South Sudan confirms 1st case of mpox

Source: AA, Benjamin Takpiny
Saturday February 8, 2025

Vaccination against mpox

South Sudan Friday confirmed the first case of mpox in the country after a patient tested positive for the virus.

Acting Health Minister James Hoth Mai said the patient showed symptoms of fever, rash, and body itching on Jan. 22.

“The Ministry of Health would like to notify the general public about the declaration of an outbreak of mpox in South Sudan,” Mai told reporters in the capital Juba, adding that the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) on Feb. 6 found an infected a 31-year old man, a Ugandan national and resident of Kupuri Camp at Luri Payam, Juba.

He said the patient had recently traveled to Uganda, which has been facing mpox outbreak since 2024.

“Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis disease primarily transmitted from animals such as wild rodents to humans. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with skin lesions, infected bodily fluids, or indirect contact with contaminated material such as beddings,” he said.

The minister said the Health Ministry has activated the Public Health Emergency Operation Center (PHEOC) to facilitate a coordinated response in the country.

“The confirmed case is under isolation and is being managed at Gudele Hospital. A team of experts from national, subnational level with WHO and other partners has been mobilized to conduct a detailed field investigation and list all contacts and ensure close follow up,” he added.

He advised all health workers to remain vigilant, saying: “Private clinics and healthcare providers are advised to follow standard operating procedures and report any suspected mpox case to the nearest county health authorities for further investigation and management.”

Trump insists that Egypt, Jordan will take in Palestinians from Gaza

Source: AA, Friday January 31, 2025

US President Donald Trump doubled down Thursday on his controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, insisting that the two countries will comply, despite their repeated rejections.

“They will do it. They will do it. They’re going to do it, okay? We do a lot for them, and they’re going to do it,” Trump told reporters when asked if he would consider measures to pressure Cairo and Amman to accept his plan.

Trump called over the weekend to “clean out” Gaza and resettle Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, describing the enclave as a “demolition site” after Israel’s genocidal war.

The two countries vehemently rejected any call for the displacement or relocation of Palestinians from their land, however.

Trump’s proposal came after a ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Jan. 19, suspending the Israeli war, that has killed more than 47,400 Palestinians, most of them women and children, since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

Nearly 1,200 people were killed on Oct. 7 in Israel and 250 were taken to Gaza as hostages, according to official figures.

Trump’s proposal has received widespread condemnation, with critics calling it “ethnic cleansing” and a “war crime.” Many countries in the Muslim and Arab world as well as European nations such as France have firmly rejected the idea.

Africa in 2025: Economic growth despite persistent problems

Source: Chatham Househttps://www.chathamhouse.org

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för 6 dagar sedan — This year, Africa will be the second-fastest-growing region globally. But persistent problems, including poverty, the effects of climate 

China Focuses on Dialogue and Development to Reach Peace in the Horn of Africa

 Source: The South China Morning Post published on 28 January 2025 an article titled “China’s Strategy for Peace in Horn of Africa Is Slow-going, But Will It Ever Reap Rewards?” by Jevans Nyabiage.  

Questions remain whether China’s emphasis on dialogue and development will ever bring peace to the conflict prone Horn of Africa.

UK urges Somaliland, SSC Khaatumo to exchange prisoners

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday January 29, 2025

British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, meets with members of the Somaliland Peace Council to discuss pathways to lasting peace, including the exchange of detainees, reopening of trade routes, and strengthening people-to-people links. (Photo: Mike Nithavrianakis)
Hargeisa (HOL) — The United Kingdom has called on Somaliland and SSC Khaatumo to exchange prisoners as a first step toward de-escalation in a conflict that has displaced thousands and disrupted trade in the region.
British Ambassador to Somalia Mike Nithavrianakis made the appeal after meeting with Somaliland’s newly formed peace committee, which was appointed by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro in a bid to contain tensions.

“A durable peace must begin with the exchange of detainees, re-opening of trade routes, and strengthening people-to-people links,” Nithavrianakis Nithavrianakis said.

The UK’s call for a prisoner exchange comes against this backdrop of unresolved grievances and fragile ceasefires, with periodic clashes in contested territories.

