Efforts to Prevent Oil Spill Disaster in Red Sea

 Source: The Royal United Services Institute published on 1 October 2024 an analysis titled “Sounion Attack Brings Red Sea Shipping Crisis Back to the Fore” by Stavros Karamperidis.

The Houthi attack in the Red Sea on a Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, with 922,000 barrels of Iraqi crude has revived concerns about an environmental disaster.  The Sounion, which is still on fire, has been towed to the Eritrean coast where efforts are underway to extinguish the fires.  The Houthis agreed to the salvage operation once they realized the damage the Sounion could do to Yemen’s coast.  

qCaptain published on 2 October 2024 an article titled “M/T Sounion Continues to Burn as Houthi Attacks Resume in Red Sea” by Mike Schuler.

This article provides an updated account of the Sounion salvage operation and a Houthi attack on another oil tanker.  

Ethiopia’s External Debt Dilemma

 Source: Reuters published on 1 October 2024 an article titled “Ethiopia Expects ‘Tangible Progress’ on Deal with Creditor Nations by December” by Duncan Miriri.

Ethiopia defaulted on its external debt in December 2023 and hopes to reach a deal with creditors by the end of this year.  Ethiopia’s debt stands at about $29 billion with half of it owed to multilateral lenders like the IMF, World Bank, and African Development Bank.  Of the $12 billion owed to bilateral lenders, China accounts for more than $7 billion, Paris Club countries under $2 billion, and Saudi Arabia just over $1 billion.  

Ethiopia begins evacuating nationals from Lebanon

Source: Hiiran Online, Tuesday October 8, 2024

Addis Ababa (HOL) – The Ethiopian government has begun evacuating its nationals from Lebanon as Israeli airstrikes and ground operations continue in southern Lebanon.

On October 7, 2024, 51 Ethiopians safely arrived at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, following a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, and the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission.

Ambassador Nebiat Getachew, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted Ethiopia’s commitment to its citizens abroad, noting that the evacuation was part of the government’s citizen-centered diplomatic efforts.

 “Our primary focus has been on the well-being of Ethiopians in Lebanon, and the return of these 51 individuals is a direct result of these efforts,” he stated.

The situation in Lebanon has worsened in recent weeks due to an intensified Israeli military campaign targeting Hezbollah, including airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon.

The escalation has impacted numerous foreign nationals, including hundreds of Somali students stranded in Beirut due to flight suspensions and blocked evacuation routes. Somali student Hamda Rageh reported that international flights have been suspended, leaving her and others trapped as the conflict continues.

Ethiopia president replaced after falling out with PM

Source: BBC.Kalkidan Yibeltal
BBC News, Addis Ababa
Tuesday October 8, 2024

Taye Atske Selassie, who is now president, was appointed foreign minister in February

Ethiopia’s parliament has approved the appointment of a new president to replace the country’s first female head of state, Sahle-Work Zewde.

Taye Astike Selassie, foreign minister since February, has taken up the largely ceremonial role. In Ethiopia, political power lies with the prime minister – currently Abiy Ahmed.

Sahle-Work had reportedly fallen out with Abiy in recent years.

The prime minister’s backing of her initial appointment in 2018 was hailed as a breakthrough for gender equality in Ethiopian politics.

On Saturday, Sahle-Work posted a brief and somewhat cryptic message on X, implying she was unhappy as a result of staying silent for the past year.

Sources close to the 74-year-old told BBC Amharic she had not been happy for some time and was eagerly awaiting the end of her term, due later this month.

During her presidency, she made several calls for peace across the country, though she was criticised for not talking more about the gender-based violence during the two-year civil war in Tigray. But it is believed she was concerned about the current conflicts in Oromia and Amhara regions.

In Amhara, federal forces have been fighting a local militia, which has led to hundreds of deaths and security forces being accused of committing crimes against humanity.

President Taye, 68, an experienced diplomat having served at the UN and in Egypt, is considered close to Abiy. He was sworn in in front of MPs on Monday.

