remains a vital security partner supporting Somalia. We are immensely grateful for the continued support and are looking forward to elevating our defense relationship as we collaborate on the war against Al Shabaab and ISIS,” Minister Fiqi said in a post on X.

The meeting marked one of Minister Fiqi’s first high-level engagements since his recent appointment in a cabinet reshuffle. He reiterated his commitment to strengthening Somalia’s defense relationships and noted that the US continues to play a critical role by providing training, logistics, and air support to Somali forces.

The bilateral engagement comes as the US increases its focus on stability and democratic development in Somalia. Just a day earlier, Ambassador Riley also met with former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to discuss political and security developments and the broader state-building process.

The United States is one of Somalia’s principal international partners, particularly in efforts to degrade extremist groups and support preparations for nationwide elections expected in 2026.

Former President Sharif meets U.S. ambassador to discuss political stability and state-building

Source: Hiiraan Online, Monday May 5, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed met with U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley in Mogadishu on Sunday to discuss political and security developments and advancing Somalia’s state-building process.

The meeting focused on strengthening the historical ties between the two countries and the need for political stability as Somalia prepares for nationwide elections scheduled for next year.“We discussed the general situation in Somalia, especially security and politics, and the importance of advancing the state-building process, which is always based on political stability,” said Sharif in a statement posted after the meeting.

Sharif also thanked the United States for its continued support in security, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian assistance efforts in Somalia.

The talks come amid growing diplomatic efforts to unify Somali political leaders and support the country’s democratic transition. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to backing Somalia’s efforts to build effective governance institutions despite persistent political and security challenges.