Concerns Over Security Vacuum and Aid Diversions in Somalia and Ethiopia

Concerns arise as African Union troops plan to withdraw from Somalia, leaving the government struggling to maintain security against al-Shabaab. Discussions are underway to enlist Gulf countries and other partners to fill the gap. The World Food Program resumes food distributions to refugees in Ethiopia after a suspension due to aid diversions. The US's military involvement in Somalia and the ongoing insurgency are highlighted, along with the costs and negative impact of US policies. The Somali National Intelligence Agency arrests an alleged arms smuggler, and the European Union temporarily suspends aid payments to Somalia due to widespread theft and misuse of support.