IMF’s board approves second review of Ethiopia’s $3.4 billion program

Source: Reuters, Saturday January 18, 2025

A general view of the cityscape of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 24, 2024. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund on Friday approved the second review of Ethiopia’s current financing program, the fund said, paving the way for a disbursement of about $250 million.

The East African nation struck the four-year, $3.4 billion program deal last July, after it undertook far-reaching reforms including the floatation of its birr currency, to enable it to try to put its debt restructuring back on track.

“The authorities continue their efforts to restore debt sustainability and are taking steps to secure a debt treatment. The progress made on debt restructuring negotiations under the Common Framework is welcome,” the IMF said in a statement.

“The financing assurances received, and adjustment efforts made are consistent with IMF policy requirements and program parameters.”

The Fund’s staff and the government reached agreement on the second review in late November.

The IMF has assessed that Ethiopia’s economy has fared better than expected under the reform program, with projected surge in inflationary pressure failing to materialise and hard currency reserves rising faster than the envisaged rate.

After unusually fast reviews of Ethiopia’s programme that were aimed at closely monitoring the impact of the reforms, the IMF said in November it would switch to the conventional six-month review schedule.

The IMF’s role in Ethiopia’s debt overhaul has come under criticism from some quarters, including from World Bank staff, who questioned the conclusions reached by the Fund’s debt sustainability assessment in an internal document last year.

Reporting by Duncan Miriri and Jasper Ward; Editing by Leslie Adler and Daniel Wallis

US Declares Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces Guilty of Genocide

 Source: The Hill published on 7 January 2025 an article titled “US Determines Sudan Paramilitary Committed Genocide, Sanctions Leader” by Laura Kelly.

In a last-minute policy decision, Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias committed genocide in Sudan.  Blinken added this decision neither supports nor favors the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF).  Both the RSF and SAF bear responsibility for the violence and suffering in Sudan. 

Sudan Demands Urgent Global Action

Source: The Hill published on 13 January 2025 an article titled “Sudan’s Descent into Chaos Demands Urgent Global Action” by Imran Khalid.  

The situation in Sudan is dire as the world continues to focus on crises such as Gaza and Ukraine.  Sudan’s path to stability hinges on its people, the engagement of regional powers, and the international community to craft a political solution that ends the chaos.

Somalia waxay leedahay sadex hay’adood oo kumeel-gaar ah oo aan  shacabka somaliyeed dooran:

1. Labada aqal ee barlamaanka oo kumeelgaar ah
2. Maxkamada sare oo kumeelgaar ah
3. Xukuumad kumeelgaar ah

Go’aamada/heshiisyada masiiriga ah oo ay xukuumadu qaadato waxaa qasab ku ah in labada aqal baarmaanka la horgeeyo si ay u ansixiyaan ama ay udiidaan.

Ethiopia announces plan to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure

Source: Xinhuanet, Tuesday January 14, 2025

The Ethiopian government has unveiled plans to expand the country’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, aiming to install charging stations every 50 to 120 km, according to an official from the Petroleum and Energy Authority of Ethiopia.


Exhibitors display electric vehicles at the Ethio-Green Mobility 2024 exhibition in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, Nov. 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

The Ethiopian government has unveiled plans to expand the country’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, aiming to install charging stations every 50 to 120 km, according to an official from the Petroleum and Energy Authority of Ethiopia.

A directive outlining the regulatory framework for EV charging systems has been approved, Bahru Oljra, executive director of energy sector control at the authority, told the state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation on Friday.

Oljra noted that the directive addresses licensing for charging stations, service tariffs, power supply standards, and security measures. He said that EV charging options remain limited, with most owners relying on home-based charging or privately-run charging stations.

Ethiopia has seen a surge in EV adoption, necessitating a robust charging network to support long-distance travel and reduce range anxiety for EV owners.

According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Transport and Logistics, over 100,000 EVs are currently on the road, and the government aims to increase this number to 500,000 within the next decade, replacing 95 percent of fuel-powered vehicles.

To accelerate the shift to electric mobility, the Ethiopian government imposed a ban on the import of gasoline and diesel vehicles early last year amid a global surge in fuel prices

Africa

Magnitude-5.5 earthquake strikes Ethiopia region: GFZ

13 January 2025 – 09:41By Reuters

Just R20 for the first month.Support independent journalism by subscribing to our Source: Timeslive, digital news package.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck Ethiopia, east of the capital Addis Ababa, early on Saturday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences said. File photo.
Image: 123RF/vchalup

An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 struck Ethiopia, east of the capital Addis Ababa, early on Saturday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said.

