Interview: Ethiopia and Abiy Ahmed

#81: With Tom Gardner

Source, Tom Gardner, The Economist, Dec 03, 2024

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Tom Gardner is the author of The Abiy Project: God, Power and War in the New Ethiopia. Gardner moved to Addis Ababa in 2016 as The Economist’s Horn of Africa Correspondent. He covered Ethiopia during its most tumultuous years in decades, travelling to all corners of the country before his expulsion by the Abiy Ahmed government at the height of the Tigray war in 2022. Since 2024 he has been The Economist’s Africa Correspondent based in Nairobi. Our questions are in bold, his answers in block quotes.

Who is Abiy Ahmed?

Abiy is Ethiopia’s prime minister, a Nobel peace laureate, and—in my view—the most historically significant African leader of his generation. But I also think that his importance goes beyond Africa. Few leaders anywhere in the world today so vividly embody the politics of our age: an icon of religious (Christian) evangelical revival; a master of disinformation and ‘post-truth’; and, above all, a creature of our fragmenting, increasingly lawless, multipolar world.

Why were there such high hopes when Abiy came to power?

In short, the world got Abiy wrong. When he came to power in 2018, he was feted in the West as a liberal reformer, one who’d shepherd an Ethiopia bedevilled by ethnic division into a democratic and “post-ethnic” future. As the first leader in Ethiopia’s modern history to identify as Oromo, the largest but historically among the most politically under-represented of the country’s many ethnic groups, Abiy was thought to be a unifier after years of fracture. It is worth noting that he came to power in the early Trump era, a time when there was a certain yearning among Western liberals (diplomats, academics, politicians, journalists) for a saviour, someone who could restore their faith in the arc of history.

Abiy was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019. For what?

When we talk about the world getting Abiy wrong, the awarding him with the Nobel prize in 2019 is the high-point of what I call the era of delusionally naive “Abiymania”. Ostensibly, the reason was that in 2018, shortly after coming to power, he made a historic peace with Eritrea, Ethiopia’s smaller neighbour which seceded in 1993. The Nobel committee’s chair said the prize recognised Abiy’s “efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighbouring Eritrea”. He also praised Abiy’s domestic reform efforts, including the release of tens of thousands of prisoners and the return of once-banned opposition groups.

Why did Abiy make peace with Eritrea?

The reality, though, was more complicated—far more complicated, and frankly sinister, than the Nobel committee could have realised, even if they had done their homework properly. The peace deal was really anything but: it was a security pact in all but name, between him and Eritrea’s long-standing dictator, Isaias Afewerki. Abiy and Isaias shared a common enemy; the leaders of Ethiopia’s Tigray region, which abuts Eritrea’s southern border. This alliance ultimately paved the way for the war against Tigray, one of the very worst wars of the 21st century so far, which began two years later.

What role did Abiy play in the Ethiopian civil war?

Abiy was the war’s chief architect. Unlike some analysts, I don’t believe that his antagonists in Tigray—the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)—a controversial former liberation movement which had held outsized power in Ethiopian national politics for much of the previous three decades, was innocent. They too played a part in the tit-for-tat escalatory spiral which led to war in 2020. But Abiy was prime minister, and the buck ultimately stops with him. In a more overarching sense, too, my central contention is that Abiy’s highly idiosyncratic and personalised rule heightened what sociologists might call the Ethiopian state’s ‘structural contradictions’ to the point of near total collapse. As the country’s disrupter in chief, who took a sledgehammer to an already combustible set of political arrangements, Abiy was the prime catalyst for the country’s spectacular unravelling after 2018.

You wrote that he “may go down as the most controversial recipient of the Nobel peace prize since Henry Kissinger”. What makes you say so?

I think it is worth dwelling here on the horrors of his time in office. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps a million, people died in the Tigray War, which ended in 2022. His government committed extensive human rights abuses; what UN investigators have described as crimes against humanity, including the crime of forced starvation. Many would, fairly convincingly, argue that this was in fact a genocide. It involved rape as a weapon of war on an industrial scale.

