🇺🇳 UN warns that food insecurity will continue to deteriorate if rains fail in Horn of Africa
The World Food Program (WFP) said on Monday that the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa is expanding and deepening after five consecutive below-average rains.
The UN agency said the upcoming March-May 2023 rains are also forecast to be below-average in the region and “should these rains fail, and humanitarian assistance not be delivered at scale, food insecurity will continue to deteriorate.”
“Across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, an estimated 22 million people are now acutely food insecure because of the drought,” the WFP said in a statement.
#UN
@africaintel
The World Food Program (WFP) said on Monday that the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa is expanding and deepening after five consecutive below-average rains.
The UN agency said the upcoming March-May 2023 rains are also forecast to be below-average in the region and “should these rains fail, and humanitarian assistance not be delivered at scale, food insecurity will continue to deteriorate.”
“Across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, an estimated 22 million people are now acutely food insecure because of the drought,” the WFP said in a statement.
#UN
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇲🇦 New details have been released regarding The Polisario movement's 16th congress Thousands of soldiers and supporters of The Polisario Front - the Western Sahara's pro-independence movement, met at the Dakhla Refugee Camp in the Tindouf Region of Algeria.…
🇲🇦 The leader of the Polisario Front re-elected at the 16th congress
At the end of the 16th Congress of the Polisario Front, held from January 13 to 20 in a refugee camp 175 kilometers from the Algerian city of Tindouf, Polisario Front re-elected Brahim Ghali as a head of the movement. During the election some of the congressmen pushed to intensify the war against Morocco.
The 73-year-old outgoing leader was re-elected for a new three-year term as secretary general of the Polisario in a vote attended by 1,870 delegates.
#Morocco
@africaintel
At the end of the 16th Congress of the Polisario Front, held from January 13 to 20 in a refugee camp 175 kilometers from the Algerian city of Tindouf, Polisario Front re-elected Brahim Ghali as a head of the movement. During the election some of the congressmen pushed to intensify the war against Morocco.
The 73-year-old outgoing leader was re-elected for a new three-year term as secretary general of the Polisario in a vote attended by 1,870 delegates.
#Morocco
@africaintel
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🇨🇫 Protests against Castel products are held in CAR
For the past few days, in various neighborhoods of Bangui, Central Africans have been protesting against Castel Groupe. People smash bottles and carry banners "Castel=terrorists".
Castel Groupe, French alcohol and sugar monopolist in Central African Republic, is accused of sponsoring various armed groups in the country. Previous week one of the rebel leaders Ali Darassa said that Castel Groupe finances them.
In addition, residents have recently complained about a decline in the quality of the product.
#CAR
@africaintel
For the past few days, in various neighborhoods of Bangui, Central Africans have been protesting against Castel Groupe. People smash bottles and carry banners "Castel=terrorists".
Castel Groupe, French alcohol and sugar monopolist in Central African Republic, is accused of sponsoring various armed groups in the country. Previous week one of the rebel leaders Ali Darassa said that Castel Groupe finances them.
In addition, residents have recently complained about a decline in the quality of the product.
#CAR
@africaintel
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🇳🇬 New port aimed at transforming Nigeria trade opens
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has officially opened a new port near Lagos which could have an economic impact across West Africa.
The $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port, which took six years to complete, will serve as a gateway for cargo vessels in the region.
Lagos state Governor said the new facility will create about 200,000 jobs both directly and indirectly and generate billions of dollars in revenue for the country.
The port is expected to reduce the high cost of bringing goods into the country by reducing the vessel turnaround time, which has hampered business at the country's other ports.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has officially opened a new port near Lagos which could have an economic impact across West Africa.
The $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Sea Port, which took six years to complete, will serve as a gateway for cargo vessels in the region.
Lagos state Governor said the new facility will create about 200,000 jobs both directly and indirectly and generate billions of dollars in revenue for the country.