The quake was shallow, at a depth of 10km, GFZ said.

The area has been shaken by a multitude of minor quakes since a nearby volcano began showing signs of imminent eruption at the start of the year.

Somalia, Egypt commit to strengthening bilateral ties and regional security

Source: Hiiraan Online, Monday January 13, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, met with Dr. Badr Abdel Atty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss enhancing regional stability and deepening cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting in Cairo focused on activating the African Union’s AUSSOM mission and supporting the Somali National Army’s (SNA) efforts to combat terrorism. Both ministers praised the ongoing visit of Somalia’s Minister of Defense to Egypt, highlighting it as a positive step toward stronger collaboration. 

Dr. Abdel Atty reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and stability. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts to deepen bilateral relations and pledged continued technical assistance to bolster Somalia’s development and security initiatives. 

The two ministers agreed to enhance cooperation through the Joint Ministerial Committee and to implement key outcomes from the 2024 Egypt-Somalia-Eritrea summit. These initiatives aim to promote security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, addressing shared challenges and fostering regional integration.

Somaliland police arrest two sons for murdering their mother in Togdheer

Source: Hiiraan online, Monday January 13, 2025

Somaliland Police spokesperson addressing the media following the arrest of two men accused of murdering their mother in the Togdheer region last month. SUPPLIED

Hargeisa (HOL) — Police in Somaliland arrested two men on Saturday, accused of killing their mother in the Habaaslay area of the Togdheer region on December 23, 2024.

The victim, Aamina Yusuf Ismail, was reportedly murdered by her two sons, who later buried her. The authorities in Togdheer launched a swift investigation, and the suspects were apprehended.

“We deployed officers to investigate the crime, and we arrested the two sons of Aamina Yusuf Ismail,” a police spokesperson said. “During the investigation, it was revealed that she was struck with seven blows.”

One of the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, telling authorities: “I was the first to strike, and I was the last to end her life.”

The murder has left the community in shock. The crime went unreported in the days following the incident, as the victim was buried shortly after her death. It wasn’t until later that the details of the crime were revealed, intensifying the community’s disbelief and raising questions about the motives behind the act.

The case continues to unfold, with local authorities working to gather more information as the investigation progresses.

Somali lawmakers warn against acquisition of public land in Mogadishu

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday January 12, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – A group of 97 members from both chambers of Somalia’s federal parliament has warned businesspeople and individuals about acquiring public land in Mogadishu, accusing federal government leaders of auctioning off these lands for personal gain.

In a joint statement released on Saturday, the lawmakers condemned what they described as the misappropriation of public property by Villa Somalia, the office of the presidency.

“We, the Members of Parliament of both Houses of the Somali Parliament, fulfilling our constitutional duties, hereby submit that we stand for the protection of public property and warn those who facilitate Villa Somalia’s theft of public land,” the statement declared. 

The warning marks the second time the lawmakers have voiced opposition to the alleged sale of public land. They accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of auctioning significant parcels of land previously designated for educational purposes. 

“The President, who comes from the education community, has auctioned off land where many Somalis studied, including the National University, the Ilays School, and others. He seems indifferent to the plight of Somali youth,” the statement added. 

The allegations follow a similar warning last week from former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, and Member of Parliament Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame. They accused the federal government of distributing public land to private families, auctioning it to businesspeople, or using it as political bribes. 

Despite growing criticism, the federal government has yet to respond to these allegations. 

Somalia and Ethiopia agree to restore full diplomatic relations

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday January 12, 2025

Addis Ababa (HOL) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have agreed to restore and enhance bilateral relations, including full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals, during a high-level meeting in Addis Ababa on Saturday.

The two leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between their diplomatic missions in multilateral and regional forums to address shared interests. They highlighted that regional stability depends on robust collaboration founded on mutual trust, confidence, and respect. 

The two neighbouring leaders also emphasized strengthening security collaboration as the region faces evolving threats from extremist militant groups; the leaders instructed their respective security agencies to coordinate more closely to promote peace and stability. 

President Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy also underscored the importance of increasing trade, investment, and economic cooperation. They agreed to expand infrastructure linkages to facilitate trade and foster shared prosperity between the neighboring countries. 

