U.S. Embassy warns of imminent Al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia, urges caution

Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday March 4, 2025


[File: Osman Hassan/AP]

Mogadishu (HOL) — The U.S. Embassy in Somalia issued a security alert on Tuesday evening, warning of “potential imminent attacks” targeting multiple locations, including Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport. The advisory follows a surge in Al-Shabaab attacks across central Somalia, where militants have launched coordinated assaults, seized key towns, and advanced closer to the capital.

“All movements of U.S. Embassy Mogadishu personnel have been cancelled until further notice,” the embassy stated, citing “credible information” about the threats. The U.S. Department of State’s Level Four travel advisory for Somalia remains in effect, urging U.S. citizens to avoid travel due to “crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy.”

The security alert follows weeks of intensified militant activity that has exposed shortcomings in Somalia’s counterinsurgency efforts. Since February 20, Al-Shabaab has launched at least nine attacks across Middle Shabelle and Hiraan, temporarily seizing several towns, including Balcad—just 30 kilometres from Mogadishu—before being repelled by Somali forces.

The Somali government, backed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes, has countered the offensive, killing over 130 militants in recent clashes, according to official statements. However, Al-Shabaab has released photographic evidence of its fighters occupying government buildings in multiple locations, raising concerns about the group’s ability to regroup and exploit security gaps.

The U.S. Embassy emphasized that “terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks” in Somalia, often with little or no warning. High-risk targets include government buildings, military convoys, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and other public gathering spaces frequented by Westerners. The militants have used car bombs, suicide attacks, small-arms assaults, and mortar fire in recent operations.

The U.S. government has reiterated its limited capacity to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Somalia due to the lack of a permanent consular presence. American citizens currently in the country are urged to exercise heightened caution, remain vigilant, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time security updates.

U.S. cuts funding for Danab special forces and other aid to Somalia

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday March 5, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – United States has cut funding for Somalia’s elite Danab special forces unit, along with billions of dollars in grants previously provided through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Somali Finance Minister Bihi Imaan Egeh told Parliament on Wednesday.

The Danab brigade, a specialized unit within the Somali National Army (SNA), was established with U.S. training and support to counter-terrorism and bolster stability in Somalia. However, Egeh warned lawmakers that the abrupt withdrawal of American financial assistance has significantly strained the Somali government’s budget.

“The biggest burden on the government now is the loss of funding that the United States previously allocated to the Danab forces,” Egeh stated.

The minister added that cuts have also affected humanitarian and development programs, exacerbating the country’s financial challenges. According to an assessment by the finance ministry, Somalia has lost approximately $1.5 billion in annual aid, further increasing economic pressures on the government.

“We must work together to accelerate tax reforms, manage foreign aid more effectively, and optimize available resources,” Egeh said. “This funding reduction is not limited to the United States; it is a global trend.”

Egeh also cautioned that Somalia is on the brink of an economic crisis and stressed the urgency of preparing for its impact. He attributed some of the aid reductions to shifting priorities in Washington following the re-election of President Donald Trump, noting that USAID, a key agency involved in U.S. development and humanitarian assistance, has scaled back its support.

The Somali government now faces the challenge of finding alternative funding sources to sustain its military operations and development initiatives amid mounting financial strain.

Ethiopia, Djibouti renew commitment to further consolidate trade, economic cooperation
Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday March 4, 2025

Ethiopia and Djibouti have reaffirmed commitment to further reinforce trade and economic cooperation between the two East African nations.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Djibouti Berhanu Tsegaye had a productive meeting with Isman Ibrahim Robleh, the Minister of Budget of Djibouti.

The primary focus of discussion was to address key bilateral issues, particularly in the context of resolving the requests from Ethiopian sector institutions operating in Djibouti.

“Throughout our conversation, we tackled several pending matters that are critical to fostering a better business environment for Ethiopian entities within Djibouti,” Ambassador Berhanu wrote on X.

Notably, the two sides addressed the challenges facing Ethiopian Airlines, which plays a vital role in connecting the two countries and facilitating trade and travel.

They also examined issues related to the National Oil Company (NOC), emphasizing the importance of efficient operations and collaboration in the energy sector.

“In addition to these specific concerns, we explored a range of related issues that require facilitation to ensure smoother business transactions. Our goal is to identify constructive solutions that not only address the immediate challenges but also pave the way for a more collaborative approach between our nations.

