DAILY SITUATION UPDATE Somalia, July 27, 2023

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Situation Overview

Politics: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia held a meeting with Brian Nelson from the U.S. Treasury to strengthen cooperation in countering terrorism financing, discuss debt relief, and address the offensive against al-Shabaab. The President also extended an invitation to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to visit Mogadishu, aiming to enhance bilateral relations. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury designated Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf as the head of finance for ISIS-Somalia, supporting efforts to disrupt terrorist financing. Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre and Kenyan President William Ruto met to streamline visa procedures and intensify counterterrorism efforts. General Souef Mohamed El-Amine, the head of ATMIS, emphasised the importance of sustaining democracy for long-term peace and prosperity in Somalia during a meeting with Sheik Adan Mohamed Nur. The Cabinet made significant decisions, including bills focusing on regulating the agricultural sector and approving amendments to the Specific Financial Sanctions Act. The Minister of Planning and National Development handed over road construction equipment, the newly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives expressed commitment to unity, and the Minister of Culture congratulated the Speaker’s election. Additionally, Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif arrived in Beledweyne to mediate a political conflict, and UNOPS partnered with the Ministry of Health to rehabilitate regional hospitals in Somalia. These developments highlight efforts to strengthen cooperation, combat terrorism, promote peace, improve infrastructure, and enhance healthcare in Somalia.

  1. On July 27, 2023, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia met with Brian Nelson, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the U.S. Treasury, to strengthen cooperation in countering terrorism financing and discuss debt relief and the offensive against al-Shabaab.
  2. President Mohamud invited Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to visit Mogadishu, aiming to enhance bilateral relations between Somalia and Tanzania.
  3. The U.S. Treasury designated Abdiweli Mohamed Yusuf as the head of finance for ISIS-Somalia, supporting efforts to disrupt terrorist financing in the region.
  4. Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre and Kenyan President William Ruto met in Tanzania to streamline visa procedures, intensify efforts in countering terrorism, and address security threats posed by Al-Shabaab.
  5. General Souef Mohamed El-Amine, the head of ATMIS, met with Sheik Adan Mohamed Nur to discuss peace, national reconciliation, and security in Somalia. They emphasised sustaining democracy for long-term peace and prosperity.
  6. The Cabinet approved bills focusing on regulating and standardising the agricultural sector in Somalia. They also addressed security concerns and approved amendments to the Specific Financial Sanctions Act.
  7. Minister of Planning and National Development, Dr. Ahmed Adan, handed over road construction and maintenance equipment to Somaliland’s Minister of Transport and Road Development, aiming to enhance infrastructure development.
  8. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yasin Haji Mohamud Hiir (Faratoon), expressed commitment to prosperity, unity, and national interests during a luncheon banquet in his honour.
  9. Minister of Culture, Information, and Awareness, Hon. Suleiman Yusuf Ali Koore, congratulated Speaker Faratoon’s election, highlighting his contributions to Somaliland and his capacity as a capable leader.
  10. Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif, the head of the Hawadle community’s traditional elders, arrived in Beledweyne to mediate the ongoing political conflict surrounding the appointment of a new governor in the Hiiraan region.
  11. UNOPS partnered with the Ministry of Health of the Federal Government of Somalia to rehabilitate six regional hospitals, aiming to improve emergency response capabilities and climate resilience in Somalia’s healthcare system.

Security: Eight army officers from Somaliland who were assessing conditions in surrounding villages were abducted by armed militias opposing President Muse Bihi Abdi’s administration. However, they were successfully released shortly after the incident. Additionally, a firefight erupted between security personnel and Al-Shabaab militants at Bakara market in Mogadishu, resulting in the loss of one person’s life. Unfortunately, specific details about the confrontation remain unavailable. On July 27, 2023, several explosions rocked the Hodan and Howlwadaag districts in Mogadishu, causing casualties and panic among the residents. At least five NISA soldiers sustained injuries, prompting NISA troops to conduct search operations in the affected neighbourhoods. Furthermore, near Macaani Hospital in Mogadishu’s Dayniile district, explosions occurred, leading to the tragic death of at least two individuals. On a more positive note, a group of 15 Somali Navy and Coast Guard (SNCG) officers recently completed a two-week specialised training program in maritime security in Mogadishu. This training aimed to enhance their skills and capabilities in protecting Somalia’s extensive coastline. The program was organised collaboratively by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia)

  1. Eight army officers from Somaliland, who were evaluating conditions in surrounding villages, were abducted by armed militias opposing President Muse Bihi Abdi’s administration. They were successfully released shortly afterward.
  2. A firefight occurred between security personnel and Alshabab militants at Bakara market in Mogadishu. The militants attacked a security checkpoint, resulting in the loss of one person’s life. Further details about the incident are not available.
  3. Hodan and Howlwadaag districts in Mogadishu experienced a series of explosions. These explosions caused casualties and panic among residents. NISA troops conducted search operations in the affected neighborhoods.
  4. Near Macaani Hospital in Mogadishu’s Dayniile district, explosions took place, leading to the death of at least two individuals.
  5. A group of 15 Somali Navy and Coast Guard (SNCG) officers completed a specialized two-week training program on maritime security in Mogadishu. The training aimed to enhance the skills and capabilities of the officers to protect Somalia’s extensive coastline. The program was organized by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia).

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