european union training mission somalia · at this moment, the arab league is being held at a...
TRANSCRIPT
European Union Training Mission
Somalia
PRESS SUMMARY
16th April 2018
“In ‘Media’ stat virtus”
President Farmajo jets off to Saudi Arabia for Arab League summit
April 14, 2018 - Somali
President Mohamed
Abdullahi Farmajo and a
high-level delegation he is
leading left Mogadishu for
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi
Arabia on Saturday.
The President accompanied high-ranking government officials is expected to attend the Arab
League summit scheduled to kick off Sunday in Riyadh, according to sources at Villa Somalia.
Farmajo will meet with several Arab leaders, including King Salman Bin Abdulaziz of Saudia
Arabia to discuss the escalating diplomatic tensions between Somalia and the UAE.
The President’s trip to Saudi Arabia which marks the 3rd since he took office in February
2017, comes nearly a week after Somali government seized $9.6 million cash from UAE at
Mogadishu Airport.
The seizure of the cash followed accusations that the UAE is interfering the political crisis
besetting the country’s Lower House Chamber of Federal Parliament.
http://radioshabelle.com/president-farmajo-jets-off-saudi-arabia-arab-league-summit/
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The Arab League Summit Held in Dammam, Will bring Muslim a Unity or Will
Continue the endless Distraction as usual.
Muqdisho | QOL | April 15,
2018 – According to the sad
stories and divisions coming
from the Muslim Countries was
escalating to the highest
extreme for their diplomatic
relations in the past few months
and also our Muslim Countries are blaming one another without discussing their differences.
At this moment, the Arab league is being held at a critical time, even thought there is a huge
political crisis, and mistrust and political confusion in the region, and also the other side,
there is a hopeful aspect, if the leaders understand their role of responsibilities and
obligations and also there is an URGE need to bring Security, stability and development to
their people.
According to the reliable sources, there will be a dispute over the Agendas will be on the
table, because Saudi Arabia wants to dominate the summit as usual, and also the kingdom
believes and will act the role of the Lion in the region, and that will cause a lot of political
confusion and maybe the summit will end without resolutions as usual and that will bring to
the Muslim nations hopeless future as the past experienced.
As we know, many countries at the summit are not freely to discuss their own political
agenda, because they have been controlled and guided by other Countries, and it’s very clear
that western Countries don’t want to see that Arab league to reach a concrete development
on their political differences.
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However, the question is? the Muslim nations will continue to live in the verge of hopeless,
grieve, an endless crisis and their leaders will be a guilt of crime against humanity in this
world and here after.
The end, I would urge to the Muslim leaders at the summit to face the reality and solve their
differences in a peaceful way for the sake of their people and look forward to play an
important role in the world politics, as we know the GCC countries can be the leaders of the
financial sectors in the world, if they use their knowledge and their resources in the best way
of their rule of law.
I am hoping the leaders will standby beside the Palestinian people who live under occupation
and an endless genocide against Humanity and our leaders must understand ideology and
the tricks of the western world based divide and rule of our nations and their creation of
hostilities and hatred between our Muslim leaders and dividing sector groups of our religion.
Hopefully and hopefully, the summit will end to the positive way that will benefit to the
Muslim nations who live in between life and death in the presence of our leaders. And I
wonder why the leaders don’t see our innocent people are begging for help day and night!!!!
As a Leaders to remember, each one of you will be accountable your role of leadership either
the positive way or negative way and the time will tell sooner or later.
http://www.qaranimo.com/news/2018/04/15/the-arab-league-summit-held-in-dammam-
will-bring-muslim-a-unity-or-will-continue-the-endless-distraction-as-usual/
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Amisom to bolster Al-Shabaab offensive ahead of transition
April 15, 2018
The AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant
General Jim Owoyesigire, speaks to his
fellow commanders, as well as commanders
in the SNA, during a capability assessment
meeting held in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 14
April 2018. AMISOM Photo
By T.Roble
Annihilation of the militant group Al-Shabaab and capacity building of the Somali Security
Forces are key in actualising Amisom transitioning plan, the mission has said reiterating its
call for force multipliers and enablers.
