News

By BONIFACE OTIENO
Monday April 8, 2024

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) says in a new report that Ifmis faces multiple risks that have been highlighted by American firms doing or seeking to do business with Kenya. PHOTO | SHUTTERSTOCK

The United States says Kenya’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (Ifmis) is vulnerable to manipulation and hacking, leading to loss of billions of shillings of taxpayer money.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) says in a new report that Ifmis faces multiple risks that have been highlighted by American firms doing or seeking to do business with Kenya.

“US companies have expressed concerns about Ifmis due to insufficient connectivity and technical capacity in county government offices, apathy from county government officials, central control shutdowns, and security gaps that render the system vulnerable to manipulation and hacking,” US Trade Representative Katherine Tai said in the report.

A review by USTR notes that Kenya is neither a party to the WTO (World Trade Organisation) Agreement on Government Procurement nor an observer to the WTO Committee on Government Procurement.

Ifmis was created to provide audit trails of all financial transactions with details of the person who logged in, the time, the computer used and the action performed in efforts to end graft.

It is the technological tool through which the government monitors the national finances, from planning through budgeting to procurement, payment, accounting and reporting.

However, it has been at the centre of corruption claims in some of the largest elaborate theft syndicates and graft exposés to hit Kenya both at the national and county government levels over the years leading to questions over its efficacy at guaranteeing accountability.

In 2016, senior officials of an agency under the Ministry of Health tried to steal Ksh30 million by manipulating Ifmis in a case that lifted the lid on an elaborate theft syndicate that involved corrupt government officials and crooked suppliers.

The attempted theft in May 2016 was detected and stopped at the last minute as accountants at Afya House prepared payments for alleged suppliers by six companies.

The case demonstrated how fraudsters working with wayward officials have managed to siphon billions of shillings from state coffers using dubious suppliers’ contracts.

Monday April 8, 2024

A joint statement was issued today at the conclusion of the visit of the Federal Republic of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reading as follows:

At the invitation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and based on the distinguished relations between the two countries and their brotherly peoples, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud came on an official visit to the Kingdom on April 6, 2024.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received the president at Al-Safa Palace in Makkah, where they reviewed bilateral relations and ways to develop them, and exchanged views on current regional and international developments.
The two sides stressed the need to continue joint work in the economic, trade and investment fields, to develop and diversify the volume of trade, and to intensify visits by officials and private sector representatives from both countries. Remarkably, the volume of trade between the two countries witnessed a 105% year-on-year growth from 2021 to 2022.

Recognizing the opportunities presented by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the two parties agreed on the need to boost investment in the agricultural, livestock, fisheries, transportation, logistics services, and ports.

They welcomed the results of the Saudi-Somali round table, which was held on the sidelines of the Saudi-African summit, attended by the Somali president.

The two sides also stressed the importance of maintaining stability in global energy markets.
Somalia commended the Kingdom’s role in maintaining a balanced global oil market, which benefits both producer and consumer nations, and fosters sustainable economic growth.

Discussions on climate change highlighted the shared commitment to comply with the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. The two parties emphasized the need to produce and implement climate action plans that prioritize reduction of emissions.

The Somali side expressed its appreciation for the Kingdom’s pioneering Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, and pledged its support for Saudi Arabia’s endeavors to combat climate change.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas, such as: electricity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency; supplying petroleum derivatives, petrochemicals agricultural nutrients, and examining opportunities for innovative uses of hydrocarbons; agriculture and food security, and private sector investment and trade partnerships in the field of agricultural and food industries; communications, technology, digital economy, innovation, and space; judiciary and justice; air transport, ports, logistics and civil aviation; culture; sports; social development; education; media; geological survey and mining.

The two sides discussed increasing military and security cooperation to achieve common goals. They agreed to strengthen collaboration in combating all forms of crime, including smuggling, terrorism and financing terrorism. They committed to sharing information to neutralize threats from terrorism and extremism, and to promote moderation and tolerance.

Furthermore, the two parties affirmed their unwavering resolve to heighten the level of coordination and cooperation in combating cross-border crimes in all their manifestations. Such commitment entails collaborating to prosecute perpetrators, recover proceeds accrued through illicit activities, and leverage the expertise and resources of the Global Operation Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network). Moreover, the exchange of experience and specialized training will be pursued, ultimately contributing to the strengthening of the security and stability of the two brotherly nations.

The Kingdom welcomed the reforms achieved by Somalia under the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and the restoration of security and stability in many Somali regions. Saudi Arabia praised the progress achieved by Somali forces against terrorist organizations, and expressed the need for the international community to support Somali efforts to eliminate terrorism.

The Kingdom also welcomed the UN Security Council’s decision to lift the arms embargo on Somalia, which opens the way for building Somali security forces who can thus assume security responsibilities after the withdrawal of African Union forces.

The Kingdom welcomed the international creditors’ decision to approve debt forgiveness for Somalia, due to the success of Somalia’s efforts to implement economic reforms to achieve sustainable development, gaining credibility for its financial institutions.

Regarding the memorandum of understanding that Ethiopia signed with the Somali region (Somaliland), the Kingdom voiced its great concern for the unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and its sovereignty over its entire territory. The two sides affirmed their adherence to the Arab League decision, dated January 17, 2024, which affirmed support for the security, stability, unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia.

The two sides also stressed the need to adhere to the principles of good neighborliness, behave wisely to spare the region the risk of tension and conflicts, and do the utmost to preserve the security and stability of the region, and enhance cooperation and integration among the countries of the region.

Regarding regional issues, the two sides discussed developments in Palestine, and expressed deep concern about the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza Strip and the brutal war the strip has been witnessing, and about the death of tens of thousands of unarmed civilians killed by deliberate attacks by the Israeli occupation forces.

