Political situation in Somalia

Somalia: Exclude Ethiopian soldiers from peacekeeping

Somalia's government has asked the African Union and the United Nations to exclude soldiers from Ethiopia from being part of a renewed peacekeeping force to fight Islamist insurgents starting next year, Bloomberg reports.

Around 13⁠ 000 soldiers, including from Ethiopia, who are already operating in Somalia are to leave the country after the turn of the year to be replaced by a new peacekeeping force.

During the year, the relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia has deteriorated, partly due to Ethiopia's opening to recognize a breakaway region in northern Somalia.

Diplomats in the region have warned that conflicts in the peacekeeping forces could lead to an escalating conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia.

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Surveillance in Mogadishu should help against attacks

The thousands of surveillance cameras that were placed in Somalia's capital Mogadishu during the year to better monitor the activities of the terrorist movement al-Shabaab have become a watershed among the population.

The news agency Reuters reports that the cameras have helped the security forces to better counter Islamist rebels. Some residents also testify that the monitoring has led to increased security.

At the same time, several companies with surveillance cameras have been exposed to al-Shabaab militants who want to remove the cameras. In October, three people were killed and four injured in attacks on businesses with cameras, according to Deputy Mayor Mohamed Ahmed Diriye.