How China Can Finance African Projects

 Source: The Center for Global Development published on 12 September 2024 a proposal titled “At FOCAC, China Renewed Commitments to Africa. Here’s What Needs to Happen Next” by W. Gyude Moore.  

The author proposes that China expand the $2 billion Chinese-created Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF) administered by the African Development Bank and embrace a wider slate of participants to enable continued and sustainable lending from China to Africa.  More specifically, he suggests that China expand AGTF capital to $5 billion and reauthorize it for another 10 years. 

External Meddling Exacerbates Conflicts in the Horn of Africa

 Source: The American Enterprise Institute’s Critical Threats Africa File published on 23 September 2024 an analysis titled “External Meddling for the Red Sea Exacerbates Conflicts in the Horn of Africa” by Liam Karr.

Russia, Iran, UAE, Turkey, and Egypt are taking advantage of conflicts in the Horn of Africa to advance their economic, military, and political objectives in the greater Red Sea area at the expense of the interests of the local populations and the United States.  

Ethiopia calls for deliberation on Somalia’s security after ATMIS exit

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday September 25, 2024

New York (HOL) – Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, met with Catherine Molly Phee, U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, on Tuesday during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

During the meeting, Minister Taye emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring sustainable peace and security, highlighting Ethiopia’s role in combating terrorism, especially in Somalia.

The Minister stressed the need for careful deliberation before any post-ATMIS (African Union Mission in Somalia) arrangements are finalized, signalling Ethiopia’s concerns about maintaining stability in the region.

Tensions have risen between Ethiopia and Somalia over Ethiopia’s agreement to lease a portion of Somaliland’s coastline, an autonomous region of Somalia, in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence. The deal has caused diplomatic friction, as Somalia strongly rejected the agreement, accusing Ethiopia of undermining its territorial integrity.

Ethiopia’s plans to establish a port in Somaliland have further strained relations with Mogadishu and brought Somalia closer to Egypt, which has long been in dispute with Ethiopia over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River.

Somalia recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia in January following the port agreement, underscoring the growing diplomatic rift between the two nations.

Ethiopia worried over arms shipments to Somalia

Source: Reuters, Wednesday September 25, 2024

Security helicopters hover above the Mogadishu Sea Port after an Egyptian warship docked to deliver a second major cache of weaponry in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 23, 2024. PHOTO | REUTERS

Ethiopia’s foreign minister has warned that ammunition supplied to Somalia could exacerbate conflict and be diverted to terrorists, Ethiopia’s state news agency reported on Tuesday.

His statement came a day after an Egyptian warship unloaded heavy weaponry in the capital Mogadishu, the second arms shipment in the space of a month following the inking of a joint security pact by Egypt and Somalia in August.

Landlocked Ethiopia, which has thousands of troops stationed in neighbouring Somalia to fight al Qaeda-linked Islamist insurgents, has fallen out with the Mogadishu government over its plans to build a port in the breakaway region of Somaliland.

The spat has drawn Somalia closer to Egypt, which has quarrelled with Ethiopia for years over Addis Ababa’s construction of a vast hydro dam on the headwaters of the Nile River.

Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Astke Selassie said he was concerned that the supply of ammunition by “external forces would further exacerbate the fragile security and would end up in the hands of terrorists in Somalia,” Ethiopia News Agency reported.

There was no immediate response from Somalia’s government to Taye’s remarks.

“The potential for weapons landing in the wrong hands is high. Al Shabaab is a major beneficiary and in 2023 harvested massive quantities of weapons by conducting raids on enemy (bases),” said Rashid Abdi, an analyst with the Sahan Research think-tank.

The UN Security Council lifted its arms embargo in December, more than 30 years after it was first imposed as Somalia plunged into civil war.

In January, Ethiopia agreed to lease 20km (12 miles) of coastline from Somaliland – a part of Somalia which claims independence and has operated with effective autonomy since 1991 – in exchange for possible recognition of its sovereignty.