The meeting comes amid efforts to ease tensions that erupted in January 2024 when Ethiopia signed a controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region. The agreement allowed Ethiopia to lease a stretch of Somaliland’s coastline for a naval base and commercial port in exchange for possible recognition of Somaliland’s independence. 

Somalia criticized the MoU, threatened to expel Ethiopian peacekeepers and strengthened ties with Ethiopia’s regional adversaries, including Egypt and Eritrea. 

One year later, Somalia and Ethiopia reached a preliminary agreement during talks in Turkey on December 11, 2024. Both nations committed to resolving the dispute through technical negotiations, which are scheduled to begin by the end of February. 

President Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia followed his participation in an African agriculture summit in Uganda earlier on Saturday. His office confirmed the trip in a statement shared on the X social media platform.

Egypt opposes military presence of non-Red Sea nations in the region

Source: HiiraSaturday January 11, 2025

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty addresses the media during a press conference in Cairo, alongside Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. Photo: Egyptian Foreign MinistryMogadishu (HOL) — Egypt will not tolerate any military or naval presence in the Red Sea from non-littoral states—countries that do not border the sea—Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty declared during a press conference in Cairo on Saturday. His statement came alongside Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi following the first meeting of a trilateral ministerial committee to foster cooperation.

The trio emphasized their commitment to diplomatic coordination, with plans to hold regular ministerial meetings. The next meeting will be held in Mogadishu, while a trilateral summit at the presidential level is also in the works. The collaboration marks a major step in Egypt’s efforts to extend its influence in the Horn of Africa, where it has long sought to maintain dominance over the Red Sea, a vital waterway for global trade and its national security.

During the press conference, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty, emphasizing their shared stance against actions that threaten Somalia’s territorial integrity. “We reaffirm our commitment to Somalia’s stability, security, and territorial integrity,” Abdelatty said. Discussions also focused on enhancing Somalia’s institutional capacity to address security challenges, including protecting its land and maritime borders.

The ministers also reiterated their shared vision on the outcomes of the Asmara Summit held in October 2024. The summit brought together leaders from Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia to discuss regional issues. 

Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt united in opposition to Ethiopia’s controversial port deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Ethiopia’s bid to gain access to the Red Sea through Somaliland fueled tensions with Somalia, which views the agreement as a violation of its sovereignty. In response, Somalia moved to strengthen its diplomatic and military ties with Egypt and Eritrea. This new strategic alliance seeks to counterbalance Ethiopia’s increasing regional influence.

On December 11, 2024, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan brokered an accord between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The agreement effectively nullifies Ethiopia’s controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, reaffirming Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

Somali President Mohamud travelled to Ethiopia on Saturday to restore bilateral relations and discuss the implementation of the accord. 

The resolution of this dispute has broader implications for regional stability. Egypt, which had previously expressed concerns over Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, is closely monitoring the situation. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has indicated that Egypt is “closely following” the developments, emphasizing the importance of the agreement aligning with international law and contributing to lasting security and stability in the Horn of Africa. 

As tensions flare over Ethiopia’s Red Sea ambitions, Somalia has turned to Egypt for support, enhancing its military cooperation and seeking Egypt’s participation in the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), a peacekeeping force intended to combat the Al-Qaeda-linked Al Shabab insurgency. Egypt is reportedly requesting a “lead” role in the new mission. Analysts see any contribution as part of Egypt’s broader strategy to bolster its presence and curb Ethiopia’s expanding regional power, particularly concerning access to strategic waterways like the Red Sea.

Egypt’s growing footprint in Somalia is a strategic maneuver to counter Ethiopia’s influence in the Horn of Africa. The development is intricately linked to the longstanding tensions over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile River that Ethiopia views as vital for its economic development. Egypt, however, has expressed concerns that the dam could disrupt the flow of the Nile, upon which it depends for approximately 85% of its water supply.

Impact of Red Sea Crisis on Chinese Investment in Djibouti

 Source: The South China Morning Post published on 28 December 2024 an article titled “China’s Faith in Djibouti Is Paying Off, But Could Red Sea Crisis Muddy the Waters?” by Enoch Wong.

The article notes that Chinese investments in Djibouti are generally profitable, but continuing Yemen-based Houth attacks on Red Sea shipping raise questions concerning the future of trade through Djibouti.  A Houthi-created crisis that continues for an extended period of time could have negative consequences for Chinese investments in the region.

