Egypt sends arms to Somalia following security pact, sources say

Source: Reuters, Wednesday August 28, 2024
By Abdi Sheikh and Giulia Paravicini


A handout picture released by the Egyptian Presidency shows Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi (R) welcoming Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, at Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, on January 21, 2024. (Photo by Egyptian Presidency / AFP)

MOGADISHU, Aug 28 (Reuters) – Egypt delivered its first military aid to Somalia in more than four decades on Tuesday, three diplomatic and Somali government sources said, a move likely to deepen strains between the two countries and Ethiopia.

Egypt and Somalia have drawn closer together this year after Ethiopia signed a preliminary deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland to lease coastal land in exchange for possible recognition of its independence from Somalia.

The Mogadishu government has called the deal an assault on its sovereignty and said it will block it by all means necessary.

Egypt, at odds with Ethiopia for years over Addis Ababa’s construction of a vast hydro dam on the headwaters of the Nile River, has condemned the Somaliland deal. It signed a security pact with Mogadishu earlier this month and has offered to send troops to a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

Somalia has previously threatened to kick out Ethiopia’s up to 10,000 troops, who are there as part of the peacekeeping mission and under bilateral agreements to fight al Shabaab militants, if the deal is not cancelled.

Two Egyptian military plans arrived at Mogadishu airport on Tuesday morning with weapons and ammunition, two diplomats and a senior Somali official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A video shared on social media and verified by Reuters showed the planes on the airport tarmac.

One of the diplomats said that Somalia was “playing with fire” by importing the Egyptian arms and antagonising Ethiopia.

Somalia and Egypt’s foreign ministries, and a spokesperson for the Ethiopian government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Egypt’s offer to contribute troops to a new peacekeeping mission to be launched next year in Somalia was announced in an African Union communique earlier this month. Cairo has not commented on the matter publicly.

“If the Egyptians put boots on the ground and deploy troops along the border with Ethiopia, it could bring the two into direct confrontation,” said Rashid Abdi, an analyst with the Sahan Research think-tank.

“The threat of a direct shooting war is low, but a proxy conflict is possible.”

Turkey has hosted two rounds of indirect talks since July between Somalia and Ethiopia over the Somaliland deal, which is yet to be finalised. A third round is expected next month.

Landlocked Ethiopia says it needs access to the sea. Mogadishu insists that Somaliland, which has not obtained international recognition despite enjoying practical autonomy for more than 30 years, is part of Somalia.

Reporting by Giulia Paravicini, Feisal Omar, Abdi Sheikh, Nafisa Eltahir and Dawit Endeshaw; Writing by Hereward Holland; Editing by Aaron Ross and Angus MacSwan

UN warns of high risk of flooding in Somalia

Source: Xinhuanet, Monday August 26, 2024


Residents wade through floodwaters around their makeshift shelters at the al-Hidayah camp for internally displaced people in the outskirts of Mogadishu [File: Feisal Omar/Reuters]

MOGADISHU, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) — Several communities in Somalia are at imminent risk of flooding as river levels continue to rise in central parts of the country, a UN agency warned in a flood advisory issued Saturday.

Projections by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the Somalia Water and Land Information Management (FAO-SWALIM) indicate a risk of flash floods and riverine floods despite the absence of rain in Somalia and eastern parts of Ethiopia.

It said the continued downflow of water from the upper catchments in central portions of the Ethiopian Highlands has led to a sustained rise in the levels along the Shabelle River in Somalia.

The FAO-SWALIM also said after the river level at BeledWeyne steadily dropped from the bank-full level in May, a slow upward trend began in July.

“The river level consistently rose thereafter, but was relatively stable and below the moderate flood risk level in July and only crossed the moderate flood risk level on Aug. 8,” said the FAO-SWALIM in its flood advisory released in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

The FAO-SWALIM called for the activation of evacuation plans, warning that there is a high risk of riverine flooding in Beledweyne, Bulo Burte, Jalalaqsi, Jowhar, and Balcad districts and other surrounding areas.

The organization called on the residents living along the flood-prone areas, particularly at Beledweyne and Bulo Burte, to remain cautious. It urged the local authorities to closely monitor the situation and take anticipatory action for potential floods, particularly at vulnerable breakage points.

According to the UN, Somalia experienced the worst drought in decades in 2023, followed by the most extensive floods in generations, all within the span of just a few months.

The number of people affected by the floods is estimated to be 2.48 million in 2023, including 1.2 million displaced from their homes and about 118 deaths, according to the Somali Disaster Management Agency

The Status of Sudan Peace Talks

 Source: The New Arab published on 21 August 2024 an article titled “What the Stalled Geneva Peace Talks Mean for Sudan’s War” by Mohamed Mostafa. 