The replacement of Sahle-Work means that Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan is currently Africa’s only female head of state.

Qatar calls for more international developmental support for Somalia

Source: QNA, Tuesday October 8, 2024

Qatar called on the international community to continue and increase the provision of humanitarian and developmental aid and technical assistance to strengthen the human rights capacity-building efforts of the Federal Republic of Somalia and implement its national and international obligations in alignment with its priorities.

This came in a statement delivered by Third Secretary in the African Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turki Mohammed Abdullah al-Khalifa, during an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, as part of the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Al-Khalifa commended the Somali government’s efforts and progress in various fields to improve the humanitarian, economic, and social conditions in the country, as well as its ongoing battle against major challenges such as terrorism, the impacts of climate change, drought, floods, and food insecurity.

He praised the launch of the national reconciliation framework, Somalia’s accession to the UN Convention against Corruption, and the measures taken to promote the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities.

He noted Qatar’s keenness to provide various forms of aid and humanitarian assistance to Somalia, highlighting the signing of several agreements aimed at developing the education and health sectors, supporting strategic development projects, enhancing disaster management capacities, and fostering security and stability, in addition to rehabilitating government institutions and facilities.

Qoor Qoor inks deal for Hobyo port that promises to reshape regional trade

Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday October 8, 2024

Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye (Qoor Qoor) signs a deal with Turkish conglomerate Metag Holding for the development of Hobyo Port, during a ceremony in Mogadishu. 

Mogadishu (HOL) — Galmudug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye’ Qoor Qoor’ signed an 80-year agreement with Turkish conglomerate Metag Holding to construct the Hobyo Port on Monday. The port, he noted, could transform Somalia’s central coastline into a key trade hub. The event in Mogadishu was attended by federal ministers, lawmakers, and business leaders.

Qoor Qoor stressed the strategic potential of Hobyo Port, particularly for Ethiopia, which lacks access to a seaport and relies on Djibouti for 90% of its imports and exports. “Ethiopia doesn’t have a port, and Hobyo offers a prime business opportunity. The challenges we face will be resolved soon, and Hobyo will become one of the largest ports in Somalia, serving several cities across the country,” Qoor Qoor said. 

Metag Holding, a Turkish conglomerate established in 1967, has extensive experience in infrastructure development across Africa, including projects in Somalia, Djibouti, and Kenya. Known for its expertise in marine construction, Metag has built a reputation for delivering docks, piers, and coastal facilities.

Metag’s experience in Somalia includes the construction of military camps, airfields, and water supply systems.

The port’s development is expected to relieve congestion at Mogadishu’s overburdened port, redistributing trade and improving efficiency across Somalia’s maritime trade system. The project is also expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to Galmudug, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and boosting local businesses. Hobyo will act as an essential export point for Somalia’s livestock and agricultural goods, supporting farmers and traders from the region.

Infrastructure remains a challenge. The roads connecting Hobyo to major inland cities like Galkayo are in poor condition, limiting the port’s capacity to move goods swiftly. Resolving these issues is critical to ensuring Hobyo’s long-term success as a trade hub.

Hobyo’s strategic position along key maritime routes linking the Middle East, Asia, and East Africa places it at the center of a burgeoning trade network. In 2019, the port signed a $170 million investment from the Qatari government through its state-owned port company, Mwani Qatar to build modern cargo-handling facilities, docking stations and expanded road networks to connect Hobyo with inland markets. In November 2020, the Galmudug State government signed a deal with a UK-based consortium, Oriental Terminal, composed of Turkish, British, and Somali companies, to build and operate the Hobyo Port. The 2020 agreement followed earlier reports that $90 million from Somali businesses would fund the project as a public-private venture. It appeared to signal the end of Qatar’s involvement.The construction of Hobyo Port has been a priority for Galmudug’s government and is seen as a vital step in the region’s economic development. The president reiterated his administration’s dedication to realizing this long-anticipated vision, which he described as a core aspiration for the people of Galmudug.