They stressed the need to stop military operations in the Palestinian territories, protect civilians and enable international humanitarian organizations to carry out their task of providing humanitarian aid. They also stressed that the international community must play a role in putting an end to Israeli violations.

The two sides welcomed the UN Security Council resolution regarding a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan, and stressed the need to intensify efforts to reach a comprehensive and just settlement to the Palestinian issue in accordance with the principle of the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the relevant international resolutions, in a way that guarantees the Palestinian people their right to establish an independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In regard to Yemen, the two sides stressed the importance of lending full support to international and regional efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis.

The Somali side praised the Kingdom’s efforts and its many initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue and reconciliation between the Yemeni parties, as well as its role in providing and facilitating the arrival of humanitarian aid to all regions of Yemen.

The two sides said that it is important to maintain the security and stability of the Red Sea region, stressing that freedom of navigation is an international requirement right that works in the interest of the entire world, and called for restraint and to avoid escalation in the context of the events taking place in the region.

Regarding the Sudanese issue, the two sides stressed that the two parties to the conflict should end the conflict between them. They welcomed the outcome of the Jeddah talks (2) on November 7, 2023, which was a commitment to take steps to facilitate the increase in humanitarian aid and implement confidence-building measures in preparation for reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities, and to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Somali president thanked and expressed appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for the good reception and hospitality shown to him and his accompanying delegation.

HRH the Crown Prince expressed his best wishes to the Somali president, and wished further progress and prosperity to the brotherly Somali people.

Saturday March 30, 2024

Puntland lawmakers cast their votes on a decisive motion to withdraw recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia, amid deepening constitutional disputes and calls for regional autonomy.

Mogadishu (HOL) – Puntland’s regional administration announced on Sunday its decision to withdraw recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia, citing recent constitutional amendments as a breach of the federal pact that has historically united the country. The declaration from Puntland’s capital, Garowe, follows changes to Somalia’s constitution, approved by the Somali Federal Parliament, which have sparked political turmoil and concerns over national unity.

The crux of Puntland’s grievance lies in the Federal Government’s repeal of the 2012 Provisional Constitution and adoption of new laws that Puntland argues favour particular interests and threaten the federal structure. Puntland’s government has repeatedly warned that such unilateral actions by the Federal Government jeopardize the country’s unity and governance. The regional administration asserts that these changes violate the foundational agreements of Somalia’s federal system, as outlined in the Transitional Federal Constitution and the Puntland State Constitution.

Puntland claims its stance is backed by constitutional provisions, including Article 142 of the Transitional Federal Constitution, which preserves the powers of pre-existing administrations until a harmonization of constitutions is achieved. Article 4 of the Puntland Constitution also empowers the region to reconsider its integration with the Federal Central Government, especially if the federal system is compromised.

The background to this crisis is Somalia’s historic constitutional amendments, which have been a point of contention among various political stakeholders. The amendments, which alter the power dynamics between the president and the prime minister and introduce a multi-party system, have been perceived by Puntland and other critics as a move that could destabilize Somalia’s federal arrangement. The changes, notably the increased powers of the president, have raised fears of a centralized authority undermining the autonomy of federal states like Puntland.

The amendments were part of a broader constitutional review aimed at addressing issues such as women’s representation and freedom of expression, but they have inadvertently exacerbated a political divide. Despite the perceived lack of consensus among Somalia’s federal states, Puntland’s decision to withdraw recognition of the Federal Government was primarily motivated by the decision to implement these amendments.

In response, Puntland has declared its intent to operate independently until Somalia establishes a more inclusive and representative constitutional framework.

Before Saturday’s Somali Parliament vote, former presidents, prominent politicians, and Puntland State leaders strongly opposed President Mohamud’s efforts to amend and review the constitution.

—

TRANSLATED PRESS RELEASE:

PUNTLAND GOVERNMENT DECISION

GAROWE, March 31, 2024

Today, March 31, 2024, an extraordinary meeting was held in Garowe, the capital of Puntland Government. The meeting was held on the action taken yesterday, March 30, 2024, by the Federal Government Councils to repeal the Constitution approved in Mogadishu in 2012, instead of this, the approved laws were enacted with a new constitution that has vested interests. The Puntland government has warned many times that if it is taken, it will harm the unity, government and unity of the Somali nation. The Puntland government believes that the decision of the Federal Councils yesterday has annulled the laws and agreements that protected the unity of the country based on the Federal system.

The Puntland government, based on it

1. Article 142 of the Transitional Federal Constitution, which states “until the time when all the constitutions of the member states of the Federal Government are harmonized with the Constitution of the Federal Government, the Administrations that existed before the adoption of the Temporary Constitution, retain the powers conferred by their constitutions”,

2. Article 4 of the Constitution of the Puntland Government, paragraph 4, letters (b) and (t), which states “The Puntland Government is entitled to reconsider its integration with the Federal Central Government, if the Somalis They do not agree on a government structure that is not lower than the federal system, and prolong the instability and wars that are happening in other parts of Somalia.

3. Also referring to and implementing the decisions that came out of the general consultation conference of Puntland held in Garowe on March 17, 2020, Article 10 which was decided to

The government of Puntland can take any decision to save the fate and future of its nation that the Federal Constitution and Puntland allow and represent its people.

Therefore, the Puntland Government has reached the following decisions:

1) The Puntland government has lost the recognition and trust of the Federal Government agencies until a comprehensive constitutional system is found in Somalia, which Puntland is a part of.