The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has reportedly sent a delegation to the US-Saudi peace talks in Geneva while the Sudan Armed Forces is insisting on reviving the failed Jeddah talks in Cario.  The result so far is stasis, although US special envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, remains hopeful that progress can be reached in Geneva on humanitarian access to starving Sudanese.

African Arguments published on 21 August 2024 an analysis titled “US Calls for Ceasefire: Sudan’s Peace Process at a Crossroads” by Elhadi Abdalla.

This is a more detailed background piece on the status of efforts to arrange a ceasefire and humanitarian access in Sudan. 

Sudan’s Nuba Mountains Offer Relative Security but Growing Humanitarian Needs

 Source: Refuge’s International, Refugees International published in August 2024 a report titled “The Nuba Mountains: A Window into the Sudan Crisis” by Daniel P. Sullivan.

Amid the turmoil in Sudan, the Nuba mountains bordering South Sudan, and long controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement North, has become a haven of relative security, but far from untouched.  An estimated 700,000 internally displaced people from other parts of Sudan have arrived in the Nuba mountains.  As a result, it is both necessary and possible to scale up the humanitarian response.

Legal experts warn Ethiopia’s continued military presence in Somalia violates international law

Source: Hiiraan Online, Thursday August 22, 2024

 
Ethiopian troops, part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), are honored during a medal award ceremony in Beledweyn on August 23, 2003. CREDIT/ ATMIS

Mogadishu (HOL) — Ethiopia’s ongoing military presence in Somalia may soon breach international law if Somalia follows through on its decision to exclude Ethiopian forces from future peacekeeping missions, according to legal experts.

Abdullahi Mohamed Abdullahi,  an international and maritime law expert, told the BBC that “there is no legal justification for Ethiopian troops to remain in Somali territory” once the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) ends, adding that such actions would infringe on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity under international law.

In June, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Moalim, declared that all Ethiopian troops must leave the country by the end of 2024, coinciding with the expiration of the ATMIS mandate. However, some Somali regional states, including Southwest State and Jubaland, have opposed this decision. Mohamud Sayid Adan, Deputy President of Jubaland, argued that an Ethiopian troop withdrawal could create a security vacuum that Al-Shabaab could exploit, leading to increased instability.

Somalia and Egypt have recently solidified their alliance ahead of the conclusion of ATMIS by signing a defence and security agreement. According to recent reports, Egypt and Djibouti have also pledged considerable support for the upcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and expressed concerns over Ethiopia’s actions in Somalia. The defence pact signals deepening military cooperation and illustrates a shift in regional power dynamics.

Ahmed Ali Saki, a researcher and lecturer at the University of Hargeisa, suggested that Ethiopia’s stance might also be influenced by concerns over Egypt’s growing involvement in Somalia. Ethiopia and Egypt have long been at odds, particularly over issues related to the Nile River, and Ethiopia may view Egypt’s support for Somalia as a strategic threat.

In response to these developments, Ethiopia has contended that it is within its right to conduct military operations inside Somalia without seeking permission from Somali authorities. Last week, Nebiyu Tedla, the spokesperson for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized this stance in a press briefing and said that Ethiopia would continue to take “necessary actions” to protect its interests against what he described as an “emboldened Al-Shabaab” and other threats.

“Ethiopia will continue to strengthen diplomatic efforts to secure dependable and secure access to and from the sea,” Tedla stated, adding, “Nothing can prevent Ethiopia from taking the necessary actions independently. Ethiopia and its regional governments will persist in coordinating with all neighbouring countries. Ethiopia will not permit any opposing forces threatening its interests to arise in Somalia. It will continue to undertake calculated actions to protect its national interests.”

Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the “careful selection” of countries contributing troops to the new African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to avoid rising tensions in the Horn of Africa. 
Abdullahi Mohamed Abdullahi argues that such actions could further strain relations between the two countries and lead to international legal challenges. “Ethiopia’s continued presence in Somalia, without consent from the Somali government, could be interpreted as a violation of international law, specifically infringing on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he noted.

The potential legal implications of Ethiopia’s military actions are rooted in a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland in January 2024. The agreement grants Ethiopia access to 20 kilometres of the Red Sea coastline in Somaliland in exchange for the possible recognition of Somaliland’s independence—a deal that the Somali government has condemned as an illegal violation of its sovereignty.

In a quick and sharp rebuke, Somalia expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador, Muqtar Mohamed, and ordered the closure of Ethiopian consulates in Somaliland and Puntland. The Somali government has made it clear that as long as Ethiopia continues to violate its sovereignty, it cannot be considered an ally in advancing security.

