Source: Museveni, Somalia President discuss peace, stability in Horn of Africa
Monday October 21, 2024

President Museveni with his Somalia counterpart, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has completed a one-day official visit to Uganda at the invitation of Ugandan President Museveni.

The two leaders engaged in discussions aimed at boosting bilateral relations, enhancing regional security, and deepening economic ties, with a focus on Somalia’s recent integration into the East African Community (EAC).

During the visit, President Museveni congratulated Somalia for becoming the newest member of the EAC, marking what he described as “a new era of regional integration, wider regional market, and trade cooperation.”

He also praised Somalia’s election as an incoming non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, calling it a significant achievement for the country.

The heads of state exchanged views on regional security, particularly the ongoing efforts to stabilize Somalia. Both leaders commended the efforts of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the Somali Security Forces in combating Al-Shabaab.

“We commend the sacrifices made by ATMIS and the Somali Security Forces in pacifying the country,” read the joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of the talks.

The leaders also welcomed the establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which will build on the progress made by ATMIS.

They emphasized the need for “predictable and sustainable funding” for AUSSOM and called upon the international community to support this mission, referencing the importance of UN Resolution 2719 in exploring funding options.

On the bilateral front, Uganda and Somalia signed the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) as part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation.

The agreement paves the way for closer collaboration in military matters. The two countries also discussed cooperation in areas such as education, sports, and immigration management.

President Museveni and President Mohamud directed their respective ministers to finalize Memoranda of Understanding in these areas and agreed to hold a Joint Permanent Commission and Investment Summit soon.

In a key development, President Mohamud welcomed the recent lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia, stating that it “presents an opportunity for the Federal Government of Somalia to expedite the transition process and implement the Somali Security Development Plan.”

He added that it would allow Somalia to shoulder greater responsibility for its own security.

President Museveni praised his Somali counterpart for his “commitment, resilience, and efforts” in stabilizing Somalia, while President Mohamud expressed gratitude to Uganda for its support, highlighting the shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to furthering integration through the EAC, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the African Union.

ONLF suspends participation in Ethiopia’s National Dialogue

Source: Hiiraan Online, Monday October 21, 2024

Jigjiga (HOL) – The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) has suspended its participation in the Ethiopian National Dialogue process, accusing the ruling party in the Somali region of breaching agreements made with political parties.

In a statement released on Sunday, the ONLF claimed that the ruling party unilaterally selected participants for the dialogue, excluding diverse voices and violated agreement on exclusivity.

“This exclusionary approach contradicts the very purpose of a National Dialogue, which is meant to bring together all stakeholders to address the root causes of conflict. Furthermore, with key political actors from Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray also absent and active conflicts ongoing, the current dialogue risks becoming one-sided and incapable of delivering genuine peace,” the statement said.

The ONLF reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive, transparent, and genuine dialogue to achieve lasting peace in Ethiopia. However, they declared they would not participate in the current dialogue framework until such a process is reinstated.

The National Dialogue process was initiated to address the internal conflicts threatening to tear apart Ethiopia. Despite the efforts, the country remains embroiled in conflict, with the Tigray region devastated by civil war, the Oromo Liberation Army controlling parts of Oromia, and Amhara facing ongoing insurgency and martial law.

An Egyptian View of Developments in Somalia

 Source: The National Interest published on 9 October 2024 a commentary titled “Egypt in Somalia: Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick” by Mohamed Farid, member of the Egyptian Senate, and Mohamed Maher, Egyptian journalist based in the US.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) is scheduled to take over from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by January 2025.  Egypt is supplying weapons, equipment, and training to the Somali National Army.

The authors argue that Egypt’s involvement in Somalia is driven by its interest in maintaining regional stability and countering al-Shabaab terrorism.  They acknowledge, however, that Egypt is concerned by Ethiopia’s “expansionist policies” that “threaten Somali sovereignty.”

China, EU, Africa seek green cooperation using bamboo instead of plastic

Source: Xihuanet, Saturday October 19, 2024

A visitor tries bamboo products on a forum on green industry cooperation in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 17, 2024. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

A forum on green industry cooperation between China, the European Union (EU), and Africa has underscored opportunities for technological collaboration and sustainable practices, particularly the use of bamboo as an alternative to plastic.