Abiy was no bystander in this: ultimately, he licensed it—including by inviting troops from Eritrea, who had their own troubled history with Tigrayans, into the country to wage total war against their common foe. But there’s more than just this: mass violence has been the defining feature of the Abiy era, from before the war in Tigray, and after. His troops continue to wage brutal campaigns against insurgents in other parts of the country today, notably the Amhara and Oromo regions, the two largest in the country. Abiy shows no signs of wanting to end these conflicts; and he has skillfully avoided any accountability for any of the crimes committed in the past six years.

What role do regional powers play in enabling him?

Abiy has one key regional sponsor: the United Arab Emirates, and in particular its ruler Mohammed bin Zayed. The two leaders have a close, almost brotherly relationship—MbZ clearly sees something of himself in Abiy, in his vaulting ambitions to reshape his country and immediate neighborhood in his own image. MbZ has bankrolled Abiy’s government since 2018; furnished his armed forces with hi-tech equipment including the drones which arguably played the decisive role in the Tigray War; and is now funding the transformation of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, into a Dubai-like urban playground.

How high is the risk of another civil war in Ethiopia?

Ethiopia’s civil war never really ended. There was a peace deal in 2022 which brought fighting in Tigray to a close. But it is extremely fragile, and could easily erupt again, not least because Abiy has failed to implement certain key provisions. And, regardless, by ending that war in the way he did he sowed the seeds for another: in Amhara, which has been a conflict zone since early 2023. Moreover, the Ethiopian state—once the strongest in Africa—is now so weak that almost nowhere is entirely safe and secure. Kidnapping, for example, is now rampant across much of the country outside of Addis Ababa.

What’s a question you wish you were asked and what’s your answer to it?

What is Abiy’s role in the wider region? It is in the broader Horn of Africa region that Abiy could yet play the most dangerous role. He is currently embroiled in a bitter dispute over sea access with neighboring Somalia, which has pitted him not only against Somalia’s president but also his previously close ally, Isaias of Eritrea. These tensions are drawing in regional powers, including Egypt, Turkey and the UAE. There is a real chance of a broader regional war in the coming years, most likely between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which previously fought a border war in 1998-2000 in which perhaps 100,000 died. My main warning these days is this: the worst may well be yet to come.

UNESCO Recognizes Xeer Ciise as Intangible Cultural Heritage, Celebrating Somali-Issa Traditions

Source: Horn of Africa Observer, Saturday December 07, 2024 – 11:38:19 in Latest News by Horn Observer Contribute

Xeer Ciise was established over 500 years ago on Sitti Mountain in Ethiopia by 44 elders representing 12 Somali-Issa clans.

NAIROBI, Kenya (HORN OBSERVER) – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially recognized Xeer Ciise, the customary law system of the Somali-Issa communities in Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Somalia, as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This historic decision was announced last Thursday.

Xeer Ciise was established over 500 years ago on Sitti Mountain in Ethiopia by 44 elders representing 12 Somali-Issa clans. Convening for a year under a tree, these elders codified the laws to resolve inter-clan disputes and govern community matters.

Xeer Ciise addresses issues such as homicide, blood compensation, livestock theft, marriage, and sexual violence.

It remains a cornerstone of conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and governance in the region. Complex cases are escalated to the Gande, the highest court, led by the Ugaas, the spiritual and political leader of the Somali-Issa.

UNESCO’s recognition not only celebrates the historical and cultural significance of Xeer Ciise but also underscores its role in uniting Somali-Issa communities across the Horn of Africa, promoting peace, equality, and good governance.

It is seen as a vital living heritage that strengthens community ties and preserves traditional knowledge.

Cultural expert and poet Yusuf Shaacir from Hargeisa called this recognition “a big success for all Somali communities, who will feel proud because of this acknowledgment.”

However, he noted the need to update Xeer Ciise’s 365 articles to align with Islamic law and to expand its application for broader use among local communities in the Horn of Africa.

This recognition follows a nomination submitted by Ethiopia and Djibouti last year, inspired by a major Somali-Issa clan assembly held in Ethiopia’s Somali region.

Several books have been published about Xeer Ciise in Somali, English, and other languages, further documenting its significance.

