ADF members of Tanzanian and Kenyan origin arrested in Beni with a mission to plant bombs in the region.

31 people arrested in the Beni region of North Kivu province, including several foreign fighters affiliated with the ADF and Mai-Mai armed groups. Among those presented is Abdallah Rashid, a fighter from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) originally from Tanzania. 

According to the army, Rashid is involved in numerous massacres and kidnappings in the west of Oicha, in the outskirts of Mamove. He was apprehended while trying to infiltrate the city of Beni to coordinate explosives planting operations and carry out targeted actions.

Another ADF fighter, Emmanuel Sanga, known as Benito, also of Tanzanian nationality, was arrested at a checkpoint in Paida, on the Beni-Kasindi road. According to the authorities, he is responsible for several abuses against civilians west of national road No. 4 and was seeking to infiltrate Beni to carry out attacks.

Ramadan Saidi Abdallah Mbweni, also Tanzanian and recruited from South Africa, was intercepted near Mamove. According to the army, he was responsible for supervising a network of bombers in Beni.

Hassim Ramadan, another ADF fighter of Kenyan nationality and former armed robber, was arrested at the Beni-Mavivi checkpoint in possession of an AK-47 weapon and about forty rounds of ammunition. He was also trying to infiltrate Beni from the surrounding forest.

The army also presented several "Congolese accomplices" accused of collaborating with the ADF, stressing the importance of local cooperation in the fight against these armed groups.

Egypt and Somalia signed a defence pact to boolster Security and Economic cooperation a defence pact to boolster Security a

Egypt and Somalia signed a defense pact Wednesday to bolster security cooperation.

The pact was signed after bilateral talks between Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and his Somali counterpart, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is on a two-day visit to Cairo.

Somalia said it is a “significant defense agreement between Somalia and Egypt, aimed at bolstering security cooperation between the two brotherly nations.”

At a news conference with El-Sisi, Mohamud said the “historic” pact is a testament to a future of common defense against international terrorism that Somalia is battling at home and abroad.

“The agreement serves as a blueprint for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the pursuit of regional, continental and international peace and security,” the Somali presidential palace said in a statement.

Egypt offered to support a new African Union peacekeeping mission to Somalia that will replace the current mission force.

The value of Egyptian exports to Somalia increased to $54 million in the first 11 months of 2023, compared to $42.3 million during the period in 2022, an increase of 27.7% as the value of Somalia exports to Egypt stabilized at $2.2 million, according to the Egyptian Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS).

Antonio Gutteress hints on Africa's need for a permanent seat at the UN security council

 

All census participants who haven't yet got their pay will soon get it

 All Census participants specifically those that haven't been paid yet, will receive their entitlements through Mobile money or a bank account in their name. 

Have Ethiopian intelligence officers defected to As Alshabaab

 

There are claims inside Alshabaab that indicate that at least four Ethiopian Military intelligence officers from INSA have defected to Alshabaab, bringing with them critical information, including biometric data and a list of Ethiopian intelligence operations. If confirmed, this will be the biggest espionage breach in Ethiopian intelligence history.It will leave a lot the regional intelligence bodiesto study.

.... For God and My Country....

On Saturday, ATMIS UPDF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, in collaboration with The Development Initiative (TDI), neutralized unexploded ordnances in Aribiska, Afgooye District.

On Saturday, ATMIS UPDF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, in collaboration with The Development Initiative (TDI), neutralized unexploded ordnances in Aribiska, Afgooye District.

The operation, led by Colonel Bernard Kashemeza, Commander of Battle Group XXXIX, was to protect civilians from the dangers of unexploded ordnances & misfired munitions left behind by Al-Shabaab militants.

ATMIS remains committed to safeguarding civilians through its Route Search & EOD teams, reducing the risks posed by munitions. 

Sunday OSINT and HUMINT report briefs from Somalia

 ASSAULT IN GALGADUUD

Armed militants carried out another assault in parts of Galgaduud, killing civilian herders. The attack occurred in the Baalal-dheer village under Cadakibir district, with the perpetrators fleeing the scene. Two men, both residents of Cadaado town, were killed in the assault

PRESIDENT ERGOGAN HOLD A PHONE TALK WITH ETHIOPIAN PRIME MINISTER

  President Erdogan has held a phone discussion with Ethiopian Prime Minister AbiyAhmedAli, highlighting that Ethiopia must address Somalia’s concerns over unity, sovereignty, & territorial integrity to advance the mediation process, according to a statement.

FIRE GUTS A CLOTHING MARKET IN JOWAHAR.

A huge blaze has erupted at the biggest clothing market in jowhar , the capital of Somalia's Hirshabelle state. Initial reports indicate the fire may have been sparked by an electrical fault, but the exact cause remains unclear.

ALCOHOL AND OTHER THINGS CAUGHT BEING SMAUGGLED.

Security forces in Galkayo have seized a large haul of alcohol and other illegal substances that were being smuggled into the town. Authorities are investigating the source and intended distribution of the confiscated contraband.

SOMALI OFFICIAL ARRIVE IN TURKEY FOR TALKS WITH ETHIOPIA.

Somali officials landed in Türkiye on Sunday, poised to engage in high-stakes negotiations aimed at de-escalating a significant diplomatic conflict that has heightened tensions across the Horn of Africa. The central issue? A controversial port access agreement involving Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia that remains a source of contention for the federal government in Mogadishu.

The second round of negotiations, set to commence Monday in Ankara, represents a critical juncture in Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to mediate the dispute. The friction stems from Ethiopia’s recent agreement to a 50-year lease on 20 kilometers of Somaliland’s coastline, including the strategically important Berbera port.

