🇸🇴🇪🇹Somali President confirms Ethiopia's request for talks in response to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revealed that Ethiopia requested international facilitation for talks with Somalia regarding the controversial agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Speaking on Saturday at the opening of the 5th session of the Lower House of the Somali Parliament, President Mohamud appeared to respond to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who had told Ethiopia's parliament this week that the Somali government was going through other countries to accuse Ethiopia instead of sending delegates directly to Addis Ababa for discussions.
"Ethiopia's government is evading responsibility for its diplomatic mistakes and violating international norms," said President Mohamud. "Yesterday, Ethiopia broke international law, and today, it refuses to follow the correct path. Ethiopia claims to want reconciliation with Somalia while acting contrary to diplomatic principles."
President Mohamud emphasized that the Ethiopian government's actions are not conducive to peace and have eroded trust and adherence to international law.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed criticized Somalia this week for avoiding direct talks. "My advice is don't waste money going through other countries to accuse us when it is possible to come to us in Addis Ababa. We are ready for discussion," he said, adding that the money could be better spent on "building a one-kilometre walkway or one school in Mogadishu, which would benefit the people."
The foreign ministers of Ethiopia and Somalia arrived in Ankara on July 1 but did not engage in face-to-face talks. Turkey's foreign ministry described the discussions as "transparent, in good faith, and forward-looking." The parties agreed to reconvene on September 2, indicating that further dialogue is needed to resolve the crisis.
The signing of a controversial MoU between Ethiopia and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland on January 1, 2024, has led Somalia to launch a diplomatic campaign opposing the agreement.
#Somalia #Ethiopia
@africaintel
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud revealed that Ethiopia requested international facilitation for talks with Somalia regarding the controversial agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Speaking on Saturday at the opening of the 5th session of the Lower House of the Somali Parliament, President Mohamud appeared to respond to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who had told Ethiopia's parliament this week that the Somali government was going through other countries to accuse Ethiopia instead of sending delegates directly to Addis Ababa for discussions.
"Ethiopia's government is evading responsibility for its diplomatic mistakes and violating international norms," said President Mohamud. "Yesterday, Ethiopia broke international law, and today, it refuses to follow the correct path. Ethiopia claims to want reconciliation with Somalia while acting contrary to diplomatic principles."
President Mohamud emphasized that the Ethiopian government's actions are not conducive to peace and have eroded trust and adherence to international law.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed criticized Somalia this week for avoiding direct talks. "My advice is don't waste money going through other countries to accuse us when it is possible to come to us in Addis Ababa. We are ready for discussion," he said, adding that the money could be better spent on "building a one-kilometre walkway or one school in Mogadishu, which would benefit the people."
The foreign ministers of Ethiopia and Somalia arrived in Ankara on July 1 but did not engage in face-to-face talks. Turkey's foreign ministry described the discussions as "transparent, in good faith, and forward-looking." The parties agreed to reconvene on September 2, indicating that further dialogue is needed to resolve the crisis.
The signing of a controversial MoU between Ethiopia and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland on January 1, 2024, has led Somalia to launch a diplomatic campaign opposing the agreement.
#Somalia #Ethiopia
@africaintel
🇸🇴 U.S. targets new Somalian ISIS global leader
The U.S. military recently carried out an airstrike in Somalia aimed at Abdulqadir Mumin, the global leader of ISIS, but confirmation of his death remains unverified.
On May 31, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced an airstrike against ISIS militants in a remote area 81 kilometers southeast of Bosaso, Somalia.
The strike resulted in the deaths of three militants. However, AFRICOM did not specify the identities of those killed or the primary target of the operation.
Mumin: From local to global leadership
Abdulqadir Mumin, previously known as the leader of ISIS in Somalia, had reportedly ascended to the global leadership of the terror group, according to US officials.
This elevation came after the death of the former ISIS leader, Abu al-Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, in late 2022.
Mumin’s new role, though not widely publicized, signifies ISIS’s strategic shift towards expanding its influence in Africa.
Despite being relatively small, with an estimated 100 to 200 fighters, ISIS in Somalia has been more effective in certain operational aspects compared to other terror networks in the region. This includes sophisticated evasion tactics and inter-group coordination, particularly in financing.
ISIS’s presence is not confined to Somalia. The group has established cells in various African countries, including Libya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique.
