The agreement was signed by Somalia’s Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Haji Adam; Sudan’s Minister of Health, Haitham Mohammed Ibrahim; Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population, Qassem Mohammed Bahaibah; and Djibouti’s Minister of Health, Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh, according to the Sudan News Agency (SUNA).

Senior officials and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) attended the ceremony.

The alliance seeks to improve coordination in key areas, including resource mobilization, strategic planning, and joint efforts to combat epidemics and cross-border diseases.

It will also support efforts to strengthen national health systems and advance sustainable development across the four member states.

Sudan’s Health Ministry said the agreement follows months of technical consultations led by its Department of International Health, with logistical and technical support from WHO.

The first meeting of the alliance’s joint coordination mechanism is scheduled to take place in Khartoum in January 2026, marking the beginning of a new phase of regional collaboration and integrated health planning.

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Human rights organisations across Africa, Asia, and Europe have raised urgent concerns over the looming execution of hundreds of foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia, many of whom were convicted of non-lethal drug offences.

Among those at imminent risk are scores of Egyptian, Ethiopian, and Somali men, currently held in Saudi prisons under death sentences.

According to figures from the Saudi Press Agency, 98 people have already been executed for drug-related offences in 2025, marking a dramatic increase. Rights groups say many prisoners now live in “a state of terror,” with executions carried out without warning and amid serious due process violations.

In Najran Prison, in southwestern Saudi Arabia, at least 37 Ethiopian and 27 Somali nationals are on death row. So far this year, 19 Somalis and 7 Ethiopians have been executed, most on charges of “smuggling hashish.”

In June alone, 12 Somali men and 3 Ethiopian nationals were executed, with fears that more executions are imminent.

End extrajudicial executions 

In Tabuk Prison, in the northwest, 26 Egyptian nationals are also on death row for drug-related crimes. At least three Egyptians have been executed this year, including Mahmoud Mohamed Khamis and Farhat Abu al-Saud, executed on May 24 and 25, respectively.

Other prisoners have reportedly been told they will be executed following the Eid al-Adha holiday, which ended on June 10. On that day, the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions called on Saudi Arabia to halt the executions and end the death penalty for drug crimes, stating that violations of fair trial guarantees make such sentences “arbitrary and unlawful.”

Human rights organisations warn that many of those on death row may be victims of human trafficking, coerced or deceived into transporting drugs under threats or false promises. Yet most were denied a fair trial, with limited or no access to legal representation, consular assistance, or appeal processes.

Court documents and testimonies reviewed by rights groups point to systematic abuses, including torture during interrogations, reliance on forced confessions, and lack of legal transparency — all in violation of both Saudi law and international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Arab Charter on Human Rights.

Saudi authorities routinely withhold the bodies of executed prisoners and fail to notify families in advance, who often only learn of executions through the media.

The location of burial sites is typically not disclosed.

As of 17 June 2025, 154 executions have been reported this year, an 80% increase from the same period in 2024 — the year with the highest number of executions in Saudi Arabia (345). Of those executed this year, 69 were foreign nationals from 11 African and Asian countries, including Somalia (19), Pakistan (12), Ethiopia (7), and Egypt (3).

International law strictly limits the use of the death penalty to the “most serious crimes,” interpreted to mean crimes involving intentional killing. Drug offences do not meet this threshold. While Saudi Arabia observed a short-lived moratorium on drug-related executions from January 2021 to November 2022, it was never formally codified, and executions resumed at alarming rates.

Despite repeated promises from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reduce the use of the death penalty, including pledges made as recently as March 2022, Saudi Arabia remains among the world’s top executioners. Rights groups note that some executions are carried out in secret and not publicly reported — with 49 of the 196 executions in 2022 never formally announced by state media.

In response to the ongoing crisis, over 30 human rights organisations have issued a joint appeal urging Saudi authorities to:

• Immediately commute all death sentences for non-lethal offences;
• Establish an official moratorium on executions;
• And reform legislation to align with international human rights standards.

Signatory organisations include:

African Academy of Diplomacy (AAD), ALQST for Human Rights, Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), ECPM, Amnesty-associated national coalitions, DAWN, Reprieve, European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR), MENA Rights Group, Women’s Action for Human Rights (WAHR), among many others across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

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Field Marshal Berhanu Jula, Chief of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), told lawmakers in Addis Ababa on Saturday that foreign military deployments in Somalia—under the guise of cooperation—pose serious concerns for the region’s stability and Ethiopia’s sovereignty.