UNESCO stated that Xeer Ciise exemplifies how cultural traditions can sustain unity, social equity, and peaceful coexistence in a diverse region

Somali pirates demand ransom for Chinese vessel, after first being paid to protect it

Source: AFP, Sunday December 8, 2024


FILE PHOTO – Reuters

The 18 crew were taken hostage by the same men who were contracted to provide the ship with protection, with other pirates as reinforcement

Somali pirates who hijacked a Chinese fishing boat have demanded a ransom payment for the vessel and its 18 crew members, police and local officials said on Saturday.

It was not immediately clear when the ship was taken hostage by gunmen wielding AK-47 assault rifles but the European Union’s anti-piracy force drew global attention to the incident on Thursday.

“The pirates are moving the ship off the coast … they are looking for a safe haven,” said Mohamed Dini, a police officer in Eyl, a traditional pirate stronghold on Puntland’s east coast.

The boat was hijacked by men who had been contracted to provide “protection” before later being reinforced by other pirates, Dini said, adding that they had demanded payment for its release.

Ali Warsame, a local elder familiar with the case, said a Somali company acting on the boat’s behalf had offered to pay a US$300,000 ransom. But the proposal was declined by the pirates.

Local fishermen said the boat came close to Eyl on Friday, but the pirates pushed back into the sea out of fear of Puntland’s coastguards. But “they cannot move deeper towards the ocean because they are afraid of the foreign military ships”, said fisherman Abdirahman Said.

EU’s anti-piracy naval force Atalanta on Friday said it was closely monitoring the event “classified as armed robbery at sea”. “The crew remains safe, with no injuries,” it added.

The incident is the latest episode in a surge of Somali pirate activity after years of lull.

In March, Somali pirates hijacked a Bangladeshi cargo ship transporting more than 55,000 tonnes (60,600 tons) of coal from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates.

The bulk carrier MV Abdullah was freed after its Bangladeshi owners, KSRM Group, paid a hefty ransom that was airdropped over the vessel in sackloads of US dollars. The ransom amount was not disclosed by the company.

A series of incidents since then has fuelled concerns about a resurgence of Indian Ocean raids by opportunistic pirates exploiting a security gap after the redeployment of international forces.

Somalia accuses Ethiopia of ‘interference’, inciting conflict among clans

Source: AFP, Saturday December 7, 2024



Somalia on Friday accused Ethiopia of interfering in its southern Jubaland region, the latest upset in a nearly year-long bitter dispute between the two nations.

The neighbours have been at loggerheads since landlocked Ethiopia in January struck a deal with Somalia’s breakaway region Somaliland to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base in exchange for recognition, although this has not been confirmed by Addis Ababa.

Conflict-weary Somalia is a federation of five semi-autonomous member states — Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle and South West — and a central government in Mogadishu.

The Somali accusation also comes shortly after Jubaland re-election of former warlord Ahmed Madobe, much to the chagrin of central government which had hoped to align the polls with future nationwide elections.

A statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism claimed that Ethiopian forces were moved towards Bulohawo district in southern Gedo on Friday, before being “confronted by local communities and the armed forces” who stopped the advance.

“The Somali government strongly condemns the damning acts the Ethiopian government is carrying in the Gedo region to start conflict among the clans in the area,” the ministry said.

“This is part of the interference of the Addis-Ababa administration against the sovereignty and unity of Somalia,” it added.

It said while the country was open to “peaceful co-existence”, the Ethiopian moves would “create fresh conflicts in the region”.

Somalia was prepared “to defend its independence and sovereignty,” it said, urging the international community to condemn the alleged movements.

Addis Ababa has made no comment on the allegations.

Somalia marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Source: Thursday December 5, 2024



The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Disability Agency (NDA), Somalia, in partnership with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), joined forces in celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024 in Somalia with remarkable achievements made under a joint initiative aimed at empowering the persons with disabilities in Somalia.  

As part of the celebration, UNDP and KSrelief handed over assistive equipment and other support to the Persons with Disabilities in Somalia through the National Disability Agency, while expressing commitment to continue the support in advancing the rights of the PWDs. 