#Somalia
@africaintel
The U.S. military recently carried out an airstrike in Somalia aimed at Abdulqadir Mumin, the global leader of ISIS, but confirmation of his death remains unverified.
On May 31, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced an airstrike against ISIS militants in a remote area 81 kilometers southeast of Bosaso, Somalia.
The strike resulted in the deaths of three militants. However, AFRICOM did not specify the identities of those killed or the primary target of the operation.
Mumin: From local to global leadership
Abdulqadir Mumin, previously known as the leader of ISIS in Somalia, had reportedly ascended to the global leadership of the terror group, according to US officials.
This elevation came after the death of the former ISIS leader, Abu al-Hasan al-Hashimi al-Qurashi, in late 2022.
Mumin’s new role, though not widely publicized, signifies ISIS’s strategic shift towards expanding its influence in Africa.
Despite being relatively small, with an estimated 100 to 200 fighters, ISIS in Somalia has been more effective in certain operational aspects compared to other terror networks in the region. This includes sophisticated evasion tactics and inter-group coordination, particularly in financing.
ISIS’s presence is not confined to Somalia. The group has established cells in various African countries, including Libya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mozambique.
#Somalia
@africaintel
🇸🇴 EU Civilian Operations Commander arrival to Somalia
On his first visit to EUCAP Somalia in his role as Civilian Operations Commander, Mr. Stefano Tomat commenced a comprehensive duty trip in Somalia. His visit includes key meetings with the Somali and international counterparts, visits to EUCAP Somalia’s Field Offices in Bossaso and Hargeisa and facilities, and observation of the Mission’s engagements throughout the country.
By meeting with Somali counterparts, the Civilian Operations Commander aims to support the Mission in fostering stronger partnerships and ensuring that EUCAP’s efforts are well-integrated with Somali needs. The duty trip also serves to stay abreast of the Mission’s activities on the ground and to discuss achievements and challenges experienced by EUCAP Somalia.
Additionally, the visit includes interactions with the Senior Management Team and discussions with Mission Members to gain awareness of the operational environment.
#Somalia #EU
@africaintel
On his first visit to EUCAP Somalia in his role as Civilian Operations Commander, Mr. Stefano Tomat commenced a comprehensive duty trip in Somalia. His visit includes key meetings with the Somali and international counterparts, visits to EUCAP Somalia’s Field Offices in Bossaso and Hargeisa and facilities, and observation of the Mission’s engagements throughout the country.
By meeting with Somali counterparts, the Civilian Operations Commander aims to support the Mission in fostering stronger partnerships and ensuring that EUCAP’s efforts are well-integrated with Somali needs. The duty trip also serves to stay abreast of the Mission’s activities on the ground and to discuss achievements and challenges experienced by EUCAP Somalia.
Additionally, the visit includes interactions with the Senior Management Team and discussions with Mission Members to gain awareness of the operational environment.
#Somalia #EU
@africaintel
🇸🇴Former Somali Foreign Minister Abdisaid Muse suggested the government to abandon the conflict with Ethiopia
Former Somali Foreign Minister Abdisaid Muse suggested that the government should abandon the conflict with Ethiopia and allow Al-Shabab militants to take the initiative into their own hands.
“There is no other military power in Somalia other than Al-Shabaab that can resist Ethiopia’s provocative expansion,” the politician said.
#Somalia
@africaintel
Former Somali Foreign Minister Abdisaid Muse suggested that the government should abandon the conflict with Ethiopia and allow Al-Shabab militants to take the initiative into their own hands.
“There is no other military power in Somalia other than Al-Shabaab that can resist Ethiopia’s provocative expansion,” the politician said.
#Somalia
@africaintel
🇸🇴 At least eight killed in shootout during Somalia prison breakout attempt
At least eight people have been killed after gunfire erupted between security forces and inmates at a prison in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
The confrontation broke out on Saturday at the city’s main prison when armed inmates attempted to escape, prompting an exchange of fire that left five prisoners and three soldiers dead, said Colonel Abdiqani Khalaf, spokesperson for the Somali army’s custodial corps.
“Violent elements tried to stir terror in the central prison,” said Khalaf.
Eighteen other prisoners and three soldiers were wounded in the incident, he said. No prisoners escaped.
Security sources said that the inmates who had attempted to escape were from al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-linked group. Having obtained weapons, they had launched what appeared to be a well-orchestrated escape plan.
Somalia National Television reported that security sources had “concluded an operation”, in which “terrorists who were sentenced to death attacked prison guards”. The five slain prisoners were “terrorist inmates”, it said, posting on X.