Ethiopia evacuates 80,000 after earthquakes, fears of volcanic eruption

Source: VOA, By Gelmo Dawit, Gebremichael Gebremedhin
Sunday January 5, 2025

In this image taken from video, mud bubbles up near volcanic activity in the Sagento Kebele Village, Afar region, Ethiopia, on Jan. 4, 2025.

Ethiopia’s government said it is evacuating approximately 80,000 people following a series of small-scale earthquakes in the Afar, Oromia and Amhara regions.

At least 10 earthquakes were reported in Ethiopia since Friday, and there are signs of possible volcanic activity.

The latest earthquakes shook the Awash Fentale district, which stretches between the Afar and Oromia regions, at 3:52 a.m. Saturday.

The United States Geological Survey recorded an earthquake measuring a magnitude of 5.8 about 56 kilometers (35 miles) southeast of Ambosa, in the Oromia region, in the early hours of Saturday.

Atalay Ayele, head of the Seismology Department and a professor of seismic science at Addis Ababa University, says the epicenter was in the middle of Dofen Mountain, Awash Fentale district, in the Afar region.

Just hours later a second tremor, measured at 4.7, was reported about 10 kilometers (6 miles) east of Awash in the Afar region.

“The events are increasing in size and frequency from time to time. In particular, this week, data shows that an earthquake measuring up to 5.8 on the Richter scale,” according to a statement issued by the federal government Saturday.

The earthquake was felt in the capital, Addis Ababa, and cities such as Adama and Metehara. Residents living in condos and high-rise buildings felt it, too, reports say.

As many as two dozen quakes and aftershocks were reported in Awash Fentale district since September, according to residents and officials.

In the Afar region, frequent quakes created a natural hot spring water crater that is reportedly widening.

No casualties were reported, but the quakes damaged dozens of homes in Afar.

Fears of volcanic eruptions

Friday’s tremor in Afar resulted in fears of volcanic eruptions after smoke came from vents in the Dofen volcano, signaling potential volcanic activity.

“The government is closely monitoring the events with experts in the field. In addition, it has identified the epicenter of the earthquake and deployed emergency workers from various fields in 12 kebeles [districts] to assess the extent of the damage,” the statement from Ethiopia’s government said.

“It is making great efforts to identify the most vulnerable among the 80,000 citizens living in those kebeles and to evacuate them from the area. It is also monitoring the possible impact of the earthquake on social service institutions, economic institutions, and infrastructure.”

The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission announced in a statement issued on Saturday that over 51,000 residents in the Afar and Oromia regions are at risk due to recurring earthquakes in the past two months. To mitigate the risk, more than 13,000 people have already been relocated to safer areas, the commission said.

In the Fentale district of the Oromia region, over 16,000 residents face similar risks, with more than 7,000 of them relocated to secure locations, the statement added.

Some residents in the affected towns said they left their homes after the quake.

Zumara Mamo is a resident of Abomsa, where the quake was felt. She says the earthquake happened while she was asleep.

“I was sleeping on the floor with my child. Suddenly I felt the Earth beneath me shaking. The shock displaced the glass on my door,” she told VOA’s Horn of Africa Service.

According to Zumara, the shock lasted nearly a minute and was greater than the previous shock reported in the area in October.

Fentale district in the Oromia region lies less than 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the epicenter of the Saturday morning earthquake near Abomsa town.

Abayneh Urgo, who lives in Fentale district, said a strong earthquake shock was felt in his town and now residents are sleeping outside.

Efrem Wakjira, who lives near German Square in Addis Ababa, said earthquakes have been frequent this week.

“The shock of the earthquake has been common during the past five days, but Saturday morning was quite strong. It happened at around 4 a.m. local time, and I was awakened from sleeping by the shock.”

The government said the earthquake has not yet had a significant impact on major towns and has urged citizens to “follow and strictly implement the precautionary messages issued by experts.”

Ethiopian cities are vulnerable to quakes

Ethiopian experts have warned that many buildings in the country, particularly in Addis Ababa, are highly vulnerable to earthquakes.

Esayas Gebreyohannes, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Technology, said Ethiopia introduced building code standards in 1983 that need updating every 10 to 20 years, with the next update scheduled this year.

“Despite these updates, significant gaps persist in adherence to the standards during building design and construction,” he said.