President Qoor Qoor also called on investors and businesses to capitalize on the potential of Hobyo Port, noting that the final agreement marks the beginning of a new era for the region’s trade capabilities.

Turkish President Erdogan sees off Turkish energy research vessel bound for Somalia

Source: AA, Sunday October 6, 2024
By Zeynep Rakipoglu and Mustafa Hatipoglu 





Following discoveries by Turkish ship, Somali region will be ‘recognized for economic development, prosperity, and peace,’ says President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday attended a ceremony seeing off a Turkish vessel embarking on its latest energy research mission, bound for the waters off Somalia.

“The Oruc Reis, which has provided important services to our country since 2017, will now do seismic activities in Somalia across three licensed areas, each representing 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles),” Erdogan said on X.

Erdogan added that the Somali region, long associated with conflict and instability, “will now be recognized for economic development, prosperity, and peace following the Oruc Reis’ discoveries.”

The ship will do seismic surveys in Somali waters under an agreement signed in March between Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry and Somalia’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ministry.

The ship began its journey through the Istanbul Straits at around 11 a.m. (0800GMT) after entering from the Black Sea, making its way past the Presidential Dolmabahce Office, where the ceremony took place at 2.30 p.m. (1130GMT).

Erdogan greeted the ship’s crew. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also attended the ceremony.

The vessel is scheduled to arrive off the coast of Somalia later this month to do seismic surveys for oil and natural gas in three areas where Türkiye has secured exploration licenses, said a ministry statement.

The vessel will sail through the Mediterranean to the Suez Canal and go through the Red Sea.

The ship will be accompanied by two Turkish naval frigates, as well as the Zaganos Pasa Support Ship, Sancar Platform Support Ship, and Ataman Tracking Ship.

It will carry out 3-D seismic studies in areas off the coast of Somalia.

The mission, expected to last some seven months, will involve collecting seismic data for both oil and natural gas, the ministry added. This data will be analyzed in Ankara to identify potential drilling sites.

“The Oruc Reis will do 3D seismic studies in the designated maritime jurisdiction area, which has never been done before. We anticipate the area where the ship will work is a region with oil indicators,’ Bayraktar said.

Ship has collected data across 23,000 square kilometers

Launched in 2017, the Oruc Reis was entirely designed and constructed in Türkiye, showcasing the expertise and collaboration of Turkish engineers, technicians, and workers through every stage of development, from design to production.

Specifically engineered for geophysical, geological, oceanographic, and hydrographic research, the ship is 87 meters (285 feet) long, 23 m (75 ft) wide, and 34 m (111 ft) high.

Powered by four 2,520 kilowatt diesel-electric engines, the ship is capable of conducting both 2-D and 3-D seismic surveys for offshore oil and gas exploration. To date, the vessel has carried out numerous seismic missions, collecting data across a total area of 23,000 square kilometers (8,880 square miles).

Early this year Türkiye and Somalia signed memorandums of understanding under which Turkish Petroleum, Türkiye’s national oil company, obtained licenses for three offshore areas in Somali waters. The ministry plans to do seismic surveys across the three licensed zones, each covering roughly 5,000 square km (1,930 sq mi).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

*Writing by Seda Sevencan and Serdar Dincel

Turkish vessel set for hydrocarbon exploration in Somalia

Source: Daily News, Thursday October 3, 2024

Türkiye’s seismic research vessel Oruç Reis is scheduled to depart for Somalia this weekend, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has said.

The minister announced the deployment at a conference in the capital Ankara on Oct. 2.It follows a deal signed between Türkiye and Somalia for hydrocarbon exploration in three designated offshore blocks.

Under the agreement finalized in July, Türkiye will hold exclusive rights to explore and produce hydrocarbons in the blocks, each covering around 5,000 square kilometers.

Two of the blocks are located about 50 kilometers from the Somali coast, while the third is positioned 100 kilometers offshore.