Locals reported hearing grenade blasts and gunfire. “There was an explosion inside the prison and a heavy exchange of gunfire followed,” according to the the news from agencies.
“I called my brother who is a member of the prison guards, and he told me that several al-Shabab inmates secretly obtained weapons and grenades and tried to escape,” said another witness.
Al-Shabab has been fighting to topple the fragile central government in Mogadishu for more than 17 years, carrying out numerous bombings and other attacks in the capital and other parts of the country.
#Somalia
@africaintel
At least eight people have been killed after gunfire erupted between security forces and inmates at a prison in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.
The confrontation broke out on Saturday at the city’s main prison when armed inmates attempted to escape, prompting an exchange of fire that left five prisoners and three soldiers dead, said Colonel Abdiqani Khalaf, spokesperson for the Somali army’s custodial corps.
“Violent elements tried to stir terror in the central prison,” said Khalaf.
Eighteen other prisoners and three soldiers were wounded in the incident, he said. No prisoners escaped.
Security sources said that the inmates who had attempted to escape were from al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-linked group. Having obtained weapons, they had launched what appeared to be a well-orchestrated escape plan.
Somalia National Television reported that security sources had “concluded an operation”, in which “terrorists who were sentenced to death attacked prison guards”. The five slain prisoners were “terrorist inmates”, it said, posting on X.
Locals reported hearing grenade blasts and gunfire. “There was an explosion inside the prison and a heavy exchange of gunfire followed,” according to the the news from agencies.
“I called my brother who is a member of the prison guards, and he told me that several al-Shabab inmates secretly obtained weapons and grenades and tried to escape,” said another witness.
Al-Shabab has been fighting to topple the fragile central government in Mogadishu for more than 17 years, carrying out numerous bombings and other attacks in the capital and other parts of the country.
#Somalia
@africaintel
🇸🇴 In the capital of Somalia, Mogadishu, an explosion occurred near a restaurant where the Euro 2024 final was broadcast
According to preliminary data, there are casualties. Local media reported that the bomb was detonated by a terrorist.
#Somalia
@africaintel
According to preliminary data, there are casualties. Local media reported that the bomb was detonated by a terrorist.
#Somalia
@africaintel
🇸🇴 Somali militiamen seize heavy weapons after looting convoy
At least five people were killed when militiamen ambushed a convoy in central Somalia and seized heavy weapons, the local government and residents said on Tuesday, seven months after a decades-long arms embargo was lifted.
The convoy was travelling on Monday with a security escort near the town of Abudwaq when militiamen from a local clan attacked and overpowered security forces, four residents told Reuters.
They said the arms, which included machine guns, anti-aircraft weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, originated in neighbouring Ethiopia.
"It is unfortunate that five people died from both sides yesterday over weapons," said Ahmed Shire, a security adviser to the president of Galmudug State, where Abudwaq is located. "We understand the weapons fell into the hands of civilians."
Rashid Abdi, an analyst with the Sahan Research think-tank, called the incident "the single most serious incident of arms proliferation in central Somalia" and said some of the weapons would likely be bought by al Shabaab, an al Qaeda affiliate.
#Somalia
@africaintel
At least five people were killed when militiamen ambushed a convoy in central Somalia and seized heavy weapons, the local government and residents said on Tuesday, seven months after a decades-long arms embargo was lifted.
The convoy was travelling on Monday with a security escort near the town of Abudwaq when militiamen from a local clan attacked and overpowered security forces, four residents told Reuters.
They said the arms, which included machine guns, anti-aircraft weapons and rocket-propelled grenades, originated in neighbouring Ethiopia.
"It is unfortunate that five people died from both sides yesterday over weapons," said Ahmed Shire, a security adviser to the president of Galmudug State, where Abudwaq is located. "We understand the weapons fell into the hands of civilians."
Rashid Abdi, an analyst with the Sahan Research think-tank, called the incident "the single most serious incident of arms proliferation in central Somalia" and said some of the weapons would likely be bought by al Shabaab, an al Qaeda affiliate.
#Somalia
@africaintel
🇸🇴🇹🇷 Turkey to send navy to Somalia after agreeing oil and gas search
Turkey is set to send navy support to Somali waters after the two countries agreed Ankara will sen d an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia to prospect for oil and gas.
