DAILY SITUATION UPDATESomalia, July 25, 2023

Situation Overview

Politics: Politics in Somalia have been characterized by various activities and engagements both domestically and internationally. Somalia has shown a commitment to resolving disputes through legal mechanisms, as evidenced by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs confirming Somalia’s adherence to the International Court of Justice’s ruling on the maritime dispute with Kenya. Collaboration and regional stability have been emphasised, with the President participating in the cooperation meeting of Italy with the Horn of Africa and highlighting the importance of combating terrorism and prioritising stability for economic growth. Somalia has also been engaged in international events such as the UN Food Systems Summit and the African Human Capital Summit, showcasing its efforts to address global food scarcity and invest in its people for economic development. Furthermore, Somalia has been strengthening partnerships with organisations like the World Bank, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Banadir Regional Administration in Turkey.

1. On July 25, 2023, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs confirmed that Somalia would not accept mediation over a maritime dispute with Kenya and would abide by the International Court of Justice’s ruling from October 2021.
2. Somalia’s President participated in a cooperation meeting of Italy with the Horn of Africa on July 25, 2023, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in combating terrorism and prioritizing stability for economic growth.
3. Somalia’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation provided a briefing on the UN Food Systems Summit held in Italy, focusing on addressing global food scarcity and increasing cooperation among participating nations.
4. Acting President and Speaker of the Lower House of Somalia condemned a terrorist attack at a military training camp in Mogadishu and ordered an immediate investigation.
5. The Prime Minister of Somalia and his delegation arrived in Tanzania to attend the African Human Capital Summit, highlighting the significance of investing in people for economic growth.
6. The Prime Minister of Somalia met with the World Bank’s Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa to strengthen the partnership between Somalia and the World Bank.
7. Officials from the Banadir Regional Administration in Somalia held a meeting with the Mayor of Sakarya, Turkey, to discuss collaboration and development between the cities.
8. Somali Ambassador actively participated in an event organized by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussing China’s railway infrastructure development, and expressing interest in strengthening bilateral ties.
9. The Parliament of the Puntland Regional State voted in favour of constitutional amendments to expand the political landscape, allowing more political parties to participate in elections and changing the method of electing the President and Vice President.
10. Former Puntland finance minister expressed concern regarding parliament’s approval of constitutional amendments, fearing an unlawful extension of the President’s term.
11. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence planned a trip to Kenya and Somalia to reinforce the US commitment to improving financial connections with Africa and address regional security concerns.
12. The Horseed Party submitted a lawsuit to the Supreme Court, demanding the nullification of the local council elections conducted in 2021 and 2023, claiming they were not conducted fairly.
13. CREC expressed commitment to aid Somalia’s infrastructure development during an event, which also focused on China’s railway infrastructure and bilateral relations.
14. Somali ministers faced potential summoning to Parliament for ignoring invitations from the Parliament’s Resources Committee.
15. The United States Embassy in Somalia expressed gratitude to a former SNA-Danab commander for his exceptional service and partnership in achieving enhanced security.
16. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported casualties and abductions of aid workers in Somalia, highlighting movement restrictions as a major obstacle for humanitarian agencies.
17. The Somaliland Representative Office in Taiwan was accused of wrongful dismissal and sexual harassment by a former employee, leading to lawsuits and investigations.
18. The US Embassy in Mogadishu announced the appointment of a new Chargé d’Affaires to Somalia.
19. Minister of Finance briefed the House of Representatives on the Auditor General Bill, aiming to enhance the efficiency of government finances.

Security: Somalia continues to face security challenges, particularly from extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and IS-affiliated militants. The recent attack at the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy in Mogadishu resulted in casualties among Somali National Army members, and arrests have been made in connection with the attack. Ongoing investigations are being conducted to determine the extent of potential assistance provided by senior military officials to the attackers. The Somali National Army, along with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia and the US Africa Command, has been actively countering Al-Shabaab activities in different regions, resulting in successful operations and the elimination of militants. However, security incidents like protests, armed assaults, and targeted killings continue to pose a threat to stability in certain areas.

1. On July 25, 2023, arrests were made by the government of Somalia in relation to the Al-Shabaab attack at the Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy in Mogadishu. At least 25 Somali National Army (SNA) members were killed, primarily trainees from Lower Shabelle.
2. The arrests include a senior-ranking military Colonel, whose identity has not been disclosed, as part of ongoing investigations into potential assistance given to the attackers by senior military officials.
3. On the same day, the Somali National Army disrupted multiple activities by Al-Shabaab in the Middle Shabelle region, as part of their strategy to regain control and defeat violent extremism. The operation will involve troops from the national army, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and the US Africa Command.
4. Puntland security forces apprehended Ali Mohamed Mayow Buulle, an IS-affiliated militant leader, in the Bari region.
5. A protest in Marka town occurred, expressing discontent towards Somali President Hassan Sheikh in response to the suicide bomb attack at the Jaale Siyad training camp in Mogadishu.
6. The army repulsed an Al-Shabaab assault on an airport, resulting in the deaths of 25 militants.
7. Armed individuals targeted a gathering of prominent figures during a lecture in the Maslax district of Heliwa, prompting a response from security forces.
8. Somali security forces successfully thwarted a bomb attack by Al-Shabaab in an area between Dolow and Balad Hawo towns.
9. Prominent businessman Bile Ali Geele was fatally shot by gunmen near Galkacyo General Hospital in the Mudug region.