The port is expected to reduce the high cost of bringing goods into the country by reducing the vessel turnaround time, which has hampered business at the country's other ports.
#Nigeria
@africaintel
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🇺🇬 Uganda to unveil first commercial oil production drilling programme
Uganda will commission on Tuesday the first of its four planned oil drilling rigs and start drilling the first production well, its petroleum agency said.
Uganda discovered commercial reserves of petroleum nearly two decades ago but production has been repeatedly delayed by a lack of infrastructure like a pipeline.
"Today we mark another milestone and move a step closer to first oil with the launch of the drilling of development and production wells for the Kingfisher oil fields," said government-run Petroleum Authority of Uganda.
Kingfisher, located near the southern flank of Lake Albert in the country's west, is operated by China's CNOOC. Uganda's second project area, Tilenga, located north of Lake Albert astride River Nile, is operated by France's TotalEnergies. The two firms co-own all of Uganda's existing oilfields alongside the state-run Uganda National Oil Company.
#Uganda
@africaintel
Uganda will commission on Tuesday the first of its four planned oil drilling rigs and start drilling the first production well, its petroleum agency said.
Uganda discovered commercial reserves of petroleum nearly two decades ago but production has been repeatedly delayed by a lack of infrastructure like a pipeline.
"Today we mark another milestone and move a step closer to first oil with the launch of the drilling of development and production wells for the Kingfisher oil fields," said government-run Petroleum Authority of Uganda.
Kingfisher, located near the southern flank of Lake Albert in the country's west, is operated by China's CNOOC. Uganda's second project area, Tilenga, located north of Lake Albert astride River Nile, is operated by France's TotalEnergies. The two firms co-own all of Uganda's existing oilfields alongside the state-run Uganda National Oil Company.
#Uganda
@africaintel
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🇺🇸🇿🇦 US treasury secretary in South Africa for talks
The US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, is visiting South Africa on the latest stage of a three-nation African tour aimed at boosting US influence.
The tour - which also included Senegal and Zambia - comes as Washington faces growing competition in the region with Russia and China.
While in South Africa, Yellen is expected to push President Cyril Ramaphosa to pursue plans for a gradual transition away from a heavy reliance on coal to cleaner energy. She will also address regional and global issues of concern, including deepening economic ties between the USA and South Africa.
#USA #SouthAfrica
@africaintel
The US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, is visiting South Africa on the latest stage of a three-nation African tour aimed at boosting US influence.
The tour - which also included Senegal and Zambia - comes as Washington faces growing competition in the region with Russia and China.
While in South Africa, Yellen is expected to push President Cyril Ramaphosa to pursue plans for a gradual transition away from a heavy reliance on coal to cleaner energy. She will also address regional and global issues of concern, including deepening economic ties between the USA and South Africa.
#USA #SouthAfrica
@africaintel
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Africa Intel
🇨🇲🇨🇦 Canada says Cameroon warring parties agree to enter peace process The government of Cameroon and some separatist factions in the English-speaking regions of the country have agreed to enter into a process aimed at resolving a conflict, Canada's foreign…
🇨🇲 Cameroon denies asking for help with Anglophone crisis
Cameroon’s government says it has not asked any country to mediate its conflict with Anglophone separatists, apparently denying a statement from Canada that it had been assigned to work on a peace process.
The Cameroonian government “has not entrusted any foreign country or external entity with any role of mediator or facilitator to settle the crisis”, said in the statement.
Anglophone separatists said they had taken note of the government’s latest statement but would not comment further. They had previously informed they were committed to a negotiated process mandated by Canada.
#Cameroon
@africaintel
Cameroon’s government says it has not asked any country to mediate its conflict with Anglophone separatists, apparently denying a statement from Canada that it had been assigned to work on a peace process.
The Cameroonian government “has not entrusted any foreign country or external entity with any role of mediator or facilitator to settle the crisis”, said in the statement.
Anglophone separatists said they had taken note of the government’s latest statement but would not comment further. They had previously informed they were committed to a negotiated process mandated by Canada.