“The threat is real,” Berhanu said in a briefing to the Ethiopian parliament. “There are foreign forces inside Somalia whose strategic intent raises serious concerns for Ethiopia’s stability.”

While Berhanu did not explicitly name Egypt, his remarks come amid reports confirming that Cairo signed a military cooperation agreement with the Somali federal government in August 2024.

The deal reportedly allows Egypt to deploy up to 10,000 troops to Somalia—half under the African Union’s stabilization mission (AUSSOM), and the rest under a separate bilateral arrangement.

The agreement also includes provisions for weapons transfers.

Berhanu noted that the Horn of Africa is a region plagued by land and maritime tensions and warned of forces actively working to block Ethiopia from accessing the sea.

“We are ready to solve the region’s problems together,” he said. “But there are forces that do not want Ethiopia to approach the sea gate.”

Ethiopia maintains troops in Somalia as part of both the African Union’s stabilization effort and a bilateral security arrangement.

However, Berhanu suggested that the expanding Egyptian presence may be part of a broader strategy to encircle or weaken Ethiopia—especially given longstanding tensions between the two countries over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River.

Egypt sees the GERD as a threat to its water security, while Ethiopia considers it a critical development project.

Ethiopia’s national interest in Somalia 

“Our presence in Somalia has always been about supporting peace and counterterrorism,” Berhanu told lawmakers. “But the environment is shifting, and we have to reassess what’s in our national interest.”

He did not disclose the number of Ethiopian troops operating in Somalia under bilateral terms but said defense officials are reevaluating Ethiopia’s strategic posture in light of “emerging regional threats,” including Al-Shabaab.

Meanwhile, Somali officials have defended the Egypt-Somalia military pact, arguing that it aims to rebuild the Somali National Army and strengthen regional security.

They maintain that Egypt’s participation in AUSSOM was approved by the African Union and poses no threat to neighboring countries.

The timing of the Egypt-Somalia agreement has further strained already tense relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu.

In January 2024, Ethiopia signed a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, granting it access to a portion of the Red Sea coast in exchange for what Somaliland leaders described as a pathway toward formal recognition.

The Somali federal government immediately denounced the deal as a violation of its sovereignty, recalled its ambassador, and declared the agreement null and void.

Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia persisted for nearly a year, only beginning to ease following a Turkish-brokered dialogue in late 2024, in which both sides agreed to pursue future cooperation on maritime access.

Ethiopia has maintained its commitment to the Somaliland deal but has not publicly withdrawn from it.

Somaliland authorities continue to assert that the agreement remains valid.

In a recent development, Somaliland officials told reporters that President Abdirahman Irro is expected to visit Addis Ababa soon to hold direct talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding the MoU.

Ethiopian officials have stated that the MoU is still pending, but they remain committed to securing maritime access through diplomatic channels.

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“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, and communities of those who were killed while working to assist others in desperate need,” the coalition said in a joint statement.

The attack occurred on Monday night near the town of El Koma in North Darfur province, as the convoy was en route to the city of El Fasher.

The United Nations confirmed the deaths and the destruction of several aid trucks.

According to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the convoy — a joint operation by the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF — consisted of 15 trucks and had traveled more than 1,800 kilometers from Port Sudan, carrying vital nutrition and food supplies.

“This horrendous act of violence is devastating,” Dujarric told reporters at a press briefing in New York on Tuesday.

“Multiple trucks were burned, and critical humanitarian supplies were destroyed. This was the first UN humanitarian convoy that was going to make it to El Fasher in over a year.”

The UN said negotiations were underway with local authorities to ensure safe passage to El Fasher when the attack occurred.

The perpetrators of the assault remain unidentified, and Sudan’s rival factions are trading blame.

The ALPS coalition emphasized that attacks on civilians, aid workers, and humanitarian assets constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.

“We urgently reiterate the need for full respect of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel,” the statement read. “We call on all parties to allow and facilitate unhindered humanitarian access to people in need.”

Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war since April 2023, when conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The war has displaced millions and has been marked by widespread atrocities, including ethnic violence and mass sexual violence, particularly in Darfur.

The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with large parts of the population now dependent on aid for survival.

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Diplomatic sources have confirmed that Somalia made this request for Ethiopian infantry to assist in defending the capital from the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group.

The request comes amid a surge in Al-Shabaab attacks, including one targeting the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and an alarming advance by the militants, who have gained ground in several parts of the country.

The situation has been exacerbated by a growing internal rift among Somali clans, which has contributed to divisions within the Somali National Army (SNA).

These divisions have hindered the country’s ability to mount a unified and effective response to the Al-Shabaab insurgency.