The forum, co-hosted on Thursday by the Chinese Mission to the EU and the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, focused on fostering joint efforts to promote ecological sustainability.

In his address, Cai Run, head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, highlighted China’s progress in green and low-carbon development, citing improvements in the country’s energy structure and an increase in forest coverage. Cai positioned China as a production hub, Europe as a consumer market, and Africa as a resource developer, emphasizing the potential for collaboration across these regions.

Erik Solheim, co-chair of the Europe-Asia Center, noted that China accounts for two-thirds of new green energy projects globally and holds 60 percent of green energy technologies, including solar, wind, and electric vehicle batteries. Solheim, who previously served as under-secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), also emphasized the potential of bamboo as a sustainable alternative to plastic, which could be instrumental in reducing global plastic waste.

Former EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc commended China’s commitment to bamboo research and innovation.

“China’s collaboration with African countries has led to the creation of the China-Africa Bamboo Center,” Bulc remarked, emphasizing the potential for joint efforts to promote global green development.

McArios Akanbeanab Akabong, acting head of Mission at the Embassy of Ghana in Belgium, Luxembourg, and the EU, highlighted China’s support in establishing a National Bamboo and Rattan Centre in Ghana, facilitating technological transfers that have significantly advanced the bamboo industry in the country.

Michael Braungart, a professor of sustainable development at Leuphana University in Germany, pointed to bamboo’s potential for air purification and its ability to mitigate microplastic pollution, encouraging further collaboration between Europe and China in environmental protection and economic development.

The “Bamboo as a Substitute for Plastic” initiative, launched by China in collaboration with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization, aims to reduce plastic pollution and promote ecological preservation.

IMF approves $341 million for Ethiopia’s first loan program review

source: Reuters, Saturday October 19, 2024

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) headquarters building is seen in Washington, U.S., April 8, 2019. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund approved the first review of Ethiopia’s $3.4 billion lending programme, the fund said on Friday, paving the way for a $340.7 million disbursement.

The East African nation secured the four-year financing program from the IMF in July after carrying out a series of reforms like floating its birr currency , putting its debt restructuring back on track.

Both sides announced a staff level agreement on the review late last month, which was then submitted to the board for consideration.

Ethiopia’s government wants to make “tangible progress” on the debt overhaul by December, but investors in its $1 billion Eurobond have rejected its proposed writedown of about 18%.

The IMF scheduled an unusually fast pace of reviews of Ethiopia’s current program in order to closely monitor the impact of reforms, especially on the foreign exchange side.

Reporting by Gursimran Kaur and Duncan Miriri; Editing by Leslie Adler

Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed appoints new foreign minister in cabinet reshuffle

Source: Hiiraan Online, Friday October 18, 2024


FILE – Gedion Timothewos, Ethiopia’s Minister of Justice, addresses the 55th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on February 26, 2024.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (HOL) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reshuffled his cabinet on Friday, appointing Dr. Gedion Timothewos as Foreign Minister to manage Ethiopia’s strained international relations following internal and regional conflicts. 

Timothewos, formerly the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, was the main peace negotiator during the Tigray conflict. Observers believe his focus is restoring ties with Western countries, following criticism of Ethiopia’s handling of internal and regional conflicts.

The reshuffle comes amid increasing friction between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly over a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland in January 2024. The MoU grants Ethiopia a 20-kilometer stretch of Somaliland’s Red Sea coastline in exchange for recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Somalia views this as a violation of its sovereignty, sparking diplomatic fallout that included Somalia expelling Ethiopia’s ambassador and threatening to remove Ethiopian troops from southern Somalia.

Ethiopia has defended the MoU as part of its regional growth strategy and a legitimate agreement based on the political realities within Somalia. However, Somali officials, including Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, have accused Ethiopia of using counterterrorism operations as a pretext to expand its territorial influence, pointing to intercepted arms shipments allegedly sent by Ethiopia to fuel local conflicts. These tensions have drawn international concern, with the United Nations urging both nations to pursue a diplomatic resolution to avoid further instability in the Horn of Africa.

Meanwhile, Hanna Araya Selassie, former head of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, has been promoted to the new Minister of Justice.
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Salamawit Kassa was promoted to the Minister of Tourism after serving as the State Minister for the Federal Communication Service. Kassa’s appointment comes as Ethiopia looks to reinvigorate a sector hit hard by internal conflict and the pandemic.