2) According to the Puntland Constitution Article 4, Paragraph 3, the Puntland Government will have the power of a complete and independent government as long as there is a federal system of government, with an agreement, with a Somali constitution that is agreed upon, and a public referendum. which Puntland is a part of.
the base

3) In accordance with the basic article of the Constitution of the Federal Government of Somalia, Chapter 1, Article 1, Paragraph 1 and Paragraph 2 of the Basic Principles, written as follows: the people who claim the independence of the federal republic of somalia or use the constitution specifically” so Hassan sheikh Mohamud canceled the constitution that was agreed upon and he was elected and sworn in. So, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has lost the constitutional rights of the Presidency.

4) The Puntland government welcomes and cooperates with anyone who recognizes and practices the constitution of the agreement that was approved on August 1, 2012.

5) The Puntland government negotiates directly with the international community and international organizations on issues related to its interests.

6) This decision passed by the Government Council is presented to the House of Representatives of the Puntland Government.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE

Saturday March 30, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia’s bicameral federal Parliament approved the amendment of the first four chapters of the country’s provisional Constitution on Saturday following several weeks of heated debates in the Parliament.

The lawmakers voted on the four chapters one by one before casting their votes for the overall amendments of the Constitution proposed by the Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission.

Saturday March 30, 2024

Puntland March 24, 2024 #BreakingNews Former #Somali #Presidents, #PrimeMinisters & Majority of the Lower &Upper Houses #MPS rejected the illegal amendment of the #Somalia #Constitution which current President H.E. Hassan want to extend his #tenure

@UN @UNSomalia @AP @nytimes @BBCWorld @RT_com @dwnews

Thursday March 14, 2024

‘When you come home, we’re going to arrest you’, South Africa’s foreign minister tells Israeli soldiers

Naledi Pandor, South Africa’s foreign minister, in Pretoria on 5 March 2024 (AFP)

South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor said that nationals who have served in the Israeli army will be prosecuted upon re-entering the country, as Israel continues its devastating war on the Gaza Strip for the sixth month.

“I’ve already issued a statement alerting those who are South African and who are fighting alongside or in the Israeli Defense Force. We are ready. When you come home, we’re going to arrest you,” Pandor said during an African National Congress meeting earlier this week.

In her speech restating her country’s solidarity with Palestine, the South African minister referred to her earlier statements in December, in which she warned South African citizens who serve in the Israeli army could be brought to justice.

According to the Israeli Security Service law, all citizens, including dual nationals, are obliged to enlist in the military even if they permanently reside abroad.

After the war broke out in Gaza on 7 October, the Israeli army called upon reserve soldiers, including those living abroad, to join the fighting.

On 18 December, the South African foreign ministry issued a statement requesting all nationals to “avoid joining foreign armed forces which may contribute to the violation of domestic and international law”. Otherwise, they would be “liable for prosecution in South Africa”.

The December statement said South Africa was “gravely concerned by reports that some South African citizens and permanent residents have joined or are considering joining the IDF in the war in Gaza and in the other Occupied Palestinian Territories”.

It added that naturalised citizens of South Africa could be stripped of their citizenship.

‘We will not condone genocide’

This warning was not the first of its kind.

In November a South African minister in the presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said that her country’s laws do not allow citizens to fight under the flags of other countries.

Her statements came as a response to a parliamentary question about what action South Africa is taking against citizens fighting alongside the Israeli army.

South Africa has been among the staunchest opponents of the Israeli war on Gaza, and has led a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians in the besieged enclave, and requesting provisional measures to end the war.

On 26 January the ICJ issued provisional measures, calling on Israel to refrain from impeding the delivery of aid into Gaza and improve the humanitarian situation. It also ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide in the besieged enclave and to punish incitement to genocide.

Israel’s ongoing onslaught on the Gaza Strip has killed over 31,000 Palestinians. It was launched in the aftermath of a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October, which killed 1,139 people.

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile said on Tuesday that his country has no regrets about filing the case with the ICJ.

“Over 70,000 have been injured, while 10,000 are missing under rubble. This brings the number of civilian casualties to about 110,000, amounting to roughly five percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. We will not condone genocide,” he told MPs.

By Harun Maruf
Friday March 8, 2024

Somalia and Turkey have announced the signing of a deal to explore for oil and gas that further strengthens cooperation between the two countries, according to officials from both countries.

Under the agreement signed Thursday in Turkey, the deal is to promote the development of bilateral, scientific, technical and commercial cooperation between Turkey and Somalia in developing the oil and gas of Somalia, according to Somali Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Abdirizak Mohamed.

Mohamed said Turkey will explore for oil and gas in Somalia, both onshore and offshore.

“The Turkish will do the exploration, appraisal and development and production of petroleum from onshore and offshore blocks of the Federal Republic of Somalia as well as distribution, and maybe a refinery sale of petroleum and its product and service operations related to these projects,” Mohamed told VOA Somali.

“So, it’s very comprehensive though we haven’t signed the PSA [production-sharing agreement] yet.”

Mohamed said the deal is one of the protocols of the Defense and Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement reached by the two countries last month.

Under that agreement, which will last for 10 years, Turkey will build, train and equip the Somali navy, according to Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

Mohamed said a follow-up agreement will contain details of the production-sharing agreement, as well as the timeline for the deal.

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also welcomed the agreement.

“We signed an intergovernmental agreement and memorandum of understanding with Mr. Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Somalia, to enhance our cooperation in the field of oil and natural gas in Somalia’s onshore and offshore blocks,” he posted on X. formerly known as Twitter.

“With this agreement, we will carry out joint activities to bring the resources of Somalia to the Somali people. We aim to strengthen Turkey’s presence in the Horn of Africa with new collaborations in the field of energy.”

Turkey has been a major partner of Somalia since 2011 when then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Somalia at the height of a deadly famine. Since then, Turkey has been helping Somalia with humanitarian assistance and budgetary support.

