- Combatants of Hizbu-Islam, another Islamist group opposing the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG), have fled into Kenya following the capture of a key town close to Kenya by al Shabaab.
Reports have said the overwhelmed Hizbul Islam militia laid their arms and joined hundreds of fleeing civilians, who have crossed the border into the UN-managed refugee camps in northeastern Kenya.
The Hizbul Islam militia officials have reportedly held meetings with top Kenyan security officials at the border between the two countries, where they were allowed to cross the border into Kenya’s capital, and are currently in the capital Nairobi.
This come as Kenyan Defence minister Yussuf Haji declared that his country is ready for any Al-Shabaab offensives along the border, adding that security forces have been deployed to the border.
Hizbul Islam group received its worst blow in recent days after they were ousted from Afmadow and Dobley, in southern Somali towns strategically located between Kenya and Somalia.
Al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Hassan Yaqub said the two rebel groups have been fighting the Western-backed government in the capital Mogadishu, but a battle for control of the lucrative southern port of Kismayo has pitted the former allies against each other.
The two groups, which have large presences in southern Somali regions, have in recent months been engaged in deadly warfare that is threatening the stability of the regions in the south.
Somalia has not had an effective central government for 18 years, although Puntland has set up a semi-autonomous government and the northern region of Somaliland has declared its independence.
About 19,000 civilians have been killed in fighting since the start of 2007 while another 1.5 million have been forced out of their homes.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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