Weekly Wrap-up: Friday, April 12, 2024

Here is a recap of the main events of the week:

Security and the fight against Al-Shabaab

On the 6th of April, Somali forces reported thwarting an Al-Shabaab attack in Bal’ad Town, located 37 kilometers from Mogadishu. The militants targeted three checkpoints and a security office. State media reported 11 Al-Shabaab fighters killed, with casualty figures for Somali forces unconfirmed. The assault resulted in significant damage to the NISA building. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack.

This week, the Somali government reported eliminating over 50 Al-Shabaab fighters, including one of their leaders, Ahmed Jiis, in a coordinated airstrike with international allies in Mudug region, central Somalia. However, the accuracy of the casualty figures remains unverified.

On Thursday this week, Somali forces at Bar Sanguni base, north of Kismayo, reported thwarting an Al-Shabaab attack early in the morning. The troops stated that they had received prior intelligence and were prepared, resulting in casualties among the militants. No deaths were reported among the Somali forces.

A prominent elder, Gaaboow Bule Hassan, was killed in Mogadishu this week, underscoring the city’s deteriorating security situation by suspected Al-Shabaab members. Additionally, another elder and peace activist was killed the night before in Mogadishu’s Daynile district. These incidents mark a resurgence in planned killings amidst a recent uptick in violence, highlighting ongoing challenges in the country.

This week, President Hassan Mohamud presided over the leadership transition at the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in a handing-over ceremony. Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Shanbaloolshe) fully assumed the director’s role from Mahad Salad.

The U.S. embassy in Nairobi issued a security alert on Monday this week for Mogadishu, citing “credible information” of planned attacks on Tuesday at multiple locations, including Aden Adde International Airport. As a precaution, all U.S. embassy personnel movements were canceled for Tuesday. Following the warning, mortar attacks targeting the Somali Presidential Palace were reported, with no confirmed casualties. This led to the closure of Aden Adde International Airport as security forces attempted to prevent potential attacks. The flights have resumed on Wednesday; however, this highlights the security risk faced by the country posed by the armed group Al-Shabaab.

Politics, Governance, Economy, and Development

Puntland state media reported on April 6th that officials from the state held a meeting with Ethiopian counterparts in Addis Ababa, although the specific date was not disclosed. Among the attendees were Puntland Aviation Minister Abdullahi Bile and high-ranking Ethiopian aviation officials, including the Minister of State for Transport and executives from Ethiopian Airlines. Discussions reportedly centered on enhancing relations between Puntland and Ethiopia, as well as increasing Ethiopian Airlines flights,according to Puntland media. However, this development is perceived as further straining the relationship between Puntland and the FGS, and is viewed as undue interference in Somali politics by Ethiopia.

This week, a Somali military court sentenced two police officers, including Huriwaa police station commander Abdifatah Mohamed Hassan Qoslaaye, to death for the murder of businessman Abukar Ahmed Kaabah. Despite maintaining innocence, both officers were convicted based on compelling evidence. Three other individuals involved in the conspiracy received sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years’ imprisonment. The court also demoted the convicted officers and discharged them from the force, highlighting Somalia’s commitment to addressing violent crime amidst longstanding instability.

This week, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in Mecca. The discussions centered on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and regional issues, including tensions with Ethiopia over the Red Sea deal the latter signed with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Saudi Arabia reiterated its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and unity in light of the January 1st deal.

This week, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre initiated a mini-Cabinet reshuffle, announcing new appointments across various ministries, including foreign affairs, security, and internal affairs. One notable change is the appointment of Ahmed Moalim Fiqi as Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. However, positions for women and human rights development ministers remain vacant following the passing of Khadija Mohamed Diriye in December 2023.

Kenyan state-owned media reported this week Ethiopia’s near admission to the East African Community (EAC). This follows Somalia’s recent entry into the EAC. Ethiopia’s move amid diplomatic tensions with Somalia, stemming from its agreement with Somaliland, raises questions about its timing and intentions. The EAC promotes regional integration and trade among its eight partner states, with Ethiopia’s potential membership adding complexity to regional dynamics.

Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries issued a statement this week urging all fishing companies and vessel owners to strictly adhere to the regulations outlined in the Somali Federal Fishery Law. The statement warned of legal action against violators who fail to comply with the law.

In his Eid message to the public, President Hassan Mohamud addressed various issues, including recent developments in the country. He dismissed allegations that his government opposes the federal system following the passage of contentious constitutional changes. Additionally, he articulated his goal to transition the country to a “one person, one vote” (1p1v) system, aiming to replace the current parliamentary system. However, these controversial constitutional amendments risk further dividing the nation, with Puntland already withdrawing recognition from the federal government.

This week, reports emerged of Somalia considering a maritime treaty with Ethiopia to resolve maritime tensions with the landlocked country. Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei, was cited by Reuters as saying that both countries were considering the proposal. However, the Somali government rejected the reports by Reuters, stating that no such discussions took place between Somalia and Ethiopia in Nairobi. While the reports remained unconfirmed, the proposed treaty raised questions about Somalia’s sovereignty amidst Ethiopia’s actions, prompting concerns from analysts about potential compromises to Somalia’s statehood.

This week, Djibouti’s Youssouf Mahmoud Ali, the Foreign Minister, announced his candidacy for the African Union Commission Chairperson’s seat. Somalia’s Fawzia Adam and Kenya’s Raila Odinga are also contenders. This development has transformed the race, making it significantly more competitive.

Humanitarian and other issues

On April 6th, SSC Khatumo carried out its first capital punishment since its establishment as an interim regional state. The Sool Regional Court of the SSC Khatumo Administration sentenced Mowlid Mohamed Jama to death for the intentional killing of Colonel Mohamed Ali on March 24, 2024, in Somalia.

This week, Somalia reported over 5,000 cholera cases and 60 deaths in the past three months. The crisis, worsened by a lack of clean water and sanitation, affects displaced communities the most. Factors like drought, conflict, and disrupted services contribute to the outbreak. The UN launched a global initiative to distribute 1.2 million cholera test kits, but more funding is needed to strengthen healthcare systems and control the spread.

This week, the Somali National Disaster Management Agency issued a warning about the impending spring rains in the country. The agency highlighted that the rainfall is expected to be heavier than initially projected, posing a significant risk of flooding that could potentially affect up to 800,000 people.