By enhancing cooperation, we aim to create a favorable business environment that will benefit both Ethiopian and Djibouti’s enterprises,” he stated.

The meeting marks a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering economic growth, the ambassador said, adding that I look forward to continuing our dialogue and working together to implement the solutions we discussed.

Somali PM arrives in Cairo for Arab League summit to counter Trump’s ‘Gaza Riviera’ plan

Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday March 4, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre arrived in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday night to attend an emergency Arab League summit convened to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

The summit, scheduled for March 4, aims to formulate a unified Arab response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to establish control over Gaza and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push to derail ceasefire efforts and escalate military operations.

The meeting, hosted by Egypt, will seek alternatives that uphold Palestinian rights and restore livable conditions in Gaza.

On February 21, representatives from Egypt, Jordan, and the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations met in Riyadh to prepare the agenda for the Cairo summit. The discussions in Riyadh focused on coordinated diplomatic strategies to counter the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

Somali government emphasized Somalia’s stance on the Palestinian cause at the United Nations Security Council’s 9841st meeting, which addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Government spokesman Farhan Mohamed Jimale said Prime Minister Barre will engage in sideline meetings with his counterparts and other Arab League leaders. These discussions will focus on rebuilding the Somali National Army and securing broader support for Somalia’s development initiatives.

Early on Sunday, the second day of Ramadan, Israel blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid to Gaza, claiming that Hamas is “in violation” of a last-minute US suggestion to extend the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza throughout Ramadan and Passover.

Israel had effectively blocked negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire – which was supposed to start on March 1 – because that would have entailed it withdrawing its troops from Gaza.

Trump Administration Considers Merging US Africa Command into European Command

Source:  Micro Soft Network (MSN) published on 25 February 2025 an article titled “President Trump’s Plan to Dismantle U.S. Africa Command Under Review” by Victor Oluwole.  

The Trump administration is considering an executive action to dismantle the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and transfer its responsibilities to the U.S. European Command (EUCOM).  This was the organizational structure prior to 2007, although the primary goal now seems to be a desire to eliminate the command in order to downsize engagement in Africa. 

Ethiopia-Somalia Relations on the Mend

 Source: The Voice of America published on 27 February 2025 an article titled “Ethiopian PM Visits Somalia as Neighbors Try to Improve Relations” by Mohamed Olad Hasan.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited Mogadishu on 27 February where he met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in an effort to improve strained relations. Earlier in the week, Ethiopia and Somalia signed an agreement that secured the continued participation of Ethiopian troops in the new African Union mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM.

Solar Power and Environmental Peacebuilding in Somalia

 Source: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published in February 2025 a policy brief titled “Solar Power and Environmental Peacebuilding in South-Central Somalia” by Ann-Sophie Bohle and Kheira Tarif.  

The policy brief explores how the International Organization for Migration’s approach to solar power and the facilitation of local public-private partnerships can support environmental peacebuilding at three levels: the community level, the local business level, and the district council level.

Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces Operate Chinese Drones from Darfur

 Source: Reuters published on 26 February 2025 an article titled “Sudan’s RSF Operating Drones from Darfur Base, Pictures Show” by Reade Levinson, Khalid Abdelaziz, and Nafisa Eltahir.

Satellite images show 3 drones at an airfield in South Darfur controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.  They have been identified as CH-95s manufactured by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.  They are capable of surveillance and strikes at a distance of up to 200 kilometers

The Abandonment of Sudan

 Source: The Council on Foreign Relations posted on 26 February 2025 a commentary titled “The Abandonment of Sudan” by Michelle Gavin.  

Decisions being made in the Trump administration, such as the dismantlement of USAID, are making the situation in Sudan worse.

Oil Production Resumes in South Sudan, But Economy and Chinese Oil Companies Struggle

 Source: The South China Morning Post published on 2 March 2025 an article titled “How Chinese Firms Are Holding Out Hope for South Sudan’s Oil Lifeline” by Jevans Nyabiage.

After a year of interrupted oil production, which provides 90 percent of South Sudan’s revenue, it resumed early this year.  While this is an important boost to South Sudan’s economy, inflation rages and production will not return to pre-shutdown levels.  Chinese companies with significant stakes in the oil sector are hoping they can return to profitability.