Amisom commanders in a week-long evaluation meeting in Mogadishu emphasised the
need to ramp up operations flush out Al-Shabaab remnants as the mission cuts down its
down troops with a further 1,000 expected to withdraw from Somalia October this year. The
first batch of 1,000 left last December in line with the UN Security Council resolution August
last year which set out a conditions based transition plan.
“There is need to continually discuss in details how ready AMISOM is, in terms of manpower
and logistics, in executing these tasks (training and operations), in the sectors, putting into
consideration the operational readiness and the strength of Somali security forces to
support the above tasks,” explained AMISOM Force Commander Lt. General Jim Beesigye
Owoyesigire.
Critical for Amisom is also the preparedness of Somali security forces which are not only
expected to take over upon Amisom’s final exit but continually take charge of recaptured
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towns. Amisom has in the past faced criticism for withdrawing from towns it had captured
but the mission has maintained its role is to create favourable environment for local
administrations then proceed to capture other towns.
The transition is also informed by the actualisation of the National Security Architecture
unveiled last April. The architecture envisions the creation of 18,000 strong Somali National
Army backed by 4,000 special forces and 32,000 state and federal police.
PACIFICATION
With the transition plan in force, the AU Mission says it will place emphasis on tasks that will
enable the Force achieve its agenda of complete pacification of Somalia.
“If the transition plan is to be realistic,
without losing our hard-earned gains, AMISOM needs to be urgently supported with force
multipliers, like attack and retreat helicopters, to conduct pre-emptive operations against
Al-Shabaab,” Lt. Gen. Owoyesigire emphasized.
The commanders agreed to re-examine and assess the progress made with the transition
plan so far, to enable it plan more effectively. AMISOM’s new mandate, requires it to
facilitate a conditions based, gradual hand over of security responsibilities to the Somali
security forces, without compromising gains already realized.
“The issue at stake is essentially one; undertaking operations to disrupt, degrade and
eventually destroy Al-Shabaab. This is the issue. There is no other issue,” remarked the AU
Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Caetano
Madeira.
“There are many things that are required but the task is to identify Al-Shabaab, its
whereabouts, plan how to reach the enemy and destroy him,” Madeira added.
http://goobjoog.com/english/amisom-to-bolster-al-shabaab-offensive-ahead-of-transition/
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AMISOM DSRCC urges military commanders to implement transition plan
14th April 2018
The DSRCC said the transition process would require doubling of efforts to further degrade
and defeat the Al-Shabaab to a level that it cannot pose serious threat to the Somali national
security forces.
The DSRCC said the transition
process would require doubling
of efforts to further degrade and
defeat the Al-Shabaab to a level
that it cannot pose serious threat
to the Somali national security
forces.
Mogadishu - The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union
Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia Simon Mulongo has asked AMISOM military commanders
to implement the transition plan as per dictates of the United Nations Security Council
resolution on gradual reduction of troops serving in Somalia.
Mulongo made the remarks on Friday during a sector commanders' conference to discuss
issues related to the transition and transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali national
security forces as mandated by the United Nations Security Council late last year.
AMISOM is expected to gradually reduce the number of its troops serving in Somalia and
reconstitute its forward operating bases with the cooperation of the Somali national security
forces to ensure national security is not compromised during the transition period.
The DSRCC said the transition process would require doubling of efforts to further degrade
and defeat the Al-Shabaab to a level that it cannot pose serious threat to the Somali national
security forces.
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He reiterated that AMISOM is focused on implementing the transition plan and urged troops
to readjust their strategies in the fight against Al-Shabaab insurgents.
Said the DSRCC; “Everything we are doing now should be geared towards transition. The way
you plan in your sectors, the way you plan in your units and other formations should be
geared towards transition. How do we empower the local forces; how do we empower the
local people so that they take over responsibility.”
Mulongo said the first phase of the transition plan would last four years and success would
be measured against the ability of the country to conduct peaceful and secure one-person-
one-vote elections in 2020, which, he noted, would be a major milestone if successful.