In September 2017, Turkey opened a large military facility to train Somali security forces. The newest group graduated from the facility Thursday.

“Turkey is one of our allies, it’s one of our friends, they have been in Somalia at a time when every other country has neglected and has not given any support,” Mohamed said. “So this agreement only deepens and enhances the deep relationship between the two countries.”

Friday March 8, 2024

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the United Nations today called on the Somali authorities to invest greater effort in ensuring women’s inclusion in politics and making the minimum 30 per cent quota for women’s parliamentary representation a reality.

“The minimum 30 per cent quota will go a long to helping promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Somalia. Despite numerous challenges, Somali women continue to make significant contributions to peacebuilding and reconciliation – this is through service as Members of Parliament, on civil society organisations and on youth associations, to name a few – but there needs to be even more investment of resources to build on this progress as investing in women is a cornerstone for building inclusive societies,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing.

“Somali women continue to remind stakeholders that ensuring inclusion and the 30 per cent quota in legislation is an achievable request given commitments already made by Somali leadership in the past,” she added.

Somali women leaders have been engaging stakeholders – including the National Consultative Council, religious and traditional leaders, the Speakers of Parliament, the Independent Constitutional Review Commission and the Oversight Committee – on the need for legislation and mechanisms to implement and achieve the women’s quota.

In Somalia, the UN supports the Federal Government in its efforts to increase women’s political participation and enact laws that strengthen the protection of women and girls, that comply with Somalia’s human rights obligations and meet international human rights standards. The UN also partners with the Federal Government and civil society to end harmful practices such as female genital mutilation.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.’ The occasion has been observed around the world since 1875 to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, as well as to mark a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

Thursday March 7, 2024

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a meeting of the Ministerial Working Group on supporting Somalia in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. (SPA)

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan participated on Wednesday in a meeting of the Ministerial Working Group on supporting Somalia in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting was chaired by Somalia’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Mohamed Omar.

Prince Faisal also recently participated in the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Committee concerned with monitoring Turkish interventions in the internal affairs of Arab countries.

The meeting was chaired by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and held on the sidelines of the 161st session of the Arab League Council in Cairo

Both meetings underscored the necessity of enhancing Arab collaboration on mutual concerns and upholding the sovereignty of member states, in line with international laws and conventions.They also tackled the latest regional and international developments and the efforts made in this regard.

BY JON GAMBRELL
Tuesday March 5, 2024

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Three cables under the Red Sea that provide global internet and telecommunications have been cut as the waterway remains a target of Yemen’s Houthi rebels, officials said Monday. Meanwhile, a Houthi missile attack set a ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden, but caused no injuries.

What cut the lines remains unclear. There has been concern about the cables being targeted in the Houthi campaign, which the rebels describe as an effort to pressure Israel to end its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis have denied attacking the lines, however.

While global shipping has already been disrupted through the Red Sea, a crucial route for cargo and energy shipments from Asia and the Middle East to Europe, the sabotage of telecommunication lines could further escalate the monthslong crisis.

The cut lines include Asia-Africa-Europe 1, the Europe India Gateway, Seacom and TGN-Gulf, Hong Kong-based HGC Global Communications said. It described the cuts as affecting 25% of the traffic flowing through the Red Sea. It described the Red Sea route as crucial for data moving from Asia to Europe and said it had begun rerouting traffic.

HGC Global Communications described the Seacom-TGN-Gulf line as being two separate cables when it is actually one at the area of the cut, according to Tim Stronge, a subsea cable expert with TeleGeography, a Washington-based telecommunications market research company.

Responding to questions from The Associated Press, Seacom said that “initial testing indicates the affected segment lies within Yemeni maritime jurisdictions in the Southern Red Sea.” It said it was rerouting the traffic that it was able to change, though some services were down.

Tata Communications, part of the Indian conglomerate and behind the Seacom-TGN-Gulf line, told AP that it “initiated immediate and appropriate remedial actions” after the line was cut.

“We invest in various cable consortiums to increase our diversity and hence in such situations of a cable cut or snag, we are able to automatically reroute our services,” Tata said.

Other firms behind those lines, which provide data to Africa, Asia and the Middle East, didn’t respond to AP’s queries.

In early February, Yemen’s internationally recognized government in exile alleged that the Houthis planned to attack the cables. The lines appeared to have been cut on Feb. 24, with the organization NetBlocks noticing internet access in the East African nation of Djibouti suffering from interruptions two days later. Seacom serves Djibouti.

But for their part, the Houthis have denied targeting the cables. The rebels blamed the disruptions on British and U.S. military operations, but didn’t offer evidence to support the allegation and have made false claims in the past.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters over the Israel-Hamas war. Those vessels have included at least one with cargo bound for Iran, the Houthis’ main benefactor, and an aid ship later bound for Houthi-controlled territory.

Despite more than a month and a half of U.S.-led airstrikes, Houthi rebels have remained capable of launching significant attacks. They include the attack last month on a cargo ship carrying fertilizer, the Rubymar, which sank on Saturday after drifting for several days, and the downing of an American drone worth tens of millions of dollars.

The Houthis insist their attacks will continue until Israel stops its combat operations in the Gaza Strip, which have enraged the wider Arab world and seen the Houthis gain international recognition.

Meanwhile, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center on Monday separately warned of a new attack in the Gulf of Aden. The private security firm Ambrey described the vessel targeted as a Liberia-flagged, Israel-affiliated container ship that sustained damage and issued a distress call.

“The container ship reportedly encountered two explosions of which the first occurred at a ‘distance’ off its port quarter, while the second damaged the vessel’s accommodation block and a container leading,” Ambrey said. “The explosion further led to a fire onboard and the crew’s firefighting efforts were underway.”