As the militants continue their push, the lack of cohesion within the army has made it difficult to establish a strong defense against the ongoing threat.

While the request to Turkey for additional support has not received a prompt response, with the reasons for the delay remaining unclear, Egypt, a regional rival to Ethiopia, has pledged nearly 1,100 troops to AUSSOM, according to a recent UN Security Council report.

Intensifying militant attacks

AUSSOM, which replaced the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the beginning of this year, remains constrained by significant funding issues despite backing from the AU and the UN.

A report from August 2024 reveals that fewer than 13,000 of the 20,000 troops originally committed to ATMIS remain on the ground in Somalia, further limiting the mission’s effectiveness.

The mission is scheduled to operate until the end of 2028.

These developments come as Al-Shabaab has been intensifying its attacks, and Somali forces have faced increasing difficulties in coordinating a cohesive defense.

The Somali government, alongside Ethiopian and US air forces, has been conducting airstrikes against Al-Shabaab strongholds.

The Ethiopian National Defense Forces have been deployed near Ferfer for planned operations, and US airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab militants have increased significantly since the Trump administration took office.

However, the growing fragmentation within the Somali military and the persistence of internal clan divisions continue to undermine efforts to fully counter the militant threat.

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This follows another significant development in September, in which Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly secured a $5 billion pledge from Saudi Arabia’s PIF, representing the “first phase” of a larger investment strategy.

As a leading global energy giant, Saudi Arabia has been actively investing in Africa’s energy sector, aiming to expand its energy reserves, advance energy diplomacy and compete with other global superpowers. This strategic push not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s influence in the region, but also paves the way for deeper economic and political ties with African nations.

To date, the lion’s share of investment in Africa’s energy sector has focused on clean energy advancements. With total project costs reaching $7 billion across the continent, Saudi developer ACWA Power stands as the leading private-sector investor in African renewable energy.

In October 2024, the company announced that its Redstone solar plant in South Africa was set to achieve its full 100 MW capacity, while its Kom Ombo solar PV plant in Egypt successfully reached its full capacity of 200 MW. ACWA Power is also leading Project DAO, South Africa’s largest hybrid renewable power plant, with an $800 million investment.

The project is expected to come online by 2026 and aligns with the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 goals.

In addition to renewable energy, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its investments to secure critical minerals for clean energy technologies. In October, Saudi Arabia’s Manara Minerals, a joint venture between Ma’aden and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), entered advanced talks to acquire a minority stake in First Quantum Minerals’ Zambian copper and nickel assets.

The potential investment, valued between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, underscores Saudi Arabia’s strategy to secure critical minerals that are vital for the global clean energy transition.

Turning to broader regional commitments, Saudi Arabia’s financial support for Africa’s energy infrastructure has grown. In October, the Kingdom announced a major funding initiative, pledging at least $41 billion for sub-Saharan African nations.

This includes $1 billion for development, $5 billion for startups, $10 billion in financing from the Saudi Export-Import Bank and $25 billion in private sector investments over the next decade.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Energy has established the “Empowering Africa” initiative as part of its broader commitment to supporting sustainable development across the continent.

In collaboration with the Ministries of Communications and Information Technology and Health, the initiative aims to deliver clean energy, connectivity, e-health and e-learning solutions to enhance lives and promote long-term growth in Africa.

Building upon the Clean Fuel Solutions for Cooking Program, it focuses on providing cleaner cooking solutions to vulnerable populations, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels and improve health outcomes for millions of households.

Minister bin Salman Al Saud has emphasized energy as a fundamental human right and is spearheading efforts to improve access to clean cooking technologies across the continent.

Additionally, state-owned petroleum company Saudi Aramco is strengthening its partnerships with African nations to support energy investments and mobilization.

These collaborations are expected to drive infrastructure development, enhance oil and gas production capacity and facilitate knowledge transfer between Saudi and African energy stakeholders, while aligning with broader energy security and sustainability goals.

In the multilateral arena, the African Energy Chamber is working with Saudi Arabia to support South Africa’s G20 energy investments and mobilization. This partnership is set to facilitate greater financing and policy coordination, ensuring Africa’s energy priorities are well-represented in global energy discussions.

The upcoming African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies conference in Cape Town serves as a key platform to facilitate and support these investments, bringing together Saudi stakeholders, African governments and global energy leaders to advance new projects, strengthen partnerships and accelerate the continent’s energy transition. These collaborations are essential in addressing energy challenges, driving economic growth and fostering long-term sustainability. As Saudi investments expand – alongside those of other G20 nations – their impact on Africa’s energy landscape will only deepen.