This deal, finalized in January, has ignited a fierce backlash from Somalia, which views Somaliland as an integral part of its territory and is alarmed by Ethiopia’s tacit recognition of Somaliland’s de facto independence.

In a phone call on Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized Türkiye’s commitment to easing the tensions. Erdogan urged Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to take measures that would address Somalia’s concerns, asserting that such steps could significantly advance the mediation efforts.

Türkiye has publicly committed to ensuring Somali unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity throughout this process.

Türkiye, which has strategically positioned itself as a key mediator in the Horn of Africa, is leveraging its diplomatic clout to navigate this complex situation. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who successfully orchestrated the initial round of talks in Ankara last month, will lead the discussions with a focus on constructive dialogue.

“Constructive dialogue is the only path forward,” Fidan stated, underscoring his commitment to resolving the crisis.

The Somali government’s reaction to the Ethiopia-Somaliland memorandum was immediate and severe. Somalia expelled the Ethiopian ambassador and recalled its envoy from Addis Ababa, signaling its strong opposition to the deal. Concurrently, Somalia launched an aggressive diplomatic campaign, seeking support from the African Union, the Arab League, and influential allies such as Egypt.

Somaliland, which declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, has operated as a de facto state with limited international recognition. Ethiopia’s move to engage with Somaliland represents a significant shift that threatens to disrupt the region’s fragile equilibrium.

Türkiye’s involvement is particularly notable given its expanding influence in both Somalia and Ethiopia. Since President Erdogan’s historic visit to Mogadishu in 2011, Türkiye has become deeply entrenched in Somali affairs, providing aid, infrastructure development, and establishing its largest overseas military base in the Somali capital.

Earlier this year, Türkiye and Somalia solidified their partnership with a maritime and defense pact, further intensifying the stakes in the ongoing negotiations.

Türkiye’s dual engagement in the region, with strong trade and defense ties with Ethiopia alongside its extensive involvement with Somalia, positions it uniquely as an influential mediator capable of balancing interests from both sides.

The military dynamics in the region further complicate the situation. Recent Ethiopian troop movements in Somalia have exacerbated tensions, prompting Mogadishu to demand the immediate withdrawal of Ethiopian forces.

Somalia has delayed the planned reduction of African Union troops under the ATMIS mandate and has expressed its preference for contributions from Egypt and Djibouti to the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), rather than Ethiopian troops.

UNMAS' Fran O'Grady met ONS Somalias  Natioal Security Adviser XuseenMacallin and discussed cooperation to enhance Somali Security Forces' capacity in explosive ordnance disposal, counter IED measures and more - UNMAS is committed to supporting FGS efforts to making Somalia free from explosive hazards.

Road transport in great North of North Kivu paralysed for more than 2 months.

 Public transport vehicles and goods transport vehicles have not been circulating on the Beni-Kanyabayonga road (North Kivu) for almost two months.

According to security sources, this situation is due to the occupation of the Rutshuru territory by the M23 rebels.

This situation has seriously disrupted the functioning of several transport agencies in Beni.

At the parking lot of the Association of Drivers of Congo (ACCO), on the Beni-Kasindi axis, the atmosphere is gloomy following the significant drop in the number of customers.

"  Now, I no longer go to the Beni-Goma axis following the war that prevails in the region. What blocks us more is the M23 which is at the root of the traffic stoppage on this road axis of Goma. Since then, we drivers who served this axis have suffered a lot. It is no longer like before when I went to this axis of Goma  ", explained Claude Kishokero, one of the drivers of this region.

To deal with this situation, most of these drivers who served the Beni-Kanyabayonga axis have redirected to the Beni-Kasindi axis.

This situation creates tensions between them due to the competition to attract passengers.

"  Most of us drivers concentrate on the single axis and the number of passengers is reduced. We sometimes fight over passengers. Drivers on the Beni-Goma, Beni and Beni-Bunia axes are forced to come and join us to find ways to support their families on the single axis of Kasingi, the only route open these days  ," Jean-Romain Moyindo, in charge of alignment within the ACCO in Beni.

Iran to ammend ties with Somalia

 Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, announced on Thursday that Iran is ready to strengthen its relationships with African countries, with a special focus on Somalia.

His comments were made during a meeting with Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Bagheri Kani emphasized that Iran sees great potential in building stronger ties with African nations, including Somalia. He highlighted the importance of unity among Islamic nations to protect their common interests and stand against external threats.

Somalia’s Foreign Minister Fiqi welcomed the renewed dialogue, praising Iran for its support of Palestine and acknowledging Iran’s help in Somalia’s fight against terrorism, especially against the Al-Shabaab insurgency.

The relationship between Iran and Somalia hasn’t always been smooth. In 2014, there was hope that the two countries might grow closer, but by 2016, Somalia broke off diplomatic ties with Iran, accusing it of interfering in its internal affairs.

This move aligned Somalia more closely with Saudi Arabia, which gave Somalia a $50 million aid package on the same day it cut ties with Iran.

In 2024, however, signs of reconciliation have emerged. In March, Somalia released 33 Iranian fishermen detained for illegal fishing in Somali waters, seen as a gesture of goodwill towards Tehran.

Later, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud sent condolences to Iran after the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, further signalling a potential shift in relations.

Iran’s outreach to Somalia is part of a larger strategy to expand its influence in Africa. The continent is becoming an increasingly important battleground for geopolitical influence, with Iran looking to build new alliances while navigating complex local politics.

Gen Ibrahim Sheikh Muhiyidin visits the construction site of Land forces headquarters

On Saturday, Somali  Army Chief Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh Muhiyidin and Land Forces Commander Gen. Dayah Abdulle visited the construction site of the new Land Forces headquarters in Mogadishu , underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen military infrastructures.