Launched in March 2024, the Capacity Development and Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities Project, funded by KSrelief has been providing policy and advocacy support as well as training and assistive logistics and infrastructure to advance the rights of PWDs in Somalia. Over the last few months, the project has delivered catalytic results, including the provision of a 15-seat customized vehicle to the National Disability Agency, setting a benchmark for inclusive transportation solutions and distribution of over 1,240 wheelchairs, 750 white canes, and 750 crutches, empowering individuals to actively participate in society.  

Besides, training of 50 individuals in sign language, refurbishment of three psychosocial centers with accessible facilities and the establishment of a functional hotline (9944) have collectively provided a critical responsive mechanism for delivering timely support, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable empowerment and inclusion. 

His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Al Bediri, Chargé d’Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Somalia, expressed pride in the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts, particularly the Capacity Development and Empowerment Project for Persons with Disabilities, implemented with UNDP. He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities through education, vocational training, and employment, fostering their active integration into Somali society. Highlighting the Kingdom’s historic support for Somalia, with over 135 projects worth $326.3 million benefiting millions, he expressed hope that this initiative would improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities.  

“On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate these achievements and reaffirm our dedication to building an inclusive society,” said Lionel LAURENS, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative. “Together with KSrelief, we’re promoting disability inclusion in Somalia–advocating policy changes, combating stigma and discrimination, empowering communities, and equipping persons with disabilities with much-needed skills, tools and vital assistive devices.” 

The Capacity Development and Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Project. The project focuses on promoting inclusivity, advocating for the rights of PWDs, and providing essential services to improve their quality of life. The project has made substantial progress in promoting inclusivity, advocating for the rights of PWDs, and providing essential equipment and services to improve their quality of life.

Somali Gender Director appointed chairperson of IGAD Women Peace and Security Forum

Source: Hiiran Online, Thursday December 5, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) — Gender Director of Somalia’s Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, Sadia Noor, was named Chairperson of the IGAD Women Peace and Security Forum (IWPSF) during a meeting held in Mombasa, Kenya, on Wednesday. 

The Ministry of Family praised the newly elected leadership team’s collaborative efforts, including Deputy Chairperson Amer Manyok Deng from South Sudan and Secretary Hon. Dora Byamukama from Uganda. 

“The workshop concluded with celebrations as the newly elected Chair, Mrs. Sadia Mohamed Nur from Somalia, Vice Chair, Mrs. Amer Manyok Deng from South Sudan, and Secretary, Hon. Dora Byamukama from Uganda, were announced. They promised to work collaboratively to advance the IWPSF agenda,” IGAD stated. 

Established in 2013 after the 2011 IGAD Women and Peace Conference, the IWPSF seeks to enhance women’s participation in conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution. The forum’s board includes executive, legislative, and civil society representatives, with IGAD serving as its secretariat.

Trump in Africa

 Source: The International Crisis Group (ICG) posted on 29 November 2024 a 50-minute podcast titled “Trump in Africa” with Richard Atwood and the ICG’s Africa director, Murithi Mutiga. 

The program is less about what President-elect Trump might do in Africa than the crises he will face there. African countries that may face challenges in a Trump administration include South Africa and Somalia.  Those that may benefit during a Trump administration include Kenya, Rwanda, and Eritrea.  

At least 15 killed and more than 100 missing after landslides bury homes in Uganda

Source: by Associated Press

Published 11:13 AM EST, Thu November 28, 2024

Rescue workers and people search for bodies after landslides following heavy rains in the mountainous district of Bulambuli, eastern Uganda. Jean Watala/APAP — 

At least 15 people have died and 113 others are still missing after landslides buried homes in six villages in eastern Uganda, police said.

Another 15 injured people have been rescued and admitted to Buluganya Health Center.

The Uganda Red Cross Society said Thursday that 13 bodies had been recovered after landslides buried 40 homes and the rescue effort was continuing.

Local media reported that authorities expect the death toll could rise to 30.

The landslides happened after heavy rains on Wednesday night in the mountainous district of Bulambuli, where landslides are common. The district is about 280 kilometers (173miles) east of the capital, Kampala.

More than a hundred people were missing on Thursday, after the landslides buried homes across six villages. Jean Watala/AP

A journalist in the area told The Associated Press that local officials said an excavator would be brought to assist in the rescue efforts, but the roads were covered in mud and the rain was still falling.