(Source: African Energy Chamber)

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It came during a telephone call al-Sisi received from his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

Al-Sisi added that he is “closely following the agreement recently reached between Ethiopia and Somalia through Turkish mediation.”

He expressed his “hope that this agreement would contribute to achieving security and stability in the Horn of Africa region, and that it would be in line with the principles of international law.”

The two presidents emphasized “the importance of further enhancing cooperation across various fields, especially economic and investment, while emphasizing the need to attract more French companies to invest in development projects in Egypt,” it said.

The call also involved an exchange of views on regional developments.

The Egyptian president stressed “the close link between security and stability in the Horn of Africa and Egypt’s national security.”

He pointed out that Egypt “is working to support Somalia to achieve security and stability, whether through bilateral cooperation or by participating in the African Union peacekeeping mission at Somalia’s request.”

Ethiopia and Somalia have been at odds since Ethiopia struck a deal in January with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland to use its Red Sea port of Berbera.

Türkiye has been working to resolve these tensions.

The Ankara Declaration, brokered by Türkiye and signed Dec. 12, marked a turning point in relations between the Horn of Africa neighbors.

Somalian and Ethiopian leaders emphasized that the declaration “reaffirmed their respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.”

_
Source: Anadolu Agency

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“I categorically refute claims that Ethiopia has been granted access to the Red Sea. These baseless assertions lack any foundation. Somalia remains committed to protecting its sovereignty and ensuring transparency on national issues,” Fiqi stated on X.

I categorically refute claims that Ethiopia has been granted access to the Red Sea. These baseless assertions lack any foundation. Somalia remains committed to protecting its sovereignty and ensuring transparency on national issues.

— Hon. Ahmed FIQI (@AhmedMoFiqi) December 25, 2024

The denial follows a prior statement attributed to Fiqi, suggesting Somalia had agreed to grant Ethiopia Red Sea access as part of the Ankara Declaration, a deal brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on December 11, 2024.

The Ankara Declaration aims to resolve tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly following Ethiopia’s controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland on January 1, 2024.

That MoU granted Ethiopia access to the Red Sea while Somaliland sought recognition as an independent state.

As part of the agreement, technical committees will be established to address maritime disputes, with a resolution deadline set for mid-2025.

However, the deal has sparked controversy, particularly within the Tripartite Alliance of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt, which opposes Ethiopia’s ambitions for Red Sea access.

Eritrea and Egypt view Ethiopia’s demands as a threat to regional stability.

Eritrean Foreign Ministry advisor Abdulkadir Idris criticized the agreement in comments to BBC Somali, arguing that it undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and risks destabilizing the region.

“The agreement is hasty and poorly conceived,” Idris warned, expressing frustration over Somalia’s swift acceptance of the deal.

He also cautioned that it could strain existing alliances and lead to diplomatic fallout.

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The visit comes just days after a Somali delegation traveled to Addis Ababa for discussions with Ethiopian officials, following the Ankara Declaration brokered by Turkey which tends to ease the tension about the Somaliland-Ethiopia MOU.

The deal, aimed at ending a maritime dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia, has sparked concerns among regional powers.

The Ankara agreement has drawn suspicions from Eritrea and Egypt, both of which view Ethiopia’s potential access to the Red Sea as a violation of their previous understanding with Somalia.

Eritrean Foreign Ministry advisor Abdulkadir Idris told BBC Somali that the agreement undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and risks destabilizing the region.

Eritrea has warned of potential diplomatic fallout, describing the deal as “hasty and poorly conceived.”

Idris expressed frustration with Somalia’s rapid acceptance of the agreement, which he claimed jeopardizes existing alliances.

Tripartite Alliance of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt

The Ankara Declaration establishes technical committees to address maritime issues, with a deadline for resolution set for mid-2025.

As part of the deal, Ethiopia will contribute troops to the African Union’s new AUSSOM mission, scheduled to begin operations in Somalia next year.

The agreement has heightened tensions within the Tripartite Alliance of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt, which was formed to counter Ethiopia’s ambitions for Red Sea access.

Eritrea and Egypt view Ethiopia’s demand to get access to the Red Sea as a threat to regional stability.

Somalia has also signed a series of defense and military agreements with Egypt, Eritrea, and Turkey, many of which remain undisclosed.

Egypt has provided arms and equipment to Somalia, further straining Somalia’s relationship with Ethiopia.

Egypt also says it will contribute troops to an African Union Somalia peacekeeping mission.

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