The Oruç Reis will conduct “very important seismic research that will last for months,” which could lead exploration, drilling and possibly a discovery, the minister said earlier.

Describing the agreement as “a historic step” for both nations, Bayraktar said the vessel will be accompanied by a 50-person crew and five support ships on its journey to Somalia.

Türkiye maintains a fleet of seven vessels dedicated to hydrocarbon exploration and production at sea. This includes the Oruç Reis and the Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa, another seismic research vessel, as well as drilling vessels Fatih, Yavuz, Kanuni and Abdülhamid Han.

South Sudan: A Road to Recovery?

 Source: Foreign Service Journal, The October 2024 issue of the Foreign Service Journal has an article titled “South Sudan at 13: Reflections on Crisis, Aid, and the Road to Recovery” by Julius Kaut.  

South Sudan remains in crisis and dependent on humanitarian aid.  The civil war in Sudan has interrupted the flow of oil and elections scheduled for December may not take place.  Yet, the author remains optimistic about South Sudan’s future.  

Addis summit raises questions about AU’s muted stance on Ethiopia rifts

For years, AU officials have refrained from addressing atrocities in Ethiopia. Analysts say this is strategic.

Source: By Zecharias Zelalem

Published On 14 Feb 202414 Feb 2024

From Thursday, African leaders will gather in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, home of the African Union (AU), for the continental body’s annual summit. According to AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, regional integration and “maintaining momentum in addressing issues of peace and security” is high on the agenda.

But in an ironic twist, the host of the summit has either initiated or been involved in multiple conflicts in the last three years. Ethiopia’s two-year civil war with the state of Tigray may have ended in November 2022 after a Pretoria pact, but federal troops are currently upping drone strikes against rebels known as Fano militia in the state of Amhara, next door to Tigray. This week, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council said “at least 45 civilians” had been killed by federal troops in Amhara.

Somalia bans plastic bags in pollution fight

Source: AFP. Wednesday October 2, 2024

 
Credit: AFP

Somalia on Tuesday imposed a long-delayed ban on single-use plastic bags to help tackle pollution, the latest African country to try to stem the tide of non-biodegradable waste.

The new law, first announced in February, prohibits the importation, production, sale and use of plastic bags, which usually end up dumped as litter or buried in landfills.

Environmental campaigners and residents of the capital Mogadishu welcomed the ban, saying it was long overdue.

“This is timely and a very good decision by the government,” said Mohamed Gure, who lives near the capital’s main Bakara market.

Environmental activist Osman Yusuf said the country was hugely dependent on the plastics bags, saying the industry was worth more than $50 million.

“There is no justification left for people to continue using this deadly material,” Yusuf said.

But others worried about a lack of environmentally friendly alternatives.

“We have no problem banning them, but we need time and replacement,” said Lul Mohamed, a shopkeeper.

Somalia joins other African countries, including neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania, that have banned single-use plastic bags.

Kenya introduced one of the world’s toughest bans on plastic bags in 2017, mandating a fine or even prison terms for using one.

The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks of plastic is dumped into the seas, rivers and lakes every day.

Each year 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into the world’s water ecosystems, UNEP says.

Somalia’s ban comes into effect as negotiators concluded a meeting in Nairobi on Monday hoping to reach the world’s first treaty on plastic pollution.

The treaty aims to marshal an international response to the plastic trash threatening the environment, from oceans and rivers to mountains and sea ice, and moving up food webs as it is ingested by animals.

Countries are under pressure to find common ground before final negotiations are held in December in South Korea.

At least 45 dead, dozens missing as boats sink off coast of Djibouti

A
Source: Aljazeera, Wednesday October 2, 2024

The boats were traversing a route described as one of the busiest and most dangerous in the world for refugees and migrants from Africa.

Refugees fleeing Yemen on a boat are escorted by a Djiboutian coastguard vessel as they arrive in Djibouti in 2015 [File: Andreas Stahl/AFP] 

At least 45 people have died and dozens are missing after two vessels carrying refugees and migrants from Africa sank off the coast of Djibouti, the UN’s migration agency said.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday that the boats left Yemen with 310 people on board before sinking in the Red Sea.