The affected area is about 50 acres (20ha) with homesteads and farmlands spread downhill.

Photos and videos of people digging through mud in search of victims were shared on social media platforms. Some of the houses were completed covered by mud while others only had a roof showing above the ground.

The Daily Monitor newspaper reported that most of the bodies recovered so far were those of children.

The prime minister’s office issued a disaster alert on Wednesday stating that heavy rains across the country had cut off major roads.

Two rescue boats capsized on Wednesday during a rescue mission on River Nile where Pakwach bridge was submerged.

Impact on Shipping of Houthi Red Sea Attacks

 The Italian Institute for International Political Studies published on 24 November 2024 a paper titled “Blue Economy and the Mediterranean: How the Red Sea Crisis is Shaping the Region’s Maritime Future (and What Is Next)” by Mario Mattioli.

Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping reduced transit through the Suez Canal by about 50 percent in 2023 and 70 percent in the first half of 2024.  Transit around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope adds 3,000 to 3,500 nautical miles to voyages connecting Europe and Asia, increasing travel time by about 10 days.  This results in higher costs for fuel, wages, insurance, and freight borne by shipping companies.

Isaias Afwerki dismisses claims of an ‘axis against Ethiopia’

Source: Hiiraan Online, Monday December 2, 2024

FILE – Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki during a televised interview Mogadishu (HOL) — Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has dismissed allegations that a recent trilateral agreement between Eritrea, Somalia, and Egypt forms an “axis” against Ethiopia, calling the claims baseless propaganda designed to fuel regional mistrust.

In a Saturday evening interview on national television, Isaias emphasized that the trilateral agreement, signed in Asmara, is focused on promoting stability across the Horn of Africa, the Nile Basin, and the Red Sea. “Eritrea has no interest in seeing Ethiopia destabilized,” he stated, underscoring his nation’s commitment to fostering cooperation in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

The accusations come amid heightened tensions between Ethiopia and its neighbours following Addis Ababa’s controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. This deal, aimed at securing access to a Red Sea corridor, has deepened Ethiopia’s rift with Egypt over Nile River resources and drawn quiet discontent from Eritrea.

Isaias condemned what he described as “foreign-backed disinformation campaigns” spread through traditional and social media platforms, warning that such narratives risk further inflaming regional conflicts.

President Isaias also took aim at Ethiopia’s political framework, describing the country’s 1994 constitution as “fundamentally flawed” and a key source of instability. He argued that Ethiopia’s unresolved internal conflicts, including the Tigray war and recent unrest in the Amhara region, have hindered its ability to contribute positively to regional peace.

The president linked Ethiopia’s prolonged border clashes with Eritrea to external interference but refrained from naming specific actors. He pointed to the TPLF’s rocket attacks on Eritrea during the Tigray conflict as evidence of destabilizing forces at play.

While much of the interview focused on Ethiopia, Isaias reiterated Eritrea’s commitment to fostering stability in Sudan. “The resolution of Sudan’s conflict ultimately lies with its people, but our historical ties compel us to support efforts toward peace,” he said.

Isaias also reflected on shifting global power dynamics, criticizing U.S. policies while questioning the potential for meaningful change under President-elect Donald Trump. “For three decades, U.S. influence has waned, and it faces growing challenges from rising powers like China and Russia,” he noted.

Despite strained ties with Washington, Isaias called for constructive engagement, urging Eritrea to prepare for partnerships that advance mutual interests. “We must focus on productive work that builds trust and cooperation,” he said.

Eritrean refugees describe police crackdown in Ethiopia

Source: BBC, Sunday December 1, 2024

Eritrea and Ethiopia share a border and tension between the two neighbours has been fraught for decades.



Eritrean residents in Ethiopia’s capital have reported widespread arrests among their community, sparking fear among refugees and asylum seekers who fled their homes in search of a better life.

While not unprecedented, the scale and intensity of the current crackdown in Addis Ababa is significant, with hundreds reportedly detained in recent weeks.

The city’s police did not respond to the BBC’s requests for comment but the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission – an independent body set up by the country’s parliament – said it would launch an investigation.

