Monday 13,Jan,2025 {HMC} The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, has praised the recent restoration of full diplomatic ties between Somalia and Ethiopia.

The announcement was made in a joint communiqué on January 11, 2025, in Addis Ababa, following a meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The two leaders agreed to re-establish full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals to strengthen bilateral relations.

Ambassador Souef described the agreement as a key milestone that underscores the enduring commitments made under the Ankara Declaration. He emphasized the importance of renewed diplomatic ties, enhanced security cooperation, and greater economic integration in fostering regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

“AUSSOM remains committed to supporting Somalia’s stabilization efforts and regional partnerships, in alignment with the aspirations of the Somali people and the African Union’s vision for a peaceful and prosperous Africa,” Souef stated.

Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia were strained in April 2024 when Somalia expelled the Ethiopian ambassador amid a contentious Somaliland port deal. The dispute centered on a memorandum of understanding that granted Ethiopia access to a Somaliland port in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence. The tensions escalated until they were resolved through the Türkiye-brokered Ankara Declaration in December 2024.

The Ankara Declaration was reached last December during talks hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with Somali and Ethiopian leaders in attendance.

The restoration of diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia is seen as a crucial step toward building trust, enhancing security, and promoting economic growth in the Horn of Africa.

Monday 13,Jan,2025 {HMC} Somalia is working to include Ethiopia in the troop quota for the African Union’s new mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), according to Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Omar Balcad.

Balcad confirmed that the Somali government had already allocated troops for the mission and identified the countries expected to contribute. However, he explained that Ethiopia’s participation remains uncertain as the government works to resolve issues related to troop distribution.

“The main hurdle preventing Ethiopia’s involvement in AUSSOM was related to the MOU agreement. That issue has been resolved. The challenge now lies in the fact that most of the troop quotas have already been assigned, and there is little left to distribute. We are actively working to find a solution,” Balcad said.

Following a recent meeting in Addis Ababa between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, both nations agreed to restore full diplomatic ties that had been damaged by the MoU with Somaliland.

Somalia has long held that Ethiopia’s involvement in any future peacekeeping mission hinges on disavowing its MoU with Somaliland. Signed in January 2024, the MoU allowed Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s strategic Red Sea port, which Somalia sees as an encroachment on its territorial integrity. Despite this, Somalia recently softened its stance, acknowledging Ethiopia’s role in the peacekeeping efforts under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

A Somali delegation is expected to travel to Ethiopia in the coming days to address the technical details of Ethiopia’s potential participation in the mission. This includes confirming troop numbers and ensuring that Ethiopia’s involvement aligns with Somalia’s national interests and sovereignty.

Balcad also announced that Ethiopia is expected to appoint its ambassador to Somalia soon, while Somalia’s ambassador to Ethiopia will begin their official duties.

Monday 13,Jan,2025 {HMC} The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has announced a $30,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Yusuf Mohamed Hussein, known as Jeeri-Arab, a senior AS operative linked to the group’s bomb disposal unit.

In a statement released on Sunday, NISA identified Jeeri-Arab as a key figure in AS  operations in the Banadir region, responsible for bomb disposal, reconnaissance missions, and planning suicide attacks.

The agency stated that Jeeri-Arab was involved in numerous high-profile terrorist attacks in Mogadishu, including bombings at Villa Rosa, the Banadir regional headquarters, Pearl Beach, SYL Hotel, Beach View, and several prominent restaurants such as Sayidka, Jawi Coffee, Blue Sky, Top Coffee, and School Polizio.

“NISA calls on Somali citizens to provide any information regarding this individual’s whereabouts. Those who assist will receive a $30,000 cash reward,” the statement read.

NISA confirmed that it has already apprehended several individuals linked to Jeeri-Arab, including key conspirators, vehicles used in the attacks, and some of his family members. The intelligence agency also revealed that Jeeri-Arab has been hiding in the Mubarak area of the Lower Shabelle region in recent days.

Monday 13,Jan,2025 {HMC} A convoy of 25 trucks loaded with essential food aid arrived in Guriceel town, Galgaduud region, bringing much-needed relief to communities severely affected by the ongoing La Nina-induced drought. The trucks, donated by the Turkish and Chinese governments, were dispatched by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) from Mogadishu nine days ago.

Galgaduud region, one of the hardest-hit areas by the drought, is home to thousands of vulnerable individuals struggling to survive. The aid, prepared by SoDMA, aims to support both the drought-affected population and communities in areas recently liberated from Khwaarij.

Upon arrival on the outskirts of Guriceel, the convoy was warmly welcomed by officials from Galmudug, SoDMA, and the Guriceel district administration. SoDMA Relief Director Sahro Ali Yusuf was present to oversee the delivery of the aid.

Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Relief and Disaster Management of Galmudug, Mohamed Khalif Salad, along with Galmudug Minister of Education, Mohamed Dhoore, MP Mursal Heefow, and former governor of Mataan district, Mohamed Dhoobeey, expressed their gratitude to SoDMA for their efforts. In his speech, Deputy Minister Salad highlighted the significance of the aid and its impact on the local communities.

Guriceel district governor Farah Fataate also extended his thanks to SoDMA, pledging to ensure the aid reaches those who need it most.