In response, Somalia threatened to expel by the end of the year Ethiopia’s troops, who are there as part of the peacekeeping mission and under bilateral agreements, if the port deal was not scrapped.

Can tensions between Somalia, Ethiopia, and Egypt be tempered?

Source: Tuesday September 24, 2024


Photo illustration by John Lyman
In recent months, tensions have flared dramatically across the Horn of Africa, with the arrival of Egyptian troops in Somalia signaling what could escalate into a regional war. The friction between Ethiopia’s contentious sea access agreement with Somaliland and the decades-long disputes over the Nile River between Ethiopia and Egypt have all contributed to a growing sense of unease in the region.

Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s prime minister, issued a stark warning to potential aggressors: Anyone planning on invading this country should “think 10 times” before doing so. Meanwhile, Turkey and other neighboring nations are scrambling to mediate, with Djibouti even offering Ethiopia control over the critical Tadjoura port in a bid to reduce hostilities. Despite these efforts, the threat of a broader conflict looms ever larger.

A fractured history

Egypt and Ethiopia share a long, complicated history. As two of Africa’s first independent nations and founding members of the United Nations in 1945, their diplomatic ties stretch back decades. Yet, this shared history is riddled with fractures, exacerbated by Cold War dynamics and conflicting geopolitical allegiances.

While Egypt aligned with the Soviet Union during the Camp David Accords, Ethiopia sided with Israel and the United States in the Arab-Israeli conflicts. At the heart of this rivalry lies the Nile River, an essential lifeline for both nations. Ethiopia’s control over one of the river’s primary tributaries—and its recent dam project—threatens Egypt’s water security, adding historical weight to the current crisis.

The roots of Egypt’s fears run deep, dating back to the 1950s when Ethiopia first considered building a dam. Despite its capability, successive Ethiopian governments refrained from such projects, wary of provoking Egyptian retaliation. In the 1970s, Egypt threatened military action if Ethiopia moved forward. Even into the 21st century, the threat persisted, with former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak reportedly stating that Egypt would be ready to fight any new dam construction on the Nile.

A military standoff in the making?

The situation has deteriorated further with the deployment of Egyptian troops to Somalia, a move widely perceived as a bid by Cairo to assert its dominance in a region where it has long clashed with Ethiopia’s interests.

At the core of this confrontation is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Egypt views as a direct challenge to its share of the Nile waters. Cairo has issued warnings for years, insisting that any reduction in its Nile water supply would be intolerable. Now, with over 10,000 Egyptian troops in Somalia, it seems Egypt is prepared to back its rhetoric with force.

Ethiopia has expressed grave concern over Egypt’s military presence in Somalia, particularly as it edges closer to their shared borders. Although reactions among the neighboring communities vary, the deployment has sparked widespread criticism, especially in regions where suspicion of Egyptian motives runs high. While bracing for the worst, Ethiopia has so far adopted a cautious stance, emphasizing its readiness to defend its interests at any cost.

Diplomacy on the brink

Amid escalating tensions, Ethiopia has intensified its diplomatic outreach, particularly with Somaliland and Turkey. Turkey has emerged as a crucial player in the crisis, facilitating two rounds of indirect talks between Somalia and Ethiopia. However, concrete progress remains elusive. A third round of negotiations is scheduled for next month, but with the situation rapidly deteriorating, hopes for a peaceful resolution appear dim.

Djibouti, an important regional hub and long-standing ally of Ethiopia, has extended a potentially game-changing offer: granting Ethiopia full sovereignty over the Tadjoura port. This strategic asset would provide Ethiopia with an alternative to the contested Somaliland port, potentially easing some tension. Yet, whether this gesture will be seen as a timely intervention or a belated offer remains to be seen.

A region on the edge

The Horn of Africa is teetering on the brink of a full-scale regional war, with the potential to draw in other powers with vested interests. Turkey, Iran, and the Gulf States have stakes in the region, and their involvement could further complicate the conflict. Moreover, the presence of proxy groups like Somalia’s Al-Shabab insurgents or the Yemeni Houthis could ignite a broader, more chaotic war, escalating the human and economic toll.

