Weekly Wrap-up: Friday, April 19, 2024
Here is a recap of the main events of the week:
Security and the fight against Al-Shabaab
The Somali government this week initiated a collaborative effort with Finland and regional authorities to clear landmines and explosives, supported by The HALO Trust.The endeavor encompasses not only the clearance of hazardous materials but also includes programs aimed at assisting victims and educating communities about the dangers posed by explosives.
On the 15th of April, Somali forces reported killing 5 Al-Shabaab fighters in clashes in Hiiran Region.The operation, supported by local militia fighters, occurred between the Buloburte and Halgan districts.This engagement followed an airstrike near Buulaburte district the previous day, targeting the group in the Jicibow area.
On Thursday this week, Somali security forces reported killing 10 Al-Shabaab fighters in an operation conducted in Somalia’s South-West State, specifically in Taflow, an area approximately 28 kilometers south of Berdaale town. Additionally, they recovered seven AK-47 rifles, one BKM machine gun, and eight boxes of ammunition.
The European Union announced this week a substantial US$116.9 million contribution to support the transition process for the Somali National Army (SNA) and the military component of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Of this amount, US$74.4 million will augment existing resources allocated to ATMIS, with US$42.5 million specifically designated for the SNA. ATMIS has commenced troop withdrawal from Somalia, with the mission completing the drawdown of 5,000 troops and the handover of 13 military bases to Somali security forces. An additional 4,000 troops are expected to be withdrawn by the end of June.
Calm has returned to Burhakaba town this week as efforts are underway to address repeated clashes between two clans, which resulted in the loss of two lives, including that of a female. The conflict between the two tribes led some residents to flee the town for their safety. This situation coincided with reports of renewed tension between South-West State forces and the Somali federal police in the coastal town of Barawe. Local media sources reported that the conflict erupted the week before, on April 12th, with rival troops clashing in the city, resulting in the deaths of six people, including three civilians.The conflict was reportedly triggered by a tax levied on Khat.
This week, Somali President Hassan Mohamud visited three military academy camps in the Somali capital Mogadishu. He bid farewell to two units of the Somali army—one battalion heading to the battlefield against Al-Shabaab, while the other will undergo advanced training in Turkey. Turkey supports Somalia by providing training for its forces and offering air support to the federal government in its operations against Al-Shabaab.
This week, the Somali government announced the designation of nine individuals suspected of financing the Al-Shabaab armed group. According to a statement, the government has prohibited any dealings with these individuals and has frozen any related property. However, questions remain regarding the transparency of the designation process and the criteria used to reach these conclusions.
Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussien Sheikh-Ali, hosted a meeting on April 19th at Villa Somalia with Ambassador Souef Mohamed El-Amine, Head of AMISOM and Chairperson of SRCC, and Ms. Martha Ama Akyaa, UNSOS’s Assistant Secretary-General. Discussions centered on Phase 3 of the AMISOM drawdown plan, with all parties reaffirming their commitment to a smooth security transition in Somalia.
Politics, Governance, Economy, and Development
This week Somali pirates released the Bangladeshi cargo ship MV Abdullah and its 23 crew members after a $5 million ransom payment, according to Reuters. The vessel, traveling from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates, was seized in March about 600 nautical miles east of Mogadishu. This incident raises concerns over a possible resurgence of piracy in the region, a threat that had significantly diminished in recent years.
This week, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud invited regional state leaders to the National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu amid escalating disputes over recently passed constitutional amendments by Parliament. The federal government seeks dialogue with Puntland, which recently severed ties in protest of the changes made to the transitional federal constitution. Tensions escalated with Puntland’s establishment of ties with Ethiopia, prompting the Somali government to order the closure of Ethiopian consulates in Garowe and Hargeisa. The meeting, scheduled for April 21-22, was immediately boycotted by Puntland. Additionally, rumors emerged casting doubt on the attendance of some of the other federal member states. Consequently, the meeting was canceled and postponed to an unspecified later date.
On Thursday this week, Puntland held talks with the international community in Nairobi with representatives from several countries, including the US, UK, and EU. The discussions came amid escalating tensions between Puntland and the Somali federal government (FGS) over recently passed constitutional changes. According to Puntland officials, the talks primarily focused on development and humanitarian projects in Puntland. However, it remains unclear if the meeting addressed the ongoing dispute regarding the contentious constitutional amendments.
Humanitarian and other issues
This week, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) reported that its bank accounts were frozen by the Banadir Regional Court following a request from the Attorney General’s Office. The court authorized an investigation into SJS finances citing licensing concerns. SJS denied any wrongdoing. SJS President Mohamed Ibrahim condemned alleged harassment and privacy breaches against its staff, stating the organization hasn’t received official communication regarding a court case but is prepared to respond if necessary.
In an anti-trafficking operation on Wednesday this week, authorities in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland apprehended 170 Ethiopian nationals suspected of human trafficking. Intercepted by the Coast Guard in the Waqadariya area of the eastern Sanaag region, the migrants were detained on a large vessel en route to Yemen via irregular channels. This development highlights ongoing challenges in combating human trafficking in the Horn of Africa, fueled by factors such as economic desperation and internal conflicts in Ethiopia.
This week, the seasonal Gu rains, typically occurring from April to June, have begun in parts of Somalia. According to the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and international partners, these rains could impact an estimated 700,000 people, primarily in known flood-prone districts. Somalia has become increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with frequent occurrences of both floods and droughts.
This week, health officials in Mogadishu reported a concerning rise in cholera cases. Banadir Hospital, a major medical facility in the city, admitted over 300 patients with symptoms consistent with cholera. Testing confirmed 97 of these cases, with a significant number of children affected.
