Somalia Roundup: UN official’s death, executions of soldiers over Al-Shabaab plot, top militant finance chief killed

Senior UN official in Somalia dies after illness

Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, head of the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and UN assistant secretary-general, has died after a prolonged illness. Appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in February 2023, the Rwandan diplomat was praised for her leadership in supporting Somalia’s peace-building efforts and stability. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed her as a dedicated leader whose work left a lasting impact. “We extend our sincere condolences to her loved ones, the UN family, AUSSOM, Somali and international partners, and colleagues around the world. We honour her legacy of service and compassion, and we will carry forward her vision in support of Somalia. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” the mission’s statement noted. Kacyira previously served as mayor of Kigali and deputy executive director of UN-Habitat, with a career spanning over three decades in diplomacy, governance, and humanitarian work.

Kuwait and Somalia sign new cooperation agreements

Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali met his Kuwaiti counterpart, Abdullah Al-Yahya, during an official visit to Kuwait. The talks reviewed bilateral ties and regional developments, culminating in the signing of an agreement to form a joint cooperation committee and two memoranda of understanding covering diplomatic consultations and institute cooperation. Both governments expressed their commitment to strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations.

Somalia executes two soldiers for aiding Al-Shabaab assassination

Two Somali soldiers convicted of collaborating with Al-Shabaab to assassinate their battalion commander were executed in Mogadishu on Monday. The July killing involved placing an explosive device under the commander’s bed, detonated remotely. Military court officials warned that anyone proven to have links with the militant group would face similar consequences. "They were executed today for their involvement in the assassination of Commander Aided Mohamed Ali," prosecutor Hassan Siyad Mohamed said. "Anyone found having links with the Kharijites and proven, one day God will expose you, and you will come out, and we will find you and execute you by firing squad," said Liban Ali Yarrow, chairman of the supreme military court. The executions come amid rising Al-Shabaab attacks that have reversed significant territorial gains made by government forces in recent years.

Top Al-Shabaab finance chief killed in targeted strike

Somalia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the death of Abdullahi Abukar Ali, Al-Shabaab’s head of finance, in a precision military strike near Hudur in Bakool region. Abukar, accused of extorting civilians and recruiting child soldiers, was considered one of the group’s most wanted figures. "Abukar was a key operative who had long operated in Bakool under al-Shabab's control and was among the most sought-after figures in the group," the ministry said. The operation, carried out by the Somali National Army, followed the recapture of the strategic town of Bariire, a former militant base for launching attacks on Mogadishu.

President urges return of Jubaland troops after clashes

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called on Jubaland regional forces who fled into Kenya after clashes with federal troops to return, promising safety and reintegration into the Somali National Army. The fighting in Balad Hawo, Gedo region, has heightened tensions between Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration. “I urge all parties involved in Gedo tensions to place peace, unity, and national cohesion above all else,” the president said. While the president appealed for peace and unity, Jubaland leaders accused him of escalating the conflict and undermining regional autonomy.