Ambrey and the UKMTO said no crew member on the ship had been injured in the blaze, which was extinguished several hours later.

Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed the attack in a prerecorded statement. He identified the ship as the MSC Sky II, sailing for the Switzerland-based firm Mediterranean Shipping Co, but sought to link the vessel to Israel. The ship’s details and last-known location corresponded to details about the attack.

The Houthis “will continue to prevent Israeli navigation or those heading to the ports of occupied Palestine until the aggression is stopped and the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip is lifted,” Saree said.

The U.S. military’s Central Command acknowledged the attack on the MSC Sky II and said the vessel “did not request assistance and continued on its way.” The U.S. military separately conducted airstrikes on two anti-ship cruise missiles in Yemen.

MSC didn’t respond to questions about the attack.

It remains unclear how the Houthis could attack subsea cables themselves. The rebels aren’t known to have the diving or salvage capability to target the lines, which sit hundreds of meters below the surface of the waterway.

However, subsea cables can be cut by anchors, including those dropped from some of the ships that have been disabled in attacks. A drifting ship with its anchor scraping the sea could be the culprit.

“Our team thinks it is plausible that it could have been affected by anchor dragging, due to the amount of marine traffic the region deals with and the low seabed in many parts of the Red Sea,” Seacom said. “This can only be confirmed once the repair ship is on site.”

There are 14 cables now running through the Red Sea, with another six planned, said Stronge, the subsea cable expert.

“We estimate that over 90% of communications between Europe and Asia traverse submarine cables in the Red Sea,” he said. “Fortunately, telecom operators have built a high degree of redundancy into the system — there are many cables traversing the Red Sea.”

The Houthis later warned any cable-laying ship entering Yemeni waters needed a permit from the rebels “out of concern for its safety.”

Esra Tekin
Sunday March 3, 2024

Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Somalian counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday discussed Israeli “massacres” in the Palestinian territory, humanitarian aid, and bilateral relations.

“The meeting addressed Türkiye-Somalia relations, Israel’s massacres in the Palestinian territory as well as humanitarian aid, the fight against terrorism and regional and global issues,” the country’s Communications Directorate said on X.

The two presidents met on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

In the meeting, President Erdogan affirmed Ankara’s ongoing commitment to supporting Somalia across various domains, with a specific emphasis on defense.

In addition, Erdogan expressed Türkiye’s readiness to engage in any mediation efforts to address the tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

“Stating that Israel’s reckless attacks on Palestinian land must end, President Erdogan added that the foundation of lasting peace must be built on the basis of the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, based on the 1967 borders,” the directorate added.

Türkiye’s National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, the country’s National Intelligence Organization’s head Ibrahim Kalin and the president’s chief advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic also attended the meeting.

By BRUHAN MAKON
Thursday February 29, 2024

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed to address critical issues on regional peace, stability, and development during his upcoming visit to Nairobi.

The East African State faces significant security challenges, primarily from the Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group Al-Shabaab, while tensions with Ethiopia have escalated over a port access agreement involving Somaliland.

Villa Somalia said that President Mohamud, who will arrive in Nairobi Wednesday to join other world leaders in the ongoing sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), will touch on ”certain destabilizing unilateral actions that threaten to exacerbate the worsening situation.”

Mohamud’s visit, although unofficial, will be coming hot on the heels of Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s State Visit.

Mogadishu and Addis Ababa have been locked in a tiff since January after Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PM Abiy’s administration allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea via Somaliland’s Berbera port for 50 years.

The deal signed between Abiy and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi in Addis Ababa, allows Ethiopia to build a naval base and access Somaliland’s coastline for military and commercial purposes.

In return, Ethiopia agreed to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland, which declared its independence from Somalia in 1991.

The development saw Ethiopia become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland. Addis Ababa promised Hargeisa a share of the state-owned Ethiopian Airlines.

The decision angered Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, labeling the deal “illegitimate” and “an act of aggression”. Mogadishu said the deal violates its sovereignty and recalled its ambassador to Addis in protest.

International campaign

On January 6, President Mohamud announced that he had nullified the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

Mohamud said he signed into law legislation passed by the two Houses of Parliament voiding the “illegal Memorandum of Understanding.”

“With the support of our lawmakers and our people, this law is an illustration of our commitment to safeguard our unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity as per international law,” Mohamud said.

Despite the call from the African Union and other international actors for the two sides to peacefully resolve the matter, Ethiopia has continued to engage other partners concerning the deal.

On Tuesday, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jemal Beker met with Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at his office where they “had a productive discussion on matters of mutual interest including maritime cooperation.”

Ambassador Beker said that he had briefed the Pakistan Naval chief on the MoU with Somaliland adding that they discussion also featured fostering regional integration and cooperation on diverse areas.

On Wednesday, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed foreign and international missions in Hargeisa on the progress of the Somaliland-Ethiopia MoU deal and the recent killings of Somalilanders in Somalia.

Additionally, Somaliland raised objections to the ten-year defense pact between Turkey and Somalia, aimed at enhancing Somalia’s naval capabilities and coastal defense.

Somaliland also raised objections to the ten-year defense pact between Turkey and Somalia signed last week, a deal that will see Turkey help defend Somalia’s coastline and also rebuild its naval forces.

Wednesday February 28, 2024

Security around the Horn of Africa is facing tensions not seen in decades. Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden is drawing in the US and UK, and a new Ethiopian-led port deal, has Somalia claiming its sovereignty is under threat. All are raising risks to this crucial global shipping route.

Amid this uncertainity, last week Somalia’s parliament passed a defence and economic agreement with Turkiye, which Mogadishu called a historic deal.

