December 15, 2023-{HMC}  The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, today signed the agreement for Somalia to become a full member of the East African Economic Cooperation Regional Organization.

The conference was held today in Kambala, Uganda.

Somalia was accepted to join the East African Economic Cooperation regional organization on November 24, becoming the eighth member of the organization apart from Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda.

{Sunday, December 17, 2023 HMC}  Today, the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) officially commenced Phase 2 of its drawdown by handing over the State House and Parliament House Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to the Federal Government of Somalia. This crucial step aligns with the UN Security Council Resolution 2710, aiming to reduce troop presence by 3,000 on December 31, contributing to the ongoing Somalia Security Transition.

Lieutenant Colonel Saidi Mwachinalo said, “This plan was in line with the previous United Nations resolution which was to gradually transfer the responsibility of the security of the country to the security agencies of the country. Currently until December 31, 3000 armed forces of ATMIS are handing over to the national forces some important places, including the country’s presidential palace. The subsequent phase of the transition plan is set to commence in the fourth month of 2024″.

This transition has been unfolding over years, marked by an agreement between the Somali government, contributing countries, and the United Nations. The mission, formerly known as AMISOM, transitioned to ATMIS during a two-year period dedicated to transferring security control to the national military.

“Our commitment to collaborative efforts with the Somali forces in targeted operations against Al-Shabaab. Despite the drawdown, joint operations are poised to continue, to eradicate the extremist group and maintain stability in the region.”, Mr. Mwachinalo added.

The ATMIS drawdown represents a significant milestone in Somalia’s journey toward full self-reliance and security.

December 15, 2023-{HMC}  The government is expanding the Nairobi Commuter Railway Services to address traffic congestion in the Nairobi Metropolitan.

President William Ruto said the project will give Kenyans affordable and reliable transport solutions, connecting people to services and economic opportunities.

He said the government has secured funds for the revitalization of transport infrastructure projects in Nairobi among them the Riruta- Ngong- Kiserian- Ongata Rongai commuter rail.

“This rail has the capacity of transporting thousands of people every day, thereby reducing traffic congestion on our roads.”

He noted that the rail would reduce the cost of transport within the city by half, contributing to the overall reduction in the cost of living.

He made the remarks on Friday during the launch of the construction of the 12.5 Kilometre Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail line that will run through Riruta, Karen, Bulbul and Ngong’ stations.

Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, MPs and MCAs.

The President said the government is implementing such projects to create jobs for the youth.

The government, he added, will also construct affordable houses in Ngong, aiming to generate additional opportunities for the youth.

“As we speak we have 120,000 youth working in various affordable housing projects across the country,” he added.

Mr Gachagua said the implementation of infrastructure projects will facilitate the movement of people and goods, thereby opening up the country for business.

Mr Murkomen said the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit will resume in January next year to complement the rail system.

December 15, 2023-{HMC}– Dhobley General Hospital in Jubaland State received a major boost in its quest to provide quality healthcare, as eight nurses affiliated with the facility successfully completed a rigorous seven-month medical training programmed.

Facilitated by medical personnel from the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the training covered critical areas such as epilepsy, midwifery, operating room and surgical procedures, along with other essential healthcare protocols.

“The nurses have exhibited impressive performances. We have taken them through anesthesia application procedures, and we are confident that they can apply and resuscitate a patient. In addition to spinal anesthesia, they administered general anesthesia, which numbs and puts the patient to sleep,” said Lt. Col. Stanley Ngang’a, the ATMIS Level-II Hospital Senior Medical Officer, who spoke at the graduation ceremony in Dhobley on Wednesday.

“They were also instructed on how to handle medical complications and how to collaborate with the physician in the operation theatre, including how to set the instruments and sterilize stitches and equipment,” added Lt. Col. Ngang’a.

ATMIS Sector Two Commander, Brig. William Kamoiro, underscored the training’s importance in enhancing the capabilities of the local medical practitioners for the continuous delivery of quality healthcare services once ATMIS forces exit Somalia. He emphasized the graduates’ role in managing the hospital effectively.

“Everyone is looking up to you. Even though you may be few, the hospital and the community you serve will be relying on you. You have been empowered to assist those in need of medical care. We are in a transition period where ATMIS is gradually being phased out and you will be taking over the full management of your hospital,” said Brig. Kamoiro in his remarks to the graduands.

Abdinasir Mohamed, the Director-General of Dhobley General Hospital, expressed gratitude to ATMIS for its commitment to improving healthcare in Jubaland State.

He was confident that the mentorship programme would positively impact on the hospital’s ability to provide quality care to the local community.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to ATMIS doctors, clinical officers, and nurses in Lower Juba for their exceptional dedication and support. Their tireless efforts in providing care are truly admirable and invaluable to our community,” noted the Director-General, adding that the graduating students were ready to use the knowledge and skills acquired to assist the local community.

The graduating students expressed readiness to apply their acquired knowledge and skills to assist the local community.

“The training in anesthesiology was very valuable since there is only one anesthesiologist at the hospital. I am now well equipped to train others using the knowledge and skills gained,” said Farah Garaad, a nurse based at the Dhobley General Hospital.

Zakaria Daahir, a nurse working with the Somali Police Force expressed satisfaction with the specialized lab training received, noting the difference in his skills since the programme’s commencement.

“ATMIS provided us with many courses, and I chose to specialize as a lab technician. I am delighted to have completed the training, I can feel the difference between what I have learned and what it was like when we started the program,” said Daahir.

Situated in Dhobley town along the Kenya-Somalia border, Dhobley General Hospital offers a range of medical services including maternity, pediatric and surgical care to the Lower Juba region.