Saturday 21 Sep 2024 {HMC} Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s son, who had said he would run in the 2026 presidential election, announced Saturday he would not stand and would back his father instead.

Museveni, 80, has been in power since 1986. Many in the East African nation saw his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of the Ugandan defense forces, as his successor.

“I would like to announce that I will not be on the ballot paper in 2026. Almighty God told me to focus on His Army first,” Kainerugaba said on X.

“So, I fully endorse President Yoweri Museveni in the next elections.”

Museveni has not said explicitly if he will seek a seventh term.

“No civilian will lead Uganda after President Museveni. The security forces will not allow it. The next leader will be a soldier or policeman,” Kainerugaba said.

Kainerugaba had said in an earlier post announcing his intention to contest the election that it was time for fresh blood in Ugandan politics.

The soldier has had a meteoric rise in the armed forces.

Museveni has ruled Uganda with an iron fist since he toppled President Milton Obote in 1986.

He was reelected for a sixth term in 2021 with 58% of the vote, according to official results, which the opposition branded a masquerade.

The election campaign was marked by intimidation and arrests and led to more than 50 deaths.

SOURCE VOA

Saturday 21 Sep 2024 {HMC}  A top US Marine Corps commander has pledged continuous investment in Africa’s security infrastructure.

General Michael Langley who is the Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in an increasingly complex security environment, the United States remains a steadfast ally, focused on helping African nations chart their own path toward peace and security.

Gen Langley spoke on Monday after he landed back in the US following a series of high-level meetings with East African leaders.

Langley was accompanied by a team of senior military officials, including US Air Force’s Major General Claude Tudor and US Army Brigadier General Rose Keravuori.

At the heart of Langley’s travels is a concerted effort to directly engage African heads of state, illustrating AFRICOM’s commitment to a hands-on approach in strengthening regional security partnerships.

During his recent visit to Somalia, Gen Langley met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to assess ongoing counterterrorism initiatives and the evolving fight against al-Shabaab terrorism in the region.

The visit underscores a critical US policy that prioritizes face-to-face diplomacy with African leaders to ensure that military and security support aligns with the needs and goals of the region.

“I know that sitting down with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, his fight and campaign against al-Shabaab is going to continue; building up at the same time and doing force generation and building up the Somali National Army is understood.

It is like flying a plane while still building it. He understands that, but he’s very, very optimistic that we’re going to be successful, and I think also is going to be the new construct that’s going to help them get there,” said Langley.

In these high-level talks, the general explored how the US can continue to support Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab while also building up the Somali National Army (SNA) to stand on its own.

While comparing the process to ‘flying plane while still building it’, Langley acknowledged the complexity of fortifying local forces but remained optimistic about Somalia’s progress under President Mohamud’s leadership.

Beyond Somalia, General Langley’s diplomatic tour took him to multiple African countries including Libya, Kenya, and the Maghreb region.

Each stop reinforced the message that the US views African countries as critical partners in addressing the continent’s security challenges.

For example, last week after Somalia, he travelled to Kenya where he met with top military officials to discuss regional instability and how the US can support Kenya’s security framework.

Langley’s approach reflects AFRICOM’s broader mission of encouraging African-led solutions to security issues.

While US support is vital, Langley has repeatedly emphasized that African countries must be at the forefront of their defence strategies, with the US playing a supportive, enabling role.

This principle has been key to AFRICOM’s efforts to ensure that US-Africa collaborations are based on mutual interests and long-term stability, rather than short-term military gains.

According to recent data from the Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center (GTTAC), terrorist incidents in Somalia, once among the highest in Africa, have decreased in recent years—a trend Langley attributes to both AFRICOM’s sustained support and the growing capabilities of local forces.

However, he remains cautious, acknowledging that al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat that demands ongoing vigilance and cooperation.

Langley’s visits across Africa illustrate a unique US diplomatic push to strengthen partnerships on the ground rather than relying on remote coordination.

He has consistently voiced that AFRICOM’s strategy is not just military-focused but incorporates development and diplomacy as well, aligning with broader US foreign policy objectives under President Biden’s administration.

While much attention has been placed on military support, Langley’s meetings with African leaders highlight the importance of diplomacy in the US strategy for combating terrorism and fostering stability.

By engaging directly with heads of state, the general ensures that US efforts are responsive to the specific challenges faced by each country.

As Langley continues his tour of African nations, his mission reflects AFRICOM’s commitment to long-term partnerships that prioritize collaboration and respect for African leadership.