Somaliland’s government has publicly committed to resolving the conflict through negotiations rather than military action, with President Irro reiterating his willingness to engage in dialogue with SSC Khaatumo leaders.

The seven-member peace committee, formed earlier this month, has been tasked with identifying solutions to de-escalate tensions, restore stability, and prevent further outbreaks of violence.

Meanwhile, traditional elders from Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State have also joined peace efforts. The delegation recently visited Hargeisa and Las Anod, aiming to mediate between the two sides by leveraging longstanding cultural and historical ties.

The dispute between Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo is deeply rooted in historical grievances, clan affiliations, and competing political visions for governance in Somalia. The Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions have long been contested territories, with the Dhulbahante clan playing a central role in shaping their political landscape.

Tensions escalated in February 2023 when Dhulbahante clan elders declared the formation of the SSC-Khaatumo administration, rejecting Somaliland’s claim over the region and aligning themselves with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). The elders said the declaration was the result of years of political disputes and perceptions of marginalization by the Somaliland administration.

The fallout was immediate. Armed clashes between SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland’s military led to widespread destruction, civilian casualties, and mass displacement. At least 82 people were killed, and over 90% of Las Anod’s population fled their homes, creating an internally displaced crisis affecting approximately 185,000 people, while an estimated 60,000 others sought refuge outside the region.

Efforts to broker peace have gained momentum, with regional and international actors—including the UK—urging all parties to commit to dialogue. However, hostilities have continued, fueled by deep mistrust, competing territorial claims, and political maneuvers by regional and federal actors. The Federal Government of Somalia formally recognized SSC-Khaatumo in October 2023 as a federal member state.

US-Horn of Africa Dilemmas

Source: By Belete Belachew Yihun, African Arguments book series

January 16, 2025

Debating Ideas reflects the values and editorial ethos of the African Arguments book series, publishing engaged, often radical, scholarship, original and activist writing from within the African continent and beyond. It offers debates and engagements, contexts and controversies, and reviews and responses flowing from the African Arguments books. It is edited and managed by the International African Institute, hosted at SOAS University of London, the owners of the book series of the same name.

Africa policy in Trump’s second term. Credit: Martin Plaut

With the return of Donald Trump, existing alignments are undergoing serious scrutiny, as reaction to real and imagined orientations of the new administration in Washington. It is safe to presume that the US-China relationship will assume centre stage; and that Washington’s interactions with the EU and NATO will encounter serious setbacks. Simultaneously, US relations with Moscow might assume a different direction; and ties with Israel could be reinvigorated. These will impact ongoing geopolitical tussles across the globe, including contestations in the Far East, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Doubts are already resurfacing about the conduct and course of the US involvements in Ukraine, and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

African affairs were not top of the agendas of consecutive governments in Washington. Engagements with the continent appear predominantly reactions to the growing involvement of third parties including China, Russia and the Gulf states. Acute security and geostrategic considerations inform the engagement matrix. Intermittent attempts often prioritized one-size-fits-all US-Africa summits; or targeted interactions with specific actors deemed vital to America’s strategic military and/or political interests. Pledges to recast the entire interaction on joint economic development ventures have failed to acquire necessary traction. Overall, the incoming administration is not expected to introduce new approaches in matters pertaining to Africa.

African affairs are increasingly assuming centre stage, primarily as a result of the desire by regional and global powers to sway strategic favours in the continent. One has to factor in the overall dynamics involving the Sahel, Great Lakes region, the Nile basin and the Red Sea-Indian Ocean littoral. Emerging alignments, both local and international, reflect the acute desire to ascertain control over the associated geostrategic assets the continent holds in store. The BRICS+ now have three major African nations – South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia – as full members, and recently enlisted Nigeria, Algeria and Uganda as partners. This is not an easy feat in light of the China-Russia-India collaboration, and the Saudi Arabia-UAE-Iran axis in the making. Incessant calls to overhaul the prevailing international order, controlled by the West, and ensuing efforts at de-dollarization, are bound to create seismic shockwaves across the geopolitical divide.

