Monday 9,Dec,202 {HMC}  The Pastoralist Leadership Summit (PLS) officially commenced today in Wajir County, bringing together leaders and stakeholders from 15 other pastoralist counties across Kenya.

The summit, themed ‘Unlocking Policy and Financial Bottlenecks to Mainstream Pastoralism in Kenya,’ aims at addressing critical challenges facing pastoralist communities and highlighting the sector’s pivotal role in Kenya’s economy.

Speaking during a press briefing, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi stressed the significance of the summit as a platform for structured dialogue, collaboration and actionable solutions.

“This summit is not just a discussion forum. It is a real meeting to critique, brainstorm and develop actionable strategies for the unique challenges faced by pastoralist counties,” Governor Abdullahi said.

Key issues on the summit’s agenda include the impact of climate change on drought and flash floods, improving governance in pastoralist regions, strengthening the livestock economy, and integrating pastoralist economies into the national development agenda.

The summit has attracted a wide range of participants including governors, members of parliament, policy experts, development partners, and representatives from the United Nations.

Governor Abdullahi also highlighted the role of devolved governance in addressing the challenges faced by pastoralist communities.

“We no longer face the tragic losses as we did between 10 to 15 years ago. Devolution has empowered local communities, ensuring better coordination and intervention during crises,” he said.

Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, a founding member of the Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC), drew comparisons between Lamu and other pastoralist regions, emphasizing their shared challenges and opportunities.

“Despite our diversity, we share a common goal, which is strengthening the resilience and livelihoods of our people,” he noted, referencing Lamu’s recent recognition for disaster management.

Infrastructure development, particularly the construction of key roads such as the Isiolo-Mandera corridor, was one of the achievements made by the government and was also discussed by summit participants.

“This road symbolizes the integration of Northern Kenya into the national framework, ensuring that this region is no longer viewed as peripheral but as an integral part of Kenya,” he remarked.

The summit will continue to deliberate on strategies to improve the pastoralist sector and empower communities in the face of evolving challenges.

Source Hiiraan Online

Monday 9,Dec,202 {HMC}  Somalia has reiterated its warning to Ethiopia, accusing its neighbour of undermining Somali sovereignty through arms smuggling and militia recruitment. The allegations mark a new flashpoint in regional tensions as Mogadishu struggles to consolidate security and governance.

Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu on Friday, Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Adala condemned what he described as Ethiopia’s “illegal and expansionist activities.” The minister claimed that Ethiopia is supplying weapons to Somali regions and recruiting militias within Somali borders to destabilize the country.

“Ethiopia has illegally introduced arms into Puntland and Galmudug while gathering militias from Hirshabelle within its borders. These actions serve an expansionist agenda aimed at undermining Somalia’s sovereignty,” Al-Adala said.

The minister further alleged that Ethiopian Airlines flights have been used to transport weapons and individuals aligned with the former Jubbaland administration. He claimed these actions were part of a broader strategy to orchestrate political instability in southern Somalia.

“Two Ethiopian Airlines planes recently landed in Kismayo carrying illicit arms. They also transported individuals connected to the previous Jubbaland administration to aid Ethiopia’s destabilization efforts,” Al-Adala said, urging international scrutiny of these alleged violations.

Al-Adala stressed Somalia’s commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity, warning that the government would take all necessary measures to counter external aggression.

“The Somali government will not hesitate to act decisively to protect our nation’s security and independence,” he said, vowing to block any attempts to undermine the country’s sovereignty.

In a pointed message to Somali nationals accused of aiding Ethiopia, Al-Adala described such actions as a betrayal, urging them to cease their activities immediately.

“We will not tolerate individuals who align with foreign adversaries against the unity and governance of Somalia,” he warned.

The accusations underline the fragile security landscape in the Horn of Africa, where rivalries between neighbouring states often spill into proxy conflicts. While Ethiopia has yet to respond to the allegations, analysts warn that the situation could escalate if diplomatic channels are not used to address the tensions.

Source Hiiraan Online

Monday 9,Dec,202 {HMC} The Somali Federal Government has announced that a group of soldiers previously loyal to Jubbaland has defected to the Somali National Army (SNA). The troops were unveiled during a public ceremony in Beled Hawo, a contested district in the Gedo region.

Senior officials, including the commander of the 10th Brigade of the 43rd Division, praised the defectors and assured them of full integration into the national forces. “Your rights as soldiers of the Somali National Army will be protected under the Federal Government,” the commander told the troops.

Jubbaland’s leadership swiftly denied the claims, dismissing the event as political theatre. General Yusuf Hussein Osman (Dhuumaal), Jubbaland’s Minister of Security, alleged that the showcased forces were not defectors but a mix of clan militias and deserters from an Eritrean-based training program sponsored by Mogadishu. “This is yet another attempt by the Federal Government to weaken Jubbaland’s administration and sow discord in the region,” Dhuumaal said.

The Gedo region, particularly Beled Hawo, has become a flashpoint in the struggle between the Federal Government and Jubbaland, with Mogadishu accused of attempting to assert direct control over the area. The power play has stoked broader concerns about the fragility of Somalia’s federal system, which is already under strain due to competing interests and mistrust between the central government and its federal member states.

Analysts warn that the Federal Government’s actions in Gedo could escalate tensions with Jubbaland and across other federal states wary of perceived overreach by Mogadishu. Critics argue that these moves risk derailing national reconciliation efforts and could destabilize a region grappling with insurgency and humanitarian crises.

For residents of Beled Hawo, the political tug-of-war has brought both confusion and anxiety. “We don’t know who is really in charge here,” said a local elder, speaking anonymously.

Source Hiiraan Online

Monday 9,Dec,202 {HMC} Hamsa Abdi Barre, the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia, unveiled the Somali Justice System Strategy 2025-2029, under the theme “Building an Equal Justice System with Transparency, Access, and Accountability.”

This pivotal strategy marks a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to establish a robust and equitable justice system, according to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA).

Addressing a gathering of distinguished officials and stakeholders, Prime Minister Barre emphasised the strategy’s foundation on citizen-centered justice, particularly aimed at supporting vulnerable groups such as women and children.

He highlighted that the strategy outlines a clear path to creating an integrated justice system that aligns with the federal structure, rooted in Somali values, culture, and sound religious principles. It also addresses the unique circumstances and challenges facing Somalia and its people.

This strategy launch signifies a strong commitment from the Somali government to advance justice and reinforce the rule of law, fostering a society where fairness and accountability prevail.