In a disturbing development early Friday morning, reports have
emerged of a new attack by the extremist group Al-Shabaab in
northeastern Kenya. The target of this assault was the Wargadud
police station, situated approximately 42 kilometers north of
El-Wak town. Wargadud lies along the road connecting El-Wak to
Mandera, making it a strategic location.
According to a reliable source, the attack took place around
1:40 am local time. Prior to launching their assault, the militants
destroyed the Safaricom mast in the area, severing communication
links and exacerbating the vulnerability of the police station.
As of now, the exact number of casualties resulting from the
attack remains unknown. Authorities are working diligently to
assess the extent of the damage and determine the fate of those
present at the police station during the incident.
This assault comes on the heels of another offensive carried out
by Al-Shabaab militants on Thursday. The extremist group targeted a
military base in Geriley, which is in close proximity to El-Wak,
situated in the Gedo region of Somalia. Notably, this military base
had recently been handed over by Kenyan troops as part of their
contribution to the African Unions efforts.
The consecutive attacks by Al-Shabaab serve as a stark reminder
of the persistent threat posed by the extremist group in the
region. Kenyan and Somali authorities, as well as international
partners, are actively cooperating to counter these acts of
terrorism and restore peace and stability in the affected
areas.
The Kenyan government has vowed to intensify its
counter-terrorism efforts, focusing on intelligence gathering,
security operations, and collaboration with neighboring countries.
Enhancing security along the porous border with Somalia remains a
priority to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of local
communities.
The situation is developing, and authorities are urging citizens
to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the
authorities. As investigations into the attacks continue, the
affected communities are grappling with the aftermath and the
tragic consequences of these relentless acts of violence.
Mogadishu, Somalia A pivotal two-day conference
on Somalias political future concluded yesterday in the capital
city of Mogadishu. Organized by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud,
the meeting brought together prominent current and former leaders
to deliberate critical governance issues.
Key areas of focus included Somalias electoral process,
governing structure, party system, electoral commission, term
limits and constitutional review.
On elections, attendees reached consensus on implementing a
stable and inclusive process allowing extensive participation.
Extensive debate occurred regarding whether to retain Somalias
parliamentary framework or potentially shift to a presidential
system after consulting public opinion.
Numerous politicians advocated opening the party system to
multiple parties, moving beyond the current proposal of
two-party.
Participants emphasized the need for an independent electoral
commission to oversee federal and regional elections
impartially.
It was agreed presidential and parliamentary terms should be
constitutionally limited to prevent extensions, with exceptions
until the next election.
Despite outstanding constitutional issues requiring resolution,
leaders concurred the constitution must be finalized to serve as
the cornerstone of Somalias governance.
In closing remarks, politicians thanked President Mohamud for
spearheading this crucial national dialogue on Somalias way
forward. The conference marked an important step in charting the
countrys political path amid ongoing transitions.
A group of politicians from Puntland, Somalia, have taken their
case against the proposed amendment of the constitution to the
Supreme Court. Led by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed
Isse Awad, they voiced their concerns and objections regarding the
governments plans to alter the existing constitutional
provisions.
The focus of the proposed changes lies in Article 46 of the
constitution, which currently limits political parties to a maximum
of three. The Puntland government aims to revise this article to
allow for the formation of up to five political parties. To
initiate the amendment process, the House of Representatives will
soon convene to deliberate on this matter.
Guled Salah Barre, one of the politicians involved in the case,
expressed his firm stance against the proposed amendments. Speaking
after the submission of the case, Barre declared that altering the
constitution at this time would be unlawful and could pose a threat
to national security. He emphasized the importance of upholding the
agreements made regarding the constitution, calling upon the
constitutional court to intervene and halt the proceedings. Barre
also appealed to President Deni to ensure the safeguarding of
Puntlands interests during this critical period.
The opening of the constitution for potential amendments has
already had severe consequences. On June 20th, violent clashes
erupted in Garowe, resulting in significant losses. Regrettably, no
viable solution has been reached thus far, further underscoring the
urgent need for resolution and stability.
Attempting to bridge the divide, former officials, including
Abdiweli Ali Gas, former president of Puntland, and Omar
Abdirashid, former prime minister of Somalia, have proposed an
alternative plan to address the ongoing disagreement. Their
suggestion involves temporarily suspending the contentious
amendments rather than modifying the constitution itself. By
pausing the amendment process, they aim to create a conducive
environment for dialogue and negotiation, with the hope of reaching
a consensus that can alleviate tensions and bring about a
satisfactory resolution.
Jamal Abdulahi The US war on terror brought nothing but terror
to the Horn of Africa. Kenya is a US client state which has spent
years destabilizing Somalia under the guise of fighting
terrorism. Kenya rarely showed political inclination to
interfere with Somalias internal affairs until 2010 when it sent
troops across the border under...
Jamal Abdi Jamal Abdi argues that the country is an unrecognized
state, operating in the shadows of international relations. The
country has never been eligible for direct foreign aid. Abdi argues
that the recent conflict is caused, in part, by lack of economic
development in eastern Somaliland. As a result, the so-called
international community bears...
DUDUMACAD, Ethiopia, 7 July
2023 (UNFPA)* Saving the life of this baby was a
miracle and a blessing for my family. I am immensely grateful, said
Amino Bashir, 25, as she held her newborn.
In
Ethiopias Somali region, a camp in the village of Gabias shelters
hundreds of households displaced by drought. Over 260,000 women are
currently pregnant in the Somali region alone, many of them
internally displaced from recurrent, multiple crises and at dire
risk of acute undernourishment, without access to even the most
basic health care. UNFPA Ethiopia/Paula Seijo
Ms. Bashir lives in Dudumacad
in the Somali region of Ethiopia one of the areas devastated by
a gruelling drought across the Horn of Africa that
has affected more than 36 million people so
far.
This was her fourth pregnancy, but her first safe a...