Moreover, Somalia has accused Ethiopia of smuggling illegal weapons into its territory, fueling clan conflicts and empowering Al-Shabaab. In July 2024, Somali security forces intercepted two truckloads of illegal weapons near the Ethiopian border, leading to a violent confrontation with local militias. Somali officials insist that these weapons were smuggled from Ethiopia, though Ethiopian authorities have denied any involvement.

Nevertheless, Hussein Moalim insists that Somalia would not accept Ethiopia’s participation in any future mission that might replace ATMIS, citing the strained relations between the two nations.

In recent months, Ethiopia has conducted several unauthorized military incursions into Somalia, further straining relations. In June 2024, Ethiopian troops crossed into Somalia’s Hiiraan region without official permission, raising alarm among local populations and Somali officials. The foray marked the second time in a month that Ethiopian forces had entered the area, prompting concerns about Ethiopia’s intentions and its disregard for Somali sovereignty.

These incursions have heightened tensions. Somalia perceives the Ethiopian military’s movements as part of a broader strategy to maintain a presence in Somalia despite the impending expiration of the ATMIS mandate. Residents in affected areas have expressed significant anxiety over the presence of large numbers of Ethiopian soldiers, particularly in the absence of official communication from the Somali government or regional administrations.

Efforts to resolve the growing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia through diplomatic channels have so far been unsuccessful. Turkey, acting as a mediator, brokered two rounds of negotiations this summer, but both ended without resolution. The primary sticking point has been Ethiopia’s refusal to annul the MoU with Somaliland. A third round of talks is scheduled for September 17, with hopes to prevent further escalations.

Somalia’s bomb disposal experts face down fear to save lives

Source: Reuters, Thursday August 22, 2024
By Abdi Sheikh


Mohamed Ahmed a bomb disposal expert from the Somali police unit for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) wears his protective suit as he prepares to remove a suspected explosive hidden under a car in Mogadishu, Somalia May 26, 2024. REUTERS/Feisal Omar

MOGADISHU (Reuters) – Wearing a bulky protective suit and helmet, Mohamed Ahmed inches towards the truck where explosives wired to a mobile phone have been planted in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.

Fortunately for Ahmed, a police officer, this is a training exercise and the device is a dummy.

Bombings using this technique, or suicide attacks with vehicles, are a common occurrence in Somalia, where insurgents linked to al Qaeda have been fighting the government since 2007.

In one of the most recent attacks, fighters from the al Shabaab militant group used a car bomb to blow up a restaurant in the capital where soccer fans were watching the final of the Euro 2024 tournament on television, killing five people.

“We fear and feel like we are risking our lives,” said Ahmed, a member of the police’s Explosive Ordnance Unit. “But we work carefully together and consider that we’re saving the lives of our citizens.”

After three decades of civil war in Somalia, Ahmed’s unit also has to deal with the estimated one million mines and other unexploded ordnance that have killed or injured more than 1,700 people across the country, according to the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).

The bomb squad’s dog trainer Hussain Ahmed said he sometimes faces stigma over his work because dogs are considered unclean in Islam.

“If they say we shall not shake hands or greet you, we are indifferent, without a grudge,” he said.

“Yes, there is impurity from dogs, but dogs prevent explosions that would kill thousands of Somalis, so they have their benefits.”

Somali police unit for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) detonates a controlled explosion of recovered mines on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia May 27, 2024. REUTERS/Feisal Omar

Study: Somali diaspora aid provides a $2 billion lifeline during crises

Source: Hiiraan Öinline, Monday August 19, 2024

Illustration © Rasmus Fly Filbert

Mogadishu (HOL) — In the face of conflict, poverty, and natural disasters, the Somali diaspora has remained a critical lifeline for their homeland. A new report from the Danish Institute for International Studies highlights the indispensable role that diaspora humanitarianism plays in Somalia, providing vital support to millions of people in need. Without this informal aid system, the report warns, the situation on the ground would be far more dire, seriously hampering the efforts of formal humanitarian organizations.

The report, titled “Diaspora Aid is Crucial for Emergency Relief in the Somali Regions,” emphasizes that Somali diaspora contributions, estimated to range between $1.4 to $2 billion annually, are a lifeline for approximately 40% of Somali households. These funds are essential for food security, education, healthcare, and emergency relief, particularly in rural areas where formal aid often struggles to reach. The flexibility and speed with which diaspora actors can mobilize resources are critical in addressing the immediate needs of communities across Somalia.

This tradition of diaspora support has deep roots, dating back to the early years of the Somali civil war. Over time, it has become a cornerstone of survival for many Somalis, bridging gaps that formal aid cannot always fill.

