East Africa

Djibouti's strategic location has played a significant role in its economic and diplomatic success, with a cutting-edge port and strong ties to various countries around the world. President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh's leadership of IGAD has heightened Djibouti's diplomatic profile, especially in mediating conflicts in Sudan and Somalia. The country's peacekeeping efforts, leasing land for overseas military bases, and fostering international relationships with countries like Uzbekistan and Iran have further bolstered Djibouti's…

Somali buccaneers released the MV Abdullah once the Bangladeshi proprietors, KSRM Group, forked over a large sum of money. Nearly twenty Bangladeshi freighter crew members, who were held by Somali pirates, joyously returned home to a warm welcome from their families after being captive for weeks. The MV Abdullah, a bulk carrier carrying over 55,000 tons of coal from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates, was captured by a group of pirates about 550 nautical miles off the Somali coast in March. This incident occurred…

In Mogadishu, around 80 African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and Somalia security officers have started a three-day training session to enhance their skills in detecting and preventing improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The United Nations Action Service (UNMAS) is leading the training to boost the capacity of Somalia's security forces in countering IED threats in populated areas and major supply routes. These routes are crucial for military and humanitarian operations. ATMIS stated that the participants…

The military leaders in North Western of Somalia are determined to reclaim Las Anod and surrounding regions from SSC-Khatumo control. Last year, they lost Las Anod to SSC-Khatumo forces, allegedly with support from Northeastern State and the involvement of the Somali National Army. North Western of Somalia, claiming independence from Somalia, has been regrouping to launch a counter-attack and has now set its sights on recapturing the Sool region. Tensions with Northeastern State state have been heightened by the conflict in…

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud led the National Consultative Council session in Mogadishu. Federal and state leaders will discuss country's political situation, security, and upcoming elections. The summit was delayed from April due to tensions among leaders. Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre and regional leaders are participating. Northeastern State of Somalialeader Said Deni skipped the summit due to recent constitutional changes.

Somalia: Moroccan ISIS Fighters Released by Military Court In BOSASO, Somalia, the Northeastern State military court set free six foreign individuals connected to the Islamic State in Somalia. The faction, started in 2015 by Somali-British ex-Al-Shabaab preacher Abdulkadir Mumin, had these men training fighters in the Golis mountains and carrying out attacks in Bosaso. General Abdifatah Haji Adan revealed that Ethiopian and Moroccan nationals surrendered to Northeastern State after fleeing from Daesh. ISIS militants in the…

In Somalia, victims of drone strikes have not been compensated by the US since 2022, despite evidence of numerous casualties in 288 attacks. The US Africa Command only admits to 5 deaths, but Airwars reports over 3,000 casualties in the last two decades, with families struggling to get justice. The Pentagon started giving quarterly reports on casualties, but the US Africa Command has failed to acknowledge many deaths in Somalia. Congress allocated $15 million for compensation of airstrike victims in 2020, but payments are…

In Garowe, six foreign men labeled as ISIS militants in Northeastern State were set free by the military court. General Abdifatah Haji Adan, the court's chairman, revealed that Ethiopian and Moroccan citizens turned themselves in after fleeing from Daesh. The individuals were transferred to the Northeastern State Ministry of Justice for repatriation to their respective countries. Furthermore, the court granted freedom to six children associated with the Islamic State. Back in March, the military court in Northeastern State…

According to UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a suspicious vessel carrying 5-6 armed individuals with ladders approached a tanker. The tanker's captain enacted security measures upon spotting the potential threat. The armed individuals on the small boat fired at the tanker, prompting the vessel's security team to return fire, causing the small craft to retreat. An Operation ATALANTA warship arrived, apprehending the suspects, some of whom needed medical attention. EUNAVFOR has officially labeled the incident as a piracy…

Today's update reveals the seizure of a fishing boat by armed pirates off the coast of Somalia. Neptune P2P Group warns of escalating piracy incidents, with two pirate groups operating near Socotra and Eyl. The ship's tracking system is currently inactive. Neptune P2P Group predicts an increase in pirate attacks due to their profitability. They estimate pirates are expanding their operations up to 1000nm off the Somali coast. Atalanta reports two pirate groups active in the Socotra area and 500nm east of the island. Last…