“IOM is supporting state emergency services in search and rescue operations,” the organisation said in a post on X, adding that 32 survivors had been found.

Djibouti’s coastguard said a joint rescue effort has been under way since early on Monday, with 115 survivors now rescued and dozens still missing.

The boats sank just 150 metres (492 feet) from a beach near Djibouti’s northwest Khor Angar region, the coastguard said.

“We remain committed to finding the missing persons and ensuring the safety of the survivors,” the coastguard said in a statement on social media, along with images of white body bags.

In April, at least 38 people, including children, died after their boat sank off the coast of Djibouti as it took the same route across the Red Sea. In June, at least 49 people died, mostly from Ethiopia and Somalia, when their boat sank after setting off from Somalia.

Tens of thousands of people seeking a better future leave from Africa and cross the Red Sea each year in order to reach Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states, in what humanitarian organisations have described as “one of the busiest and arguably most dangerous [migration routes] in the world”.

Known as the “Eastern Route”, human smugglers pack refugees and migrants onto overcrowded vessels as they set off from the Horn of Africa and head for Yemen. From there, they travel to the Gulf states in search of work. Those returning from the Gulf will do the same route in reverse.

As well as the threat of drowning, those risking the Red Sea crossing – often escaping conflict, political violence and climate change at home – are exposed to health risks, violence and exploitation by traffickers en route and in the Gulf countries, the IOM said.

Nearly 400,000 people were recorded making the Eastern Route crossing in 2023, IOM records show, with almost 700 dying or going missing that year. This adds to nearly 1,000 people who have died or gone missing on the route since 2014, according to the IOM.

Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 drone maker meets Somali leaders in Mogadishu

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday October 2, 2024

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (left) receives a ceremonial gift from Haluk Bayraktar (right), CEO of Baykar Technologies, during a meeting in Mogadishu aimed at bolstering Somalia-Turkey defence ties.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Turkey’s defence giant Baykar and manufacturer of the internationally renowned  Bayraktar TB2 drone, visited Mogadishu over the weekend, signalling the strengthening of ties in the already robust relationship between Somalia and Turkey. 

Bayraktar was greeted warmly by Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and later met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. While the specific details of their discussions remain undisclosed, Bayraktar emphasized that the visit reflects a new phase in Somalia-Turkey relations following the signing of a recent Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement.

The meeting illustrates Turkey’s deepening involvement in Somalia, particularly through its support in military and economic sectors. Bayraktar drones, produced by his company, have become the flagbearer of Turkey’s burgeoning defence industry. Baykar’s signature product, the Bayraktar TB2 drone, is a globally recognized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that has gained international prominence in recent years after being deployed successfully in several high-profile conflicts. Haluk and his brother Selçuk Bayraktar manage the TB2 program.

In a social media post following his visit, Bayraktar highlighted Turkey’s strong ties with Somalia, noting that Turkey’s largest embassy is located in Mogadishu. He reflected on Turkey’s pivotal role in aiding Somalia during its 2011 famine, saying, “While the world was ignoring the hunger crisis in Somalia, our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Somalia and changed the fate of the country.”

Since then, Turkish investment in Somalia has surged, with Turkish companies managing critical infrastructure, including air and sea ports, and providing essential services. 

Turkey’s military support to Somalia has been extensive, with the opening of its largest overseas military base, Camp TurkSom, in Mogadishu. Over the past decade, Turkish forces have trained thousands of Somali soldiers, including special forces units. The introduction of Turkish drones in Somalia’s military arsenal began in 2021, when the country received its first batch of Bayraktar TB2 drones. Initially used for surveillance and intelligence-gathering, the drones quickly proved crucial in Somalia’s fight against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab.