#Cameroon
@africaintel
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🇷🇼 Rwanda's ex-minister jailed for corruption
A high court in Rwanda has sentenced a former youth and culture minister to five years in prison over corruption charges, extending a previous sentence by a year.
The original sentence, which came last year, against Edouard Bamporiki was a rare case of a top official convicted over corruption in the country. He was suspended from cabinet last May and put under house arrest while being investigated for corruption and misuse of power. He remained under house arrest until this ruling.
The 39-year-old poet and filmmaker was previously a vigorous supporter of President Kagame and the ruling party and rose rapidly through the ranks.
#Rwanda
@africaintel
A high court in Rwanda has sentenced a former youth and culture minister to five years in prison over corruption charges, extending a previous sentence by a year.
The original sentence, which came last year, against Edouard Bamporiki was a rare case of a top official convicted over corruption in the country. He was suspended from cabinet last May and put under house arrest while being investigated for corruption and misuse of power. He remained under house arrest until this ruling.
The 39-year-old poet and filmmaker was previously a vigorous supporter of President Kagame and the ruling party and rose rapidly through the ranks.
#Rwanda
@africaintel
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🇿🇲🇨🇳 Zambia's finance minister says China is optimistic in debt talks
Zambia's finance minister says China has shown "optimism" in negotiations to ease the country's debt, a day after US treasury secretary said Beijing was a barrier to ending the crisis.
The country is straining under an immense debt burden and became Africa's first nation to default on its debts during the pandemic, when it failed to make a payment in 2020.
Finance Minister added that talks on restructuring the debt could be completed by the end of March.
#Zambia #China
@africaintel
Zambia's finance minister says China has shown "optimism" in negotiations to ease the country's debt, a day after US treasury secretary said Beijing was a barrier to ending the crisis.
The country is straining under an immense debt burden and became Africa's first nation to default on its debts during the pandemic, when it failed to make a payment in 2020.
Finance Minister added that talks on restructuring the debt could be completed by the end of March.
#Zambia #China
@africaintel
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🇨🇩 Fighting erupted in eastern DR Congo
Fresh fighting has erupted in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, despite an agreement between the government and rebel groups to end hostilities.
The fighting between the army and M23 rebels on Tuesday near the town of Mweso is said to have caused many people to flee their homes, according to local reports.
The military has not commented on the latest fighting, but a spokesman for the rebels accused government forces of attacking their positions as they prepared to further withdraw as outlined in an agreement. The rebels have accused President Tshisekedi of being more keen on "destroying the M23" instead of peacefully resolving the conflict.
#DRC
@africaintel
Fresh fighting has erupted in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, despite an agreement between the government and rebel groups to end hostilities.
The fighting between the army and M23 rebels on Tuesday near the town of Mweso is said to have caused many people to flee their homes, according to local reports.
The military has not commented on the latest fighting, but a spokesman for the rebels accused government forces of attacking their positions as they prepared to further withdraw as outlined in an agreement. The rebels have accused President Tshisekedi of being more keen on "destroying the M23" instead of peacefully resolving the conflict.
#DRC
@africaintel
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🇸🇩 Armed men killed 4 in Sudan's South Kordofan
Armed men opened fire on a bus station in southern Sudan, officials said, killing at least four people and prompting authorities to declare a monthlong state of emergency. The state of emergency took effect across the southern province on the border with South Sudan.
Officials in South Kordofan province said the attack in the provincial capital of Kadugli wounded at least four others.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place as the victims were heading to areas controlled by a rebel group, known as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North.
#Sudan
@africaintel
Armed men opened fire on a bus station in southern Sudan, officials said, killing at least four people and prompting authorities to declare a monthlong state of emergency. The state of emergency took effect across the southern province on the border with South Sudan.
Officials in South Kordofan province said the attack in the provincial capital of Kadugli wounded at least four others.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place as the victims were heading to areas controlled by a rebel group, known as the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North.