The last couple of years have witnessed fewer interactions between the US and Africa. President Obama’s tenure failed to live up to expectations; the application of AGOA and the Libya fiasco defined the extreme points in the overall legacy. Subsequent administrations proved inconsequential, handling handpicked African dossiers from afar primarily as a reaction to the involvement of third parties. Military operations in the Sahel have visibly encountered deadlock and attempts at relocating the overall operational theatre to Kenya appear premature. Courting President Ruto as the new foster child of American security ventures in Eastern and Central Africa, and the Sahel region, has yet to register the desired end goal. Efforts at enlisting Somalia under this framework, with security and financial packages in place, await the test of time. The vital role Egypt traditionally assumes in the affairs of the Middle East as well as Northeast Africa is increasingly assuming defensive postures.

Outstanding geostrategic alignments in Northeast Africa in general and the Horn in particular are bound to undergo altercations with the second Trump presidency. Positive anticipations might abound in Cairo, hopeful of continuing the legacy of closer affinity during the first term. President Sisi is expected to re-enlist Washington’s endorsement on matters pertaining to the Nile controversy and Red Sea dynamics. Kenya will strive to maintain Washington’s favour as the new epicentre of regional peace and security matters. Somalia has little option other than ingratiating Washington in its drive for security sector reform. All hinges on the foreign policy orientation of the incoming administration.

Egypt’s recent vitality in the Israel-Palestine crisis as well as the overall geopolitical tussle in the Middle East/Gulf have proven below par, diminishing its overall rating as a key player in the larger region. Increasingly crowded out of the geopolitical space across the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, Cairo’s attention has been diverted southwards towards the greater Horn. Here, its engagements proved more confrontational and divisive than constructive, in the process making it less viable an alternative to what Washington might seek in the immediate future.

Kenya’s political and economic posture leaves much to be desired for it to assume the role of anchor state in the region. President Ruto has yet to scale the internal challenges to pursue the ‘peace diplomacy’ agenda. Getting the opposition leader, Raila Odinga, out of the picture on the home front, presumably as the next chairperson of the AU, is the immediate litmus test for the success of his political ambitions.

Somalia’s regional interplays, propelled by calculated repositioning against Ethiopia’s gamble to acquire sovereign access to the sea through the breakaway state of Somaliland, have generated more complications. Out of desperation, Mogadishu has invited irreconcilable regional actors like Egypt and Turkey to its shores; and has entered into a delicate trilateral alignment with Egypt and Eritrea. Estrangements between the Federal Government of President Hassen Shiek Mohammud and the Federal Member States (FMS) have never been tense. As a result, the impending transition from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to the Africa Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), in light of Ethiopia’s place therein, remains the real manifestation in the overall geostrategic tussle in the peace and security architecture of Somalia and the immediate region.

The US-Africa Command Base at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti remains a key strategic installation to monitor developments across the Red Sea divide, especially in the Horn of Africa. This potentially diminishes the prospect for another military base in Kenya. Likewise, the Trump administration is expected to pursue a one-Somalia policy, in the process delaying Somaliland’s bid for de jure independence in the immediate future. But there remains a real chance of US constructive engagement with Eritrea primarily to ward off Russia and China from securing strategic posts in the northwestern shores of the Red Sea. In which case Ethiopia risks the real threat of being the sore loser out of the whole dynamic.

The Ethiopian premier was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his victory. This does not change the fact that objective realities are not conducive to cordial relationships between the two countries. Experiences during the first Trump tenure proved difficult, and additional flashpoints emerged afterwards. A significant factor in this regard is the drastic change in allegiances of the Ethiopian diaspora in the US. Local uncertainties as well as the wavering foreign policy and international relations posture of the regime in Addis Ababa have contributed to the impasse. There exists visible failure on the part of Ethiopia to appraise the US and the West in general, while efforts to ingratiate the likes of China and Russia remain non-committal and below par.

The US-Ethiopia rapport basically stems from the latter’s actual and imagined place as key player in the peace and security architecture of the immediate region. Curbing terrorism and extremism in Somalia, bringing about comprehensive political settlement in South Sudan, keeping Eritrea at bay, and playing a stabilizing role in Sudan were among the expectations. Ethiopia’s traditional leadership roles within IGAD and the AU, as well as its historic presence in global multilateral forums including the UN and the Non-Aligned movement, have made it a force to be reckoned with. Consultations and even decisions on the affairs of the Horn necessitated Ethiopia’s active involvement, which has not recently been the case. Given this reality, it would not be surprising to witness the continuation of the same non-committal interaction with the upcoming US administration.