President Tayyip Erdogan submitted a motion to the Turkish parliament late on Friday, seeking authorisation for the deployment of Turkish military to Somalia including the country's territorial waters, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
The move came a day after the Turkish energy ministry announced that Turkey will send an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia later this year to search for oil and gas as part of a hydrocarbon cooperation deal between two countries.
Earlier this year, Turkey and Somalia signed a defence and economic cooperation agreement during Somali defence minister's visit to Ankara.
Turkey has become a close ally of the Somali government in recent years. Ankara has built schools, hospitals and infrastructure and provided scholarships for Somalis to study in Turkey.
#Somalia #Turkey
@africaintel
Turkey is set to send navy support to Somali waters after the two countries agreed Ankara will sen d an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia to prospect for oil and gas.
President Tayyip Erdogan submitted a motion to the Turkish parliament late on Friday, seeking authorisation for the deployment of Turkish military to Somalia including the country's territorial waters, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
The move came a day after the Turkish energy ministry announced that Turkey will send an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia later this year to search for oil and gas as part of a hydrocarbon cooperation deal between two countries.
Earlier this year, Turkey and Somalia signed a defence and economic cooperation agreement during Somali defence minister's visit to Ankara.
Turkey has become a close ally of the Somali government in recent years. Ankara has built schools, hospitals and infrastructure and provided scholarships for Somalis to study in Turkey.
#Somalia #Turkey
@africaintel
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🇸🇴 Scores killed in clashes between Somali forces and al Shabaab
Dozens of fighters were killed in clashes on Monday in the southern tip of Somalia when al Shabaab militants tried to overrun three army bases, officials and the insurgent group said.
A local security official said government forces repulsed the attacks and safely detonated four car bombs around 80 km (50 miles) southwest of the port city of Kismayo in Jubbaland state.
Videos posted by Jubbaland officials on social media showed at least 35 bodies in a mix of military fatigues near the village of Buulo-Xaaji.
Farah Hussein, a military official, said five soldiers were killed.
"We got the information that al Shabaab was coming, we deserted the three bases and then encircled their fighters, killing dozens of them. I counted 30 dead al Shabaab and I could see even more bodies lying ahead of me," Hussein told Reuters.
#Somalia
@africaintel
Dozens of fighters were killed in clashes on Monday in the southern tip of Somalia when al Shabaab militants tried to overrun three army bases, officials and the insurgent group said.
A local security official said government forces repulsed the attacks and safely detonated four car bombs around 80 km (50 miles) southwest of the port city of Kismayo in Jubbaland state.
Videos posted by Jubbaland officials on social media showed at least 35 bodies in a mix of military fatigues near the village of Buulo-Xaaji.
Farah Hussein, a military official, said five soldiers were killed.
"We got the information that al Shabaab was coming, we deserted the three bases and then encircled their fighters, killing dozens of them. I counted 30 dead al Shabaab and I could see even more bodies lying ahead of me," Hussein told Reuters.
#Somalia
@africaintel
🇹🇷🇸🇴 Turkey approves two-year military deployment to Somalia
Turkey’s parliament on Saturday approved a motion to deploy its armed forces to Somalia, including to the country’s territorial waters.
The two-year operation aims to support Mogadishu’s counterterrorism operations and comes months after the two countries signed a defence and economic cooperation deal.
Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government since 2006 in a bid to establish to establish a fundamentalist Islamic state.
Turkey has been providing training, assistance, and advisory support to Somalia for more than 10 years, working to restructure its defence and security forces.
But Turkish officials say economic challenges have prevented Somali armed forces from being fully effective.
Earlier this month, Ankara said it will send an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia later this year to search for oil and gas as part of a hydrocarbon cooperation deal between two countries.
#Turkey #Somalia
@africaintel
Turkey’s parliament on Saturday approved a motion to deploy its armed forces to Somalia, including to the country’s territorial waters.
The two-year operation aims to support Mogadishu’s counterterrorism operations and comes months after the two countries signed a defence and economic cooperation deal.
Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government since 2006 in a bid to establish to establish a fundamentalist Islamic state.
Turkey has been providing training, assistance, and advisory support to Somalia for more than 10 years, working to restructure its defence and security forces.
But Turkish officials say economic challenges have prevented Somali armed forces from being fully effective.
Earlier this month, Ankara said it will send an exploration vessel off the coast of Somalia later this year to search for oil and gas as part of a hydrocarbon cooperation deal between two countries.
#Turkey #Somalia
@africaintel