Haji Ssebirumbi, the AMISOM Senior Political Affairs Officer who made a presentation on
the draft transition plan, highlighted that the Federal Government of Somalia is the lead in
its implementation, with AMISOM playing a support role.
“AMISOM will draw down by 1,000 in October (2018). That’s a milestone, which we know.
There must be therefore, reconfiguring of AMISOM in such a way that it must be able to
defend itself with fewer troops because 1,000 drew down last year,” added Mr. Ssebirumbi.
https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1475604/amisom-dsrcc-urges-military-
commanders-implement-transition-plan
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UAE disbands training mission in Somalia
ABU DHABI ,15 th April, 2018 (WAM) -- The UAE has decided to disband its military training
programme in Somalia which started in 2014 to build the capabilities of the Somali army .
The decision comes in response to Somali security forces' seizure of a UAE-registered civil
aircraft at Mogadishu Airport and confiscation of money destined to pay the soldiers .
The UAE and Somalia are bound by historical relations based on mutual respect and the UAE
Forces had carried out a number of training missions for thousands of Somalis to build up
their capabilities. In addition, the UAE has been paying the salaries of 2407 Somali soldiers
and built three training centres, a hospital, and dispatched Emirati medical teams for
treating Somalis .
The UAE is supervising the counter-piracy maritime police force in Puntland where the UAE
has been effectively contributing to leveraging the capacities of the Somali military and
security facilities while supporting efforts to fight terrorism in collaboration with a number
of international parties and the African Union's forces in Somalia .
The UAE has expressed its denunciation of the seizure incident which flies in the face of
diplomatic traditions and ties between world countries and contravenes the agreements
signed by both countries .
http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302682188
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AMISOM issues an order for AU troops not to enter Halane compound
Monday April 16, 2018
Mogadishu (HOL) - Troops with the African
Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have been
given a directive not to enter Halane - a
sprawling heavily secured compound in
Mogadishu that is home to aid workers,
international diplomats and the African Union
peacekeepers, according to a well-placed security official who has asked for anonymity.
The UN-built compound is separated by a security wall that restricts movement between
Halane and the rest of Mogadishu. It is considered by many as an extension of Aden Adde
International Airport
It is not yet known why the order was given or when the directive will take effect, with some
only speculating that it was a "security issue".
HOL has reached out to AMISOM for comment but has not yet received a response.
AMISOM announced on Sunday that it has begun plans for the gradual reduction of troops
in Somalia.
An AU official said in a statement that the first phase of the transition plan would last four
years and Somalia's ability to hold peaceful, credible and safe one-person-one-vote elections
in 2020 will be the measuring stick on how successful the troop drawdown is performing.
AMISOM is comprised of troops drawn from Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya.
https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2018/Apr/157620/amisom_issues_an_order_for_au_tro
ops_not_to_enter_halane_compound.aspx
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UAE plane blocked from leaving Somalia's Puntland region
Somali officials at Bosaso airport insisted that 'heavy bags' be checked, resulting in hours-
long row, local media say.
15 Apr 2018
Somalia-UAE tensions escalate
after plane stopped in
Puntlandtoday
Blast at Somalia stadium kills five
football fans2 days ago
Somalia disbands UAE
programme to pay and train soldiers4 days ago
UAE condemns Somalia over seizing cash 'sent to army'5 days ago
Somali officials are said to have stopped a plane from the United Arab Emirates from leaving
the country after Emirati military trainers on board refused to hand over their luggage to be
scanned and searched.
The local news website Mareeg reported on Saturday that Somali officials at Bosaso airport
insisted that the "heavy bags" on the flight be checked, resulting in an hours-long standoff.
It added that talks were under way between Somali's semiautonomous Puntland region and
the UAE to end the dispute. The UAE foreign ministry has not commented on the matter.
The news comes just days after Somalia's government seized several bags of money carrying
almost $10m from a plane that arrived at Mogadishu airport from Abu Dhabi. The money
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was found in three unmarked bags on a Royal Jet plane, the Somali interior ministry said,
adding it was investigating where it came from, where it was going and the individuals
involved. "The security forces noticed the suspicious bags and handed them over to the
concerned departments," Somalia's security ministry said in a statement.