“Many buildings evaluated at Addis Ababa University reveal design faults due to noncompliance with the standards. Additionally, construction materials and workmanship often fall short of required quality levels. Most buildings in Addis Ababa exhibit these deficiencies, compromising their safety and quality,” Esayas said.

“The recent frequent earthquake[s] is a sign that we are living in an active volcanic area,” professor Ayele told VOA by phone.

“The state should be careful while building infrastructures at those places. The relief agencies should stand by, and the public must also get awareness regarding the shocks,” he said.

Government engineers say plans are underway to reinforce major public buildings to withstand high-magnitude earthquakes.

Engineer Mesfin Negewo, director general of the Ethiopian Construction Authority, acknowledged growing concerns over the increasing frequency of earthquakes.

“We have observed frequent seismic activity over the past two months, and we are actively assessing the situation,” he said by phone to VOA.

He said to address the emerging risks — the government has established task forces to study the situation and monitor incidents closely.

“These teams will present a comprehensive report to authorities,” he said.

VOA’s Kennedy Abate and Mesfin Aragie contributed to this report.

Somali leaders warn against illegal buy of public land in Mogadishu

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday January 5, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame have issued a strong warning to business people and individuals about acquiring public land in Mogadishu. 

In a joint statement released on Saturday, the three prominent politicians accused the federal government of displacing residents and encroaching on educational and health facilities. They alleged that public land is being auctioned off to business people, distributed to private families, or used for bribery by politicians. 

“We warn businessmen who illegally sell or acquire public land, and those involved in bribery, not to be deceived into believing they own or control government land,” the statement read. 

The leaders also voiced concerns over Somalia’s current governance, citing security, economic, and political challenges. They urged the federal government to take immediate steps to address these pressing issues. 

The Somali government has recently reclaimed public land for redevelopment into government facilities. However, reports indicate some properties have been handed over or leased to private businesses. Notably, the government recently demolished the School Policia cemetery to make way for a naval base.

Egypt, Uganda presidents discuss Horn of Africa situation, affirm support to Somalia sovereignty

Source: Egypt today, Saturday January 4, 2025

A compiled photo of Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi (R) and Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni (L) – FILE

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi discussed the situations in East Africa and the Horn of Africa regions with Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, stressing their support to Somalia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a phone call on Friday, Sisi and Museveni underscored the need for coordination regarding the critical role of the new African Union mission to Somalia in supporting the Somali government.

Sisi highlighted to Museveni Egypt’s efforts to support Sudan in overcoming its crisis and moving toward a ceasefire, stressing the need for protecting the Sudanese people from the ravages of war and facilitating access to humanitarian aid. Museveni commended Egypt’s efforts with regard to the Sudanese crisis.

Furthermore, the presidents discussed Uganda’s hosting of the upcoming Extra-Ordinary Summit on Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programmes (CAADP).

Sisi emphasized the necessity of formulating African policies that bolster agricultural industries and empower small farmers, women, and youth by facilitating access to financing and soft loans.

He also called for enhancing the use of digital technologies to keep pace with the rapid developments in this sector.

AU commits to stabilization efforts in Somalia in 2025 as new mission begins work

Source: XINHUANET, Friday January 3, 2025

The new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia on Wednesday pledged its commitment to the country’s stabilization efforts in 2025 and post-conflict recovery as it began operations the same day.


FILE PHOTO

The new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia on Wednesday announced its commitment to the country’s stabilization efforts in 2025 and post-conflict recovery as it began operations the same day.

The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) officially replaced the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), marking a further step in transitioning national security responsibilities to that country’s own forces.

In his New Year message, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia Mohamed El-Amine Souef said 2024 marked a pivotal year for Somalia, characterized by significant strides in peace and security thanks to the concerted efforts of the Somali government in collaboration with the pan-African body’s peace mission.

“AUSSOM has finally become operational, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, as per UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024). It will build on the achievements made under ATMIS to ensure Somalia realizes long-term peace and security,” Souef said.

On Dec. 27, 2024, the UN Security Council (UNSC) endorsed the African Union Peace and Security Council’s decision to replace ATMIS with AUSSOM.

He said ATMIS made significant strides by transferring military bases to the Somali Security Forces in 2024, in line with the Somalia Transition Plan. This, Souef said, shows that the Somali security forces have acquired the necessary expertise to independently take over the country’s security responsibilities.

According to Souef, ATMIS, in collaboration with development partners, also initiated a range of quick-impact projects, including the construction of boreholes, classrooms, police stations, and rehabilitation of health centers, to improve the lives of residents in liberated areas.