The report draws attention to the unique characteristics of Somali diaspora humanitarianism, deeply rooted in cultural practices and Islamic obligations. Long-standing mutual support systems driving this aid make it “quick, agile and resilient.” However, these same qualities also make it difficult to control and coordinate, leading to challenges in collaboration with formal international humanitarian systems typically operating under more structured and bureaucratic frameworks.

The report highlights the strained relationship between Somali diaspora networks and formal humanitarian organizations. “The relationship between the two systems is characterized by distrust and lack of cooperation,” it states. This tension is further compounded by financial restrictions imposed due to fears of terrorism financing. These limitations, while intended to enhance security, often delay or block crucial funds from reaching those in need, revealing a complex balance between safeguarding and supporting vulnerable populations.

Moreover, both diaspora and formal aid systems inadvertently exclude certain groups, particularly those without strong diaspora ties or in remote regions, raising concerns about the inclusivity of current humanitarian efforts in Somalia.

The report recommends easing financial transfer restrictions to ensure timely and efficient aid delivery from the diaspora. Additionally, it suggests that formal humanitarian organizations adopt the flexible, community-focused strategies of diaspora networks to enhance their impact in Somalia

Sweden’s immigration plummets in 2024 under strict policies

Source: DW, Monday August 19, 2024



Sweden was once known as a very welcoming place for migrants from conflict-ridden countries The country has seen significant shifts in migration patterns due to stricter immigration policies in recent years. (Getty Images)

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (HOL) — Sweden is experiencing an unprecedented migration shift, with more people leaving the country than arriving, a trend the government attributes to its stringent migration policies. Between January and May 2024, 5,700 more people emigrated than immigrated, according to data from Statistics Sweden. Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard anticipates this trend will continue, noting that asylum applications have plummeted to their lowest level since 1997.

The shift marks a dramatic reversal for Sweden, long known for its liberal immigration stance. At the height of the 2015 European migrant crisis, Sweden accepted 162,877 asylum applications. However, that number sharply declined to 28,939 in 2016 after the Social Democrats, responding to growing concerns over the strain on national resources, implemented stricter migration controls.

In October 2022, a new minority government led by conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, with support from the far-right Sweden Democrats, came into power. The coalition has continued to enforce and expand these restrictive measures. Swedish migration expert Bernd Parusel notes that these policies limit access to Swedish territory, alter the asylum process, and promote voluntary returns alongside consistent deportations.

Despite these efforts, Sweden continues to grapple with organized crime, an issue Prime Minister Kristersson has vowed to address. He attributes the rise in criminal activity to the previous government’s “irresponsible immigration policy and failed integration efforts.” However, experts argue that factors such as unemployment and poverty play a more significant role in fueling crime than immigration alone.

Recent reports indicate a notable increase in emigration among individuals from Iraq, Somalia, and Syria. While the motivations behind these departures remain unclear, Minister Stenergard credits the trend to the stricter policies of the past eight years, stating, “The government’s efforts are bearing fruit.”

First day of Sudan peace talks concludes with army absent, RSF presence unclear

Over a year into a conflict that has caused the world’s worst displacement crisis, US-led peace talks for the war in Sudan showed little promise, with the Sudanese army failing to send representatives and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces refusing to confirm its own delegates’ attendance.

France NEWS, Issued on: 15/08/2024 – 04:17

By:NEWS WIRES

The first day of US-led peace talks aimed at finding a solution to Sudan’s brutal conflict concluded Wednesday in Geneva with the country’s military absent and the other warring party’s participation unclear.

The talks come as the war-wrecked country faces one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The country’s military did not send representatives and it did not appear that delegates from the other warring party, the Rapid Support Forces, attended Wednesday’s session. Diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, The United Arab Emirates, the Africa Union and the United Nations were at the talks.

The northeastern African nation plunged into chaos in April last year when tensions between the military and the RSF turned into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, before spreading across the country.

“We are hard at work in Switzerland on the first day of intensive diplomatic efforts for Sudan to support humanitarian access, cessation of hostilities,” a joint statement on behalf of the United States, Switzerland, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the African Union, and the United Nations read. 

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The statement was posted on X by US Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello, along with photos of the day’s discussions. No RSF representatives appeared in the photos, but the RSF said Tuesday that the paramilitary force’s delegation had arrived in Switzerland.

A spokesman for the RSF declined to comment on the talks or the presence of the group’s delegation at Wednesday’s session.

Africa’s Priorities for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

 Source: Prof. David Shinn blog, The China Global South Project published in August 2024 an analysis titled “Taking Control: Africa’s Challenges and Priorities at FOCAC 2024” by Cobus van Staden. 

This report provides an African perspective on the process and priorities that will likely shape the discussion of the upcoming Forum on China Africa Cooperation.  Africa is focused on collaborating with China on training and technology transfer, increasing Africa’s value share in production and supply chains, and developing a sustainable and robust agricultural industry.