The stakes could not be higher. If the crisis continues unchecked, it risks becoming one of Africa’s most volatile and dangerous flashpoints. The people of Somalia, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the broader Horn of Africa may face devastating consequences. The situation demands urgent, sustained diplomatic efforts from regional and international actors to prevent a descent into widespread violence and instability

Kenya to send 600 more police officers to Haiti

Will Ross
Source: BBC, Africa regional editor, BBC News
Monday September 23, 2024

President William Ruto also promised the Kenyan police officers deployed to Haiti that he would try to get them better equipment

Kenya has pledged to send 600 more police officers to Haiti in the coming weeks to help fight gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and nearby areas.

This would bring the Kenyan contingent, deployed incrementally since June to help the Caribbean nation’s beleaguered police force, up to 1,000.

During a visit to the country, Kenya’s President William Ruto also said he supported turning the current Kenya-led security mission into a full United Nations peacekeeping operation.

A handful of other countries have together pledged at least 1,900 more troops.

Violence in Haiti is still rife and a UN human rights expert has warned that gangs are targeting new areas, causing further displacement.

The UN Security Council is due to meet by the end of the month to decide whether to renew Kenya’s current mandate for another 12 months, paving the way for a full UN mission in 2025.

This would lead to increased funding and resources for the operation, which has been hampered by a lack of equipment.

Addressing the Kenyan police officers at their base in Port-au-Prince, President Ruto commended the force for their successes over the last few months.

“There are many people who thought Haiti was mission impossible, but today they have changed their minds because of the progress you have made.”

He said they would succeed against the gangs and he promised to try to get them better equipment.
The nearly 400 Kenyan officers on the ground were going out on patrol “working hand-in-hand with Haitian forces to protect the people and restore security”, Ruto said.

“Our next batch, an additional 600, is undergoing redeployment training. We will be mission-ready in a few weeks’ time and look forward to the requisite support to enable their deployment,” he added.
But there has been some criticism in Haiti at the lack of a decisive move against the gangs.

A UN human rights expert who has just been there said the mission was inadequately equipped and needed helicopters, as well as night vision goggles and drones.

“The Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS), authorised by the UN Security Council in October 2023, has so far deployed less than a quarter of its planned contingent,” William O’Neil said on Friday.

Despite an international embargo, arms and ammunition continued to be smuggled into the country. allowing the gangs to extend their control to new territories, he said.

The UN expert had visited the south-east of the country, where he said the police lacked the logistical and technical capacity to counter the gangs.

He quoted a policeman in Jérémie as saying: “The situation borders on the impossible. We have to learn to walk on water.”

Sexual violence had drastically increased and more than 700,000 people were now displaced, Mr O’Neil said.

“This enduring agony must stop. It is a race against time.”

He said the solutions already existed, but efforts had to be “redoubled immediately”.

“It is crucial to stifle the gangs by giving the MSS Mission the means to be effective in supporting the operations of the Haitian National Police, as well as to implement the other measures provided for by the United Nations Security Council, including the sanctions regime and the targeted arms embargo.”

Somaliland urges Somali government to address al-Shabab-Houthi alliance threat

Source: Hiiraan ONline, Monday September 23, 2024

Hargeisa (HOL) – Somaliland’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, called on the Somali government to address the emerging relationship between the militant group al-Shabaab and Houthi fighters in Yemen.

In an interview with Al Arabiya TV, Ahmed warned that the alliance between the two groups could destabilize regional security and urged immediate action.

“There is a strong relationship between the Houthis and al-Shabaab, and that poses a threat to peace in the region. The Somali government must take control of the situation and prevent further cooperation between these groups,” the minister said.

Ahmed also called on the international community to intervene, stressing that Somaliland alone cannot handle security threats in the Red Sea region. He highlighted the need for broader efforts to prevent the alliance from disrupting regional trade routes.