The AU envoy said they would continue engagements under AUSSOM, guided by the AU Peace and Security Council communiques and UNSC resolutions.

The UNSC also authorized AU members to take necessary measures for 12 months starting Jan. 1, including supporting the Somali government in degrading al-Shabaab and affiliates linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, also known as Da’esh.

Somalia will in January join the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member following its successful election. “This marks a momentous achievement in the country’s recent history and provides an opportunity for Somalia to contribute to global peace and security,” Souef said.

Somalia continued the path to economic revitalization in March 2024 when the country became a full member of the East African Community, a regional trading bloc with a market size of over 170 million people, said the AU envoy. “Somalia, boasting the longest coastline in Africa at over 3,000 km and rich natural resources, is strategically positioned to emerge as a key player within the economic bloc.”

How Swedish researchers are helping preserve Somali linguistic heritage

Source: Hiiraan Online, Friday January 3, 2025

Faysal with Professors George Banti and Martin at the University of Gothenburg. Credit: Supplied

Mogadishu (HOL) — The University of Gothenburg in Sweden has emerged as a global leader in preserving and studying the Somali language, combining rigorous academic research with cultural preservation efforts. Swedish instructors, alongside Somali scholars, are decoding the language’s rich history and structure, ensuring its legacy endures.

The initiative focuses on analyzing Somali grammar, syntax, and historical texts. Swedish instructors work closely with Somali students to explore the language’s scientific foundations. One striking example is the analysis of the phrase “Lala socday” (“It was accompanied”), which highlights the complex grammatical interplay between subject and verb modifiers.

“This is about understanding how the language works at its core, beyond mere fluency,” said Faysal Mohamed Mohamud, a Somali student and instructor at the university. “It’s a scientific approach to uncover the language’s deeper rules and evolution.”

The university also holds a treasure trove of ancient Somali manuscripts, some dating back centuries. These documents, studied collaboratively by Somali and foreign scholars, provide invaluable insights into the language’s origins and its role in shaping Somali culture.

In a unique twist, Swedish instructors are teaching native Somali speakers the academic intricacies of their language. “It might seem odd that a foreigner teaches a Somali speaker their language, but they are teaching its grammatical rules and structural framework,” Faysal said. He noted that these instructors have even corrected official Somali government documents riddled with errors.

“I’ve seen documents from both the central government and regional administrations that were fixed by Swedish experts,” Faysal added.

When asked how such corrections are possible, Faysal replied, “Speaking a language does not necessarily mean understanding it scientifically. Scientifically analyzing a language is entirely different from just speaking it.”

The program also spotlights challenges facing African languages, which often struggle to develop due to limited scholarly attention and the lingering effects of colonialism. Researchers aim to reverse this trend by applying scientific methods, giving these languages a chance to thrive.

The initiative bridges gaps in understanding and highlights the value of Somali as both a linguistic and historical treasure. For a language deeply tied to identity and heritage, these efforts ensure that Somali not only survives but thrives, offering a legacy of resilience for generations to come.

• With files from the BBC Somali Service
  
  
  
  Faysal with faculty members and students from the University of Gothenburg.Credit: Supplied

Somalia, Ethiopia pledge collaboration on AUSSOM Peacekeeping mission

Source: Hiiraan Online, Friday January 3, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) — Ethiopia’s Defense Minister, Engineer Aisha Mohammed, held high-level meetings in Mogadishu on Thursday with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing regional peace and stability. According to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two nations agreed to collaborate on the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and pledged to enhance diplomatic engagements, including reciprocal visits by senior officials. Somali leaders are expected to visit Addis Ababa soon as part of these efforts. 

Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama expressed gratitude for Ethiopia’s contributions to peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts in Somalia. While Minister Aisha Mohammed reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to combating terrorism and maintaining stability in the region.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mesganu Arga, highlighted the shared challenges both nations face, stressing the importance of addressing security issues promptly to prevent conflicts from impeding progress on development agendas. 

AUSSOM, which succeeded the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the start of the year, aims to guide Somalia toward sustainable peace and security while supporting its state-building processes.