#Sudan
@africaintel
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🇲🇱 World Health Organization doctor kidnapped in Mali
A humanitarian worker has been kidnapped from his car in eastern Mali, the head of the World Health Organization says.
Mahamadou Diawara is a doctor who works for the global health body.
WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he "deplored" the actions of the "unidentified assailants" who abucted Mr Diawara in the district of Ménaka.
"We are working with local authorities to investigate the abduction and ensure our colleague’s quick return to his family," Tedros added.
#Mali
@africaintel
A humanitarian worker has been kidnapped from his car in eastern Mali, the head of the World Health Organization says.
Mahamadou Diawara is a doctor who works for the global health body.
WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he "deplored" the actions of the "unidentified assailants" who abucted Mr Diawara in the district of Ménaka.
"We are working with local authorities to investigate the abduction and ensure our colleague’s quick return to his family," Tedros added.
#Mali
@africaintel
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🇸🇸 Cardinal urges South Sudan to unite ahead of Pope's visit
"Today we are still in the situation of war, we need unity - that is what you are going to sing when the Pope comes," the Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Khartoum Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako has told worshippers.
The cardinal, who is already in Juba ahead of the pontiff's visit next week, added "let’s do away with division, let us do away with hatred and sow love".
He said unity is what South Sudanese want at this time because "it’s missing very much", and said Pope Francis' visit must re-plant the seed of unity, hope, love and togetherness in people's hearts.
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
"Today we are still in the situation of war, we need unity - that is what you are going to sing when the Pope comes," the Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Khartoum Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako has told worshippers.
The cardinal, who is already in Juba ahead of the pontiff's visit next week, added "let’s do away with division, let us do away with hatred and sow love".
He said unity is what South Sudanese want at this time because "it’s missing very much", and said Pope Francis' visit must re-plant the seed of unity, hope, love and togetherness in people's hearts.
#SouthSudan
@africaintel
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⚡️🇷🇼🇨🇩 The Rwandan government has accused neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo of violating its airspace by a Congolese attack aircraft that was fired upon, the Rwandan newspaper The New Times reported.
#Rwanda #DRC
@africaintel
#Rwanda #DRC
@africaintel
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🇷🇺🇦🇴 Russian Foreign Minister arrived in Angola on a working visit
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Tuesday evening on a working visit to Angola. Upon arrival, the minister was met by his Angolan counterpart Tete António.
During the meeting, Antoniou told Lavrov in Russian that "a lot has changed in the country".
In Luanda, the capital of Angola, Lavrov is expected to hold talks with Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio and President João Lourenço.
#Russia #Angola
@africaintel
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived Tuesday evening on a working visit to Angola. Upon arrival, the minister was met by his Angolan counterpart Tete António.
During the meeting, Antoniou told Lavrov in Russian that "a lot has changed in the country".
In Luanda, the capital of Angola, Lavrov is expected to hold talks with Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio and President João Lourenço.
#Russia #Angola
@africaintel
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🇪🇹 Oromo Liberation Army published a manifesto with demands to the Ethiopian government
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) published a manifesto highlighting the following points that the Ethiopian government must implement to make negotiations possible.
In it they demand: to open humanitarian corridors in Oromia state; to release all Oromo political detainees; to terminate persecution of all Oromo party leaders and supporters; to make Afaan Oromoo a federal working language; to recognize Addis Ababa as integral part of Oromia; stop extrajudicial executions arbitrary arrests, detentions and searches without charge; end military operations in Oromia.
Only then OLA will be ready to participate in peace talks with the central government of Ethiopia.
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) published a manifesto highlighting the following points that the Ethiopian government must implement to make negotiations possible.
In it they demand: to open humanitarian corridors in Oromia state; to release all Oromo political detainees; to terminate persecution of all Oromo party leaders and supporters; to make Afaan Oromoo a federal working language; to recognize Addis Ababa as integral part of Oromia; stop extrajudicial executions arbitrary arrests, detentions and searches without charge; end military operations in Oromia.