In June, U.S. intelligence revealed that Houthi fighters were discussing providing weapons to al-Shabaab. American officials are investigating whether Iran, which supports the Houthis militarily and financially, is involved in facilitating this weapons transfer.

“ A nation in the Horn of Africa will disappear by 2050”.

Aqoonyahan kasoo jeeda Geeska Africa wuxuu qoray 2011 Article  lagu magacaabo “ A nation in the Horn of Africa will disappear by 2050”. Dalka maabka addunka ka bixi doona waxuu ka dhigay Somalia. Arrintaas cid kubaraarugtay ma jirin.

Muxuu qoraalkiisa saldhig uga dhigay:

1. Waxaa dhismi doona maamul gobaleedyo (regional states”
2. Regional states waxay ku dhawaaqi doonaan ineysan aqoonsaneyn dawladda dhexe ee federaalka ah Somalia.
3. Dawladda federaalka meesha ayey ka bixi doontaa gabi ahaan
4. Maamul goboleedyadu  waxay u qaybsami doonaan labo:
5. Qaar ku biira Ethiopia iyo
6. Qaar ku biira Kenya

Halkaasna waxaa kuburburi doona dawladnimadii iyo midnimadii Somalia.

Dawr  sano ka hor, shir ay yeesheen maamul gobaleedyada hadda jira waxay shir ku jeesheen mid ka mid ah mamuul-gobaleedyada,  waxayna ku hanjabeen iney kalsoonida kala laaban doonaan dawladda dhexe Somalia.  Arrintaas wawal weyn ayey abuurtay.  Somaliyeey heshiiiya oo cudurka qabiilka  oo laidiin adeegsanaya meesha ka saara.

Somaliyeey Qabiilku waa kii jiritaankiina iyo Somalinimdadiina khatarka weyn ku haya!!!

The Challenge of Declaring Famine in Sudan

 Source: The Center for Strategic and International Studies published on 11 September 2024 a question and answer titled “Conflict, Hunger, and Famine in Sudan” with Zane Swanson, Anita Kirschenbaum, and Caitlin Welsh.  

This piece discusses the challenges of making a formal declaration of famine in Sudan, which must come from an independent state or international body, like the United Nations.

Photo Essay on Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis

 Source: The Council on Foreign Relations posted on 19 September 2024 a photo essay titled “Crisis in Sudan, War, Famine, and a Failing Global Response” by Mariel Ferragamo and Sabine Baumgartner.

Making widespread use of photos and maps, the article describes a failing aid response and unsuccessful peace process in efforts to end the tragedy in Sudan

International peacekeepers, others survive military helicopter crash in Somalia

Source: AA, Friday September 20, 2024

Several military personnel aboard helicopter, including 3 Ugandan soldiers serving with African Union Transition Mission in Somalia survived the crash, say security sources

A military helicopter carrying international peacekeepers crashed on the outskirts of Somali capital Mogadishu on Thursday.

Several military personnel aboard the helicopter, including three Ugandan soldiers serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), survived the crash, according to security sources.

The incident resulted in no deaths, a military official told Anadolu over the phone, requesting anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with the media.

So far, neither the Somali National Army (SNA) nor the ATMIS have released a statement regarding the incident.

However, sources said all of people on board the helicopter were rescued.

It is unclear whether the crash was caused by a technical issue or a hostile fire.

The helicopter was flying from Mogadishu to Ballidogle airfield, where US forces and Somali army commandos Danab are stationed.

Balidogle is 90 kilometers (55 miles) south-west of Mogadishu.

Is South Sudan First Case of Permanent Mass Displacement Due to Climate Change?

 Source, The Conversation published on 10 September 2024 a commentary titled “South Sudan Floods: The First Example of a Mass Population Permanently Displaced by Climate Change?” by Liz Stephens, University of Reading, and Jacob Levi, Institute of International Health, Berlin University of Medicine.  