Somalia reclaims seat on UN Security Council after 54 years

Source: Hiiraan Online, Thursday January 2, 2025

FILE – Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman (Abukar Baalle), delivers a statement during a United Nations Security Council session. (UN Photo)Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia has officially reclaimed its seat on the United Nations Security Council, marking the first time in over half a century that the East African nation will serve as a non-permanent member. The two-year term, which began on January 1, 2025, is a historic milestone in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to reestablish itself as a significant player on the global stage.

The election on June 6, 2024, saw Somalia secure 179 votes in the UN General Assembly, representing East Africa in an uncontested bid. Somalia joins Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, and Panama as new non-permanent members, replacing outgoing nations Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.

James Swan, the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, commended the nation’s progress and stated, “Somalia has come a long way over the past three decades on its path to peace, prosperity, and security.”

Somalia’s position on the 15-member council grants it a voice in decisions related to international peace and security, including sanctions, peacekeeping operations, and the use of force. Speaking about this opportunity, Somalia’s UN Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman (Abukar Baalle) expressed the nation’s commitment: “We are determined to uphold the UN Charter and to contribute actively to safeguarding global peace and security.”

The development comes as Somalia navigates a web of complex internal and external challenges. Externally, the contentious Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in January 2024, forced Somalia to go on a diplomatic offensive to foil the deal. The agreement, which grants Ethiopia access to the Berbera port in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence, challenges Somalia’s sovereignty, as Somaliland is considered a breakaway region by Mogadishu. The Ankara Agreement, brokered by Turkey in December 2024, has greatly impacted regional dynamics. The accord led Ethiopia to walk back its earlier MoU with Somaliland while supporting Somalia’s territorial integrity and opening an avenue for Ethiopia to access the Red Sea through Somali ports, pending further technical discussions. 

Domestically, the federal government continues to struggle with limited control over vast territories, facing resistance from Al-Shabaab militants and ongoing disputes with regional federal member states like Jubbaland and Puntland. In November 2024, Jubbaland suspended relations with the federal government, accusing it of undermining regional autonomy, while Puntland has expressed persistent dissatisfaction with federal leadership, complicating efforts to unify governance structures.
The African Union played a key role in securing Somalia’s candidacy. In February 2024, the AU Executive Council endorsed Somalia as East Africa’s sole candidate after Tanzania withdrew its bid. Somalia’s diplomatic outreach, spearheaded by Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre and other senior officials, was instrumental in rallying support from neighbouring nations and beyond.

Ambassador Baalle, who has been widely praised for his contributions to Somalia’s diplomatic recovery, called the election a “diplomatic victory” that reflects the country’s progress.

While Somalia’s election underscores its external sovereignty—the recognition of its statehood by the international community—it also highlights the disparities in its internal governance. Analysts note that the federal government continues to grapple with limited control over its territory, with Al-Shabaab, Somaliland, and other regional actors wielding significant influence.

Somalia’s last tenure on the Security Council was in 1971. Since then, decades of civil war and political instability have hindered its global presence. The election is a testament to its resilience and determination to reassert itself in international affairs.

Egypt sending troops by air and sea for new African Union force in Somalia

Source: The National, Hamza Hendawi
Wednesday January 1, 2025

UN green light for deployment against Al Shabab lends international legitimacy to Cairo’s military presence in the Horn of Africa nation.

Egypt is beefing up its military presence in Somalia to take part in a new African Union mission to fight the terrorist group Al Shabab, ferrying troops there by sea and air in what sources and analysts say is a significant step in Cairo’s efforts to broaden its footprint in the strategic Horn of Africa region.

The move, they said, is also a milestone in Egypt’s decade-long tussle with Somalia’s neighbour Ethiopia over a large Nile dam that Addis Ababa is building and which Cairo views as an existential threat to its water security.

At Somalia’s request, the Egyptian troops are replacing the Ethiopian contingent in an AU mission that is being replaced, giving Cairo a significant military presence across the border from Ethiopia that could potentially pressure Addis Ababa to show flexibility over the water dispute.

Egypt and Somalia signed a military co-operation agreement this year. Under that accord, Egypt deployed several thousand troops who are serving as military advisers to Somalia’s security forces and providing security for the country’s top leaders, their families and key state facilities.

The new AU mission was agreed by the UN Security Council on Friday in a resolution adopted by 14 of its 15 member states. The United States abstained due to reservations about funding.

The foreign ministers of Egypt and Somalia confirmed Egypt’s role in the mission during talks in Cairo last week, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

“The participation of Egypt is a reflection of its genuine interest in African issues and its desire to maintain a positive presence in the continent’s trouble spots,” said Amany Al Taweel, an Egyptian expert on African affairs.