Pearl Matibe is the White House Correspondent, Standard Group. You may follow her on Twitter: @PearlMatibe

SOURCE 

By Pearl Matibe

Saturday 21 Sep 2024 {HMC}  At least 1,500 civilians were killed or injured by 600 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Somalia over the past year, the UN reported late Thursday.

UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia James Swan said that the threat of IEDs remains critical as Somalia progresses toward self-reliance and sustainability in national security.

“I think everyone in the room knows how serious this threat is. The primary targets are your fellow soldiers in the Somalia National Army (SNA). It is crucially important that a solution be found to address this threat,” Swan said in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, as he opened a month-long “train-the-trainer” course aimed at enhancing the SNA’s capabilities in countering IEDs. “As we move forward, we see this course as a vital part of continuing to build Somali capacity to handle and counter IEDs.”

In 2023, the SNA reported 378 deaths and 451 injuries due to IEDs, highlighting the ongoing risks to both military personnel and civilians, according to the UN statement.

It noted that as Somalia moves toward assuming full responsibility for its security, such IEDs courses will better equip the country’s security forces to handle this menace.

Since 2020, the SNA, backed by the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), has demonstrated a growing capacity to counter the threat posed by IEDs.

UNMAS, which has been leading the fight against the persistent threat of IEDs, said that it has provided consistent support to Somali forces, training 46 explosive ordnance disposal teams.

“This course marks a significant milestone, with Somali trainers for the first time training Somali students, ensuring sustainability for the SNA in responding to the threat posed by explosive hazards to communities across the country,” said Fran O’Grady, chief of UNMAS in Somalia.

He said that 14 additional trainees will undergo explosive ordnance disposal and route search sessions, building on previous training from UNMAS and their operational experience to ensure the long-term self-reliance of the SNA.

Since 2009, UNMAS Somalia has supported the African Union Mission in Somalia, now the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, by delivering tailored training in explosive threat mitigation and conducting pre- and post-deployment briefings.

Saturday September 21, 2024
By Elliot Hughes

The blue shirts of Somali Youth Link members have become a staple around the Stone Arch Bridge, Boom Island Park and Dinkytown. And the program has continued to receive positive feedback.

Saturday 21 Sep 2024 {HMC} Seven members of Somali Youth Link were walking just outside Dinkytown late on a Saturday night when they saw people hanging out in a dimly lit parking lot.
Twenty yards away, the group appeared only as silhouettes. Abdi llahi — one of the youngest members of SYL, a city-funded group of Somali elders who walk Minneapolis at night to keep an eye on their community’s juveniles — turned to his companions and suggested approaching them.

But before they even had a chance, the silhouettes realized who had taken notice of them. They wordlessly packed into a car and left. Two women made for the parking lot’s exit by foot.
The women were met by Basheir Elmi, the leader of the elders that night. He greeted them in Somali, then switched to English. He asked for their age and how they were doing.

The two women smiled. They said they were 19 and 20 and having a good time. They looked at the elders in front of them — all dressed in blue shirts with the depiction of a lion — and asked what they were doing.

Elmi explained they are just making sure young people are making good choices.

“That’s so cool!” one woman exclaimed. “I hope you have a great night.”

It was never confirmed whether those who fled in the car were Somali or not. Either way, breaking up a group of young people in a dark parking lot before anything can go haywire is what SYL wants.

“That’s what we strive for — zero events,” Elmi said.

This is the second year members of SYL have patrolled city streets in areas where Somali kids tend to congregate, making sure they stay out of trouble. After a promising showing in 2023 as a privately funded pilot project, the program received a $300,000 contract with the city earlier this year to expand its services.

The group was formed after a series of events in recent summers involving Somali youth, ranging from loitering, reckless driving, shooting fireworks at people or sneaking into college parties.

The blue shirts of SYL have since become a staple in those target areas — surrounding Minneapolis’ Stone Arch Bridge, Boom Island Park and Dinkytown — and the program has continued to receive positive feedback.

“[Business owners] have said, ‘Yes, we’ve seen them walking the streets and it has been a big help; we like that visibility,’” said Nick Juarez, the community engagement liaison for the University of Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety. “Now they know, if they’re going to come down to Dinkytown, they know they’re going to run into the elders from Somali Youth Link.”

A culturally specific solution

Somali Youth Link member Abdi Llahi, left, and director Basheir Elmi signal for people to slow down on scooters as they walk through the Dinkytown area in Minneapolis. Credit: Ayrton Breckenridge | The Minnesota Star Tribune

The issues with Somali youth began occurring around the time of the pandemic, when schools were closed, social services were shut off and children in general lacked a normal daily structure, said Farhio Khalif, a director of Somali Youth Link and community advocate.

