Several member states of the European Union held a special meeting to discuss the new policy to curb irregular migration, which has reportedly risen sharply this year compared to previous years.

The EU is allocating funds to an operation designed to intercept migrants before they depart from North African countries, where they attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach neighboring European states.

Italy, which is the main entry point for migrants arriving by sea, had previously reached an agreement with Libya that failed to succeed. The plan had required the Tripoli-based government to return migrants and prevent their onward movement.

As the pressure has spread beyond Italy to other European countries, these states have now begun implementing a joint strategy to address the issue, investing significant financial resources in the execution of this new project.

The post European Union Launches New Plan to Tackle Rising Migration appeared first on Kaab TV.

Cadaawe had made a fateful decision to leave the Somali Federal Darwish and join the ranks of the Somaliland fighters, facing the Dhulbahante clan militia, ultimately meeting his demise.

In the wake of Cadaawe’s death, a relative, Jama Mohamed Ibrahim, known as Haarane, mourned the loss of his dear friend and brother. “Death is inevitable, and only God remains. May God have mercy on Cadaawe Sheikh Idiris,” he solemnly expressed.

The Laascaanood conflict had claimed the lives of numerous officers before Cadaawe, but his tragic fate revealed a disheartening reality of trained officers choosing to align with their clans to perpetrate violence against fellow civilians and trigger mass displacement. In a cruel twist, on the opposing side of the battle stood another Somali Federal Darwish police colonel, Abdirisaq Bihin, now serving as the commander of the communications unit for the Dhulbahante clan fighters in Laascaanood.

Both men were part of the Federal Darwish, a robust civilian unit of the Federal Somali Police Force who have been principally trained in Djibouti in April 2022 at the request of the Government of Somalia with funding by the EU Delegation to Somalia, the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia), the European Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia), and by the United Nations Police (UNPOL).

Speaking defiantly at the frontline in the Maraaga mountains, east of Laascaanood, Colonel Bihin boasted about confronting his former comrade, stating, “Just 10 days ago, he called me and said, ‘Either I will catch you or you will die, Mr. Bihin.’ Just go back to Mogadishu.”

“Eventually, we killed him and the right cause has won,” Bihin added.

The two friends-turned-enemies epitomized the profound hostility fueling the conflict, each defending what they believed to be their legitimate identity and ancestral lands.

The trend of Somali government officers and soldiers participating in the war, which erupted in early February and caused more than 150 dead and the displacement of close to 200,000, has been on the rise. Recently, a unit from the Turkish-trained military of Gorgor joined the Dhulbahante fighters, signifying a troubling escalation.

As the battle rages on in Laascaanood, more men from the police and military, trained by Turkey, the EU, and the United States, are expected to join the fray. Some have already arrived, and casualties are being reported on both sides.

Meanwhile, Somaliland is reinforcing and fortifying its fighters in Goojacade, where a decisive and protracted war has been unfolding for weeks.

Despite fervent calls for an end to the war, they seemed to fall on unresponsive ears. Practically, the pleas appeared to lack substantial impact, as the Laascaanood conflict continues to persist.

In reality, this Laascaanood war represents not only the failure of genuine reconciliation efforts among Somalis but also an alarming manifestation of power struggles, clan-based abuses, and deep-seated clan animosities that have overflowed their bounds. The central issue boils down to a power dynamic—where one side vying to assert control over the other, a sentiment palpable among the people in the streets of Laascaanood.

Moreover, the Laascaanood war has been significantly influenced by international actors. The presence of well-equipped fighters trained and armed by the EU, UN, Turkey, and even the UAE, underscores their involvement in the ongoing hostilities. Consequently, until these external entities cease the supply of both personnel and weaponry to the frontlines, the Laascaanood conflict is unlikely to see a resolution.

The situation remains complex, with fragile alliances and deep loyalties complicating the pursuit of peace in Laascaanood and the wider Somalia.