“We succeeded in this extremely important step at a time when everyone else is rushing to gain a foothold in Africa. That Ethiopia will not take part in the mission is another good aspect of the deployment because Addis Ababa has been a part of tensions in Somalia and because it failed to contain Al Shabab,” she said.

The new force – formally called the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (Aussom) – will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis), whose mandate ended on Tuesday. Aussom is scheduled to be deployed in January.

Ethiopia, whose relations with Somalia have been tense, is a member of Atmis. Somalia wants it excluded from Aussom on the grounds that its contingent has not effectively reduced the threat posed by Al Shabab.

The exact size of Aussom and the Egyptian contingent are yet to be formally announced, although Somali officials say 11,000 men have already been pledged. The sources told The National that the Egyptian contingent would make up about a 25 per cent of Aussom.

It is not clear whether the Egyptian troops already in Somalia will be part of the new mission or will operate separately while those being sent by Cairo at present will alone serve in the AU mission.

The sources said last week’s UN Security Council resolution was received with relief in Cairo, ending a period of concern that Turkey’s announcement of a mediation bid between Somalia and Ethiopia in December would change Mogadishu’s mind about replacing the Ethiopians with the Egyptians.

Tensions between Somalia and landlocked Ethiopia flared nearly a year ago after Addis Ababa signed a maritime deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland to gain access to the Red Sea.

Somalia and Egypt, both members of the Cairo-based Arab League, began forging closer relations in the wake of that deal, which Mogadishu saw as a breach of its sovereignty.

No concrete steps are known to have been taken to resolve the Somali-Ethiopian dispute since the Turkish mediation was announced, according to the sources.

“There is a silent rivalry between Egypt and Turkey in the Horn of Africa and elsewhere in Africa,” said one of the sources. “That rivalry is separate from the two nations’ co-operation in other fields,” added the source, alluding to the recent thaw between Cairo and Ankara after a decade of tension.

The announcement of Turkey’s mediation prompted Cairo to hold urgent consultations with the Mogadishu government, seeking clarifications on the agreement, said the sources. A visit by the Somali Foreign Minister to Cairo in December was part of these talks, they added.

In another example of the Cairo-Ankara rivalry in the region, Nato member Turkey has offered to mediate between Sudan’s army and a rival paramilitary to end their 20-month-old war in the Afro-Arab nation.

Sudanese army chief Gen Abdel Fattah Al Burhan, who has enjoyed Cairo’s support in his war against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, said he welcomed Ankara’s mediation.

Egypt and Turkey also back opposing sides in Libya, Egypt’s western neighbour rocked by violence and divisions for more than a decade.

However, the Egyptian deployment in Somalia places Cairo at a clear advantage and bolsters its growing presence in the Horn of Africa, according to the sources.

“The Ethiopian troops must respect Somalia’s wish or risk becoming an occupation force,” said Salah Halimah, a former career diplomat from Egypt who is the new deputy chairman of the Egyptian Council for African Affairs, a Cairo-based think tank.

“Ethiopia must change its approach to its neighbours and improve ties to Somalia. That [the deployment of the new mission], in turn, could result in a change in its attitude towards Nile downstream nations Egypt and Sudan regarding their national water security,” he said.

Egypt already has military bases in Horn of Africa nations Eritrea and Djibouti and has in recent years struck military co-operation accords with, besides Somalia, Nile basin states Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Its military presence in Somalia, which now enjoys international legitimacy following Friday’s UN Security Council resolution, comes as foreign powers are vying to gain a foothold along Africa’s Red Sea coast with tension flaring in the region, caused by Sudan’s civil war, terrorism, tribal unrest in Ethiopia and the impact of climate change on economies there.

One of the world’s driest nations, Egypt depends on the Nile for nearly all its freshwater needs. It has repeatedly stated that its share of the Nile water is a national security issue and that Ethiopia’s dam constitutes an existential threat to its 107 million people.

More than a decade of negotiations with Ethiopia have failed to produce an agreement. Cairo wants a legally binding deal on running and filling the dam. Ethiopia contends that the dam does not pose a threat to the water security of Egypt and insists it is vital to its development.

“The River Nile, specifically, is an issue that’s associated with the life and survival of Egyptians,” Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi recently said. “It’s the chief source of life in our nation. Egypt is the gift of the glorious river.”