Somalia faces growing mental health crisis due to conflict and poverty

Source: VOA, Friday October 18, 2024

Two mothers waiting for a medical consultation at an MSF-supported outreach medical center in Baidoa, Somalia. | Somalia 2024 © Bishar Mayow/MSF
Mogadishu (HOL) — Years of conflict, poverty, and displacement have left Somalia grappling with a mounting mental health crisis that remains largely unaddressed, according to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). In a recent report, MSF highlighted the worsening psychological toll on vulnerable communities, with women and children bearing the brunt of the distress.

Between January and September 2024, MSF’s mental health teams conducted 4,940 individual consultations across regions such as Baidoa and Galkayo. The teams also reached over 38,000 people through group activities aimed at promoting mental health awareness and teaching coping strategies. However, experts stress that these efforts only scratch the surface of the immense psychological burden borne by Somalia’s population.

Alberto Macin, MSF’s mental health activities manager in Somalia, described the scale of the crisis, highlighting how years of violence, displacement, and natural disasters have taken a profound toll on people’s mental well-being. “Many women have experienced sexual violence, but it is something we cannot talk about,” Macin explained, emphasizing the deep cultural stigma surrounding mental health in Somali society.

Somalia has been battered by decades of civil war, recurrent droughts, and floods, all of which have displaced millions of people and destroyed livelihoods. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 13% of conflict-affected populations globally suffer from mental disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. In Somalia, these issues are compounded by widespread poverty, a fractured healthcare system, and a lack of trained mental health professionals.

Women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities are among the most vulnerable to the mental health crisis. Families often struggle to care for relatives suffering from severe mental disorders, such as psychosis or bipolar disorder, without adequate support. One Somali woman shared her difficulty caring for her uncle, who suffers from psychosis: “I can no longer take care of him. He has become very aggressive, and we have no way to restrain him.”

Mental health services in Somalia are limited. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with local organizations, provides some counselling and psychosocial support, particularly to survivors of violence and patients with chronic diseases like HIV and tuberculosis. However, these services fall short of meeting the vast needs of the population. Many individuals requiring both pharmaceutical and psychological treatments remain untreated due to a lack of resources.

The humanitarian crisis in Somalia, worsened by overcrowded displacement camps and insufficient access to essential services such as food and healthcare, has further exacerbated the mental health challenges. “There is no hope left anymore,” one displaced person told MSF during a consultation, reflecting the despair that many feel in the face of ongoing hardship.

Macin urged for a more coordinated response from the international community, calling for mental health care to be integrated into broader humanitarian efforts that address basic needs like food, shelter, and water. He stressed that mental health specialists, including psychiatric nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists, should oversee mental health programs to ensure quality care.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Somalia’s communities continue to show resilience. MSF and other organizations believe that empowering community groups to provide psychological support can help bridge the gap in services. Strengthening traditional social networks and fostering community cohesion can offer emotional relief to those affected by the crisis, Macin said.

Without significant international investment in mental health services, millions of Somalis will continue to suffer in silence, with no access to the care they desperately need.

Kenya forms national committee to stabilize miraa prices, expand Somali exports

Source: Hiiraan Online, Thursday October 17, 2024

Freshly harvested miraa (khat) bundled and prepared for export. miraa is a key cash crop for farmers in Kenya, particularly in Meru and Embu counties, and is widely exported to Somalia, the region’s largest market.

NAIROBI, Kenya (HOL) — Kenya has launched a new pricing committee to tackle the declining prices of miraa or khat, as it’s known in Somalia, a key cash crop for thousands of farmers, focusing on expanding exports to Somalia, the largest buyer of Kenyan miraa. The committee is tasked with stabilizing the prices of miraa and muguka, ensuring that farmers who have suffered from low returns can see better profits.

The nine-member committee, housed under the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA), will include representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade, alongside officials from miraa and muguka associations. James Mithika, a veteran in the agricultural sector, has been appointed as the chairperson of the committee.

Mithika outlined the committee’s mandate, which includes determining fair prices for miraa and muguka based on production costs, while exploring new markets to reduce Kenya’s dependency on Somalia as its sole external buyer. “This committee was formed in response to the long-standing concerns of farmers who are not earning enough to sustain themselves despite their significant investments in cultivation,” Mithika said.