Eritrea and Ethiopia share a border and tension between the two neighbours has been fraught for decades.

Ties appeared to strenghten following a 2018 peace deal, only to deteriorate again.

One Eritrean refugee, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said he was arrested after someone heard him speaking Tigrinya – a language used in Eritrea, as well as Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

“We were sitting in a café when someone overheard us speaking Tigrinya and called the police.

“Six officers arrived and detained us. Later, the inspector in charge demanded cash to release us, with payments arranged secretly to avoid evidence,” he alleged.

Many Eritreans in Addis Ababa are refugees who fled forced military conscription and government oppression in their country of birth.

Over 20,000 Eritreans have crossed into Ethiopia this year, adding to the 70,000 refugees already registered in the country.

While some Eritreans sought safety in Ethiopia after a brutal civil war erupted in Sudan 18 months ago,

One refugee told the BBC that his sister was arrested on her way to the shops and had been held in custody for three weeks.

“I can’t visit her because I fear being arrested myself, so I send Ethiopian friends to check on her and deliver food and clothes. I worry they might deport her to Eritrea,” he said.

Returning to Eritrea would put many refugees at risk of imprisonment.

While some detainees have been released, many remain in custody. Some have been held for weeks or even months without due process.

The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) told BBC Tigrinya it had received reports of Eritrean refugees being detained and expressed deep concern over the matter.

Refugees are getting increasingly desperate, with many seeking alternative ways to leave Ethiopia. But there are reports Eritreans have even been arrested while attempting to inquire about the travel documents they need to leave.

The arrests have highlighted broader concerns about Eritrean refugees’ safety across Ethiopia. At Alemwach refugee camp in the Amhara region, refugees speak of frequent robberies, kidnappings, and physical assaults by armed groups.

“Some refugees have been shot, while others have been stabbed for their belongings, like mobile phones. At least nine refugees have been killed in the past year,” said a representative from the camp.

Some refugees are drawing parallels to the mass arrests and deportations of Eritreans during the 1998–2000 war between the two countries, when thousands were forcibly expelled from Ethiopia.

Ties have deteriorated once again following the end of a two-year civil war in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region.

Flights and phone lines between the two countries have been suspended, and diplomatic contact between their leaders has ceased.

Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia are calling on the international community, particularly the UN and rights organisations, to intervene.

One Eritrean who has lived and studied in Addis Ababa for six years, described the arrests as indiscriminate and deliberate.

“Both documented and undocumented Eritreans are being targeted. Even mothers visiting detained family members have been arrested,” he told the BBC.

Another refugee said: “The arrests are unjustified, and our lives are in danger. We fled persecution in Eritrea, only to face it here.”

Somaliland reopens Waheen Market after devastating fire, boosting regional economy

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday December 1, 2024

A close-up of the colorful, modern buildings of the rebuilt Waaheen Market in Hargeisa, Somaliland, designed to prevent the challenges that exacerbated the 2022 fire. (Credit: Office of the Spokesperson, Somaliland Government)Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland’s President Muse Bihi Abdi on Saturday inaugurated the newly rebuilt Waheen Market, a vital commercial hub reconstructed after a devastating fire razed it to the ground on April 10, 2022.

The fire, sparked by an electrical fault, engulfed the market, destroying 24 acres of stalls and shops. The disaster impacted 17,000 traders and countless livelihoods. The fire disproportionately affected small traders, many of whom were women. 

The Waheen fire came amid a perfect storm of crises. Somaliland was grappling with severe drought — the worst in 40 years — alongside skyrocketing inflation driven by global events like the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The market’s destruction exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, threatening food security and economic stability.

The reconstruction of Waheen Market was funded largely by Somaliland’s business community, diaspora, and neighbouring Djibouti.

The new facility, which cost millions of dollars, boasts 24 sections housing 644 shops, all built to modern standards. Key upgrades include paved roads and designated parking areas for customers, designed to restore and enhance the bustling marketplace, once a linchpin of trade in the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi delivers a speech during the official opening ceremony of the newly reconstructed Waaheen Market in Hargeisa. The market stands as a symbol of resilience following the devastating 2022 fire. (Credit: Office of the Spokesperson, Somaliland Government)

President Bihi praised the collective effort behind the reconstruction, crediting Somaliland’s business community, Somali entrepreneurs in Mogadishu, diaspora traders, and the Djiboutian government for their financial contributions. However, he noted the lack of support from wealthier nations.