DASTUURADA DAWLADAHA CAALAMKA HESHIISYADA AY LAGALAAN DAWLADAHA CAALAMKA  WAXAA SI RASMI AH LA HORGEEYAA BAARLAMADOODA SI AY U ANSHIXIYAAN AMA U DIIDAAN IYAGOO MATALAYA SHACABKA DALALKOODA.

Waxaa shacabka Somaliyeed filayaan in heshiisyada  ay dalwadda Somaliya lagasho dawladaha kale sida heshiiyada Ethiopia-Somalia la horgayn doono baarlamaanka oo xaq uleh iney ogolaadaan ama diidaan iyagoo matalaya shacabka Somaliyeed. Waxaa la filayaa golaha wasiirada Somaliya in heshiiska xagga badda Somaliya la  gashay Ethiopia la horgeyn doono Baarlamaanka Somalia si ay u ogolaadaan ama u diidaan iyagoo wakiil u ah Shacabka Somaliyeed.

Waxaa dawladda Somalia oo ay hogaaminayaan Madaxweynaha Somalia Mudane Hassan Sheikh Mohamuud, Raiisulwaraha  Somalia Mudane Xamza Abdi Barre, Gudoomiyaha Baarlammanka Mudane Sheikh Adan Madoobe ku guulaystaan la dagaalka/burburinta cudurka dilaaga ah ee qabyaaladda,  horumarinta dawladnimada iyo midnimada Somalia oo ay shacabka Somaliyeed maanta baahi weyn u qabaan. Shacabka Somalaiyeed waa iney ogaadaan in qabyaaladu  xatarweyn ku tahay Hormarkooda iyo midnimadooda taas buurburin karta dawladnimadooda.

Waa muhiim dalalka dariska ah ee Geeska Africa: Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan iney xiriir wanaagsan yeeshaan oo dal kasta uusan faragalin arrimaha gudaha ee dal kale balse ay iskaashadaan.  

Somalia International Rehabilitation Centre (SIRC), Lund, Sweden, www.sirclund.se, Abdillahi Jama 

Senator Cruz Meets with African Ambassadors: Focus on China

 Source: The office of Senator Ted Cruz (Republican, Texas), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, posted on 20 February 2025 a brief account of his meeting with African ambassadors.  

Countries represented at the meeting were Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Malawi, Ghana, Senegal, Djibouti, Madagascar, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Gabon, Togo, Mozambique, Mauritania, and Ethiopia as well as the Representative from the African Union.  

Following the meeting, Cruz said he intends to use the chairmanship “to ensure that America’s policy toward Africa is focused on advancing American security interests across the continent, with an emphasis on countering China’s efforts to undermine those interests and conduct malign activities.”  He stated that China’s Belt and Road Initiative serves as a tool for the Communist Party of China “to lock in crushing debt and undermine the sovereignty of countries across the continent.”  He added that the United States has a unique opportunity to expand economic ties with African countries.

Comment: Expanding economic ties with Africa will be a real challenge as the Trump administration dismantles the US Agency for International Development, one of its most important foreign policy tools for engaging with African countries

News

Absence of impartial guarantors hampers Pretoria agreement implementation:…

Source: The reporter by Mesfin Solomon, February 22, 2025

The African Union (AU) says that the absence of an impartial guarantor has held back the full implementation of the Pretoria agreement, leaving Tigray to grapple with outstanding issues such as the withdrawal of non-ENDF forces, the return of IDPs, and political disputes. A 51-page document dubbed ‘Lessons Learned Report from the AU-Led Peace Process for the Tigray Region of…

Sudanese pro-army militia accused of ‘war crimes’ after targeting civilians

Source: Human Rights Watch says attack by Sudan Shield Forces on village in January killed at least 26 people, including a child

People walk past damaged buildings in Wad Madani, which was retaken by the Sudanese army a month earlier, in Sudan’s al-Jazira state on 11 February 2025 (AFP)

By Alex MacDonald

Published date: 25 February 2025 11:45 GMT | Last update: 55 mins 41 secs ago

A militia allied with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has been accused of war crimes in Sudan after an attack on a village in January that left at least 26 civilians dead, including one child.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) said the Sudan Shield Forces, which supports the SAF in its fight against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), “intentionally” targeted the village of Tayba on 10 January.

The New York-based rights group said the militia also systematically looted civilian property, including food supplies, and set fire to houses.

The Sudan Shield Forces, along with other allied militias, attacked civilians in al-Jazira state who they perceived to be aligned with the RSF.