Critical points of departure in the relationship matrix are how Washington handles the GERD/Nile utilization issue, the Somaliland dossier, the composition and mandate of AUSSOM, Eritrea, and the Sudan war. Ethiopia’s wobbly regional posture in regard to these flashpoints might determine the course of the Addis-Washington interaction in the months and years to come. There remains a stark possibility of the relationship matrix being an extension of US policy orientations towards much bigger regional and global actors operating in the greater Horn notably the Gulf States, China and Russia. Nonetheless, the unpredictable nature of the two administrations, and their far-right, populist, and neo-national dispositions might inform future engagements.

Ethiopia in ‘relentless assault’ on rights groups: HRW

Source: AFP, Thursday January 30, 2025

FILE PHOTO: A person walks in front of Wukro General Hospital in the Tigray Region, Ethiopia, September 21, 2024. (Reuters)

ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia is waging an “escalating crackdown” on civil society, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday, denouncing the suspension of two independent human rights groups in recent weeks.

In December, a government body overseeing civil society suspended the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC), the country’s oldest independent rights group, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC).The suspensions were based on “allegations they lacked independence and were acting beyond their mandate,” HRW said in a statement. The government move was “part of their escalating crackdown against civil society.”

“The Ethiopian authorities over the past year have waged a relentless assault against human rights groups,” said Mausi Segun, HRW’s Africa director.

“By suspending groups engaged in critical human rights documentation and advocacy, the government is showcasing its intolerance of independent scrutiny,” she added.

It follows the suspension of three other rights groups in December, the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy, Lawyers for Human Rights and the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia.
Only the latter has since had its suspension lifted.

Billene Seyoum, spokesperson for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said since 2018 — when Abiy came to power — “significant measures” had been taken to create “a more inclusive and legally grounded environment for all actors to engage meaningfully in Ethiopia.”

“This includes transforming a once restricted and tightly controlled civil society space into one that allows organizations to operate freely and in a non-partisan manner, in compliance with the laws of the land,” she added.

The country of around 120 million people in the Horn of Africa is facing several armed conflicts, particularly in the most populous regions of Amhara and Oromia where federal forces are fighting armed militias.

Both federal forces and militias have been accused of human rights violations

Ruto commends Egypt’s El-Sisi for promoting regional stability

Source: The Standard, By Stephanie Wangari
Thursday January 30, 2025

President William Ruto and his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, during a press briefing on Wednesday. [Courtesy, PCS]

President William Ruto has praised his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, for his leadership in fostering security and stability in the Middle East and North Africa.

Speaking during his two-day state visit to Cairo, Ruto acknowledged El-Sisi’s role in securing a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza.

“Kenya fully supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and remains committed to UN Security Council Resolution 2728 (2024), which calls for an immediate ceasefire,” said Ruto.

The two leaders also discussed Egypt’s contributions to regional peace, including its support for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and its mediation efforts in Sudan and South Sudan.

Kenya and Egypt pledged to strengthen collaboration on regional stability through the African Union, IGAD, and other diplomatic mechanisms.

Conflicts in Africa have led to loss of lives, displacement of people and destruction of property and livelihoods,” said Ruto. “On this account, it is urgent that we work together to bring an end to these clashes, silence the guns and bring back peace and stability — especially in Sudan, Somalia and the Eastern DRC — for the continent’s sustainable development.”

During the visit, the two governments signed 12 agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, education, research, and technology.

“These agreements will unlock immense opportunities for our two nations,” Ruto added.

Source: Hiiraan Online, Tuesday January 28, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi confirmed on Monday that Egypt will deploy troops to Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and through a bilateral agreement with the Somali government. 

In an interview with TeN TV, Minister Fiqi acknowledged the resistance from certain people against Egypt’s participation in the operation. Opponents have raised concerns about the potential impact of the longstanding Egyptian-Ethiopian tensions on Somalia’s stability. 

