Tuesday 21,Jan,2025 {HMC} The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced a stern warning to the Somali Businessmen, brokers and drivers who pay extortion money to the Al-Shabaab terrorists. NISA said that they will be held and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

The security agency has taps on all those who are suspected in aiding and abetting the terrorist militants and financing their activities. The government will hold any person found involved and they will face the justice.

The National Intelligence Agency is obliged to protect the property, dignity and the safety of the Somali citizens, in that case, the agency asks everyone to work with the security services.

Source SONNA 

Tuesday 21,Jan,2025 {HMC} There was relief in Tigray when the war ended with a peace agreement signed in Pretoria, South Africa, in November 2022. But, despite the cessation of hostilities, hundreds of thousands of people uprooted from their homes during the conflict continue to live in dire conditions. The war in Tigray was fought between Ethiopia’s National Defense Force, backed by troops from Eritrea, against fighters of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Birhane Tafere, 62, fled from his home in Humera, a city in northwestern Ethiopia, in November 2020. Since then, Birhane has spent over four years in an IDP camp. He now resides in a temporary shelter in Abiye Adi, located 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, along with thousands of other displaced people, and describes his life as miserable.

“All displaced people are in despair. We are worried about what will happen next,” Birhane told DW.

“The authorities who should be returning us to our villages have abandoned our agenda and are busy struggling for power.”

1 million refugees
According to Tigray’s interim regional administration, nearly 1 million displaced people have not been able to return to their homes.

The administration cites significant social and economic hardship caused by this displacement, as militants continue to control western Tigray and Eritrean forces control border areas, hindering safe returns. For many, the situation in Tigray is life-threatening.

Negasi Marek, a displaced father of four from western Tigray, has been living in Tsehaye Primary School, which now serves as a temporary IDP camp in Shire city. Negasi told DW that the conditions are so severe in the shleter that people are dying.

“Four people have died alone in the last two weeks, just because of the dire situation,” Negasi said.

“We are not living; we are suffering. Especially the elderly, diabetics and people with hypertension do not get medicine and food. All you can expect here is death,” Negasi added.

People ‘suffering immensely’

The opposition party Salsay Weyane Tigray accuses both the regional and federal governments of causing the suffering of the displaced people. Party Chairman Alula Hailu told DW that the Eritrean army has not yet withdrawn from the border areas of Irob and Badme or other districts of Tigray.

Alula said neither Tigray’s regional administration nor Ethiopia’s federal government had fulfilled their responsibilities. As a result, many displaced people continue to live in tents.

“About 600 of the 10,625 displaced people from Badme alone have died due to a lack of food and other support,” Alula said, adding that his party has repeatedly called attention to the plight of displaced people.

“Similarly, displaced people in Shire are suffering immensely. The problem is widespread,” Alula said.

Billions still needed

Tigray’s regional interim administration has announced plans to facilitate the return of displaced people. However, the plan is estimated to require $2.1 billion (€2 billion) and the political will to return the displaced people.

The administration has reportedly engaged UN agencies and other stakeholders to secure funding and support for the process.

Despite repeated government promises to return the internally displaced people, there has been no sign of change.

Edited by: Chrispin Mwakideu

Tuesday 21,Jan,2025 {HMC} Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, commended the recent ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s 9841st meeting, which addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Minister Fiqi reaffirmed Somalia’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.

The Minister emphasized the need to tackle the conflict’s root causes, calling for an end to the Israeli occupation and the blockade on Gaza. He highlighted the importance of comprehensive reconstruction efforts in Gaza, advocating for initiatives that not only focus on rebuilding infrastructure but also prioritize investment in people, community support, and economic development to pave the way for a stable and just future.

Minister Fiqi reiterated Somalia’s strong support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), underscoring its vital role in providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees. He urged the international community to ensure UNRWA’s uninterrupted operations and to unite against unilateral actions that could exacerbate the crisis.

In his address, the Minister reaffirmed Somalia’s commitment to a just and lasting resolution of the conflict based on international legitimacy. He stressed the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative, advocating for establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. He called on the international community to intensify efforts to end the Israeli occupation and achieve sustainable peace in the region.

The ceasefire, entering its first six-week phase, Hamas is to release 33 hostages in total, with at least three hostages released each week. In turn, Israel will release 30 Palestinians from prison for each Israeli civilian Hamas releases, and 50 for each soldier. Hamas released the first three Israeli hostages from Gaza and Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday, day one of the ceasefire.

Source Hiiraan online