In 2022, Somalia confirmed that Turkish drones were deployed in direct combat against Al-Shabaab during a major military offensive. According to Somalia’s Interior Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Turkish drones provided critical aerial support in operations that have resulted in the capture of dozens of villages and the deaths of hundreds of Al-Shabaab fighters.

Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar Technologies (center, in suit), poses with Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (third from the right) and Turkish military officials outside the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu during his visit to strengthen military cooperation between Turkey and Somalia.
The Bayraktar TB2, a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone, has been a game-changer in modern warfare, notably for their role in the Ukraine conflict. Its cost-effectiveness—priced at $2 million to $5 million, depending on the configuration, compared to the $32 million for a U.S.-made Reaper—makes it a practical choice for countries like Somalia with limited defence budgets. 

The TB2’s advanced missile systems and ability to operate at altitudes of up to 25,000 feet and remain airborne for 27 hours provide militaries with critical intelligence and strike capabilities. Bayraktar drones have already proven their mettle in other conflict zones, including Syria, Libya, and Ukraine. Military analysts credit the drones for turning the tide in Azerbaijan’s conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Turkey’s military was the first to adopt Bayraktar’s drones, using them in operations against Kurdish militants inside and outside the country. The TB2s are now in use in 24 countries.

The increasing demand for Turkish drones extends beyond combat zones. In May, NATO member Poland signed an agreement to purchase 24 TB2 drones, underscoring their versatility and effectiveness in modern military operations. According to Reuters, Poland’s defence minister hailed the drones for their combat capabilities, and there are indications that other nations, including Saudi Arabia, are also exploring potential drone deals with Turkey. 

While the drones have become a vital tool in modern warfare, Haluk Bayraktar has expressed a degree of reluctance about their use in conflict. “War is a bitter thing,” he said, reflecting on the loss of life in warfare. However, he noted the importance of self-defence, saying, “When you’re under heavy attack, the only way to protect yourself is through advanced technology.”

Baykar’s growth aligns with President Erdoğan’s vision to make Turkey a dominant player in the global drone market, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, where it seeks to expand its military and economic influence. 

Defence analysts have noted that Turkey’s military presence in Somalia could potentially rival that of the United States, particularly as the Turkish government seeks to solidify its position as a dominant drone power globally.

Turkey’s Rising Influence in the Horn of Africa

 Source: The UAE-based Future for Advanced Research & Studies published on 16 September 2024 an analysis titled “Analyzing the Challenges in Turkey’s Rising Influence in the Horn of Africa” by Iman Al-Shaarawy.  

In efforts to increase its influence in the Horn of Africa, Turkey has signed defense cooperation agreements, acted as a mediator in regional disputes, and invested in the energy and oil sectors.  However, its engagement raises important questions about the extent and limitations of Turkey’s role, its underlying motives, and Ankara’s capacity to fulfill these commitments in the face of numerous regional and international challenges.

Biden, PM Barre reaffirm commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty, stability

Source: Hiiraan Online, Saturday September 28, 2024

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre poses with U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden during a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The leaders discussed strengthening U.S.-Somalia relations, focusing on regional security and economic collaboration.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of Somalia met with U.S. President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

In a joint statement, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, principles they described as vital to ensuring peace and stability across the region.

The leaders focused on expanding U.S. support for Somalia in combating Al-Shabaab insurgency and enhancing governance reforms. Both underscored the importance of their partnership in fostering stability across the Horn of Africa, a region beset by conflict and extremism.

Prime Minister Hamse expressed gratitude for the U.S. military and economic aid in Somalia’s fight against terrorism and in rebuilding its governance structures. He added that continued support is essential for sustaining progress in both security and development.

Source: Stockholm Environment Institute

Targets and indicators of climatic change

This report is one of four listed below which are devoted to three specific aspects of the issues involved in developing policies for responding to climatic…

.

8 juli 2024

Environmental Peacebuilding in Somalia

 Source: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published in September 2024 a policy brief titled “From Conflict to Collaboration: Co-funding Environmental Peacebuilding in South-central Somalia” by Kheira Tarif.  