Floods have engulfed much of South Sudan.  Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from the Sudd due to flooding along the White Nile.  The floods seem to be getting worse each year, raising concerns that many South Sudanese will be permanently displaced.

Wednesday September 18, 2024
Source: theSTAR By BRIAN ORUTA



Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu and the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on September 17, 2024. IGAD

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Federal Government of Somalia have reaffirmed their commitment to advance regional peace, security and economic cooperation.

This was announced during a meeting between IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu and the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The IGAD boss was in Mogadishu, Somalia for high-level consultations with the Federal Government of Somalia.

Workneh in his remarks highlighted the critical role Somalia plays in ensuring the region remains safe and stable.

“Somalia is not only a founding member of IGAD but also a critical partner in our shared mission to promote peace, stability, and development in the Horn of Africa.

“We stand with Somalia as it navigates its path towards sustainable peace and prosperity, and we will continue to support the government’s efforts to build a resilient nation,” he said.

The meeting also explored avenues for enhancing cooperation on cross-border initiatives that contribute to the broader vision of regional integration.

President Hassan Sheikh reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to strengthening ties with IGAD for the development of the region.

IGAD and Somalia signed an agreement to further enhance relations.

“A key element of the agreement is the establishment of a Regional Centre of Excellence in Blue Economy, marking a significant milestone for both Somalia and the region,” IGAD said.

He also reaffirmed IGAD’s continued support for Somalia’s efforts to address challenges such as countering violent extremism, responding to climate-induced displacement, and fostering inclusive governance.

The Executive Secretary also met Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Fiqi and later on IGAD staff in Somalia.

The IGAD boss was in Mogadishu, Somalia on Monday.

Six men, five from same family, killed in Ethiopian mosque attack

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday September 18, 2024

Jigjiga (HOL) – Gunmen killed six men, including five from the same family, inside a mosque in Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State on Tuesday night in what residents described as a suspected clan revenge attack.

The victims, identified as Bishar Baalul, Omar Aw Ahmed, Mahad Mohamud Abdullahi Waanis, Mahdi Sheikh Adan Wali, and Mohamed Dheere, were all devoted followers of Islam, dedicated to living pious lives in service to Allah.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and while security forces arrived at the scene, no arrests have been made.

The town of Warder and the surrounding Dollo region have been grappling with ongoing conflict between local communities, which has escalated in recent weeks.

After Somalia, Egypt Looks to Eritrea to Isolate Ethiopia

Source: Nova news, Wednesday September 18, 2024

Last weekend, the head of Egyptian intelligence and the Foreign Minister met in Asmara with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and delivered a direct message from Al Sisi aimed at “strengthening and developing bilateral relations in all fields”

Egypt’s diplomatic activism in the Horn of Africa continues. After the military cooperation agreement signed with Somalia to send 10 Egyptian soldiers to Mogadishu, which infuriated neighboring Ethiopia, the government in Cairo is now considering a similar agreement with Eritrea, which would also include bilateral measures to protect shipping in the Red Sea. The Emirati newspaper “The National” reports this, underlining that at the same time Egypt is also discussing with Asmara a possible Egyptian mediation in the ten-year conflict between the Eritrean government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), protagonist of the war that ended two years ago that pitted it against the Ethiopian army. The talks between Egypt and Eritrea follow a surprise visit made last weekend to Asmara by the head of Egyptian intelligence Kamal Abbas, very close to the president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and accompanied by the Foreign Minister Badr AbdelattyThe two delegates met with the Eritrean President, Isaiah Afwerki, and according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, they delivered a direct message from Al Sisi aimed at “strengthening and developing bilateral relations in all fields”.