Tayba is 30km east of al-Jazira’s capital, Wad Madani, and home to people primarily from the Tama, Bergo and Mararit ethnic groups.

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Eyewitnesses told HRW that members of the Sudan Shield Forces, formed in 2022 mainly from Arab communities of al-Jazira state, hurled racist abuse at locals while attacking the village.

They described widespread “looting of money, food, and livestock, including 2,000 cattle”.

“Armed groups fighting alongside the Sudanese Armed Forces have carried out violent abuses against civilians in their latest offensive in Gezira state,” said Jean-Baptiste Gallopin, senior crisis, conflict and arms researcher at HRW.

“The Sudanese authorities should urgently investigate all reported abuses and hold to account those responsible, including the commanders of the Sudan Shield Forces.”

Sudan’s RSF massacres 433 people as it forms parallel ‘peace government’

Read More »

War has raged in Sudan since April 2023, with millions displaced and both sides accused of war crimes and human rights abuses.

The conflict has displaced more than 10 million people, and left over 12 million facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Thousands are estimated to have been killed.

The RSF, which is backed by the UAE and has been accused of committing genocide by the US and human rights groups, controls most of Darfur and parts of Khartoum and the region of Kordofan.

Last week it launched a brutal three-day attack, killing 433 people in White Nile state, as its leaders arrived in Kenya to announce a parallel “peace and unity” government. 

Sudan’s foreign ministry said infants were among those killed in White Nile in what it describes as “the worst atrocity” committed by the RSF since “the genocide in Geneina and Ardamita” in August and November 2023.

“This horrific massacre confirms that the militia’s war is actually against the entire Sudanese people,” the ministry added. 

Emergency Lawyers, a group of lawyers who monitor the war in Sudan, said the RSF attacked unarmed civilians, including women and children, in al-Kadaris and al-Khalwat, villages in rural parts of el-Geteina in White Nile state.

It said that the paramilitary group carried out field executions, kidnappings, enforced disappearances and looting of property, putting the death toll at 200.

Somalia clears UN arrears, secures voting rights and security council seat

Source: Hiiraan Online, Monday February 24, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia cleared 35 years of United Nations arrears, the government announced on Monday.

Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi told Somali National News Agency that settling the dues marks a major milestone for the country.

“This achievement comes after settling our longstanding arrears and has significantly enhanced our international standing. We are now fully prepared to exercise our voting rights in the UN General Assembly,” Fiqi said.

In 2022, Somalia ranked third among 11 nations owing UN fees, with a total debt of $1,446,163. 

The payment coincides with Somalia’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025–2026 term—a post the country has not held in 50 years.

The developments underscore Somalia’s renewed commitment to global engagement and mark a significant step forward in its international relations.

Scottish businessman found dead in Kenya

Source: BBC, Tuesday February 25, 2025

Campbell Scott was last seen by his colleagues on 16 February

A Scottish businessman who disappeared in Kenya has been found dead.

Campbell Scott, from Fife, was attending a conference at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi when he was last seen by colleagues on 16 February.

The 58-year-old was a senior director at credit scoring firm Fico. His employer confirmed to the BBC on Monday that local police had identified his body.

A spokeswoman for the firm said staff were “devastated” by the news.

She added: “Campbell was a leader in our international Scores business.

“He joined FICO in 2014 and was instrumental in introducing Scores to new markets and growing our business with existing partnerships. We mourn his passing and will miss his humour and kindness.

“Our thoughts are with Campbell’s family and friends. We ask that the media respect their privacy.”

Mr Scott studied at Woodmill High School in Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy Technical College, going on to work for a number of companies before joining Fico.

The JW Marriott hotel is located in the Nairobi’s Westlands district, an affluent business area.

Police launched a search following his disappearance and were assisted by Interpol, according to newspaper reports.

The UK Foreign Office has been approached for comment.

News: Ethiopia, Somalia agree on ENDF deployment within AUSSOM

Source: Addis Stanrdard, Tuesday February 25, 2025

Ethiopia and Somalia have “agreed on the force disposition of ENDF” within the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), according to a joint communiqué issued following a visit by an Ethiopian delegation led by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of Ethiopia’s National Defense Force, on February 22.

The visit followed a bilateral meeting between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Addis Ababa earlier in February. According to the communiqué, the discussions in Mogadishu focused on “regional security” and the importance of “maintaining peace, security, and stability” in the Horn of Africa.