The policy brief explores how the International Organization for Migration uses a co-funding mechanism for facilitating collaboration between groups in conflict on addressing shared local priorities in south-central Somalia.

Monday, September 23, 2024

Somalia Faces Regional Tensions

Source: The International Crisis Group posted on 19 September 2024 a 39-minute podcast titled “Somalia Amid a Swirl of Regional Tensions” with Alan Boswell and Omar Mahmood.   

Somalia is insisting that Ethiopia renounce the memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, which Ethiopia refuses to do.  Somalia signed a new security agreement with Turkey and followed this with some kind of secret agreement with Egypt, which may include training of Somali soldiers.  Turkey and Egypt seem to be working to cooperate in Somalia.

If Ethiopia does not renounce the MOU, Somalia said Ethiopian troops will no longer be permitted to participate in the ATMIS stabilization mission.  There is speculation that Egyptian troops will replace them, which would be challenging for Egypt to do.  It could also result in a short-term security vacuum.  

Both Ethiopia and Somalia are engaged in brinkmanship.  This situation leaves openings for al-Shabaab to expand its influence in Somalia.  The Islamic State remains operationally insignificant inside Somalia but is playing a larger external role.

Addressing Conflict in the Red Sea Region

 Source: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute posted on 2 September 2024 a commentary titled “Navigating the Red Sea: Addressing Threats and Harnessing Potential” by Frederic Gateretse-Ngoga, Farea Al-Muslimi, Lisa Bostrom, and Veera Tuomala.   

The Red Sea has become a major flashpoint for regional conflict.  Operationalizing the Red Sea Council, established in 2020, could help mitigate tension in the region. 

Hundreds die from cholera as war rages in Sudan

Danai Nesta Kupemba

Source: BBC News, today 2024-09-25

More than 430 people have died from cholera in the past month, Sudan’s health ministry says, as civil war continues to ravage the country.

The number of infections has risen to about 14,000, it said in a statement.

It said it was doing all it can to “combat cholera in the affected states, amid the rise in infections”.

Getting treatment to those affected areas is hugely complicated by the conflict which has killed up to 150,000 people since it began last year, according to the US special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello.

Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that they are “regularly obstructed by both warring parties, the humanitarian response remains far below what is needed”.

In a new report, MSF says that Sudan’s health system has collapsed, and that pregnant women and new-born children are dying in “shocking” numbers.

Sudan has been embroiled in a war since the army and a powerful paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), began a vicious struggle for power in April 2023, leading to what the UN has called one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Over nine million people have been forced to flee their homes and there are fears of a widespread famine as people have not been able to grow any crops.

There have also been warnings of a possible genocide against non-Arabs in the western region of Darfur.

• A simple guide to the Sudan war
• Starvation in war-hit Sudan ‘almost everywhere’ – WHO
• Who was behind one of the deadliest attacks in Sudan?

Cholera is a fast developing and highly contagious disease. It can cause diarrhoea, dehydration and death, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It is relatively easy to cure, but rapid treatment is essential.

Health Minister Haitham Mohammed Ibrahim declared a cholera outbreak in mid-August.

As well as the war, heavy rainfall and floods have also contributed to the cholera outbreak, compounded by crowding in displacement camps.

Esperanza Santos, MSF emergency coordinator for Sudan, said these elements had created a “perfect storm” for cholera to spread.

In some areas schools, markets and stores have been told to close to curb the spread of the disease.

In its report, MSF said it had recorded 114 maternal deaths in the South Darfur region alone between January and August, while thousands of children are facing starvation.

“The situation in South Darfur is a snapshot of what is likely unfolding at dreadful proportions across war-torn and isolated areas of Sudan,” the report stated.

Lack of basic items such as soap, clean delivery mats and sterilised instruments has led to mothers and new-borns contracting sepsis.

“This is a crisis unlike any other I have seen in my career,” said Dr Gillian Burkhardt, MSF sexual and reproductive health manager, who is based in South Darfur.