US Grants Somalia Major Debt Cancellation

 Source: The Guardian published on 6 November 2024 an article titled “US Cancels $1.1 Bn of Somalia’s Debt in ‘Historic’ Financial Agreement” by Faisal Ali.  

Somalia announced the United States will cancel more than $1.1 billion in outstanding loans, which date back to the Siad Barre government that collapsed in 1991.  This is the largest single component of Somalia’s $4.5 billion external debt.

Other Paris Club members also announced this year they are waiving $2 billion of additional debt.  These decisions will allow Somalia to more readily access public financing from international financial institutions. 

Nearly 380,000 people displaced by South Sudan floods, UN says

A surge in malaria is reported in several states and is overwhelming the health system, according to a UN agency.

Video Duration 02 minutes 31 seconds02:31

Source: Aljazeera, Published On 9 Nov 20249 Nov 2024

Flooding in South Sudan has displaced more than 379,000 people, according to a United Nations update that warned about a surge in malaria.

Aid agencies have said the world’s youngest country, highly vulnerable to climate change, is in the grip of its worst flooding in decades, mainly in the north.

The African country that’s just seen more than £860m of ‘suffocating’ debt being cancelled

Source: Daily Express
By Tom Burnett
Sunday November 10, 2024

Somali Minister of Finance, Bihi Egeh signs the agreement with the US ambassador (Image: US Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia )

An African country blighted by warlords and piracy has had $1.1bn (£860m) of debt forgiven by the USA.

Somalia has announced the loans, around a quarter of what it owes, have been cancelled as part of a series of agreements.

The country’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia had been “suffocating” under its debts, which have accrued interest since the collapse of a military dictatorship that accrued the debts up to 1991.

In a statement, the US embassy in Mogadishu said: “This $1.1 billion in debt relief is in addition to the $1.2 billion of development, economic, security, and humanitarian assistance the United States has provided to Somalia just this fiscal year.

“The United States continues to be a steadfast partner in support of the people of Somalia.”

Somalia, with a population of more than 18 million, became a failed state after the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime in 1991.

A civil war broke out, and with a lack of central government, the country broke down.

Somaliland, a breakaway self-declared country in the north west of the country, remains independent to this day – with the unrecognised state controlling its borders and producing its own passports and currency.

Elsewhere in Somalia, warlords and Islamist groups including Al-Shabaab have plagued the country in the decades since the collapse of the regime – with the government combating them with varying degrees of success.

Meanwhile the  seas around Somalia also became a hotbed for pirates operating from the country’s coastal towns targeting shipping – with some vessels and their crews taken hostage.

Although down from its peak in late in 2008/9 following concerted naval action, piracy has increased again – with Indian commandos capturing 35 Somali pirates after taking back control of a ship in March 2024.

US ‘concerned’ about growing violence in Ethopia’s Amhara

Source: AFP, Tuesday November 5, 2024

The United States has voiced concern about growing violence in Ethiopia’s Amhara state, scene of an insurgency since last year, the country’s top diplomat said late Monday.

The Fano, a long-standing “self-defence” militia for the Amhara ethnic group, the second largest in Ethiopia, took up arms against the federal government in April 2023 after it tried to disarm regional forces.

The government declared a state of emergency in the region, home to some 23 million people, in August 2023. While this expired in June, unrest has continued with a large contingent of federal forces deployed in September.

Following a telephone conversation between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Blinken expressed “concern about growing violence in Amhara” and “underscored the need for political dialogue to address Ethiopia’s other internal conflicts”.

Blinken and Abiy also discussed “rising tensions” in the region, State Department spokesman Matt Miller said in the statement.

Relations between land-locked Ethiopia and neighbouring Somalia have nosedived following Abiy’s January deal with a breakaway Somali region to lease a stretch of their coastline, infuriating Mogadishu.

Somalia has declared the agreement “illegal” and moved closer to Addis’ long-standing rival Egypt.

Last week Abiy told his country’s parliament he had “no interest in getting involved in a war”.

Ethiopia, which has the second largest population in Africa with 120 million people, lost access to the sea when Eritrea gained independence in 1993.