Eventually, problems grew into daily nuisances in 2021 and 2022, according to City Council Member Michael Rainville, who represents areas covering the Stone Arch Bridge and Boom Island Park.

Growing up in Minneapolis can be difficult for Somali youth, Elmi and Khalif said. They may be new to the U.S., unfamiliar with how things work. Like all other kids, they want to make friends and they face peer pressure. They don’t trust police and they can be profiled by residents.

“The neighbors panic when they see a group of Black teenagers coming here,” Khalif said while walking near the Stone Arch Bridge.

During July 4th celebrations in 2022, seven people were injured in a shooting at Boom Island Park while reckless driving and dangerous use of fireworks broke out in the Mill District and northeast Minneapolis. During a community meeting that followed, Rainville singled out Somali youth as a problem and faced heavy criticism from local and state officials.

In the fallout, Rainville apologized and worked closely with the Somali community to find additional support. He helped secure funding from the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District to pilot a project for a culturally specific patrol unit to keep an eye on youth. SYL debuted last year.

Since then, the group has grown to 16 members, 10 of whom are paid. They range in age from their late 20s to their 60s. They often walk around Boom Island Park, the Stone Arch Bridge and Dinkytown — areas that attract Somali youth for the scenery, nightlife energy and space for electric scooters.

When SYL members come across kids, they speak to them in Somali and ask if they are OK. If they are misbehaving or out too late, they are told to go home. If police are involved, they interject and ensure everyone remains calm.

Rainville, who has joined the group on its patrol, has raved about the impact and said complaints from residents in his district have dropped considerably. Juarez, the university police official, said SYL has played a significant role in reducing nuisances in Dinkytown as well.

“Youth engagement is a big gap here in our city,” said Shane Zahn, the director of safety initiatives for the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District. “The lack of activities that are free is a big deficit.

“We need this proactive mitigation work that I think grassroots groups can do,” he said.

Looking after their own

Somali Youth Link members walk the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis last week. Credit: Ayrton Breckenridge | The Minnesota Star Tribune

As winter approaches, Khalif said Somali Youth Link will continue its patrols but also branch out into hosting town hall events for Somali families. The goal will be to empower parents, connect youth to mentors and build trust between the community and law enforcement.

Even now, most nights are quiet, Elmi said. After two summers of patrol kids are harder to find, and he suspects it’s because they know SYL will be around.

After the elders broke up the group in the parking lot near Dinkytown last Saturday, there was nothing else to disrupt.

They walked about 15,000 steps — a typical night’s work — and mostly engaged in friendly conversation with any Somalis they passed, and other uniformed workers keeping the streets orderly.

As they passed the Varsity Theater, 1308 SE. 4th St., a Minneapolis police officer and a security guard for the venue greeted them enthusiastically, offering bottled water and thanking them for their work.

Elmi shrugged somewhat and said they’re just looking after their own.

“Just like our parents would,” the officer said.

SOURCE BBC

Saturday 21 Sep 2024 {HMC} Schools in Niger will start the new academic year almost a month late because of heavy rainfall and flooding, says the military government.

“Several schools have been affected, and others are being occupied by those impacted,” a government spokesperson said on the state-run broadcaster.

Authorities have pushed the start date from 2 to 28 October.

Over the last few weeks, the West African country has been battered by relentless downpours, resulting in over 300 deaths either due to drowning or buildings collapsing, according to the interior ministry.

In the central-southern city of Maradi, one of the worst hit areas, around 100 tents have been erected to accommodate people in schools.

The International Rescue Committee reported that over 800,000 people have been affected by the floods.

The organisation says countries like Niger, Mali, and Nigeria are dealing with some of the “worst floods in 30 years”.

Like other countries in the semi-arid Sahel region of West Africa, Niger is suffering from the impact of climate change. As well as floods, it has also experienced droughts and crop failures in recent years.

Scientists say many extreme weather events, including floods and drought, are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of climate change.

The military government says 9,700 tonnes of grain has been made available to those in need and that the “situation is under control”.

There is also growing concern around the damage and destruction of buildings with cultural significance.

A few weeks ago, a 19th Century mosque made from wood and straw collapsed in Zinder, the country’s second-biggest city.

There is also fear around how much damage a historic centre in the northern city of Agadez, known as the gateway to the desert, has endured. The site is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

SOURCE BBC