8 killed in double explosions in Somali capital

Source: AA, Sunday August 18, 2024

At least eight people were killed and several others wounded in twin explosions in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday, an official said.

Mohamud Ahmed, a police officer in Mogadishu who spoke to Anadolu over the phone, said the attack targeted a tea shop in the Daynile district.

“The tea shop was busy at the time of the explosions. We believe a bomb to have been planted inside the tea shop,” he said.

Ahmed said the shop was frequented by locals and some security forces operating in the area, but he neither confirmed nor denied if security personnel were among the victims.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the explosion. At least 12 people were killed when a vehicle carrying soldiers hit a landmine in South West state on Friday.

Somalia has been plagued by insecurity for years, with the main threats emanating from al-Shabaab and the Daesh terror groups.

Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) — a multidimensional mission authorized by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council.

Al-Shabaab has stepped up attacks since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an “all-out war” on the group.

Somalia’s president denounces Ethiopia over sovereignty issue

Source: AFP, Sunday August 18, 2024

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addresses the parliament regarding the Ethiopia-Somaliland port deal, in Mogadishu, Somalia January 2, 2024. (REUTERS)

MOGADISHU: Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday accused Ethiopia of not accepting his country as a sovereign state.

And he renewed his attack on Addis Ababa’s agreement with a breakaway Somali region.
“Ethiopia refuses to recognize Somalia as a sovereign neighboring country,” Somalia president said Saturday during an address to the nation.

“Until it recognizes the sovereignty of Somalia, we cannot talk about a sea or any other thing. Ethiopia violated international law.”

Earlier this year, Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland to lease 20 kilometers (12 miles) of coast for 50 years.

That would give Ethiopia — one of the world’s largest landlocked countries — long-sought after access to the sea.

Somaliland — which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991 — has said Ethiopia in return will become the first country to formally recognize it, a step Addis Ababa has yet to confirm.
The United States, the European Union, China, the African Union and the Arab League have all called on Ethiopia to respect Somalia’s sovereignty.

Turkiye is coordinating indirect talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan citing “notable progress” after a second round of talks last Tuesday.

A third round is planned for September 17, also in Ankara.

With 120 million people, Ethiopia is the second most populated country in Africa. It has been seeking an outlet to the Red Sea ever since losing it in 1993 when Eritrea declared independence after a decades-long war.

Somaliland, which is relatively stable compared to the rest of the Horn of Africa region, has its own institutions, prints it own money and issues passports.

But it is poor and isolated because of the absence of any international recognition, despite its strategic location on the straits leading to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

Somali President says Turkey-mediated talks collapse after Ethiopia refuses to recognize Somalia’s sovereignty

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday August 18, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has accused Ethiopia of denying Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, leading to the collapse of Turkey-mediated talks between the two nations in Ankara last week.

In a televised address on Saturday, President Mohamud stated that discussions on sea access or business with Ethiopia would not proceed until Ethiopia acknowledges Somalia’s sovereignty.

“From 1960 to 1990, we claimed that Somali people and land were missing from us in Ethiopia. Most Somalis live in Ethiopia when you leave the Somali borders. We have pursued rights for those people, and it is unfortunate that Ethiopia now attempts to convince them to forget what had happened in the past and return to the free country to secede,” Mohamud said.

“Somalia, even without a government or civilization, has refused to let Ethiopia take land and reach the sea by force. This dream of seizing the sea will not come true. We have been tested in the past and were successful; they will not,” he added.

The second round of Turkish-mediated talks between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial port deal, which Addis Ababa signed with the breakaway Somaliland region, ended without an agreement on Tuesday. But Turkey and ministers from both countries sounded upbeat on progress.

The negotiations held in Ankara have attempted to repair relations between the East African neighbours, whose relationship nosedived in January when Ethiopia agreed to lease 20 km (12 miles) of coastline from Somaliland in exchange for recognition of its independence.

The Ethiopian and Somali foreign ministers did not hold direct talks in Ankara, with Turkey’s foreign minister shuttling between them instead.
Turkey has close ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia, training Somali security forces and supplying development assistance in return for a foothold on a key global shipping route.

The United States, the European Union, China, the African Union and the Arab League have all called on Ethiopia to respect Somalia’s sovereignty.

Flexing its muscle, Turkey is spreading its influence in Africa

Source: By Simon Marks and Mohamed Sheikh Nor
Sunday August 18, 2024

Turkey, seeking to extend its influence in Africa and strengthen energy security, will send the 86-meter long research vessel Oruc Reis to explore offshore oil blocks belonging to Somalia next month.