African Union soldiers killed in al-Shabab mortar attack

Source: voa, By Harun Maruf
Monday November 4, 2024

FILE PHOTO

Two African Union soldiers were killed and a third one injured by an al-Shabab mortar attack Sunday on their base inside the perimeters of Mogadishu’s international airport.

A statement by the head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mohamed El-Amine Souef condemned the attack on the facility known as the Halane Base Camp.

It’s believed that a 107mm rocket was used for the attack. At least four mortar rounds were reportedly fired during the attack.

“The heinous attack will not deter us and the Somali security forces from pursuing lasting peace and in Somalia,” Souef said in the statement posted on X, formerly Twitter. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to combat terrorism and build a peaceful and prosperous Somalia.”

The statement did not specify the nationality of the soldiers killed, but an AU official told VOA’s Horn of Africa that the soldiers who were killed and the one soldier injured are Ugandans.

“ATMIS extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the families, friends, and relatives of those who lost their lives and wishes a quick recovery to those injured during the attack,” Souef said.

The AU senior leadership team later visited the site of the blasts.

The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.

In a statement posted on one of its websites, the group claimed the mortars killed “white and black officers.”

Despite being driven out of Mogadishu in 2011, the group, from time to time, manages to carry out mortar attacks that hit Mogadishu’s airport, which is a base for the AU as well as some foreign embassies.

Al-Shabab mortars have also targeted residential areas in Mogadishu and have claimed the lives of civilians.

One-third of Sudan’s Population Has Deen Displaced

 Source: The Associated Press published on 29 October 2024 an article titled “Sudan Has Displaced over 14 Million, or about 30% of the Population, UN Says.”  

The International Organization for Migration says the civil war in Sudan has displaced about 30 percent of the population since conflict broke out more than a year ago.  Some 11 million people are internally displaced and 3.1 million are refugees in neighboring countries, making Sudan the world’s largest displacement crisis. 

____________________________

Note:

Unfortunate generals extremely hunger for power are destroying their own country and their own people and the world is just watching!!! why! Why! why!

Somalia International Rehabilitation Centre (SIRC)

Ethiopia’s Use of Drones Against Fano Rebels

 Source: The Hill published on 31 October 2024 a commentary titled “Ethiopia’s Drone Massacres Demand that US and World Pay Attention” by Mesfin Tegenu, American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee.

The government of Ethiopia has been using Turkish-made drones to attack Fano rebels in Amhara Region.  The author says one of these drones recently hit a health center in the town of Gojjam resulting in the death of a child and village elder.  

Somali President reaffirms commitment to universal suffrage elections in 2026

Source: Hiiraan Online, Saturday November 2, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to holding universal suffrage elections by 2026 despite opposition from two regional state leaders and prominent politicians.

Speaking in Mogadishu on Thursday, President Mohamud highlighted the need for Somalia to transition to direct elections, marking a shift from the longstanding practice of indirect elections.

“No one understands indirect elections better than me. I’ve been elected as both a member of parliament and president twice through indirect elections. We’ve been holding these types of elections for 24 years, but we’re moving forward—we won’t go back,” said President Mohamud.

The National Consultative Council (NCC) agreement endorsed Wednesday by President Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Mogadishu mayor and three regional leaders, established a roadmap for elections, with local, regional, and municipal elections set for June 2025 and parliamentary and presidential elections in September 2025. The NCC also called for creating a National Independent Electoral Commission to oversee the electoral process.

Despite recent electoral reforms, including a bill passed in March to reintroduce universal suffrage, prominent figures remain critical. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubbaland’s Ahmed Madobe have voiced public opposition to the NCC’s timeline.

Former Presidents Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo have also disapproved of the NCC’s decisions, citing concerns over election timelines and governance.

CIA chief Burns discusses peace, security with Somali President Mohamud

Source: AA, Saturday November 2, 2024

CIA chief William Burns on Friday held talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu on a range of issues including security and terrorism.

A statement issued by Somali presidency said Burns and Mohamud held a “high-level discussion on strengthening the enduring Somalia-U.S. strategic partnership.”

