1) Political and Security
South-central:
The week’s activities were overshadowed by two terror incidents in Mogadishu (14 April), targeted at the Court house as well as a Turkish convoy moving between the Peace Hotel and Km4. Approximately 30 people were killed in the incidents as the Al Shabaab militants have reportedly vowed to continue similar attacks against the government, which they call a ‘Western Stooge’. Nonetheless, planning for the office migration to Mogadishu is still on course with the Architect, Quantity Surveyor and Security Advisor travelling to Mogadishu to finalize construction and security plans. The Kismayo conference was suspended for a week following disputes between the main presidential candidates. This comes when the two main candidates (Ahmed Madobe and Professor Gandhi) urged on the current number of delegates in conference eligible to vote representing the three regions (Gedo, Middle and Lower Juba).
Puntland:
On 8 April, the Puntland police conducted a security operation in Garsor, North Galkayo, primarily targeted at local/clan militias. Additionally, the senior security coordinator for the Puntland Ministry of Internal Security Colonel Ahmed Dhageweyne was shot and killed in Garsor neighborhood. On 12 April, a medical doctor, Dr. Ahmed Sheikh Farah Sirad, operating a medical center in Abudwak for the last four years was killed by a gun man. Reportedly, the deceased was kidnapped, and killed when he tried to escape.
In Bosasso, armed confrontation has been reported between Al-Shabaab militants in the Golis Mountains and Puntland Intelligence Agency (PIA) at Dhaadhabo area. Reports indicate that the intelligence agency was tipped off Al Shabaab movement in the area which prompted an offence from the PIA. Details of casualties are still unclear.
The Puntland President met with a South African delegation in Garowe (14 April) and discussed piracy issues as well as illegal fishing and toxic dumping on the Puntland territorial waters. Both sides have agreed that illegal fishing and toxic dumping may increase the chances of piracy re-emergence and the need to increase Somali based efforts to drastically improve Somalia’s maritime security. The South African delegation also discussed coastal issues with representatives of the Somali federal government in Mogadishu before arriving in Puntland. The Puntland cabinet in their ministerial meeting on 8 April announced the formation of a new region (Guardafu in the eastern pole of Bari region) and Baargaal, Xaafun and Gunbax as few districts of pre-election reform in Puntland,