The senior Egyptian officials, the statement continued, “also listened to President Afwerki’s views on the developments in the Red Sea regarding the importance of finding the right circumstances to restore normal maritime navigation and international trade through the Bab el Mandeb Strait,” which connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea. Together, the territories of Egypt and Eritrea cover about 5 kilometers of the Red Sea coastline, including the Egyptian coasts of the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, as well as 355 islands under Eritrean sovereignty. Egypt controls the northern areas of the Red Sea, including the Suez Canal that connects it to the Mediterranean, while Eritrea is located near the strategic Bab el Mandeb Strait. Sisi and Afwerki last met in February, when they met in Cairo. Three months earlier, they had met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

If confirmed, the military cooperation agreement with Eritrea would be the latest to be signed between Cairo and countries in the Horn of Africa, East Africa or the Nile Basin. These include Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda, Sudan and, most recently, Somalia. Analysts have long suspected that such agreements were designed primarily to pressure Ethiopia to show flexibility in its dispute with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the mega-project nearing completion on the Nile River that Cairo considers an existential threat to its water supply. This was particularly the agreement with Somalia, signed on 14 August during the visit to Cairo by the Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, exacerbating the already bitter tensions between Somalia and Egypt, on the one hand, and Ethiopia, on the other.

Under the agreement, a total of 10 Egyptian soldiers will be sent to Somalia: half of these (5) will be integrated into the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) – which will replace the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on 1 January 2025 – while the other 5 will be deployed bilaterally. The Ethiopian response, announced with a fiery statement released the day after the arrival in Mogadishu of the first Egyptian soldiers who will be deployed in the regional states of Hirshabelle, Southwest and Galmudug, was not long in coming: it first came with the deployment of armored vehicles and hundreds of men on the border with Somalia, then with the seizure of several key airports in the Somali region of Ghedo, including Luq, Dolow and Bardere, in an attempt to prevent the possible air transport of Egyptian troops to the area. The airports are the only access points to the cities in the Gedo region, since the main roads are controlled by the jihadist group Al Shabaab.

Tensions with Ethiopia have had the effect of further bringing the positions of Somalia and Egypt closer, already significantly improving after the election of President Mohamud in May 2022. Long at loggerheads with Addis Ababa over the Gerd dam, Egypt has been a key player in Somalia’s security since early 2023, contributing to the training of Somali army recruits and the supply of weapons and ammunition and the care of wounded Somali soldiers in Egyptian military hospitals. Also last year, Mogadishu and Cairo began talks for closer strategic cooperation, and press rumors have been circulating for some time – so far unconfirmed – according to which Mogadishu is considering granting Egypt a military base in the center-south of the country.

In addition to the common Ethiopian threat, the thaw in relations between Cairo and Mogadishu’s historic ally Turkey has also brought Egypt and Somalia closer together. This thaw was confirmed by the recent visit to Ankara by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi (the first since 2014). A visit that clearly and unequivocally indicated the renewed closeness between the two countries after the years of frost experienced since 2013 due to divergent positions on political Islam, but also on regional geopolitical issues. In the years following 2013, specifically in 2021, the thaw between Qatar – the main point of reference for the Muslim Brotherhood – and the Gulf bloc formed by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, together with Egypt, has in fact opened new opportunities for relations between Cairo and Ankara.

Somalia joins International Atomic Energy Agency

Source: AA, Tuesday September 17, 2024

Somalia has joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday at the General Conference in Vienna.

Somalia said the joining is a significant milestone reflecting the country’s commitment to promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
“A landmark moment for our country, highlighting our dedication to peaceful nuclear engagement and sustainable development,” the office of the Somali prime minister said in a statement on Monday.

Somali Information Minister Daud Aweis said as a member of the UN nuclear watchdog, “Somalia looks forward to collaborating with the international community to harness nuclear technology for the benefit of our nation and to ensure the highest standards of safety and security.”

He said Somalia is dedicated to utilizing nuclear energy responsibly to support sustainable development and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Somalia.

Somalia is the newest and 179th member of the UN nuclear watchdog.

AfDB approves $6.6m grant to strengthen Somalia’s financial sector

Source: Daily News, Tuesday September 17, 2024

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $6.6m grant to support the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in strengthening state capacity to build its financial architecture, aiming to promote inclusive and equitable growth.