Only then OLA will be ready to participate in peace talks with the central government of Ethiopia.
#Ethiopia
@africaintel
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🇨🇩 ADF rebels kill at least 23 in new attack in eastern DR Congo
At least 23 civilians were killed on Sunday night in an attack attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo's east (DRC).
"24 people, including six women, were killed in this incursion of the ADF" in the village of Makugwe, in the territory of Beni in North Kivu, said Roger Wangeve, the president of the local civil society.
While in the village, the provincial deputy mentioned a toll of "23 people killed." He called for an increase in the number of "well-equipped military personnel" in the hope of being able to "anticipate enemy attacks."
At least seven residential houses were burned, three drugstores and 11 stores looted, while the number of "civilians taken into the bush is not yet known," added Wangeve.
#DRC
@africaintel
At least 23 civilians were killed on Sunday night in an attack attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in a village in the Democratic Republic of Congo's east (DRC).
"24 people, including six women, were killed in this incursion of the ADF" in the village of Makugwe, in the territory of Beni in North Kivu, said Roger Wangeve, the president of the local civil society.
While in the village, the provincial deputy mentioned a toll of "23 people killed." He called for an increase in the number of "well-equipped military personnel" in the hope of being able to "anticipate enemy attacks."
At least seven residential houses were burned, three drugstores and 11 stores looted, while the number of "civilians taken into the bush is not yet known," added Wangeve.
#DRC
@africaintel
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🇸🇴 What is going on in Somalia?
A Russian channel Rybar analyzed terrorist activity in Somalia.
Political instability in Somalia has persisted for more than 30 years. The weakness of the central government and the inability to provide security throughout the country have led to a proliferation of radical organizations.
The largest terrorist organization in Somalia today is the al-Qaida-affiliated al-Shabaab. Regular clashes between militants and Somali forces have been going on for more than 10 years, but the transition of the confrontation to a hot state occurred in the summer of 2022.
The reason was the killing of prominent elders and hostage-taking by members of al-Shabaab in the capital, Mogadishu. The country's president, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, then made an appeal in which he declared all-out war on the group.
In January, the Somali National Army, supported by local militias, launched a major offensive, pushing the militants out of several key strongholds in the center of the country. Units of the African Union's multinational peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) are also fighting Al-Shabab.
🔻Somali National Army offensive
▪️In January 2022, Somali military forces took control of two al-Shabab logistical and financial centers, El Dher and Harardhere (Xarardheere), in the north-central Galmudug and Mudug regions.
▪️Towns and their environs were the largest strongholds of the al-Qaeda branch on the coast of central Somalia for 15 years. Their loss in many ways cut off the militants' supply and smuggling channels that supported their operations in the region.
▪️The Somali National Army leadership strengthened its defenses in the territories taken under control in an anticipation of a counterattack. Elite units trained by U.S. instructors were redeployed to the vicinity of towns. Rural areas were filtered to identify Al-Shabaab informants.
▪️The Somali National Army, supported by aircraft, also struck insurgent locations in various parts of Somalia, including the Middle Shabelle and Galguduud regions.
🔻Al-Shabaab attacks
▪️After losing towns in Galmudug and Mudug provinces, militants of the radical Islamic group retreated to the south and are preparing to retaliate.
▪️At the same time, al-Shabaab carried out a series of attacks on Somali security forces. The terrorists killed Beledweyne chief of criminal investigation department Jamal Ahmed and several high-ranking officers.
▪️In government-controlled areas, terrorist attacks occurred in the towns of Jalalaqsi and Bulobarde in the province of Hiiraan. Local media reported at least 15 dead and more than 50 wounded.
▪️Militants also attacked at least three Somali National Army bases. For example, on January 20, government positions near the town of Galcad were attacked.