The post Fragile Alliances and Fierce Loyalties: The deepening quagmire of the Laascaanood conflict appeared first on Kaab TV.

Aden, a father of 13 children, was arrested along with several others, according to the Office of the Attorney General, on alleged charges of “stealing fuel from the Ministry of Information“.

While the allegations were not proven and some of his co-accused were already released after the intervention of powerful officials from the presidency and the Ministry of Information, Aden remains behind bars because he comes from a minority clan.

On Thursday morning, July 13, a deputy Attorney General named Abdullahi Yusuf visited Aden at the C.I.D and informed him of his innocence. However, he delivered a disheartening message: Aden would be set free if he could pay the exorbitant sum of U.S  $1,500, according to the family and insider sources at the police.

Family members of Aden revealed that he was instructed to contact his family and request them to raise the demanded amount.

According to the Deputy Prosecutor Abdullahi Yusuf, the money was to be handed over to Judge Salah Dheere from the Supreme Court and Chairman Salah Daban from the Banadir Regional Court. Their involvement was allegedly to ensure Aden’s release, despite his innocence.

While this distressing episode unfolded at the Mogadishu C.I.D, the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) were engaged in the launch of the so-called Joint Justice and Corrections Programme in Mogadishu. They were seen socializing with corrupt Somali officials including the Attorney General Sulayman Mohamud, Chief Justice Bashe Yusuf, and the Justice Minister Hassan Sheikh Ali, among others all funded by western taxpayers’ money.

The juxtaposition of these events highlights the troubling prevalence of corruption within Mogadishu’s law enforcement agencies. Aden’s continued detention, despite claims of innocence and the release of other accused individuals, raises concerns about the fairness and integrity of the justice system.

The international community, which invests considerable resources in supporting Somalia’s governance and justice sectors, must take note of these troubling developments. Abdalle Mumin, an outspoken human rights defender and the Secretary-General of the Somali Journalists Syndicate who first broke the story on Thursday expressed their concern for lack of accountability, transparency, and the upholding of the rule of law.

The plight of Aden Muhidin Isaaq serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens caught up in a system marred by corruption and undue influence. As the people of Somalia yearn for justice and stability, it is crucial for the government to address these systemic issues, hold accountable those responsible for corruption, and ensure a fair and impartial justice system for all its citizens.

The post Detained father from minority clan allegedly pressured to pay for his freedom inside Somalia police cell appeared first on Kaab TV.

While the EU claims that its support for the construction of the military base showcases its commitment to supporting Somalia’s security infrastructure, there are pressing issues unfolding in the same region of Galgaduud that cannot be ignored.

In recent times, various clan militia groups in Galgaduud have been arming themselves to counter the threats posed by rival clans. The renewed clan conflict in this region has resulted in deadly clashes in rural areas surrounding Dhusamareb.

On Sunday, July 9, at least five people lost their lives in Lebi Caano, a town located approximately 35 kilometers from Dhusamareb. Just last month, violent confrontations continued between Dhusamareb and Adado, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals and leaving over 10 others injured. These clashes were fueled by disputes over land ownership and the control of villages in the rural areas.

Disturbing reports from residents in the area indicate a significant escalation of hostilities in the past three weeks, with clashes spreading to the village of Shuriye Jige near Gadoon in the Galgadud region.

Abdirahman Moalim Geeda-Qorow, the Dhusamareb District Commissioner in the Galmudug administration, expressed his deep concern about the escalating violence rooted in clan conflicts driven by a scramble for resources and power.

Sources from the region have revealed that the training of militias and the influx of weapons from Mogadishu to the Galgadud region have intensified, exacerbating the inter-clan fighting.

Merely a week ago, over 100 men, allegedly new recruits of the national intelligence agency (NISA), were transported from Dhusamareb to Mogadishu to undergo training and receive weapons, with the possibility of returning to the region.

