Somalias

In December 2023, Somalia moved closer to joining the East African Community (EAC) by signing the treaty to become the bloc’s eighth member. This step has the potential to greatly benefit Somalia and its neighboring countries, but only if the entrenched criminal activities that threaten Somalia’s stability and economic growth are eradicated. For the current EAC members, advantages include increased opportunities for foreign investments. By reducing trade barriers, facilitating cross-border commerce, creating new business…

Somalia recently resolved a $4.5 billion debt with international lenders, paving the way for new investments and increased borrowing opportunities. Mogadishu is focusing on rebuilding institutions instead of accumulating more debt. Last week, a financial agreement with IFAD will provide up to $31.22 million for programs aimed at enhancing food security in rural areas. This funding will support the Rural Livelihood Resilience Programme to boost food security and resilience. It marks IFAD's first direct investment since…

The details of Somalia's upcoming security force after the African Union peacekeeping mission departs are still unclear. Somalia missed its deadline to submit a plan to the UNSC due to consultations with the AU. The new force is set to start operations in 2025 to replace Atmis. The AU is committed to maintaining the progress made in Somalia against Al Shabaab. However, concerns remain about Somalia's ability to generate enough troops. International partners want a cost-effective mission to support Somali security forces.…

In Mogadishu, Minister Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail Fartag vowed to eliminate al-Shabab from regional states by April 2025. He stated that military actions in Hirshabelle and Galmudug will be completed soon."The group lacks strength and resorts to terrorism tactics such as hiding among civilians and intimidation," Fartag stated. He expressed confidence that Somalia will be free of al-Shabab by next year.The army chief, Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin Addow, confirmed that military operations against al-Shabab will resume in…

In Mogadishu, the Ethiopian government defied Somalia's order to close consulates in Garowe and Hargeisa, remaining open and operational. Ambassador Ware left within the 72-hour deadline. Somaliland and Puntland rejected the closure order, stressing their ties with Ethiopia. Despite Somalia expelling the Ethiopian ambassador and ordering consulate closures, disputes continue over land leasing agreements. The deal allows Ethiopia to utilize Berbera port for 50 years, sparking Somalia's concerns about sovereignty violations.

(GO) - A recent study by Gábor Sinkó and János Besenyő compares al-Shabaab’s Amniyat and Somalia’s NISA, revealing insights into intelligence dynamics in the country's volatile security environment. The Amniyat is recognized for its efficiency and organization, in stark contrast to NISA’s struggles with corruption, clan affiliations, and operational inefficiencies. The research examines al-Shabaab’s evolution, from a minor group to a powerful entity with advanced intelligence and operational capabilities. Despite facing…

Hamza Abdi Barre, the Somalian Prime Minister, announced a cabinet reshuffle on Sunday. The appointment of Ahmed Moallim Fiqi as the new foreign affairs minister was confirmed by his office.Abshir Omar had resigned, leaving the foreign minister position vacant to pursue the Puntland presidential elections.Several other appointments were made: Ali Yusuf Ali Hoosh was named interior minister, while General Abdullahi Fartaag became minister for internal security.Abdullahi Bidhan Warsame was appointed energy and water minister,…

In a recent development highlighting the strong bonds between Saudi Arabia and the Federal Republic of Somalia, a joint statement was released after Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's official visit to the Kingdom. The visit, which occurred on April 6, 2024, was at the request of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and aimed at strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries. President Mohamud was warmly welcomed by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed Bin Salman at Al-Safa Palace in…

Written by Honorable Sadik Warfa Dated Monday, April 8th, 2024 Ahmet Davutoglu, a prominent figure in Turkish politics who served as the 26th Prime Minister and Foreign Minister during the Arab Spring of 2011, stresses the need for significant changes in the Arab region for stability, prosperity, and cultural rejuvenation. Despite mixed results from the Arab Spring, his words continue to resonate with the desire for positive transformation. As Somalia joins the East African Community, Davutoglu's sentiments echo my own…

Mogadishu, Somalia - The Auditor General's office has discovered significant corruption at Somalia's embassy in Oman, potentially leading to staff terminations by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. An investigation spanning four years from 2019 to 2023 uncovered widespread corruption, abuse of power, forgery, and mismanagement of funds, putting foreign mission employees in Muscat at risk of losing their jobs. The report, publicly released, outlined unethical practices and financial mismanagement within the embassy, including…