The meeting, according to the readout, “covered a range of mutually beneficial topics, including supporting the Somali Federal Government in countering international terrorism promoting regional stability, and addressing key security challenges in the Horn of Africa.”

“They both emphasized the importance of collaboration on issues essential to peace and security, reaffirming their commitment to advancing stability across the region,” the statement added.

The CIA chief’s visit to Somalia comes as tensions have escalated between Somalia and Ethiopia due to Addis Ababa’s Red Sea access deal with the breakaway state of Somaliland. International partners, including Türkiye, are mediating to resolve the dispute.

Finland’s Peace Envoy Engages in Diplomatic Talks in Djibouti

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Source: by Horn Observer, Monday October 28, 2024 – 04:42:23 in Latest News by Horn Observer

Said Ahmed met with Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed.

DJIBOUTI, Djibouti (HORN OBSERVER) – Finland’s Special Envoy on Peace Mediation in the Horn of Africa, Suldaan Said Ahmed, arrived in Djibouti on Sunday, engaging in discussions with Djiboutian leaders on enhancing bilateral ties.

Suldaan Said Ahmed met with Prime Minister Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed and Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, addressing the importance of collaboration between Finland and Djibouti in peace mediation.

“Finland and Djibouti are geographically small countries but have a lot to offer in peace mediation, which is more important today than ever in our world,” said  Suldaan Said Ahmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The envoy also presented a letter from Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, though the contents were not disclosed.

Appointed by Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen on January 23, 2024,  Suldaan Said Ahmed’s mandate includes supporting peace processes in the conflict-prone Horn of Africa, a region currently facing political instability, armed conflicts, and severe drought—the worst in decades. 

Finland has a long history of bilateral cooperation in the region, striving to foster stability and development.

Ethiopia: Internal Power Struggle in Tigray Region

 Source: African Arguments posted on 29 October 2024 a commentary titled “Power Struggle in Tigray” by Gerrit Kurtz, German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

An intergenerational power struggle is taking place within Tigray Region that pits Debretsion Gebremichael against Getachew Reda.  It has little to do with ideology.  Some Tigrayans believe Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is encouraging the division behind the scenes

Indian Ocean Security and US Strategy

 Source: The East-West Center published on 18 October 2024 a bulletin titled “Connecting West and East: Indian Ocean Security and the US Indo-Pacific Strategy” by Nilanthi Samaranayake.  

Washington appears to be increasingly recognizing the importance of the western Indian Ocean, suggesting that it may be starting to conceive of the Indian Ocean as a region on its own terms.  

Arms Transfers to Sub-Saharan Africa

 Source: The Italian Institute for International Political Studies published on 30 September 2024 a paper titled “The Complex Trends and Patterns in Arms Transfers to Sub-Saharan Africa” by Pieter Wezeman, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

The 6 largest arms importers in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2019-23 were Nigeria, Angola, Senegal, Mali, Uganda, and Ethiopia.  The major arms suppliers during this period were China (19 percent), Russia (17 percent), and France (11 percent).  Imports of arms by countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have been declining in recent years.

Somalia’s leaders agree on framework for universal suffrage

Source VOA, By Mohamed Olad Hassan
Thursday October 31, 2024

Political leaders in Somalia agreed Wednesday on a framework for the country’s first national one-person, one-vote elections, a government statement said.

The decision followed marathon monthlong talks led by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that saw the withdrawal of Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, also known as Madobe, from the National Consultative Council meeting in Mogadishu.

Somalia’s government and federal member states said Wednesday that direct universal suffrage would be introduced with local elections set for June 2025.

The agreement signed by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the leaders of three regional states and Mogadishu’s governor laid out a path to nationwide one-person, one-vote elections.

“The leaders agreed to introduce national elections, where citizens will vote for their leaders, starting with the local, regional and municipal elections set for June 2025,” read a communique released at the end of the meeting in Mogadishu.

“The election of parliamentary and presidential leaders of the Federal Member states will be held on September 2025,” the statement said.

The members of NCC also have ordered the completion of Somalia’s National Independent Electoral Commission to facilitate the electoral process.

