Somalia Roundup: Debt cancellation, relocation of Ethiopian embassy, 9/11-style terrorist attack

Somali president congratulates Trump on election victory

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the 2024 US presidential elections. He expressed eagerness to work collaboratively on security and peace initiatives vital for Somalia's development. This highlights the ongoing robust partnership between Somalia and the US, especially in the context of previous military engagements where Trump had ordered the withdrawal of US troops from Somalia, which was later reversed due to strategic implications.

US cancels $1.14 billion of Somalia's debt

The USA has made strides in alleviating Somalia's financial burden by cancelling  $1.14 billion of the nation's debt, representing roughly a quarter of its remaining obligations. This pivotal agreement aligns with ongoing debt forgiveness efforts aimed at Somalia's recovery from its tumultuous history of civil war and state disintegration. President Mohamud acknowledged the unsustainable nature of this debt and expressed gratitude for the US's support, with the US ambassador celebrating this agreement as a landmark effort towards stability in Somalia’s economy. As Somalia engages in initiatives like the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, it is primed for necessary financial reforms, although governance and political stability continue to be pressing concerns for private creditors.

Qatar charity improves water access to 10,000 Somalis

Qatar Charity has recently inaugurated two artesian wells in the Warshiekh region of Somalia, significantly improving access to clean water for nearly 10,000 local residents. Prior to this intervention, inhabitants faced considerable challenges and health risks by travelling up to 10 kilometres for water. This project has been well-received, especially by the local water minister, as it not only addresses water scarcity but also supports agricultural development in the region. This year alone, Qatar Charity has executed 327 water and sanitation projects throughout Somalia, benefiting approximately 285,000 individuals.

Ethiopian embassy in Somalia set to be relocated

The Ethiopian embassy in Somalia is set to relocate from its controversial position at the presidential palace in Mogadishu back to its original site. This decision comes in response to public outcry regarding the embassy's placement amidst deteriorating relations between Somalia and Ethiopia. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi reinforced that the embassy's location was deemed inappropriate, pledging a swift relocation. Tensions between the nations have been exacerbated by Ethiopia's contentious agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a threat to its sovereignty and national integrity.

Somali convicted in New York for planning attack similar to 9/11 

A federal jury in New York has convicted Cholo Abdi Abdullah, a 34-year-old member of the al Shabaab terrorist group, of conspiring to execute a terrorist attack reminiscent of the 9/11 attacks on the US. Abdullah faces multiple charges, including conspiring to commit murder and supporting terrorism. His background includes training in Somalia and attending flight school in the Philippines, where he conducted research into targeting US infrastructure and gaining access to aircraft cockpits. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams underscored the serious implications of Abdullah’s actions as an attempt to replicate one of history's profound terrorist events. Abdullah is due for sentencing on March 10, with the possibility of life imprisonment for one of the charges raised against him.