Thread by @HarunMaruf

Brief details of my investigation into the troops Eritrea is training for Somalia: The idea that Eritrea trains Somali soldiers was first raised by @M_Farmaajo in his 2nd visit to Asmara, but was discussed in detail during President Isaias Afwerki’s visit to Mogadishu in Dec 2018

Initial plan was to train the soldiers at home; Eritrea sent military experts to assess the situation; they visited Degaanley, Isaley, Jazeera, MoD, they met different officials; eventually they decided training in Somalia could compromise safety of trainers and cadets themselves

NISA was tasked to recruit from throughout the country, in collaboration with the registered elders including the 135 elders. NISA also collaborated with some MPs. The Gen Shirbow camp behind NISA HQs was used as a registration site.

Why NISA? It has the resources. In addition, an officer with NISA has close working relations with Eritrea govt, and has lived there. This officer is highly protected, I saw his photo standing with Farmajo and Awerki in early Oct 2020. That week Farmajo visited the training camps

The first batch of cadets were airlifted on Aug 19, 2019. We obtained registration, photo of that plane. 2nd group were airlifted on Oct 20, 2019. Flights continued airlift cadets regularly until COVID disrupted in March 2020 when Somalia suspended all flights due to the pandemic

As large number of recruits were registered during first months of pandemic, Ministry of Security received 3,500 rapid COVID tests; flights ferrying cadets resumed. Two sources estimate 5K-7K cadets currently in Eritrea, a 3rd gave a lower figure.

Tigray connection? There is no firm proof cadets were taken to Tigray. Parents worried by this claim referred me to social media reports when I asked proof. I also spoke to other families who spoke to their sons in Jan & Feb and their sons told them they have not been to Tigray.

I’m aware the govt has started about a week ago to let some of the cadets phone their parents in Somalia. I’m told they have to leave their camps to make the call, and this doesn’t come too often and is not available to every cadet.

We know at least one cadet died “in training” because NISA told his parents. One other parent mentioned “incident” in their camp w/o giving specific details. But one parent also said he was told his son died which turned out false because they spoke in Jan. Transparency is key.

If there were Somali soldiers in Tigray, humanitarian agencies and diplomats will confirm sooner or later; but so far I didn’t come across any evidence to back up that theory.

Some cadets say they finished training; some have months of training left; unclear when they will be returned. I’m told SNA was asked about a month ago to begin preparations to accommodate 5K soldiers. But what is the strategy? How are they going to be equipped, deployed, where?