UAE reaction
Responding to the Somali action, the UAE had accused the security forces of holding those
on the plane "at gunpoint", and said the cash had been allocated to support the Somali army
and trainees.
"The current Somali government ... is creating unnecessary tensions with a friend and an ally
who supported the stability and security of Somalia during its hardest phases," Anwar
Gargash, UAE's junior minister for foreign affairs, said on Twitter.
"We call for wisdom and reason".
Relations between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi have been frosty since June last year after
Mogadishu resisted UAE and Saudi pressure to cut ties with Qatar following a dispute
between the Gulf neighbours. Somalia said it was neutral in the GCC diplomatic rift. And last
month, Abu Dhabi agreed to train security forces in Somaliland - a region in northern Somalia
seeking secession from the rest of the country. The UAE has also signed with Somaliland a
30-year concession to manage the semiautonomous northern region's Berbera port. Somalia
has dismissed the agreement and called on the UN to take action. Speaking at the UN
Security Council last month, Abukar Osman, Somalia's ambassador to the UN, said the
agreement between Somaliland and the UAE to establish the base in Berbera is a "clear
violation of international law". Osman called on the Security Council to "take the necessary
steps" to "put an end to these actions".
"The Federal Government of Somalia strongly condemns these blatant violations, and
reaffirms that it will take the necessary measures deriving from its primary responsibility to
defend the inviolability of the sovereignty and the unity of Somalia," he said.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/uae-plane-blocked-leaving-somalia-puntland-
region-180415001458616.html
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OPINION: What Does The UAE Stand To Gain By Destabilizing Somalia?
On Apr 14, 2018
Recent events suggest that the UAE is trying to destabilize Somalia and throw it back into
a multisided security crisis in order to trap Qatar’s Turkish ally in a quagmire and offset
the Great Power rise of Egypt’s
Ethiopian rival.
Most Things Come In Threes
Somalia has been shaken by three
interconnected developments over
the past few weeks which show that
the UAE is dedicated to destabilizing the country in order to cynically advance its grand
strategic interests in the region at Mogadishu’s expense. The Emirates
controversially signed a deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland to build a naval base
in the Gulf of Aden, shortly after which a political feud between the country’s President and
Parliamentary Speaker erupted into an armed standoff that was fortuitously resolved before
any shooting started. At the beginning of this week, the Somalian authorities seized nearly
$10 million in cash from a UAE plane that was supposedly going to be disseminated within
the country for yet-undisclosed purposes, which coincided with the Parliamentary
Speaker’s resignation prior to a planned vote of confidence against him.
The African Powder Keg
Analyzing these three events altogether in the phased continuum that they occurred, it can
be argued that the UAE is trying to destabilize Somalia as revenge for Mogadishu’s refusal
to cut ties with Qatar and its agreement with Ankara to allow a Turkish military base in the
country. Turkey is allied with Qatar, in which it also has a military base, and this has thus
made it the UAE’s rival in the context of the ongoing Gulf Cold War that has already spread
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to the Horn of Africa region via two disputes that center on Ethiopia and Djibouti. The
landlocked giant is at odds with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam that it’s
constructing on the Blue Nile River and which Cairo claims will make the Arab state forever
dependent on the upstream one in the future, while the tiny coastal country just kicked the
UAE out and retook control of the largest port in the country. The regional dynamics are
such that they could easily spill over into a regional war, thus making the contemporary Horn
of Africa eerily similar in a structural sense to the pre-World War I Balkans.
Standing Up To “Little Sparta”
Somalia has thus far avoided being dragged in to the Gulf Cold War and probably thought
that its “neutrality” in this dispute would prevent it from being destabilized as a proxy
battleground between extra-regional powers, but it now looks like the UAE is making
asymmetrically aggressive moves against the country in a bid to expand its newfound Gulf
of Aden sphere of influence all throughout the region by removing any forces that stand in
its way. To this end, Abu Dhabi sees President “Farmajo” as an obstacle because of his proud
refusal to bow down before the Emirates by cutting off ties with Qatar and his agreement
with UAE rival Turkey to build a military base along the Indian Ocean coast. This was an
unacceptable display of sovereignty that the “Little Sparta” wannabe hegemon just couldn’t
tolerate.