Somalia remains the largest importer of Kenyan miraa, with demand reaching between 50 and 60 tons per day. However, current exports fall far short of this demand, with only five licensed exporters managing to supply between five and 10 tons per day. This imbalance has significantly limited the potential earnings of Kenyan farmers, making it crucial for the committee to find solutions that improve export capacity and reach.

“We cannot rely solely on Somalia for our exports,” Mithika emphasized. “While Somalia remains a critical partner, we must also look to diversify our market options to ensure stable and sustainable prices for our farmers.”

The committee also plans to address logistical challenges in miraa transportation. Currently, miraa is airlifted to Somalia, but Mithika proposes expanding transport options to include road and sea routes.

In Meru County’s Igembe region alone, approximately 125,000 households depend on miraa farming, supporting an estimated 625,000 people. Farmers say they have seen little return on their investment despite the labour-intensive process involved in cultivating miraa and muguka, which includes land preparation, soil treatment, pruning, and crop protection.

The committee will visit miraa-growing counties to calculate production costs and set fair prices, which the government will be urged to enforce.

At least seven killed in suicide bombing near Mogadishu’s School Polizia

Source: Hiiraan Online, Thursday October 17, 2024

FILE PHOTO

Mogadishu (HOL) — At least seven people, including soldiers and civilians, were killed, and six others injured when a suicide bomber targeted a slum village near the School Polizia in Mogadishu on Thursday.

Somali police confirmed the attack occurred around 3:27 p.m., stating that six others were wounded, most with minor injuries.

“A suicide bomber exploded in the slum area where residents were staying under trees. Seven deaths, including soldiers and civilians, have been confirmed,” the police reported.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Somalia, Eritrea and Egypt pledge to bolster security ties

Source Aljazeera, The three leaders agreed to improve regional stability as Somalia battles with the al-Shabab armed group.

Published On 10 Oct 202410 Oct 2024

The presidents of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt have agreed to boost cooperation for regional security amid heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa.

The three-way summit, held in the Eritrean capital, Asmara, on Thursday, was called by Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and included his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Over 79 million girls in sub-Saharan Africa raped, sexually assaulted: UN

Source: UNICEF report finds more than 370 million girls worldwide have faced sexual violence before the age of 18.

Published On 10 Oct 202410 Oct 2024

The United Nations children’s agency says one in eight girls and young women across the world have endured rape and sexual violence, with the highest number of victims recorded in sub-Saharan Africa.

UNICEF published its first-ever global estimate on sexual violence against children, revealing that 79 million girls – one in five – in sub-Saharan countries hit by conflict and insecurity had experienced sexual assault or rape before turning 18.

Ethiopia’s Counteroffensive against Fano Militia

 Source: The American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats published on 10 October 2024 an article titled “The ENDF Launched a Counteroffensive against Ethno-nationalist Insurgents Known as Fano in Ethiopia’s Northwestern Amhara Region.”

This is a summary of recent military action involving the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and the Fano militia in Amhara Region.  

Sudan: Are We Not Humans?

 Source: The New York Times published on 12 October 2024 a commentary titled “‘Are We Not Humans?’” by Nicholas Kristof.

Kristof recently visited the Chad-Sudan border area and wrote about the ongoing tragedy in Sudan.  This is a follow up commentary in which he responds to questions from readers about what can be done to improve the situation.  

Kenya lawmakers vote to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

Gachagua has been accused of corruption, insubordination, undermining the government and divisive politics.

Published On 8 Oct 20248 Oct 2024

Source: Reutter’s, Lawmakers in Kenya have voted to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for abuse of office.

The impeachment motion on Tuesday accused the 59-year-old deputy to President William Ruto of corruption, insubordination, undermining the government and practising ethnically divisive politics, among a host of other charges

“According to the results … of the motion that I’ve just declared, a total of 281 members being more than two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly have voted in support of the motion,” Parliament Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said.

There were 44 votes against and one abstention, according to Wetangula.

Kimani Ichung’wah, parliament’s majority leader, said the deputy president had “violated not one, but eight provisions of our constitution”.

South Sudan Taxing the Hand that Feeds It

 Source: The Wall Street Journal published on 8 October 2024 an article titled “South Sudan’s Economic Crisis Is So Bad It’s Taxing Its Only Lifeline” by Nicholas Bariyo.  