🔻Prospects for conflict
The loss of logistics and economic centers on the eastern coast of Somalia was a significant blow to al-Shabaab. According to reports, the country's security authorities significantly weakened the group's finances in 2021 by locking up militant sponsors and blocking identified accounts.
The loss of funding and access to the coast has weakened al-Shabaab's strength, in part by preventing them from buying weapons and recruiting new supporters. Clashes within the ranks of the fighters themselves increased, both because of competition for scarce resources and because of the reluctance of some members to continue the war with government troops.
🔻Nevertheless, even with all problems, al-Shabaab still retains a fighting force. It still controls significant areas in the countryside, which make it possible to collect taxes from the population living there and support the organization's activities.
As long as the militants retain these channels of funding, defeating al-Shabaab will be out of the question.
High-res
#Somalia #terrorism
@africaintel
A Russian channel Rybar analyzed terrorist activity in Somalia.
Political instability in Somalia has persisted for more than 30 years. The weakness of the central government and the inability to provide security throughout the country have led to a proliferation of radical organizations.
The largest terrorist organization in Somalia today is the al-Qaida-affiliated al-Shabaab. Regular clashes between militants and Somali forces have been going on for more than 10 years, but the transition of the confrontation to a hot state occurred in the summer of 2022.
The reason was the killing of prominent elders and hostage-taking by members of al-Shabaab in the capital, Mogadishu. The country's president, Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, then made an appeal in which he declared all-out war on the group.
In January, the Somali National Army, supported by local militias, launched a major offensive, pushing the militants out of several key strongholds in the center of the country. Units of the African Union's multinational peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) are also fighting Al-Shabab.
🔻Somali National Army offensive
▪️In January 2022, Somali military forces took control of two al-Shabab logistical and financial centers, El Dher and Harardhere (Xarardheere), in the north-central Galmudug and Mudug regions.
▪️Towns and their environs were the largest strongholds of the al-Qaeda branch on the coast of central Somalia for 15 years. Their loss in many ways cut off the militants' supply and smuggling channels that supported their operations in the region.
▪️The Somali National Army leadership strengthened its defenses in the territories taken under control in an anticipation of a counterattack. Elite units trained by U.S. instructors were redeployed to the vicinity of towns. Rural areas were filtered to identify Al-Shabaab informants.
▪️The Somali National Army, supported by aircraft, also struck insurgent locations in various parts of Somalia, including the Middle Shabelle and Galguduud regions.
🔻Al-Shabaab attacks
▪️After losing towns in Galmudug and Mudug provinces, militants of the radical Islamic group retreated to the south and are preparing to retaliate.
▪️At the same time, al-Shabaab carried out a series of attacks on Somali security forces. The terrorists killed Beledweyne chief of criminal investigation department Jamal Ahmed and several high-ranking officers.
▪️In government-controlled areas, terrorist attacks occurred in the towns of Jalalaqsi and Bulobarde in the province of Hiiraan. Local media reported at least 15 dead and more than 50 wounded.
▪️Militants also attacked at least three Somali National Army bases. For example, on January 20, government positions near the town of Galcad were attacked.
🔻Prospects for conflict
The loss of logistics and economic centers on the eastern coast of Somalia was a significant blow to al-Shabaab. According to reports, the country's security authorities significantly weakened the group's finances in 2021 by locking up militant sponsors and blocking identified accounts.
The loss of funding and access to the coast has weakened al-Shabaab's strength, in part by preventing them from buying weapons and recruiting new supporters. Clashes within the ranks of the fighters themselves increased, both because of competition for scarce resources and because of the reluctance of some members to continue the war with government troops.
🔻Nevertheless, even with all problems, al-Shabaab still retains a fighting force. It still controls significant areas in the countryside, which make it possible to collect taxes from the population living there and support the organization's activities.
As long as the militants retain these channels of funding, defeating al-Shabaab will be out of the question.
High-res
#Somalia #terrorism
@africaintel
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