However, Minister Fiqi stressed the importance of Egypt’s involvement in combating terrorism and reforming the Somali National Army. 

“The Somali people must accept that the Egyptian army will be part of this operation. Their participation will lead to unprecedented successes in the fight against terrorism,” he stated. 

Fiqi highlighted Somalia’s ongoing recovery from past conspiracies and its current focus on eradicating terrorism, particularly ISIS and al-Shabaab. He praised Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia in its counter-terrorism efforts, noting that the two nations recently strengthened their cooperation to combat al-Shabaab. 

The collaboration was cemented during final technical discussions on the African Union’s AUSSOM mission, which began its five-year mandate earlier this year. Somalia’s Defense Ministry reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to assisting Somalia in stabilizing the country and defeating terrorist groups. 

Somali Foreign Minister confirms Egypt’s participation in AUSSOM mission

Tuesday January 28, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi confirmed on Monday that Egypt will deploy troops to Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and through a bilateral agreement with the Somali government. 

In an interview with TeN TV, Minister Fiqi acknowledged the resistance from certain people against Egypt’s participation in the operation. Opponents have raised concerns about the potential impact of the longstanding Egyptian-Ethiopian tensions on Somalia’s stability. 

However, Minister Fiqi stressed the importance of Egypt’s involvement in combating terrorism and reforming the Somali National Army. 

“The Somali people must accept that the Egyptian army will be part of this operation. Their participation will lead to unprecedented successes in the fight against terrorism,” he stated. 

Fiqi highlighted Somalia’s ongoing recovery from past conspiracies and its current focus on eradicating terrorism, particularly ISIS and al-Shabaab. He praised Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia in its counter-terrorism efforts, noting that the two nations recently strengthened their cooperation to combat al-Shabaab. 

The collaboration was cemented during final technical discussions on the African Union’s AUSSOM mission, which began its five-year mandate earlier this year. Somalia’s Defense Ministry reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to assisting Somalia in stabilizing the country and defeating terrorist groups. 

Tuesday January 28, 2025

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amb. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi confirmed on Monday that Egypt will deploy troops to Somalia under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and through a bilateral agreement with the Somali government. 

In an interview with TeN TV, Minister Fiqi acknowledged the resistance from certain people against Egypt’s participation in the operation. Opponents have raised concerns about the potential impact of the longstanding Egyptian-Ethiopian tensions on Somalia’s stability. 

However, Minister Fiqi stressed the importance of Egypt’s involvement in combating terrorism and reforming the Somali National Army. 

“The Somali people must accept that the Egyptian army will be part of this operation. Their participation will lead to unprecedented successes in the fight against terrorism,” he stated. 

Fiqi highlighted Somalia’s ongoing recovery from past conspiracies and its current focus on eradicating terrorism, particularly ISIS and al-Shabaab. He praised Egypt’s commitment to supporting Somalia in its counter-terrorism efforts, noting that the two nations recently strengthened their cooperation to combat al-Shabaab. 

The collaboration was cemented during final technical discussions on the African Union’s AUSSOM mission, which began its five-year mandate earlier this year. Somalia’s Defense Ministry reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to assisting Somalia in stabilizing the country and defeating terrorist groups. 

Sudan’s Largest Oil Refinery Ablaze in Fighting

 Source: The Associated Press published on 25 January 2025 an article titled “Fighting in Sudan’s Civil War Sets Ablaze the Country’s Largest Oil Refinery, Satellite Photos Show.”

Sudan’s largest oil refinery, located 40 miles north of Khartoum and owned by Sudan’s government and the China National Petroleum Corporation, was set ablaze during fighting on 22 January between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).  The SAF blamed the RSF for deliberately setting the fire and the RSF claimed the SAF dropped “barrel bombs” on the facility.  

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Note: UN Security Council, African UNION, Arab League, European Union, United State, must take immediate actions against two Sudanese generals who has destroyed their own country, mascara their own people, created hunger and misery their own state.