The Ethiopian delegation included Redwan Hussein, head of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), and other officials. Somali authorities, including Maj. Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rage, Chief of Defense Forces, and Abdullahi Mohamed Ali, Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), “welcomed” the delegation and emphasized the “strong bilateral cooperation” between the two countries.

The agreement follows diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland in early 2024. The MoU, which aims to grant Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of Somaliland’s coastline, was condemned by Somalia as an “infringement on Somalia’s territorial sovereignty.”

In response, Somalia stated that Ethiopia “will not be part of the AU-led forces” replacing ATMIS and deepened military ties with Egypt, leading to the deployment of Egyptian troops and arms shipments to Somalia.

However, tensions have since eased following the Ankara Declaration, mediated in Ankara by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and involving Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

In January 2025, during a high-level visit led by Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and ensuring the “success of AUSSOM,” according to Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The communiqué stated that both sides “welcomed the commencement” of AUSSOM and stressed the “importance of building on the achievements” of its predecessor, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). It noted that the chiefs “underscored the role of ENDF in African Union peace support operations” and agreed on the “force disposition of ENDF” within AUSSOM.

The statement also emphasized that Ethiopia and Somalia agreed that “the Federal Government of Somalia will be the only point of entry” for Ethiopia’s engagements with Somalia, reaffirming “respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity.”

Additionally, the communiqué stated that the two countries will develop a “Status of Force Agreement (SOFA)” for Ethiopian forces operating in Somalia, describing it as an “integral part” of the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation signed in December 2023.

Source: The Libya Observer, Libya, Somalia sign memorandum of cooperation between Tripoli and Mogadishu municipalities

The Libya Observer
by Abdulkader Assad
Tuesday February 25, 2025

‎The Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, witnessed on Monday the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the municipalities of Tripoli and Mogadishu to support partnership in the areas of local administration and urban development.

A number of other memoranda were also signed, including mutual exemption from entry visas for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports, in addition to an agreement for political consultation between the two foreign ministries to enhance diplomatic coordination on issues of common interest, according to Hakomitna media platform.

The two sides agreed to form a joint high-level committee to review previous agreements, discuss Libyan investments in Somalia, and enhance economic and development cooperation. They stressed the importance of joint coordination on regional issues, especially in the Horn of Africa region, in light of the role that Somalia will play after its election to the UN Security Council to contribute to supporting regional stability and security and enhancing cooperation.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud arrived in the capital, Tripoli, on Sunday evening, at the head of a high-level delegation on an official visit to Libya, according. The Somali President and his accompanying delegation were received at Mitiga Airport in Tripoli by the Acting Foreign Minister, Taher Al-Baour.

Somali government pledges one-person, one-vote elections nationwide

Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday February 25, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalin Fiqi reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to holding universal suffrage elections in 2026, including Puntland and Jubbaland.

Speaking to VOA Somali, Fiqi said the nation must move away from indirect elections. “We are ending the old practice where regional administrations dictate our choices. The people will no longer be forced into selections against their will. Elections will be held in Puntland, Jubbaland and throughout Somalia,” he said.

The minister’s remarks come as the Jubbaland and Puntland leaders and opposition politicians have opposed the shift to a one-person, one-vote system and accused the federal government of unilaterally managing the election.

Somalia last held a direct election in 1969, more than five decades ago, and has since relied on indirect voting methods.

The National Independent Electoral Commission said it is ready to break the current impasse and facilitate historic elections in which Somali citizens directly elect their leaders.

Over 20 people are missing after local clashes at the Kenya-Ethiopia border

Source: AP, Tuesday February 25, 2025

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has deployed heavy security at its border with Ethiopia after an attack by armed men in what authorities describe as cross-border clashes. Twenty people are missing.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday said the government was collaborating with authorities in Ethiopia to find the missing people.

Fishermen from Ethiopia clashed with Kenyan counterparts at the Omo river on Saturday, Turkana County governor Jeremiah Lomorukai said Sunday. Local authorities said 15 boats are missing.

The Turkana community from Kenya and the Dassanech community from Ethiopia share economic activities such as pastoralism and fishing.

The area in the past has seen livestock raids in neighboring villages. Kenya had hired more police reservists to assist in the border area, but raiders often flee into Ethiopia.

Murkomen said Kenya would establish a border post where all people entering would be checked.