Tuesday 3, Dec,2024 {HMC} Jubbaland’s State Minister of Transport and Aviation, Abdullahi Dubad Shill, issued a warning on Monday to airlines operating in Somalia, advising them against flying to Raskamboni in the Lower Juba region, citing heightened security risks in the area.

“The Jubbaland State Government warns all airlines operating in Somalia not to land at the Raskamboni airport. A dangerous conflict situation in that area could pose a major security threat,” read a statement from the minister’s office.

The ministry further cautioned that any airline disregarding the warning would bear full responsibility for consequences stemming from the ongoing unrest.

Raskamboni has become a focal point of tension following the federal government’s recent deployment of military forces to secure areas previously held by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and to intensify counter-insurgency operations against al-Shabab militants.

In response, Jubbaland forces have mobilized separately in Raskamboni, raising concerns about a potential military standoff. Over the past two months, escalating political tensions between the federal government and the Jubbaland administration have amplified fears of clashes between their respective forces.

Source Hiiraan online

Tuesday 3, Dec,2024 {HMC} A tense standoff between two Somali clans has ended with a fragile ceasefire brokered by local authorities, offering a glimmer of hope for communities ravaged by violence. The Hawadle and Abgaal clans, whose militias clashed in deadly skirmishes along the Hiiraan-Middle Shabelle border, have agreed to halt hostilities following intense negotiations led by Hiiraan Governor Muse Salad Wehliye.

The agreement comes after weeks of bloodshed in contested areas near Jalalaqsi and El Baraf, where families fled their homes as gunfire shattered the fragile calm. Speaking from the negotiation site, Wehliye lauded elders for their willingness to engage in dialogue, urging both sides to honour the truce. “This is a chance to heal longstanding wounds and refocus on the real enemy—extremists who thrive on our divisions,” he said.

Somali National Army officers have been deployed to enforce the ceasefire, a move seen as critical to preventing renewed violence. The governor stressed that reconciliation must go beyond words, calling for practical steps to address the root causes of inter-clan conflicts, including disputes over land and power.

The cyclical nature of these feuds has long hampered progress in Hirshabelle State, a region scarred by civil strife and clan rivalries. Observers note that while the ceasefire is a positive step, lasting peace hinges on sustained efforts to foster trust and rebuild fractured relationships.

“The truce isn’t just about peace agreements—it’s about survival,” said a local elder who mediated the talks. “If we don’t unite now, our communities risk losing everything.”

The truce offers a sliver of hope for families displaced by the fighting. Many remain skeptical, having witnessed similar accords collapse under the weight of unresolved grievances. “We’ve seen this before,” said Halima Ahmed, a mother of five who is sheltering in a nearby town. “The gunfire may stop, but unless we see real change, this peace won’t last.”

Tuesday 3,Dec,2024 {HMC}  Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki denied allegations that the recent trilateral meeting between Eritrea, Egypt, and Somalia was part of an “axis” designed to undermine Ethiopia. During a national television interview on Saturday evening, Afwerki addressed growing speculation about the October meeting held in Asmara, Eritrea’s capital.

The president condemned what he called “disinformation campaigns” spread by foreign forces and activists through various media platforms, warning that such narratives could potentially escalate regional tensions. He emphasized that the gathering was not intended to create a hostile coalition against any country, including Ethiopia.

“This claim does not arise from genuine concern for Ethiopia,” the president stated, adding that the agreement between the three countries was primarily focused on promoting regional stability.

“Eritrea’s main interest is stability and cooperation across the Horn of Africa, the Nile Basin, and the Red Sea area,” he added. “Eritrea has absolutely no intention of seeing Ethiopia plunged into instability,” Isaias said, emphasizing that regional agreements will help address mistrust and yield positive outcomes.

Isaias argued that Ethiopia’s constitution dating from 1994 is fundamentally flawed, describing it as “a source of tension and does not promote nation-building.” He warned that unless Ethiopia resolves its internal conflicts, the country cannot contribute positively to regional stability, cooperation, and tolerance.

Isaias pointed to the prolonged Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict, which spanned nearly two decades, as a direct consequence of Ethiopia’s constitutional policies. He further attributed the border clashes between the two countries to the interference of foreign forces but did not name which countries he meant.

“After the arrival of a new administration [Abiy Ahmed’s government] in Ethiopia, Isaias said, “the war’s outbreak should be understood within this context,” referring to the Tigray conflict.

Isaias accused the TPLF of rejecting Ethiopia’s new administration and launching over 70 rocket strikes against Eritrea, stating that the group ignored Eritrea’s warnings to cease such attacks.

The president stated that following the Pretoria peace agreement, a new conflict erupted in the Amhara region. He stated that he would not accept the blame directed at his government and reiterated his commitment to avoiding involvement in any bloody war.

Source Hiiraan online

Tuesday 3,Dec,2024 {HMC} The Federal Government of Somalia has launched the National Transformation Plan (NTP) labs in Mogadishu, marking the beginning of an eight-week process that aims to redefine the country’s socio-economic landscape.

The launch was graced by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, alongside a host of stakeholders from government institutions, civil society, the private sector, donors, and international partners.

The NTP is seen as a symbol of hope for the nation’s future.

“As the country progresses on its journey towards sustainable development, the NTP Labs are a critical instrument in helping Somalia achieve its vision for the next decade and beyond,” the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office Abdirazak Ibrahim explained.

Ibrahim noted that the labs are designed to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders, facilitate the development of well-defined action plans, and promote a problem-solving mindset across all sectors.

This new approach is set to shape the course of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (NTP) I (2025-2029).

It will also enable the country to navigate towards its overarching Vision 2060, which vouches for a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous nation.

The core of the NTP Labs is to create a collaborative platform where different stakeholders—including federal ministries, Federal Member States (FMS), international partners, donors, the private sector, academia, and civil society—work together to shape the future of Somalia.

This participatory approach will ensure consensus and ownership, which are crucial for successful implementation.

The NTP is underpinned by a strong emphasis on private sector-led transformation, and the Labs have been designed to foster collaboration between public institutions and the private sector.

Here businesses will share their expertise, contribute ideas, and identify opportunities to invest in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, livestock, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure.

“Somalia’s leadership recognizes the critical role that the private sector can play in driving economic growth and improving productivity.

“By creating opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and issuing a call for projects as part of the labs, the government has set the stage for increased private sector involvement in the development process.”

Officials said the new plan’s focus on accountability and results-based implementation is what distinguishes it from previous plans.

The NTPs will also serve as hubs for innovation, providing a structured environment for developing creative solutions to Somalia’s most pressing issues.