Source: Hiiraan Online, Gudoomiyaha Guddiga Doorashooyinka federaalka oo la kulmay Safiirka EU ee Soomaaliya

Isniin, January 27, 2025 (HOL) – Guddoomiyaha Guddiga Madaxa Bannaan Ee Doorashooyinka Qaranka iyo Soohdimaha Cabdikarim Axmed Xassan ayaa kulan horudhac ah la qaatay safiirka Midowga Yurub u fadhisa Soomaaliya haweeyneeyda lagu magacaabon Ambasador Karim Johansson, waxaana diirada ay saareen arrimaha u diyaar garowga Soomaaliya ee Doorashooyinka Qof iyo Cod.

War kooban oo lagu daabacay barta Guddiga ee Facebook ayaa lagu sheegay in Guddoomiyaha iyo Safiirka ay ka wada hadleen arrimaha Doorashooyinka iyo Qorshayaasha Guddiga Madaxa-Bannaan ee Doorashooyinka Qaranka iyo Soohdimaha, Gudoomiyaha ayaa safiirka la wadaagay howlihii ugu dambeeyay ee Guddiga ay qabteen iyo sida ay uga go’antahay inay guud ahaan Soomaaliya ka hirgaliyaan Doorashada Qof iyo Cod oo ay Dowladda Soomaaliya horey u shaacisay.

Guddoomiyaha Guddiga doorashooyinka Qaran ayaa sheegay in Guddiga Madaxa Bannaan Ee Doorashooyinka Qaranka iyo Soohdimaha uu ka shaqeynayo in dad weynaha Soomaaliyeed ay fursad u helaan in aay doortaan hogaamiyayaasha Heerarka kala duwan ee maamullada Dalka, waxa uu carabka ku adkeeyay inay bilaabeen diiwaangelinta Ururada Siyaasadda oo muhiim u ah habsami socodka nidaamka Doorashada Qof iyo Codka.

Todobaadkaan bilowgiisi Xubno ka socda Guddiga Doorashooyinka ayaa tagay magaalada Baydhabo iyagoo kulama la qaatay madax ka tirsan maamulka Koofur Galbeed Soomaaliya, waxaana ayna sheegeen in sidaas si lamid ah ay u gaari doonaan Dowlad Goboleedyada dalka maadama la rajeenayo inay ka dhacaan Doorashooyinka Golaha Degaan iyo mida Hogaamiyeyaasha Maamuladaasi.

Jubaland iyo Puntland ayaa diidan nidaamka Doorasho ee Qof iyo Codka waxaana soo raaca qaar kamid ah siyaasiyiinta Mucaaradka oo Dowladda ku dhaliilay inay dooneyso in hal koox uun Doorasho ay dalkaan ka qabsato.

Somalia, Egypt agree to cooperate in fight against terrorism

Source: AA, Mohamed Dhaysane
Monday January 27, 2025

Somalia and Egypt announced Sunday that the two countries have agreed to cooperate in the fight against the al-Shabaab terrorist group.

In a statement, the Somali Defense Ministry said Egypt is committed to supporting the Somali government in the fight against terrorism

It came during final technical discussions on the African nations’ participation in a new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) began its five-year tenure in early January.

“The FGS (Federal Government of Somalia) is cognizant of the role Egypt can partake in eliminating the Khawaarij and looks forward to their contribution alongside other Troop Partner Nations,” the Defense Ministry said.

Khawaarij is a term the Somali government uses to describe the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab terrorist group.

The latest development comes days after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid an official visit to Egypt and met with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, agreeing to upgrade the relationship between the two countries to the level of a strategic partnership.

They also agreed to strengthen and develop the fields of education, justice, politics, security, communications and economy, according to a statement by the Somali presidency.

The two leaders also agreed to accelerate cooperation between their countries’ institutions, especially the judicial and security authorities.

Mohamud and El-Sisi witnessed the signing of an agreement between the foreign ministers of Somalia and Egypt on exempting holders of Somali diplomatic passports from visas in order to enhance diplomatic cooperation between the two governments.

Last August, during Mohamud’s two-day Cairo visit, Egypt and Somalia signed a defense pact to bolster bilateral security cooperation.

During the first half of 2024, the trade volume between the two nations reached $59 million, up from $31 million during the same period of 2023, according to Egypt’s statistics authority.