The move, confirmed by Mohamed Hashi, director of Somalia’s petroleum ministry, could help diversify Turkey’s crude supply and is part of Ankara’s steady quest to boost ties in a region where China, Russia, Gulf states and the West also vie for sway.

Drawn by the continent’s mineral wealth and growing populations that could drive a new wave of economic growth, the focus makes a lot of sense for the county as it flexes its international clout.

“Africa is interesting for Turkey because it’s a point where it can experiment with all its newfound activist foreign policy tools and objectives,” said Batu Coşkun, an Ankara-based research fellow at the Libyan Sadeq Institute think tank.

“It’s soft power on the one hand, such as aid, education and Turkish language centers. And trade and economic relations on the other hand,” he said.

Nowhere is this demonstrated better than Somalia where Turkey operates its largest overseas military base and Turkish companies manage the capital’s port and airport.

Baykar, the Turkish drone company run by the son-in-law of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Selcuk Bayraktar, has supplied Somalia with an unknown number of its TB2 model, expanding Somalia’s offensive against the Islamist group al-Shabaab.

Power Play

And earlier this year, the Turkish parliament approved a motion from Erdogan to send navy support to Somali waters amid an increase in piracy stemming from insecurity on the Red Sea linked to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants.

“For Turkey, Somalia offers a geo-strategic location to advance its influence in the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean arenas,” said Omar Mahmood, a senior analyst for East Africa for the International Crisis Group. “The engagement with Somalia has served both a test case and a stepping stone for Turkey’s overall strategy to deepen diplomatic, commercial and security ties across the African continent.”

Ever since famine decimated Somalia’s population in 2011, Turkey has thrown its weight behind the impoverished nation, which has been synonymous with conflict and suffering since a decades-long civil war broke out in 1991.

Today, young Somalis can attend a state-backed Turkish school run by the Maarif Foundation in Hargeisa and Mogadishu. Aid in the past decade was more than $1 billion, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry, and the country’s consumer goods from medicines to garments are ubiquitous throughout the capital.

“Our connection with Turkey is rooted in centuries of shared Islamic culture. Their support has been transformative,” said Mohamed Osman, an 18-year-old student at the Maarif Foundation school in Mogadishu. Once a run-down shelter for internally displaced people, the school has been refurbished into modern, computer-equipped classrooms.

Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, Somalia’s defence minister, speaks fluent Turkish and graduated from a university in Ankara.

Since 1992, more than 1,000 Somali students have received scholarships to Turkish universities and visa restrictions for Somalis visiting Turkey have been minimal when compared with other African nations.

Broader Strategy

Turkey’s inroads into Somalia are part of a wider policy in Africa. Exports to the continent were $28.6 billion in 2023, down from $30.6 billion in 2022, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, with the lion’s share going to Egypt, Morocco, South Africa and Nigeria.

Increasingly, Ankara’s dealings with African nations are combining cooperation in the fields of intelligence and defense with deals in the mining and energy sectors.

Earlier this year, a delegation led by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Niger’s capital Niamey and signed a host of deals after the nation’s military government kicked out French troops and ordered the US to close its military base.

Niger is the world’s seventh biggest producer of uranium. The Turkish mining company MTA is already looking for gold in the country and has also held talks with Algeria, the Ivory Coast and Zimbabwe in the past three months.

Turkey has signed similar agreements with Algeria where the state energy company, Turkish Petroleum, has said it will look for oil and gas. Afro Turk SA has made efforts to enter Burkina Faso’s gold market and Turkish Airlines now flies to some of the most remote corners of the continent.

TB2 drones from Baykar have been sold to at least 11 African countries, according to data compiled by PAX, a Dutch organization seeking to foster peaceful societies.

Other seeds of influence include SADAT, a private Turkish military contractor, which has sent Syrian personnel to the Sahel region to buttress the military junta in Niger, according to the Syrian Observatory For Human Rights.

Its chief executive, Melih Tanriverdi, told Bloomberg in a written response to questions that his company was keen to do business in Africa but denied its presence in Niger.

Such inroads are made easier by the centralized leadership style of Erdogan, according to Coşkun, the analyst, who noted the lack of export controls on Turkish military products.

“If Erdogan signs off on the deal it simply goes through,” he said. “It’s not like the US congress which scrutinizes every sale.”

Risky Business?

Turkey’s quest for influence in Africa — and particularly Somalia — is not without risks.

Somalia is currently at loggerheads with Ethiopia — another staunch partner of Turkey — over Addis Ababa’s decision to recognize the sovereignty of the breakaway state of Somaliland in return for a naval base and port access in the coastal town of Berbera.

Ankara is currently mediating talks between Ethiopia and Somalia on how to resolve the dispute, a key foreign-policy objective for Ankara if it is to start exploiting oil reserves in the region. That drew a tart complain from Somaliland on Tuesday, which accused it of interference.