Opposition stand

In March, Somalia’s parliament unanimously approved a bill overhauling the country’s electoral system to reintroduce universal suffrage, a plan that has been criticized by some leading politicians.

The leaders of two federal member states, the Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni and Jubaland President Islam, opposed Wednesday’s decision.

Unlike Islam, who stepped out of the NCC meetings two weeks ago, Deni repeatedly said that Puntland no longer would recognize federal institutions, accusing President Mohamud of violating the constitution and losing his legitimacy.

Additionally, prominent Somali opposition leaders, including former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, have vehemently condemned Wednesday’s decision, calling it illegal.

“The decision illegally extends the terms of the regional presidents, threatens the national stability, the efforts of building good governance,” according to a statement from the opposition. “We will never accept it.”

The country has not had nationwide one-person, one-vote elections since 1969, when dictator Siad Barre seized power.

Mohamud was elected by lawmakers in May 2022 and previously said the next national elections would be by universal suffrage.

Currently, voting follows a complex, indirect model where state legislatures and clan delegates pick lawmakers for the national parliament, who in turn choose the president.

UN Security Council

Wednesday’s agreement comes on the heels of another significant development for Somalia.

The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on Wednesday facilitating the transition of the U.N. Assistance Mission in Somalia, or UNSOM, to the U.N. Country Team, or UNCT.

This shift, prompted by a formal request from the Somali government, presented by the United Kingdom, received unanimous support from all 15 member states of the council. It establishes that during this transition phase, the U.N.’s support activities in Somalia will be rebranded as the U.N. Transitional Mission in Somalia, or UNTMIS.

According to the resolution, the transfer of responsibilities from UNSOM to UNTMIS, alongside national authorities, will commence on November 1, and is anticipated to conclude by October 31, 2026.

U.K. Ambassador to the U.N. Barbara Woodward characterized the passage of the resolution as the “beginning of a crucial period for Somalia.”

“UNSOM has played an important role since its inception in 2013, supporting peace building and state building in Somalia through implementing its good offices, policy guidance, coordination, technical assistance and capacity building functions,” she said.

Somali government has welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s unanimous decision to transition the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) into a temporary mission over the next two years, beginning November 1, 2024

Thursday October 31, 2024

Source: Hiiraan Online, Mogadishu — Somali government has welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s unanimous decision to transition the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) into a temporary mission over the next two years, beginning November 1, 2024.
In a resolution passed on Wednesday, the Security Council approved the creation of the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), which will replace UNSOM, established in 2013 to support Somalia’s transition to democracy and rule of law. The new mission aims to shift UNSOM’s responsibilities to the Somali Federal Government and local UN agencies by October 31, 2026.

The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed the decision aligned with its proposal to gradually phase out UNSOM, enabling Somalia to strengthen its sovereignty and institutional independence. The proposal, presented in August through UN Secretary-General António Guterres, came after months of collaborative discussions between Somali officials and UNSOM’s joint technical committee.

“This diplomatic milestone reflects the shared vision of the United Nations and Somalia for a peaceful, resilient nation, equipped to guide its own national agenda and engage as a strong international partner” stated the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The transitional mission, now called UNTMIS, will focus on supporting free and fair elections and human rights protection during its first year, with some responsibilities transferring to Somali authorities by the end of year one.

UN missions can only be deployed with the agreement of the host country. In Africa in particular, the UN has been facing hostility in recent years

Somalia expels Ethiopian diplomat

Source: VOA, Wednesday October 30, 2024

FILE – Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 27, 2024.

Somalia has declared an Ethiopian diplomat working in Mogadishu a persona non grata.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the diplomat of engaging in “activities incompatible with his diplomatic role.”

The diplomat, Ali Mohamed Adan, who is a counselor at Ethiopia’s embassy in Mogadishu, was ordered to leave Somalia within 72 hours of receiving the notice.

Somalia did not specify the actions allegedly committed by Ali, but the statement said they “constitute a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”

VOA’s Horn of Africa Service sought comments from the spokesperson for Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nebiat Getachew, but did not receive any.