“The delegations that came here with cameras offered words but no material support,” Bihi said. “This reminds us that we must care for our own needs, as no one else will.”

Waheen Market’s reopening symbolizes resilience and hope for Hargeisa’s residents, who rely on it for their daily sustenance. As shoppers and traders return to the vibrant new space, the market’s revival offers a fresh start, breathing life back into the region’s economy.

This moment also highlights a broader narrative of self-reliance and resourcefulness in Somaliland—a testament to its people’s determination to rebuild and thrive against the odds.

An expansive view of the reconstructed Waaheen Market in Hargeisa, Somaliland, showcasing the modern infrastructure and vibrant layout that replaced the historic market destroyed by fire in 2022. (Credit: Office of the Spokesperson, Somaliland Government)

Somaliland Supreme Court validates election results, confirming Waddani Party’s historic win

Source: Hiiraan Online, Thursday November 28, 2024

Judges of the Somaliland Supreme Court preside over the session to validate the November 13 presidential election results, confirming a peaceful transition of power to the Waddani Party. (Photo: Supreme Court of Somaliland)Hargeisa (HOL) — The Somaliland Supreme Court has officially validated the results of the November 13 presidential election, cementing a historic victory for the Waddani Party and signalling a peaceful political transition in the self-declared republic.

Chief Justice Adan Haji Ali announced the court’s decision, affirming Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Irro, as President after securing 64% of the vote. Mohamed Ali Abdi Mahmoud was declared Vice President. Both candidates ran on the Waddani Party ticket, ending nearly 15 years of governance by the Kulmiye Party.

“The court has approved the election results, confirming that Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Egal and Mr. Mohamed Ali Abdi Mahmoud have been duly elected as President and Vice President,” Chief Justice Adan stated during a press briefing.

The Supreme Court emphasized that no objections or legal challenges were filed by opposing candidates, paving the way for a seamless endorsement of the preliminary results issued by the National Electoral Commission.

This year’s election, hailed as one of the most peaceful in Somaliland’s history, highlights the region’s growing political maturity. Supporters celebrated across Somaliland’s major cities, with jubilant crowds waving Waddani Party flags in Burao. Analysts view the Waddani Party’s victory as a shift in Somaliland’s political landscape, with the outgoing President Muse Bihi Abdi graciously conceding defeat and congratulating the winners.

Observers have praised the election process, noting that Somaliland continues to set a democratic standard in the region, even as it seeks international recognition as a sovereign state.

Somalia approves electoral commission to oversee first direct elections in 50 years

Source: Hiiraan, Tuesday November 26, 2024

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre presides over an emergency Cabinet meeting in Mogadishu, marking a significant step in approving the Independent National Electoral and Boundary Commission 

Mogadishu (HOL)  — Somalia’s federal government has approved the formation of the Independent National Electoral and Boundary Commission, a milestone in the country’s plan to hold direct elections for the first time in over five decades. The decision came during an emergency Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

The commission is tasked with managing elections at all levels of government, implementing a one-person, one-vote system to replace the clan-based electoral model. Local council elections are scheduled for June 2025, followed by federal parliamentary and presidential polls in September.“This government is committed to restoring the right of every Somali to elect their leaders directly,” Barre said. “Today’s decision is a cornerstone of our democratic aspirations.”

On Saturday, Somali lawmakers passed an election bill which allows for direct voting and replacing the indirect system currently in place.

Somalia’s political transition comes amid significant opposition from Jubaland and Puntland, two influential regional states. Both administrations have rejected the new electoral framework, citing concerns over federal overreach. Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe)— who won his reelection bid this week despite objection from Mogadishu—  boycotted consultations and extended his term limit, further escalating tensions. Puntland declared self-governance in March, effectively stepping outside the federal framework.

These divisions echo past conflicts, such as the violent fallout from Jubaland’s disputed 2019 elections, which displaced tens of thousands. Analysts warn that the upcoming elections could reignite similar tensions if disputes are unresolved.