Finland: Does Minister Meri Rantanen, a Finnish far-right party member start county and municipal elections campaign from Somalia? Delving deeper into this issue

Source: by Horn Observer Contributor | 26 January 2025 19:18

Somalia prime minister and Finnish interior minister in photo after meeting in Mogadishu,. Photo: Finland in Somalia

Finland’s minister of interior affairs and far-right party member Meri Rantanen visited Somalia to find a way to deport Somali asylum seekers from Finland, according to a statement published on the Finnish Interior Ministry’s home page, in what many see a move to target the ethnic paperless Somalis for election propaganda.

In the statement, Rantanen affirms that Finland wishes to develop a functioning partnership with Somalia that serves both countries’ interests.

“Finland’s top priority is to establish effective return arrangements and develop related cooperation with Somalia. This means that the Finnish far-right Party has a mechanism to deport Somali citizens staying in Finland as asylum seekers.” The statement added.

In return, the Finnish government will reassume its country (Somalia) program for bilateral development, which was suspended under the decision of Minister for Foreign Trade and DevelopmentVille Tavio, who hails from the Finnish far-right party(Finns).

Minister elucidated that development cooperation is conditional on countries’ agreement to repatriate their citizens upon Finland’s request.

Apart from a post on Somalia’s Office of Prime Minister’s Facebook page, Somalia has not issued any official statement clarifying the Finnish Interior minister’s official visit to Somalia so far and whether they discussed returning arrangements. The minister met Prime Minister of Somalia Hamza Abdi Barre and Minister of Internal Security of Somalia Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail.

In Finland, the number of undocumented people is unclear, but it is estimated to be about 3000-6000 individuals according to the Finnish Refugee Council. Undocumented Somali nationals are perhaps 100-200 individuals in Finland.

Thus analysts believe that this number is not a burden to the Finnish Governmental and social system, but the aim to bring this Somalia topic right now is solely to advance Finns Party’s campaign for the upcoming county and municipal elections in April 2025.

Riikka Purra, Chairperson of the Finnish far right Party, Finland’s Finance minister welcomed Minister Rantanen’s move to arrange some kind of return mechanism for the undocumented Somali nationals in Finland to Somalia and she said in a statement in her X account. “Minister of the Interior Rantanen visited Somalia. Promoting returns Bilateral development cooperation in the Somalia Country Program is at a standstill because returns have not worked.” Riikka Purra, Chairperson of the Finnish far right Party said

Over 100 dolphins were washed ashore in Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland

Source, by: Horn Observer Contributor | 24 January 2025 00:54

Photo: Puntland Ministry of Environment

Bosaso, Puntland (Horn Obverser) More than 100 dolphins were seen at the shores between Bosaso and Mareero towns in Somalia’s Puntland, a rare case that shocked the residents, residents and Puntland Ministry of Environment and Climate change said.

Videos circulating the social media, the residents said that the dolphins were about 140 laying at the shores, some of them dead, while some of them are the verge of dying.

It was not immediately clear reasons this shocking case. However,  Puntland Ministry of Enviroment and climate change on late Thrusday afternoon said that the Ministry will carry out investigations into the matter.

Analysists believe that the ocean might have been dumped into chemical wastes, which could have contaminated the dolphins.

Many foreign countries dump chemical wastes in Somalia’s waters. Some of the chemical containers containing hazardous chemicals were frequently seen in Somalia’s shores.

Somalia: Rule of Law and Independent Judiciary

Source:  The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies published in January 2025 a study titled “Rule of Law and Independent Judiciary in Somalia” by Bashir M. Sheikh-Ali.  

Somalia’s judiciary has historically been weak and politically influenced, limiting its ability to uphold the rule of law.  Somalia’s Provisional Constitution does not resolve this problem.

The author advocates for the creation of strong legal frameworks and institutions, emphasizing that Somalia’s cultural commitment to justice, if properly harnessed, can ignite a transformative legal renaissance in the country. 

News|Sudan war

Source: Aljazera, Sudan’s army battles RSF for control of oil refinery near Khartoum

Sudan plunged into conflict in April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between RSF and the army broke out.