Somalia and Ethiopia have been involved in a heated diplomatic dispute since Addis Ababa signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Somaliland, a move Somalia sees as infringement on its sovereignty. Ethiopia and Somaliland defended the MOU. If implemented, it would give Somaliland recognition from landlocked Ethiopia in return for the leasing of 20 kilometers of seafront, according to Somaliland officials.

In April, Somalia expelled Ethiopian Ambassador Muktar Mohamed Ware, alleging “internal interference” by Ethiopia. Somalia also ordered the closure of Ethiopia’s consulates in Somaliland and Puntland, though they remained open.

Last month, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, urged the international community to stand with Somalia in condemning Ethiopia’s violations.

Barre alleged that Ethiopia was attempting to “annex parts of Somalia under the guise of securing sea access.”

Taye Atske Selassie was the foreign minister at the time and rejected the Somalian prime minister’s comments, insisting that Ethiopia’s MOU with Somaliland is “based on existing political dispensation in Somalia.”

“Ethiopia’s name can never be associated with any one of the allegations,” said Taye, who has now become Ethiopia’s ceremonial president.

Encircling Ethiopia

 Source: The Hill published on 28 October 2024 a commentary titled “Shifting Alliances in the Horn of Africa: An Egypt-Eritrea-Somalia Axis” by Imran Khalid.  

The author argues that the recent summit in Asmara of Egypt, Eritrea, and Somalia was an effort “to encircle Ethiopia.”  Egypt, frustrated with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, may be positioning itself for a proxy war, using Eritrea to destabilize its neighbor. 

Ethiopian Dialogue Commission presses ONLF to rejoin peace talks

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday October 27, 2024

FILE – Chief Commissioner of the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission, Prof. Mesfin Araya, addresses the media during a press briefing

Mogadishu (HOL) — The Ethiopian Dialogue Commission is pressing the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) to reconsider its decision to boycott Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference, a move they say threatens to destabilize the already fragile peace agreement established between the two sides in 2018. 

The ONLF, a political organization advocating for the self-determination of Ethiopia’s Somali region, has accused the Ethiopian government of failing to uphold key promises, leading it to withdraw from the conference just days before its planned launch.

The 2018 peace accord, signed in Asmara, Eritrea, was initially celebrated as a transformative deal, ending decades of ONLF’s armed resistance and granting the group formal political recognition within Ethiopia.

However, ONLF leaders claim that only 20% of the agreement’s commitments—such as reintegrating former fighters and resetting displaced communities—have been fulfilled. ONLF spokesperson Abdiqadir Hassan Hirmooge, known as Adani, stated that the group’s patience with Ethiopia’s perceived inaction has run thin. “We maintained peace as agreed, but the government’s failure to uphold its obligations raises serious questions about its dedication to lasting reconciliation,” Adani said, noting that ONLF’s Central Committee will meet later this month to reassess its approach.

The rift between ONLF and the Ethiopian government has deepened in recent weeks following accusations from Ethiopian military chief General Berhanu Jula, who described ONLF as an “enemy” allegedly backed by Egypt. ONLF condemned the general’s statement as both inflammatory and damaging to the fragile peace, urging the Ethiopian government to clarify or retract the remark. “These claims are baseless and dangerous. To suggest we are aligned with foreign powers to destabilize Ethiopia is both false and a serious provocation,” Adani responded, warning that ONLF may reevaluate its commitment to the peace deal if such rhetoric persists.

ONLF’s decision to boycott the National Dialogue Conference reflects broader grievances with the Ethiopian government’s approach to inclusivity. The group accused the ruling party in Ethiopia’s Somali region of handpicking participants for the conference in a way that sidelines dissenting voices. Additionally, ONLF criticized the absence of representatives from key regions, including Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray, arguing that this imbalance undermines the dialogue’s goal of comprehensively addressing Ethiopia’s regional conflicts.

Despite its withdrawal, ONLF stated it remains open to rejoining the process if the dialogue framework is restructured to include all perspectives. “A genuine national dialogue cannot simply echo the ruling party’s stance; it must be rooted in true representation and inclusivity,” ONLF’s statement emphasized, adding that they would consider participating if these conditions are met.