Clan leaders in the area believe that the director of Somalia’s national intelligence, Mahad Salad, continues to arm his fellow clansmen to overpower rival clans in the region. Just on Tuesday, members of the Duduble clan elders held a widely reported press conference in Mogadishu, where they expressed concerns about the safety of their men traveling within the region.

“Our clansmen are unable to travel safely from Dhusamareb to other destinations. We have been restraining ourselves, but now we feel pushed to our limits,” warned the clan elders.

Adding to the growing concerns, clan elders in the region have raised the issue that the new military base funded by the European Union might be utilized to harbor clan militias favored by Dhusamareb, potentially exacerbating the violence in the region.

Despite the mounting apprehensions expressed, the European Union in Somalia persists with its course of action, without fully acknowledging the potential ramifications and the burden placed on European taxpayers.

As the European Union forges ahead with its plans, it is the local population who remain vigilant about the potential consequences for the region, which are now shrouded in uncertainty.

The post Concerns mount over EU-funded military base amid escalating clan conflict in central Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

Supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the European Union (EU) through the ‘Resilient Fisheries and Livestock Value Chain for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Somalia’ (RAAISE) project (2020-2024), the works included the renovation of offices and facilities of the federal ministry building, along with the installation of IT equipment, furnishings including desks and chairs, and other important equipment.

The inauguration was attended by His Excellency Mr. Hamza Abdi Barre, The Prime Minister of Somalia, the Hon. Mr. Hassan Hussein Mohamed, Federal Minister of Livestock, Forestry and Range, Hon. Ambassador, Tiina Intelmann of the European Union Delegation to Somalia and representing the FAO Representative to Somalia, Mr. Roland Kassab, Head of Operations for FAO in Somalia as well as delegates of the European Union, FAO, Ministry officials and representatives of the livestock sector.

The livestock industry is of critical importance for Somalia in terms of providing livelihoods and underpinning the economy,” said the EU Ambassador to Somalia Tiina Intelmann. “The EU hopes that this support and partnership will help it to grow sustainably and provide new opportunities for communities.”

The strengthening of the ministries’ capacity for oversight and policy development of the livestock industry will see improvements along the whole value chain and improve its contribution to Somalia’s economic development.

“It is critical for Somalia’s livestock sector to adapt to future challenges, and take advantage of opportunities as well,” said Hon. Minister for Livestock, Forestry and Range, Mr. Hassan Hussein Mohamed. “With support from FAO and the EU through the RAAISE project, this achievement reflects the growing capacity of the Ministry to better support livestock producers and state ministries with technical capacity, regulatory and policy support,” he said.

Strengthening institutional capacity 

The RAAISE project seeks to strengthen the physical, human and institutional capacities of the government at both the Federal Ministry level and Ministries of the Federal Member States. The inauguration of the offices reflects a priority to strengthen the operational institutional capacity through construction or rehabilitation of the ministry offices and provision of important equipment.

There will also be long-term support technical training of government staff to enhance knowledge and skills on needy and specialized technical areas; including information technology and enhancing organizational capacity in public sector governance. “By strengthening the capacity of staff and services at the ministry level, the benefits will be far reaching for the whole livestock sector,” said Mr. Roland Kassab, FAO’s head of operations in Somalia. “Along with the capacity building of the counterpart ministries at Federal Member State level, Somalia’s pastoralists and livestock sector participants will see a real boost in support with these new initiatives,” he said.

Diversifying and strengthening Somalia’s food producing sectors

The RAAISE Project builds on recent progress made in increasing employment and food security for people by sustainably expanding the fisheries and livestock sectors in Somalia. It focuses on enhancing incomes and livelihoods of people, through means including new jobs, inclusive economic opportunities, and infrastructure rehabilitation, which will be achieved under three outcomes contributing to the livestock and fisheries sectors encompassing production, marketing, and institutional capacity building.

The post Somali govt, EU and FAO inaugurate renovated livestock ministry facilities in Mogadishu appeared first on Kaab TV.