“For Turkey the best scenario is coming to an agreement, with Ankara emerging as a mediator and Turkey cementing its role on the political front in East Africa,” said Coşkun. “Turkey does not want clashes when it starts exploring hydrocarbons.”

But the upside should it broker a deal between the two, and tap the oil that lies below Somalia’s seabed, could be huge.

Turkey has long sought to reduce its dependence on energy imports from Russia and Iran, successfully increasing imports from the US, Algeria, Egypt, and Azerbaijan.

“Exploring oil in Somalia’s offshore fields and elsewhere would contribute to Ankara’s diversification strategy, grow Turkey’s energy business, and expand regional presence of Turkish companies,” said Ali Bakir, an assistant professor at Qatar University and a former Qatari diplomat in Turkey.

–With assistance from Patrick Sykes.

Somaliland President warns against Egyptian troop deployment, criticizes Turkish mediation efforts

Source: Hiiaan Online, Saturday August 17, 2024

Hargeisa (HOL) — Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has criticized the Turkish government for supporting Somalia after what he described as its failure to mediate reunification talks between Somalia and Somaliland.

Speaking in Hargeisa on Saturday, Bihi voiced concerns over the potential deployment of Egyptian troops to Somalia, warning that such a move could escalate existing conflicts.

“Why is Turkey fighting to stand by Somalia? It sees the interests of its country. When it was flirting with Somaliland, it missed everything but the independence of Somaliland and sought to return us to Mogadishu,” Bihi said.

He also expressed surprise at the United Nations’ support for deploying new troops to Somalia, suggesting that donor governments are growing weary of maintaining peace in the region.

Faisal Ali Warabe, chairman of Somaliland’s opposition party UCID, also criticized the Somalia-Egypt military pact, warning that it could destabilize Somalia, similar to the situation in Sudan. He predicted that the agreement could lead to conflict between forces supported by Egypt and Ethiopia within Somalia.

The defense pact between Egypt and Somalia, signed after bilateral talks between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, aims to bolster security cooperation. Egypt has offered to support a new African Union peacekeeping mission to replace the current force in Somalia.

The value of Egyptian exports to Somalia increased to $54 million in the first 11 months of 2023, compared to $42.3 million during the period in 2022, an increase of 27.7% as the value of Somalia exports to Egypt stabilized at $2.2 million, according to the Egyptian Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

Sudan Peace Process Appears Stalled Again

 Source: The Associated Press published on 12 August 2024 an article titled “The UN Says Sudan Is at a ‘Breaking Point.’  Its Military Hasn’t Committed to Peace Talks This Week” by Jamey Keaten and Samy Magdy.

The Sudanese military has not committed to peace talks this week in Switzerland brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia. Sudan is the world’s largest displacement crisis and starvation now exists in part of Darfur region.

Gulf States Increase Engagement in Africa, Raising New Issues

 Source: The Council on Foreign Relations posted on 8 August 2024 an analysis titled “Africa and the Gulf Are Becoming Closer.  Will It Increase Global Tensions?” by Alexandra Dent and Mariel Ferragamo.

Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia have increased their political, military, and economic engagement in Africa.  They have found willing partners with African governments but also exported Gulf State tensions to the continent.

Source: From Aljazeera,

How far has mpox spread and how can you protect yourself?

Sweden and Pakistan have both reported cases of mpox days after the WHO declared the virus an ’emergency’.

Source; By Edna Mohamed

Published On 17 Aug 202417 Aug 2024

At least two countries outside of Africa have reported mpox cases after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the virus had become a “public health emergency” earlier this week.

A relatively new strain of the virus known as clade 1 has been spreading in African countries since 2022.

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What is mpox and why has WHO declared it a global health emergency?

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Sweden confirms first case of mpox strain outside Africa

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Pakistan says one case of mpox virus detected, European agency raises alert

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Earlier this year, it was reported that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was experiencing the biggest outbreak of the disease ever recorded, with tens of thousands of people infected as of June. The government of DRC had declared it an epidemic in December 2022.

Last week, the Africa CDC reported that mpox has now been detected in at least 13 African countries. Compared with the same period last year, the agency said cases are up 160 percent and deaths have increased by 19 percent.

Here is what we know so far about where the disease has spread, how it affects the human body and how to protect yourself from infection.

To which other countries has the new strain of mpox virus spread?

The Pakistan Ministry of National Health Services confirmed its first case of the virus on Friday, saying the person had come from Saudi Arabia.

Health officials said sequencing is underway to determine the exact strain of the virus the person had been infected with.

