Geopolitical Briefing: Somalia
19 May 2025
- A suicide bombing at Mogadishu’s Damanyo military base on May 18 resulted in at least 13 deaths and 21 injuries, targeting army recruits.
- Heavy rains on May 10 caused severe flooding in Mogadishu, leading to at least seven deaths and significant infrastructure damage.
- The IMF reached a staff-level agreement with Somalia on the third review of the Extended Credit Facility, highlighting economic reforms and challenges.
- President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud commemorated Somali Youth Day on May 15, laying the foundation for a new Ministry of Youth and Sports building.
- A UN expert urged Somalia to take measurable actions to improve human rights and security conditions.(AP News, IMF, moi.gov.so, ohchr.org)
On May 18, a suicide bomber attacked the Damanyo military base in Mogadishu, killing at least 13 individuals, including army recruits and civilians, and injuring 21 others. The attacker, disguised as a recruit, detonated explosives among a crowd of young men waiting to enlist. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, which underscores the group’s continued ability to infiltrate and strike within the capital. This incident highlights the challenges Somalia faces in securing its urban centers and protecting its citizens from insurgent threats.
On May 10, heavy rains overwhelmed Mogadishu’s drainage system, resulting in severe flooding that caused at least seven deaths and significant infrastructure damage. The floods disrupted transportation, damaged homes, and forced residents to seek refuge on rooftops. This event underscores the need for improved urban planning and disaster preparedness to mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters.(AP News)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced on May 16 that it had reached a staff-level agreement with Somalia on the third review of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. The agreement acknowledges Somalia’s continued reform efforts and notes that real GDP growth is estimated at 4% for 2024. However, the IMF cautioned that the economic outlook for 2025 is clouded by foreign aid disruptions and irregular rainfall, with growth expected to slow to 3%. This development highlights the importance of sustained international support and effective economic policies for Somalia’s financial stability.(IMF)
On May 15, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the Somali Youth Day celebration, marking the 82nd anniversary of the Somali Youth League’s founding. During the event, he laid the foundation stone for a new building to house the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to engaging the youth in nation-building and fostering a sense of national identity.(moi.gov.so)
A United Nations expert called on the Somali government to take measurable actions to achieve meaningful improvements in human rights and security conditions. The expert emphasized the need for concrete steps to protect civilians and uphold the rule of law. This call to action underscores the international community’s expectations for Somalia to strengthen its governance and human rights practices.(ohchr.org)
