Situation Overview
Politics: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s emergency security meeting, following a suicide attack highlights the government’s urgency to address security breaches and maintain stability. Collaboration with international partners is evident in the meeting between Somali and Czech ambassadors, emphasising good governance. The Minister of Defence’s meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister signifies efforts to enhance military cooperation and bilateral relations in the defence sector. In coordination with the World Health Organization, health authorities have pledged to combat viral hepatitis, recognising its significant threat to Somalia. Protection of the financial system from illicit finance threats, particularly from al-Shabaab, was addressed in a meeting attended by the Under Secretary of the Treasury. The dismantlement of military brigades by the Somali government raises concerns about the adequate equipping of targeted forces, internal divisions, and pressure from the United Arab Emirates regarding Turkish-trained military units. Reconciliation efforts led by traditional leaders and former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed aim to establish peaceful coexistence and promote uninterrupted business activities in Burka Diirmeed. These developments depict Somalia’s multifaceted efforts to maintain security, foster international relations, address public health concerns, strengthen finance, and manage internal affairs.
- President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud conducted an emergency security meeting to address the recent suicide attack and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the breach of the heavily fortified compound.
- The Ambassador of Somalia to Ethiopia, Abdullahi Mohamed Warfaa, welcomed his Czech counterpart, Miroslav Kosek, to strengthen cooperation between Somalia and the Czech Republic, particularly in matters concerning good governance.
- The Minister of Defence of Somalia, H.E. Abdul Qadir Mohammed Nur, met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of Qatar, H.E. Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, to discuss military cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations in the defense sector.
- Somali health authorities, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), committed to eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030. They emphasized the importance of scaling up testing, treatment, and prevention programs, as viral hepatitis poses a significant threat in Somalia.
- Brian Nelson, the Under Secretary of the Treasury, attended a meeting to protect the Somali financial system from illicit finance threats, particularly from al-Shabaab. Efforts were highlighted, including regulatory reforms, interagency cooperation, and the implementation of AML/CFT regulations.
- The Somali Government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, engaged in an operation to dismantle military brigades established under the previous administration. Concerns were raised about under-equipping targeted forces, internal divisions, and pressure from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to dissolve Turkish-trained military units.
- Reconciliation efforts began between tribal communities in Burka Diirmeed, led by traditional leaders and former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, aiming to establish peaceful coexistence and allow residents to carry out their business activities undisturbed in the area.
Security: The Somali National Army, along with international support, successfully conducted an operation against the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, resulting in the deaths of over 100 militants and the seizure of weapons. Meanwhile, a group of militiamen supportive of the opposition abducted key officials, leading to clashes with the Rapid Response Unit. This group opposes President Muse Bihi’s administration, citing grievances with its use of military force. Ongoing clashes between government troops and an opposition militia have also been reported in the Ga’an-Liba Mountain area, centered around disagreements regarding the electoral process. A new armed group called “Dulmi-diid” has emerged, opposing President Muse Bihi’s government in Somaliland, and engaging in clashes with pro-government forces. Their exact agenda is unclear, but they have received financial support from diaspora members opposing the government, worsening economic strains in the region
- The Somali National Army conducted a successful operation against the terrorist organization Al-Shabaab in the Galgadud area. Supported by international partners, the operation resulted in the death of over 100 Al-Shabaab members, including senior militants and commanders. Somali forces also seized weapons from the terrorists, preventing Al-Shabaab from retrieving their dead.
- A group of militiamen supporting the opposition abducted the governor of Sahil region and top Berbera District officials in Iskudar near Ga’an Kibah. The UK-trained Rapid Response Unit (RRU), responsible for protecting the authorities, engaged in a clash with the militiamen. The abductors cited opposition to President Muse Bihi’s administration, accusing it of using military force to suppress their grievances.
- Ongoing clashes took place in Ga’an-Liba Mountain, located southeast of Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. The conflict involves government troops led by President Muse Bihi and an opposition militia. The dispute centers around disagreements regarding the electoral process, with the opposition gathering their forces in the vicinity, leading to an escalation of the situation.
- A new armed group, called “Dulmi-diid,” emerged opposing President Muse Bihi’s government in Somaliland. They mobilized in the Gacan-Libaax mountains between Hargeisa and Berbera. The group claims to represent communities in the region and has engaged in clashes with pro-government forces. The exact agenda of Dulmi-diid remains unclear, but it is linked to ongoing political tensions and upcoming elections in Somaliland. The group has received financial support from diaspora members opposing the government, worsening economic strains in the region.