The 10-year pact is set to cover everything from strengthening maritime security, financial support and to step up the fight against terrorism. Somalia, which is still battling Al Shabab militants, also condemned a recent port deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland. Turkiye, which has long provided financial and humanitarian support to Mogadishu, also operates its largest African embassy and overseas military facility in the country, where it is currently providing training for the Somali national army.

Strait Talk, hosted by Ayse Suberker, is TRT World’s programme that features in-depth analysis of Türkiye’s role in the world. Guests: Elem Eyrice Tepeciklioglu Associate Profe

by EMMANUEL WANJALA
Wednesday February 28, 2024

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is received by President William Ruto on arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at the start of his State visit on February 27, 2024.
Image: PCS

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has arrived in the country on his first State visit since President William Ruto took over.

He was received by his host President William Ruto at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, JKIA.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said his country would “defend itself” if Ethiopia goes ahead with a deal to set up a naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland and possibly recognise the territory as an independent state.

biy was last in Kenya on December 9, 2020, on an official visit for the launch of the One-Stop Border Post at Moyale in Marsabit.

His last State visit to Kenya was in June 2018 when he and then-president Uhuru Kenyatta vowed to elevate their ties to strategic levels.

Insiders said the agenda of the visit is security and economic collaboration, with a particular focus on Ethiopia’s strategic interest in utilising Kenya’s Lamu Port for maritime access.

The latest visit signals improved relations between Nairobi and Addis Ababa and offers a new opportunity to explore new avenues of collaboration in the region.

Kenya and Ethiopia share a 60-year-old historical defence agreement, rooted in the friendship between Jomo Kenyatta and Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi was on February 22 in Ethiopia where he signed key cooperation deals in seven sectors on behalf of the government.

These included MoUs on tourism, wildlife, culture, blue economy, petroleum, correctional services and capacity building in public service.

The deals were agreed upon during the 36th Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in Addis Ababa.

“I’m excited by this great opportunity to explore ways to strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries on economic, social, security and foreign relations,” Mudavadi said.

Besides bolstering the enhanced bilateral ties during Abiy’s visit, Ruto is also expected to capitalise on occasion to push for Ethiopia’s support of Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the AU chairmanship.

The President has taken to playing a pivotal role in ensuring his former political nemesis wins the AU top job which signals his exit from the local political scene.

Since declaring his candidature for the post on February 15, Raila has received backing not only from Ruto and his Azimio camp but also from regional leaders.

They include former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo who said the Opposition chief is the best pick for the position.

Ruto also joined Raila in Uganda on Monday where their host Yoweri Museveni endorsed his candidature for the top AU job ahead of polls slated for 2015 during the next AU Summit.

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Police Chief General Sulub Ahmed Firin has appointed Major General Qasim Ahmed Roble as the new spokesperson for the country’s police, replacing Major Sadiq Aden Ali-Doodishe.

During a press conference in Mogadishu on Sunday, Major Sadiq Aden Ali-Doodishe handed over his duties to his successor, who previously held the position.

“I have now officially handed over the role of spokesperson of the Somali Police Force to my commander, Major General Qasim Ahmed Roble. I have been working in the spokesman’s office for a while and handed it over to Major General Qasim Ahmed Roble this afternoon,” said Sadiq Doodishe.

The new spokesperson of the Somali Police thanked Sadiq Doodishe for his work during his tenure in office, promising to serve the nation and the Somali people well.

The appointment of the new Police Spokesperson, Qasim Ahmed Roble, marks the second time he has been appointed to this position, having previously held it from 2017 to 2019.

BY DENISE LAVOIE AND MATTHEW BARAKAT
Friday February 23, 2024

Special Operator Second Class Nathan Gage Ingram, right, and Special Operator First Class Christopher J. Chambers, in photos released by the U.S. Navy.Credit…U.S. Navy

Four foreign nationals were arrested and charged Thursday with transporting suspected Iranian-made weapons on a vessel intercepted by U.S. naval forces in the Arabian Sea last month. Two Navy SEALs died during the mission.

The criminal complaint unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Richmond alleges that the four defendants — who were all carrying Pakistani identification cards — were transporting suspected Iranian-made missile components for the type of weapons used by Houthi rebel forces in recent attacks.

The flow of missiles and other advanced weaponry from Iran to Houthi rebel forces in Yemen threatens the people and interests of America and our partners in the region,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a news release.

U.S. officials said that Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers was boarding the boat on Jan. 11 and slipped into the gap created by high waves between the vessel and the SEALs’ combatant craft. As Chambers fell, Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram jumped in to try to save him, according to U.S. officials familiar with what happened.

“Two Navy SEALs tragically lost their lives in the operation that thwarted the defendants charged today from allegedly smuggling Iranian-made weapons that the Houthis could have used to target American forces and threaten freedom of navigation and a vital artery for commerce,” Monaco said.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland pledged that the Justice Department “will use every legal authority to hold accountable those who facilitate the flow of weapons from Iran to Houthi rebel forces, Hamas, and other groups that endanger the security of the United States and our allies.”

Muhammad Pahlawan is charged with attempting to smuggle advanced missile components, including a warhead he is accused of knowing would be used by the Houthi rebels against commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. He is also charged with providing false information to U.S. Coast Guard officers during the boarding of the vessel.

Pahlawan’s co-defendants — Mohammad Mazhar, Ghufran Ullah and Izhar Muhammad — were also charged with providing false information.

Pahlawan’s attorney, Assistant Supervisory Federal Public Defender Amy Austin, said Pahlawan had an initial appearance in U.S. District Court Thursday and is scheduled to be back in court Tuesday for a detention hearing. She declined to comment on the case.