Compounding ONLF’s discontent, the group has reported instances of cultural suppression within the Somali region, claiming the government has pressured Somali elders to renounce their identity. ONLF has also expressed concerns over rumours that Ethiopia may alter the region’s official name and flag, which they interpret as a threat to the Somali cultural identity within the nation.

For ONLF, the ultimate goal remains self-determination for the Somali region, a right supported by Ethiopia’s constitution under Article 39, which grants regional autonomy and even potential secession. Although ONLF has shifted its tactics from armed struggle to diplomacy, its leadership remains committed to the possibility of regional independence. “Self-governance is essential. If we fail to act, we risk losing everything we’ve fought for,” Adani stated recently, underscoring the group’s enduring vision for autonomy.

The Ethiopian Dialogue Commission’s call for ONLF’s participation underscores the essential role that regional voices play in Ethiopia’s search for stability. However, without the active involvement of critical groups like ONLF, Ethiopia’s National Dialogue risks becoming an incomplete attempt at reconciliation, leaving unresolved grievances and deepening existing divisions across the country.

Turkey to seek improved Africa cooperation in Djibouti talks, officials say

Source: Reuters, By Tuvan Gumrukcu
Sunday October 27, 2024

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks during a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey, October 19, 2024. REUTERS/Dilara Senkaya/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Turkey’s foreign minister will travel to Djibouti next week to attend a Turkey-Africa ministerial meeting and discuss improving cooperation between Ankara and the continent, officials from his ministry said.

NATO member Turkey has ramped up its presence and influence in Africa in recent years, increasing trade nearly eight-fold, giving diplomatic and military support to some countries, and inking deals in various fields.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Djibouti meeting would evaluate a previous conference held in 2021 and discuss possible moves to deepen cooperation.

The meeting will be held on Nov. 2-3 and will be attended by representatives from 14 African countries, along with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the officials added.

It comes amid Turkish mediation efforts to resolve a dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia over a deal that Ethiopia agreed to lease a stretch of coastline from Somaliland, and at a time when West Africa struggles with surging terrorism.

The officials said the mediation was difficult due to the lack of trust between the parties, but that Ankara hoped for good news in coming days.

On Tuesday, Turkey inked a cooperation agreement with Niger on mining, after having signed a similar cooperation deal with the West African nation on oil and gas in July.

Asked about the accord, the officials said Turkey’s Mineral Research and Exploration authority had three gold mining fields in Niger, protected by Niger security forces, and planned to start production there by the end of the year.

Turkey is competing with major powers like France, Russia and China for a foothold in Africa, forging partnerships with several nations and providing armed drones to Somalia, Ethiopia and others.

The officials said Turkey’s provision of defence equipment and military training aimed to strengthen “national capabilities” and support counterterrorism.

“Countries that have acquired Turkish drones have increased their ground control in their countries,” said an official, citing Burkina Faso’s doubling the level of its control over the state to 65% using Turkish drones.

On Tuesday, Tuareg rebels in Mali said a drone strike using a Turkish drone had killed eight people and wounded 20 others.

Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Daren Butler and Lisa Shumaker

Somalia condemns Israeli strikes on Iran, calls for regional stability

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday October 27, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali government condemned Israel’s overnight attacks on Iran, describing the action as a breach of sovereignty and a violation of international laws and customs.

In a statement released Saturday, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its opposition to further escalation in the Middle East, warning that widening the conflict threatens regional security and stability.

“Somalia renews its demand to the international community and the Security Council to bear their responsibilities in halting practices that threaten the region’s future,” the statement read. “It also stresses the need for serious measures to secure regional stability and peace in line with international laws and treaties.”

The Israeli military launched strikes on military bases in Iran, hitting about 20 sites over several hours in Ilam, Khuzestan and Tehran. The Iranian army confirmed four soldiers were killed after it said the attacks on Saturday targeted military bases but resulted in only “limited damage”.

Iranian military officials had previously warned that any attack from Israel would provoke a “harsher response,” raising concerns over further tensions in the region.