South Sudan’s economy is collapsing as a result of disruption to its oil exports, flooding, and mismanagement.  The government has resorted to taxing international aid deliveries and supplies belonging to the UN peacekeeping operation that helps protect it.  

Somalia confirms security pact with Egypt, similar to U.S. and Turkey agreements

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday October 9, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali government has defended its recent security agreement with Egypt, calling it similar to existing partnerships with the U.S., Turkey, the European Union, and Gulf nations.

Somali National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh Ali confirmed that Egyptian forces could participate in the upcoming African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is set to replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) by January 2025.

Ali emphasized that any decision regarding Egypt’s involvement is solely at the discretion of the Somali government. The new mission aims to support Somalia’s security forces and safeguard African Union personnel.

In September, Egypt delivered a second major cache of weaponry to Somalia, including anti-aircraft guns and artillery, as part of their security agreement—a move that Ethiopia condemned.

Both Egypt and Djibouti have offered their support for the new African Union mission, a move welcomed by Somalia as part of its broader efforts to stabilize the country.

A few days ago, Somali Defense Minister Abdukhadir Mohamed Noor reiterated that Ethiopian forces would not participate in the upcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) unless Ethiopia withdraws from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland.

The MOU grants Ethiopia leasing rights to the Red Sea coastline in the breakaway region, allowing Ethiopia to build a naval base in return for diplomatic recognition.

Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi accused the Ethiopian government of using counterterrorism as a pretext to annex Somali territory. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Fiqi alleged that Somalia had intercepted illegal arms shipments from Ethiopia intended to fuel local conflicts, describing these actions as a “blatant violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty.

Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Target Greek Ships

 Source: Reuters published on 3 October 2024 an article titled “Houthis’ Email Alert to Red Sea Ships: Prepare for Attack, with Best Regards” by Renee Maltezou and Jonathan Saul. 

Yemen’s Houthi rebels sent on 2 October to at least six Greek shipping companies an email warning that their ships travelling through the Red Sea are at risk of attack, as if they did not already know that.  The Houthis have conducted about 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea, sunk two, and seized another.  Almost 30 percent of the attacks have been against Greek ships.  The Houthis claim they are only attacking ships with ties to Israel, the United States, and United Kingdom, although this is clearly not the case.  

The Associated Press published on 1 October 2024 an article titled “Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Launch Drone Boat that Hits Ship in Red Sea as Missile Strikes Another” by Jon Gambrell.

The Houthis attacked and hit with a drone boat on 1 October a Panamanian-flagged vessel in the Red Sea and fired a missile at a Liberian-flagged ship.

Lessons from Ethiopia and Sudan on US Efforts to Support Democracy

 Source: The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace published in October 2024 a paper titled “U.S. Support for Democratic Openings in Conflict-Affected Countries: Lessons from Ethiopia and Sudan” by Brittany Gleixner-Hayat.  

The author concluded that while there are limits to what the U.S. government could have reasonably done to increase the likelihood of democratization in Ethiopia and Sudan, Washington missed opportunities to support peaceful democratic change and did harm by exacerbating conflict drivers through exclusionary and short-sighted policies.

The United States does not bear the responsibility for the failure of Ethiopia and Sudan to transition from authoritarianism to democracy.  The likelihood of democratization in both cases was low and the contexts were conflict prone.  However, the United States was a prominent external actor in both situations with a stated policy of supporting the consolidation of the democratic openings, so examining lessons learned is critical for future opportunities.

Efforts to Prevent Oil Spill Disaster in Red Sea

 Source: The Royal United Services Institute published on 1 October 2024 an analysis titled “Sounion Attack Brings Red Sea Shipping Crisis Back to the Fore” by Stavros Karamperidis.

The Houthi attack in the Red Sea on a Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, with 922,000 barrels of Iraqi crude has revived concerns about an environmental disaster.  The Sounion, which is still on fire, has been towed to the Eritrean coast where efforts are underway to extinguish the fires.  The Houthis agreed to the salvage operation once they realized the damage the Sounion could do to Yemen’s coast.  

qCaptain published on 2 October 2024 an article titled “M/T Sounion Continues to Burn as Houthi Attacks Resume in Red Sea” by Mike Schuler.

This article provides an updated account of the Sounion salvage operation and a Houthi attack on another oil tanker.