“Right now, he’s just charged with two crimes and we’re just at the very beginning stages, and so all we know is what’s in the complaint,” Austin said when reached by phone Thursday.

According to prosecutors, Navy forces boarded a small, unflagged vessel, described as a dhow, and encountered 14 people on the ship on the night of Jan. 11, in the Arabian Sea off the Somali coast.

Navy forces searched the dhow and found what prosecutors say was Iranian-made weapons, including components for medium range ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles.

All 14 sailors on the dhow were brought onto the USS Lewis B. Puller after Navy forces determined the dhow was not seaworthy. They were then brought back to Virginia, where criminal charges were filed against four and material witness warrants were filed against the other 10.

According to an FBI affidavit, Navy forces were entitled to board the ship because they were conducting an authorized “flag verification” to determine the country where the dhow was registered.

The dhow was determined to be flying without a flag and was therefore deemed a “vessel without nationality” that was subject to U.S. law, the affidavit states.

According to the affidavit, the sailors on the dhow admitted they had departed from Iran, although at least one of the men initially insisted they departed from Pakistan.

The affidavit states that crew members had been in contact multiple times by satellite phone with a member of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

___
Barakat reported from Falls Church, Virginia. Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed.

Friday February 23, 2024

Mogadishu (HOL) – Police in Mogadishu have identified the people responsible for the abduction and killing of a young man in Mogadishu’s Heliwa district.

The spokesperson of the Somali Police Force, Major Sadiq Aden Ali Doodishe, told reporters on Thursday that the perpetrators who killed Abukar Ahmed Kaabah are known and will be apprehended soon.

“Investigations conducted by the security agencies have uncovered their identities, and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend them. Once captured, they will be brought to justice,” said the Somali Police Spokesman.

The victim, who was a well-known figure in Heliwa, was forcibly taken from a neighborhood in the district by four men in a Toyota SUV. Residents of the Garsbaaley neighborhood reported hearing gunfire around 3:00 a.m. Wednesday night. “This morning, we found his body dumped among the trees,” said one resident of Garsbaaley.

The abduction and murder add to a series of recent events that have shaken Mogadishu. Just days ago, the body of a federal government official from the breakaway region of Somaliland was discovered in the city, further heightening concerns about security in the area.

Friday February 23, 2024

Mogadishu

Former Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has urged the Somali people and politicians to fully support the Turkey-Somalia defense and economic cooperation agreement to protect the country.

Speaking to local media on Thursday, Roble described the agreement as historic and important for both countries, emphasizing that it will enhance the security and development of Somalia.

“This agreement protects Somalia from all obstacles, whether countries stealing fish, engaging in unauthorized activities in our seas, pirates harming our people, or foreign interference. The rebuilding of our naval force will benefit Somalia,” he said.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud enacted the ten-year Turkey-Somalia Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement on Thursday, following its approval by the country’s executive and legislative branches.

The Turkish Defense Ministry also stated that Turkey would assist Somalia in developing its maritime security under a defense cooperation deal signed in Ankara earlier this month.

“Upon Somalia’s request, we will provide support in the field of maritime security, as we did in the fight against terrorism,” a senior official from the Turkish Defense Ministry told reporters. “Hence we will help Somalia develop its capacity and capabilities to combat illegal and irregular activities in its territorial waters.”

The new agreement comes amid increasing tension between Somalia and Ethiopia, sparked by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Ethiopia and Somalia’s breakaway Somaliland region. Somalia has strongly rejected the MOU, alleging that Ethiopia aims to annex parts of Somalia’s territory. President Hassan Sheikh has voiced this concern at African Union meetings and on other occasions.

Mogadishu (HOL) – Somalia’s Council of Ministers approved the recent agreement between Turkey and Somalia on defense and economic cooperation on Wednesday, as President Mohamud is expected to address the parliament today regarding the agreement and the diplomatic dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre, who chaired the extraordinary meeting of the Council in Mogadishu, described the agreement as historic for the Somali nation and emphasized its importance for the country and its people.

This agreement marks a new path for Somalia that was previously inaccessible. It establishes Somalia as a true friend and removes obstacles,” Barre stated after the meeting.

Prime Minister Barre emphasized that the agreement would address concerns related to terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing, pollution, abuse, and external threats.

“This agreement will facilitate the Navy’s development, training, and equipping for maritime defence. It will also enhance our maritime economy,” Prime Minister Hamsa added.

He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Turkey for their support during critical times in Somalia’s history, particularly in the face of recent violations of the country’s sovereignty.

He expressed gratitude to the government and people of Turkey for their support during what he called critical times in Somalia’s history and today in the face of recent violations of the country’s sovereignty.

Earlier this month, the defence ministers of Turkey and Somalia signed a defence and economic cooperation agreement in Ankara aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and regional stability.

Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, who signed the agreement with his Somali counterpart Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur, emphasized Somalia’s significance as a partner for Turkey in Africa.

“We had a fruitful meeting with my counterpart. In our discussions, which were held in a warm atmosphere and further solidified our relations, we reiterated our commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Guler remarked after the meeting.

“We had a productive meeting with my counterpart. In our discussions, which took place in a very warm atmosphere and further strengthened our relations, we reiterated the importance we attach to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Guler said after the meeting.

Tensions in the Horn of Africa have escalated after landlocked Ethiopia reached a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland on January 1 that gives it access to the sea.

The Somali government vehemently rejected the MoU, saying that the pact had no legal validity and would endanger regional stability. Somalia said there was no room for mediation in a dispute with Ethiopia unless Addis Ababa cancelled a controversial deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland.

Tanzanians criticise Nyerere’s statue in Ethiopia

Some Tanzanians online are saying the statue of their founding father doesn’t look like him.