The Somalia Financial Sector Development Project will focus on improving the capacity of financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Somalia, Somalia Development and Reconstruction Bank, and the Financial Reporting Center (FRC), to formulate efficient credit delivery, and implement anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures. It will also enhance financial sector expertise through targeted training and assistance.
“This is a timely intervention that will enhance governance, accountability, skills, and technology development while fostering private sector growth through regulatory improvements and financial sector development,” said Ahmed Attout, AfDB’s Director of Financial Sector Development. “This will also build robust national financial systems that offer increased long-term finance availability, reduced intermediation costs, and improved financial infrastructure.”

The reforms seek to build a competitive and globally connected financial sector in Somalia, enhancing stability, trust, and financial inclusion, and attracting private investment.

Somalia has long grappled with security threats from armed groups that depend on illicit financing. Strengthening its financial institutions is therefore crucial for its stability and that of the wider Horn of Africa region. Integration into the global financial system has been hindered by insecurity as well as institutional barriers. The absence of intermediary and correspondent banking services has further isolated the country from international financial networks, limiting critical remittance inflows.

Strengthening the country’s Anti-Money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) response, and bringing it in line with international standards will enable the integration of Somalia into the global financial architecture.

The project will directly benefit the country’s financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Somalia, the Somalia Development and Reconstruction Bank, and the Financial Reporting Center. The grant will also support training programs and technical assistance initiatives for financial sector professionals.

Sudan’s Killing Fields

 Source: The Washington Post posted on 9 September 2024 an article titled “Videos from Sudan’s Killing Fields Reveal Ethnic Hatred Behind Massacres” by Katharine Houreld, Hafiz Haroun, Lucy Provan, Klaas van Dijken, and Maud Jullien.  

The videos underscore the vitriol of Arab militiamen affiliated with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces toward their Black African victims and the toll of that bigotry.  

South Sudan postpones December election by two years

Government says it needs more time to complete a census, draft a permanent constitution and register political parties.

Source: Source: South Sudan’s government Published On 14 Sep 202414 Sep 2024

South Sudan’s government has announced it is postponing long-delayed general elections until December 2026, citing a lack of preparedness.

This is the second time the country, which gained independence in 2011, is postponing elections and extending a transitional period that started in February 2020.

Keep reading

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South Sudan on the brink after oil exports derailed by Sudan’s civil war

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What’s behind the renewed violence on South Sudan’s border with Sudan?

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Dozens killed as violence flares in region disputed by Sudan, South Sudan

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President Salva Kiir and his former rival turned deputy, Riek Machar, signed a peace agreement in 2018 that ended a five-year civil war which killed an estimated 400,000 people, triggered a famine and led to a massive refugee crisis.

“The presidency, under the chairmanship of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has announced an extension of the country’s transitional period by two years as well as postponing elections, which were initially scheduled for December 2024 to December 22nd, 2026,” Kiir’s office said on Friday.

The government said it needed more time to complete processes such as a census, the drafting of a permanent constitution and the registration of political parties before an election could be held, according to the presidential adviser on national security, Tut Gatluak.

Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Lomuro said the extension followed recommendations from both electoral institutions and the security sector.

Sudan army chief Burhan seeks political legitimacy on the back of damaging war

l

Monday September 16, 2024
Source: EastAfrican, By MAWAHIB ABDALLATIF

Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (L) arrives at Beijing Capital International Airport before the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) Summit in Beijing, China on September 3, 2024. PHOTO | REUTERS

Sudan’s military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan is seeing September, again, as a lucky month to market himself to the global audience as the legitimate leader of his country. It comes even as the ongoing war churns out a king-size humanitarian crisis.

Last week, Burhan travelled to Beijing where he met with President Xi Jinping.

The occasion was the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) where dozens of African leaders including Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Kenya’s President William Ruto gathered.

But it was a personal triumph for a man who was forced to relocate from the country’s capital Khartoum to Port Sudan, from where he has tried to defend his fort.

Beijing, discussions with Xi didn’t amount to much but a photo of him and China’s assurances on Sudan sovereignty were significant.