On Thursday, Swedish health officials reported the country’s first case of mpox, confirming that it was the clade 1 strain, and said the person had become infected in Africa and is now receiving treatment.

Clade 1 tends to cause a higher number of severe infections and appears to be more easily spread through routine close contact, including sexual contact.

On Friday, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) raised its risk alert level to “moderate” from “low” and asked countries to maintain high levels of awareness among travellers visiting from affected areas.

Source: African Union launches continental AI strategy to create jobs, fuel innovation
Saturday August 17, 2024

The African Union has launched its new continental artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, which seeks to leverage AI to drive socio-economic transformation.

Known as the African Union (AU) Continental AI Strategy, it was endorsed by the continent’s ICT ministers in June and adopted by the AU’s Executive Council a month later. However, the official document was only published on August 9.

The AU says AI can “stimulate economic growth, create new industries, drive innovation, generate employment opportunities, generate new businesses for women and youth, and support the preservation of Africa’s cultural heritage.”

It also believes that technology can help solve some of Africa’s most urgent challenges in sectors such as agriculture—an industry that employs 70% of the region’s workforce—education, finance, healthcare, public services delivery, and more.

A separate report by AI4D Africa estimates that AI can add $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030.

AI is quickly rising in Africa. According to Stanford’s AI Index Report, Kenya ranks second globally for the share of the populace aware of ChatGPT, only behind India. 27% of Kenyans also reported using the chatbot daily, which is the third-highest globally.

African nations are already leveraging AI to offer better services. In Morocco, the judiciary is using the technology to transcribe rulings, conduct research and assist in any other manual and tedious process. In Togo, the government is using AI to identify and target the poorest regions for the distribution of social funds.

Agriculture dominates AI usage in Africa at 49%, with climate action and energy accounting for 26% and 24%, respectively, according to a GSMA report from last month.

While it holds great promise, AI comes with its challenges. The first is a lack of capacity to leverage the technology due to inadequate training for the region’s workforce. One study by the Oxford Martin School found that 85% of Ethiopia’s workforce could have their jobs replaced or degraded by AI automation, the highest ratio globally. Other bigger economies like Nigeria and South Africa also rank highly on this scale, both at over 65%.

Yet another major roadblock is the need for a regional regulatory framework. While most countries have some laws touching on AI, regional coordination has been minimal. This cuts down on regional AI initiatives and makes it costlier for companies that want to launch Africa-wide solutions, as they must comply with new laws in every jurisdiction.

Still, the AU believes that Africa, with its vastly growing young and tech-savvy population and the rise of smartphone and internet penetration, is well positioned to leverage AI to achieve its sustainable development goals.

UK opens compensation for victims of Liido Beach terror attack

Source: Hiiraan Online, Saturday August 17, 2024



 Residents carry the body of a victim following a deadly terrorist attack at Lido Beach, Mogadishu. The attack, claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabaab, left dozens dead and injured. REUTERS/Feisal Omar

Mogadishu (HOL) — Victims and families affected by the August 2  al-Shabaab terrorist attack at Liido Beach in Mogadishu, which left close to 40 dead and over 200 injured, are now eligible for compensation under the UK’s Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme. The attack, one of the deadliest in recent Somali history, has drawn international condemnation and exposed critical security lapses within the Somali government.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office officially designated the Liido Beach attack as an act of terrorism, allowing affected British, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens, as well as members of the UK armed forces, to seek compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The application process is available on GOV.UK and does not require paid legal representation. Free independent advice is accessible through various charitable organizations.

The attack has led to the arrest of several Somali army officers who were on duty at the time, highlighting severe security failures. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre described the incident as a “barbaric atrocity” that goes against Somali cultural and religious values. He emphasized the government’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable while calling for unified support for the victims.

Following the attack, government-organized protests erupted in Mogadishu, with hundreds of Somalis defying Al-Shabaab’s terror campaign by gathering at Liido Beach. 

The attack also revealed critical blood shortages in Mogadishu’s hospitals, leading to urgent public appeals for donations. The Somali government has acknowledged the need for a national blood bank to better respond to such emergencies.

International bodies, including the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), have condemned the attack, reaffirming their support for Somalia’s fight against terrorism. The Somali government has urged UN member states and neighbouring countries to adhere strictly to the arms embargo on al-Shabaab, warning that the illegal flow of arms into Somalia poses a significant threat to regional stability.

The Somali Council of Ministers has allocated a half-million-dollar fund to assist in the medical treatment and reconstruction of the lives of those impacted by the attack. Victims and their families are encouraged to apply for compensation through CICA for further assistance.

If you need help applying you can call CICA on 0300 003 3601 (+44 (0)203 684 2517 if outside the UK). The helpline is open 8.30am to 3pm Monday to Friday.