The international community is closely watching Somalia’s democratic transition. Ethiopian and Kenyan forces operating under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) remain in Jubaland to combat Al-Shabaab but have faced accusations of meddling in Somali politics. Such allegations highlight the delicate balance of power between Mogadishu and its neighbours.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for international support to ensure a peaceful and inclusive electoral process.

The approval of the electoral commission marks a turning point for Somalia. Since 1969, the country has relied on a clan-based voting system criticized for perpetuating division and undermining national unity. Moving to universal suffrage represents a major shift toward democratic governance and inclusivity.

Commission Members

1. Abdiqarin Ahmed Hassan
2. Sadiq Abshir Garad
3. Avv. Mohamed Abdirahman Aden
4. Yusuf Abdiqadir Mohamed-Bafo
5. Omar Abukar Omar
6. Farhiyo Mohamed Yusuf
7. Dr. Omar Jama Mohamed
8. Farah Abdi Hassan
9. Sahro Dirie Muse
10. Abdullahi Salad Yarrow
11. Mohamed Amin Hassan Abdullahi
12. Abdi Adow Mohamed
13. Abdishakur Abiib Haayir
14. Khalid Ibrahim Ismail
15. Amina Sheikh Osman Mohamed
16. Nasir Mohamed Shire
17. Abdirahim Abdullahi Shafici
18. Mohamed Omar Ismail

Deadliest place for women is home, says UN report on gender violence

UN Report, The global femicide report says about 60 percent of 85,000 women and girls killed in 2023 were by an intimate partner or a family member.

An average of 140 women and girls were killed each day in 2023 by their intimate partner or a close relative, a United Nations report on gender violence has found.

About 60 percent of 85,000 women and girls killed across the world in 2023 were at the hands of an intimate partner or a family member, the 36-page report (PDF) by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), published on Monday to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, says.

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“Women and girls everywhere continue to be affected by this extreme form of gender-based violence and no region is excluded,” it says. “The home is the most dangerous place for women and girls.”

Somalia signs UN convention against transnational organized crime

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday November 24, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia officially signed the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and its protocols during a Saturday ceremony in Mogadishu to tackle organized crime and enhance global security collaboration. 

Foreign Minister Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Moallin, Chief Justice Baashe Yuusuf Ahmed, and government and civil society representatives attended the event. 

“This milestone marks a significant step in Somalia’s efforts to align with international standards and contribute to global peace and stability,” said Foreign Minister Fiqi during the signing. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized Somalia’s dedication to advancing its role in international governance and building robust global partnerships. 

Adopted in 2000, UNTOC is the leading international framework for combating transnational organized crime. It is supported by three key protocols targeting specific challenges; one is the protocol to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children. Second, the protocol against the smuggling of migrants by land, sea and air, and third, the protocol against the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components, and ammunition. 

The signing underscores Somalia’s ongoing efforts to align with global anti-crime standards, reinforce legal frameworks, and strengthen cooperation with international partners to address shared security challenges.

At least 24 dead after two boats capsize off coast of Madagascar

Kalkidan Yibeltal
Source: BBC, Monday November 25, 2024

FILE PHOTO

At least 24 people have died after two boats carrying mostly Somali nationals capsized off the coast of Madagascar, local authorities said.

A statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said efforts were underway to “ensure the safe return of the survivors”. The two boats carried a total of 70 passengers.

The vessels were discovered adrift off Madagascar’s north coast on Saturday in the Indian Ocean. It is believed their engines had failed.

A senior Somalian government official told local media that survivors were rescued by fishermen.

Survivors say they were trying to reach the French island of Mayotte, a common but dangerous route for Somali migrants seeking asylum.

Unemployment and poverty in the Horn of Africa forces many young people to undertake the perilous route to reach Europe in the hopes of a better life.

Madagascan authorities warned against “the severe risks associated with illegal migration” suggesting the victims of the tragedy were migrants

Significant Underreporting of Deaths in Sudan

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

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

Russia Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution on Ceasefire in Sudan

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

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

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

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

Source: Aljazeera, Published On 18 Nov 202418 Nov 2024

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

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