China is ready to work with Sudan to promote the steady development of their strategic partnership, Xi said, according to an official dispatch from Beijing. Xi said China supports Sudan in “safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and hopes Sudan will restore peace and stability at an early date.”

One more important statement was that China will continue “to uphold justice for Sudan on multilateral occasions and strive for a sound external environment for the political settlement of the Sudanese issue.”

With China, one of the five permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, it means Burhan has two on his side, with Russia having already backed him. Both China and Russia have defended Sudan in UN forums, even in the face of Western criticism.

Indeed, some diplomatic sources in Khartoum indicated hope that Burhan’s moves may now force the US to endorse Burhan as the legitimate leader of Sudan’s transition period, or lose out in influencing events there.

The US has tried several times to push the warring parties, the Sudan Armed Forces (Saf) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to pursue peace. They haven’t and the SAF recently dodged an invitation to Geneva for the latest round, accusing organisers of inviting unwanted guests such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) whom the Saf accuse of backing RSF.

At the UN Security Council, however, the UAE, currently a non-permanent member said there won’t be a military solution in Sudan.

“An immediate and permanent ceasefire, unhindered access to humanitarian aid, and a return to a civilian-led government in Sudan are desperately needed, the UAE said on September 11.

“There is no military solution to this conflict. The warring parties must come to the negotiating table to end this devastating conflict.”

This month, Burhan is expected to make his second address to the UN General Assembly, the annual ritual where world leaders arrive in New York to give speeches at the global body. Yet there are calls from the UN and international human rights organisations to extend the mandate of the fact-finding mission in Sudan, because the situation in the country is witnessing a significant escalation in humanitarian violations.

During the session reviewing the mission’s report, held on Tuesday, September 10, the discussions highlighted the importance of continuing the mission’s work to address the worsening humanitarian and rights crisis.

The session reviewing the fact-finding mission’s report on Tuesday, September 10, featured extensive discussions within the Human Rights Council, with varied positions on the future of the mission. While some blocs and representatives of the Sudanese civil society called for extending the mission to continue its investigations, the Sudanese government requested its termination.

The mission’s report stated that the Sudanese government had not responded to four visit requests from the mission’s team, which hindered the completion of their investigations.

The report recommended an investigation by the International Criminal Court into the crimes committed, in addition to deploying peacekeeping forces to protect civilians due to the extensive violations committed by both sides in the conflict, including killings, arrests, torture, and internet blackouts.

On Wednesday, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution extending sanctions against Sudan until September 2025. Robert Wood, the US Deputy Representative for Political Affairs at the UN, stated that these sanctions aim to limit arms transfers to Darfur and penalise individuals and entities contributing to destabilising activities.

General Yasser Al-Atta, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan Armed Forces elicited widespread reactions. He confirmed that Abdel Fattah al-Burhan will remain the head of state with full sovereign powers even after several electoral terms. Al-Atta’s comments indicate the army’s intention to maintain political control, even amid upcoming elections.

These statements are seen as part of al-Burhan’s effort to gain international legitimacy by reinforcing his role as a key leader, despite both international and domestic pressures. Observers believe that this stance reflects a desire to ensure the continuity of political control, which could complicate the prospects for peaceful resolutions and further entrench the current situation.

Moreover, some observers suggest that these remarks might be an attempt by al-Burhan to enhance his domestic political position and strengthen his standing with international powers, seeking international support and legitimacy amidst increasing criticism of Sudan’s human rights situation.

At the same time, these statements might exacerbate internal tensions by inflaming political discord and generating mixed reactions among various factions within Sudan.

This position reflects deep political tensions within the country, as the ongoing conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces could undermine the chances of reaching an effective political settlement and increase the humanitarian suffering of millions of Sudanese enduring the ongoing conflict.

The next session of the Human Rights Council is expected to conclude on October 10, with a vote scheduled on the resolution to extend the fact-finding mission’s mandate before the session ends.