BBC launches 2024 Komla Dumor Award

The BBC is seeking a future star of African journalism for the BBC News Komla Dumor Award 2024.

Award-winning journalist arrested in Somalia – reports

Sources tell the BBC that Jamal Osman, who works for the UK’s Channel 4, is due to be deported from Somalia.

Somalia president accuses Ethiopia of trying to annex part of its territory

President Mohamud ‘categorically objects’ to Ethiopia’s Red Sea port deal with Somaliland, territory Somalia claims as its own.

Published On 17 Feb 202417 Feb 2024

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has accused Ethiopia of trying to annex part of his country’s territory by signing a sea access deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland.

Speaking at the African Union summit in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa on Saturday, Mohamud also said Ethiopian security forces tried to block his access to the summit amid a dispute between the two countries.

KEEP READING

list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3

Somalia has joined the EAC regional bloc. What happens next?

list 2 of 3

Somalia rejects mediation with Ethiopia gov’t over Somaliland port deal

list 3 of 3

Could Ethiopia and Somalia go to war?

end of list

The agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland signed on January 1 “is nothing more than annexing part of Somalia to Ethiopia, and changing the borders of Somalia,” Mohamud told reporters. “Somalia categorically objects to that.”

As part of the deal, signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland’s leader Muse Bihi Abdi, Somaliland grants Ethiopia a 50-year lease on a naval base with access to Somaliland’s Berbera port for commercial marine operations.

Neither side has made the terms of the deal public, but it appears to give Ethiopia the right to build a port in Somaliland in exchange for recognition.

Somaliland has enjoyed de facto independence for three decades, but Somalia considers the self-governing region and its four million people to be a part of its northern territory.

Mogadishu regards any international recognition of Somaliland as an attack on Somalia’s sovereignty, and the Somali government has called the port deal with Addis Ababa “outrageous” and “unauthorised”.

“Ethiopia is misleading the world by claiming that they need an access to the sea,” Mohamud said on Saturday. “The question is not an access to the sea. The question is how Ethiopia wants access to the sea.”

He claimed senior officers from Ethiopia’s military were in Somaliland “preparing the ground” for the territory’s annexation. It was not possible to verify his allegation.

Somalia has suggested it would be prepared to go to war to stop Ethiopia from building a port in Somaliland. But Ethiopia’s Abiy has played down fears of an armed conflict over the Somaliland deal, telling lawmakers earlier this month that he had “no intention” of going to war with Somalia.

ISLAMABAD —

Somalia has condemned what it calls “a provocative attempt by the Ethiopian government,” claiming that Ethiopian security forces tried to block Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud from accessing the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, a government statement said Saturday.

“The Federal Republic of Somalia strongly condemns the provocative attempt by the Ethiopian government to obstruct the delegation of the Somali President from attending the 2024 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa,” said the statement released by the Somali National News Agency SONNA.

“This action breaches all diplomatic and international protocols and, most critically, the established traditions of the African Union. This behavior adds to the growing list of erratic actions by the Ethiopian government in recent times,” said the statement.

Ethiopia hosts the African Union headquarters, and Mohamud — leading a delegation from the Somalia government — went there to attend the AU summit at a time when both countries already are at odds over a controversial maritime pact between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

“Given that Ethiopia hosts the African Union headquarters, its leadership and government have an obligation to treat all African leaders equally,” the Somali government statement said.

“Hosting the AU is both an honor and a privilege for Ethiopia; however, if its government fails to uphold this honor and responsibility with the necessary decorum, it may be necessary for the African Union to reevaluate the location of its headquarters,” the statement added.

Mogadishu described the incident as “outrageous conduct” and called for a full investigation by the pan-African body.

“While we denounce Ethiopia’s unwarranted action, we also call upon the AU to urgently conduct a credible and independent investigation to this outrageous conduct in line with the protocols of the union,” the statement said.

“This morning when I prepared myself to come and attend the closed session of the summit, the Ethiopian security blocked my way,” Mohamud told reporters, after later gaining entry to the venue for the meeting.

He said he had tried again with another head of state, Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, but they were also blocked from the AU headquarters, a claim challenged by Ethiopia.

“A soldier with a gun stood in front of us and denied us access to this facility,” he said.

Agence France-Presse has reported that Ethiopia insisted Mohamud was warmly welcomed and said the Somali delegation was blocked when its security detail tried to enter a venue with weapons.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s spokeswoman, Billene Seyoum, told AFP that Ethiopia had “warmly welcomed” Mohamud and accorded him the full honors of visiting heads of state and governments to the summit.

She said the Somali delegation had declined the security offered by Ethiopia and tried to enter a venue with their weapons.

“As host country, the government of Ethiopia is responsible for the security of all heads of state and government while in the country,” Seyoum said.

“The Somali delegation security attempted to enter the AUC [African Union Commission] premises with weapons, which was blocked off by AUC security.”

Somalia has accused Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity over the January 1 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland that declared independence in 1991 in a move not recognized by the international community.

Under the maritime deal, Somaliland agreed to lease 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of its coast for 50 years to Ethiopia, which wants to set up a naval base and a commercial port on the coast.

In return, Somaliland — a former British protectorate — has said Ethiopia would give it formal recognition, assertions not confirmed by Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa and one of the largest landlocked nations in the world, was cut off from the coast after Eritrea seceded and declared independence in 1993 following a three-decade-long war.

Addis Ababa had maintained access to a port in Eritrea until the two countries went to war in 1998-2000, and since then, Ethiopia has sent most of its sea trade through Djibouti.

While Somaliland is largely stable, Somalia has witnessed decades of civil war and a bloody Islamist insurgency by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab militant group.