Somalia’s Ministry of Defense has welcomed the upcoming deployment of Egyptian troops to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), following the completion of the first training program for Egyptian Armed Forces units…Egypt’s involvement onboard Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) came following heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, triggered by Ethiopia’s January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland. At the time, Mogadishu insisted that Ethiopia would not be part of AU-led forces replacing ATMIS and instead bolstered its military partnership with Egypt, including weapons shipments and joint training. Ethiopia had called on the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to ensure comprehensive consultations with key stakeholders as plans progress for deploying a new peacekeeping mission in Somalia as part of the replacement ATMIS. Despite the rift, Somalia and Ethiopia have since reached an agreement on the presence of Ethiopian forces under AUSSOM after Ethiopian army chief Field Marshal Birhanu Jula’s visit to Mogadishu in February during which the two sides reached at consensus on Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) deployments. (Addis Standard)

Puntland’s defense forces have issued an urgent 72-hour ultimatum to Islamic State (ISIS) fighters trapped in the Baallade valley, urging them to surrender peacefully or face full military action. The militants, currently surrounded in cave hideouts within the valley, have been warned that this is their final chance to avoid bloodshed. The message, issued in multiple languages, called on the fighters to lay down their arms and contact Puntland security forces for safe surrender. “The Puntland government calls on ISIS fighters and anyone wishing to surrender to contact Puntland security forces within 72 hours. Your life is valuable,” read a statement from Puntland’s military command. Authorities pledged humane treatment for any fighters who surrender, including safe return to their families and communities. However, officials warned that failure to comply would lead to severe consequences. “There will be no escape. This is the final opportunity,” the statement said. The standoff comes as the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, concluded a separate two-week counterterrorism operation in the Puntland region targeting ISIS-Somalia. The joint strikes focused on leadership hideouts in the Golis Mountains, a remote area known to harbor high-ranking militants. (garowe online)

Biologists in particular and scientists in general frequently state that waterborne diseases are primarily caused by pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and parasites found in contaminated water sources. These pathogens are ingested or come into contact with humans as well as various beast taxonomic groups. These pathogens can infect both humans and animals through various means, including drinking contaminated water, engaging in recreational activities in polluted water, and even inhaling tiny droplets of polluted water. Taking this scientific fact into account, The Ethiopian Herald had a stay with Girma Ayana, Senior Biologist graduated from Addis Ababa University, to have a piece of professional information about causes and remedies of waterborne diseases. (The Ethiopian Herald) 

Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, President of Tigray’s Interim Administration, has warned that attempts to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Western Tigray without resolving constitutional questions and working behind the administration risk reigniting conflict. Speaking at the opening of the Ashenda festival in Mekelle on Friday, Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede accused “some of our brothers” of attempting to push through a unilateral return process without the involvement of the Interim Administration. He warned that such moves “are against the interests of the people of Tigray” and risk undermining the region’s constitutional territory and plunging it back into war. (Addis Standard)