00:59

Sudan army in Wad Madani is a ‘joyous victory’ for the people

Published On 23 Jan 202523 Jan 2025

The Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have  engaged in fighting near al-Jili oil refinery, north of the capital Khartoum.

The Sudanese army said it reached the vicinity of the strategically important refinery on Wednesday, following a multipronged offensive north of Khartoum, with reports of direct clashes with the RSF.

Somaliland President Abdirahman Irro embarks on first official visit to UAE

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday January 26, 2025

Hargeisa (HOL) – Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro departed on Sunday morning for his first international trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since assuming office in November 2024. 

The UAE government dispatched a special plane to transport President Irro and his delegation, underscoring the close ties between Somaliland and the Gulf nation.

The UAE has been a longstanding ally of Somaliland, particularly during the tenure of the former ruling Kulmiye party. Its investments in Somaliland have totalled hundreds of millions of dollars, including funding for the reconstruction of the Port of Berbera, the modernization of Berbera Airport, and the development of the vital road connecting Berbera to the commercial hub of Wajale. 

President Irro, who initially opposed DP World’s investment in the Port of Berbera, citing concerns over its potential economic benefits, has since shifted his stance. The port’s expansion under DP World’s management has reportedly changed his perspective on its strategic importance to Somaliland’s economy. 

The UAE is among the countries that maintain representative offices in Hargeisa, while Somaliland also operates a diplomatic office in the UAE. However, details of the president’s agenda remain undisclosed.

Egypt committed to providing military support to Somalia to eradicate terrorism: Joint declaration

Source: Saturday January 25, 2025

A joint political declaration signed by Egyptian and Somali leaders on Thursday has underlined Cairo’s commitment to providing military support to Mogadishu under their military cooperation protocol inked in mid-August 2024.

This military support aims to enable Somalia to fight and eradicate terrorism, leveraging the Egyptian capabilities and experience in this regard, the joint declaration read.

Moreover, the declaration includes enhancing counterterrorism cooperation between Egypt and Somalia through specialized training and the exchange of information between relevant authorities.

The two countries aim to capitalize on this collaboration to “assist Sudan in achieving the goal of eliminating terrorism and enforce the state’s sovereignty over its entire territory,” the declaration read.

The defense ministries of Egypt and Somalia are committed under the declaration to explore means of enhancing the two countries’ military relations, especially with regard to training and armament.

The ministries of defense will also work on fulfilling the needs of the Somali national army in various military fields, with a focus on combating terrorism and securing land and maritime borders.

The two countries will continue bolstering cooperation between the Ministry of Interior in Egypt and the Somali Ministry of Internal Security to enhance their law enforcement efforts.

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Somali counterpart, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, signed the joint political declaration in Cauri to elevate the relations between both countries to the level of strategic partnership.

Besides military cooperation, the declaration encompasses enhancing relations in the cultural and educational areas as well as judicial cooperation, political consultations, election management and economic collaboration.

Under the declaration, the two countries will enhance their economic ties in the fields of agriculture and livestock, fishing and fish farming, construction, transportation, financial and banking services, besides oil, gas, and renewable energy.

Somalia: Rule of Law and Independent Judiciary

 Source: The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies published in January 2025 a study titled “Rule of Law and Independent Judiciary in Somalia” by Bashir M. Sheikh-Ali.  

Somalia’s judiciary has historically been weak and politically influenced, limiting its ability to uphold the rule of law.  Somalia’s Provisional Constitution does not resolve this problem.

The author advocates for the creation of strong legal frameworks and institutions, emphasizing that Somalia’s cultural commitment to justice, if properly harnessed, can ignite a transformative legal renaissance in the country.  

Sudan War Crimes by Both Sides

Source  The Washington Post published on 18 January 2025 an article titled “Sudan’s Military Recaptured a City.  Bodies Soon Filled the Streets” by Katharine Houreld, Hafiz Haroun, and Jonathan Baran.  

After the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) recaptured the city of Wad Madani from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), there were reports of war crimes by the SAF, demonstrating that the Army engages in some of the same practices as the RSF.  In this case, the victims were often migrants from South Sudan who had moved to Wad Madani.