The Master Plan
The UAE staked out its claim to Somalia by reinforcing the de-facto “independence” of
Somaliland through the recent naval base deal in the coastal port of Berbera, which
expectedly prompted Somalian lawmakers to react with fury in Mogadishu despite their
inability to stop this from happening. Then, “provoked” by the loud condemnation against it
coming from the internationally recognized government, the UAE sought to exploit
preexisting political fault lines within the state by provoking the recent crisis between the
President and his Parliamentary Speaker. The next stage of the destabilization campaign is
supposed to see the Emirates fund an anti-government “freedom/democracy movement”
(hence the seized $9.6 million from the UAE plane) either led by the former speaker or allied
with him in order to put pressure on the President to reconsider his government’s erstwhile
refusal to cut ties with Qatar and allow Doha’s ally to set up a naval base outside the capital.
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If this initial Hybrid War provocation doesn’t succeed in its objectives, then it’s foreseeable
that the UAE might go as far as setting off a renewed round of civil war within the country
in order to trap its rivals in a quagmire.
Regional Shockwaves
The consequences of a renewed round of widespread and multisided (as in, more complex
than just the government & its allies vs. Al Shabaab) warfare could easily trick Turkey into
falling for the tempting “mission creep” scenario of bolstering its assistance to Ankara’s in-
country partners to compensate for the African Union’s planned withdrawal by 2020. Not
only that, but Al Shabaab and potentially even Daesh could take advantage of the country’s
descent back into civil conflict in order to become a more dangerous regional threat, which
could in turn prompt rising Great Power Ethiopia to once again militarily intervene. That
said, the regional leader is undergoing a sensitive “political transition” at the moment and
its tense domestic situation might explode if any forthcoming Somalian conflict spills over
into its borders and upsets its delicate ethno-political balance.
Concluding Thoughts
As cynical as it may sound, both of these “dark scenarios” would actually advance the UAE’s
grand strategic objectives by drawing Qatar’s Turkish ally and its Somalian partners into a
developing quagmire while destabilizing Ethiopia on GCC-subordinate Egypt’s behalf. The
resultant chaos could create “windows of opportunity” for the UAE to expand its influence
deeper into the Horn of Africa, as well as “justify” its military partnerships with Eritrea and
Somaliland, to say nothing of any other states or future separatist regions that it might
deploy to during this time. It’s of course way too early to say whether or not any of this will
indeed come to pass, but it’s nevertheless important to be aware of what the UAE’s interests
are vis-à-vis Somalia and how they could be promoted via the latest destabilizing events that
Abu Dhabi is responsible for in this crucially positioned country. If the present downward
trajectory isn’t soon averted, which it could be if prudency prevails, then Somalia might once
again sink back into civil war, so it’s urgent that its citizens are informed of what’s happening
and why so that they can work their hardest to prevent it.
http://radiodalsan.com/en/opinion-what-does-the-uae-stand-to-gain-by-destabilizing-
somalia/
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Mogadishu Woman Commits Suicide
On Apr 14, 2018
The body of a middle aged
woman was found lifeless at a
home in Yaqshid in the Somali
capital Mogadishu.
Relatives told Radio Dalsan that
the woman identified as Hawa
Ali.
Hawo Ali middle aged women
committed suicide Yaqshid district had committed suicide.
“We found her lying in her bedroom” Mahad Maow a relative said.
“She had been mentally ill for close to three years” Maow said.
Suicide are a rare occurrence in Somalia.
http://radiodalsan.com/en/mogadishu-woman-commits-suicide/
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Gunmen murder school teacher in Somali capital
April 15, 2018
Unidentified gunmen have shot dead a Somali school teacher in the capital, Mogadishu on
Saturday night, the latest in a string of such assassinations taking place in the seaside city.
The tutor, Mohamed Farah was gunned down as he walked out of a mosque near his
residence in Hodon district by two men armed with pistols, according to an eyewitness.
The killers managed to escape on foot unscathed from the crime scene before the security
forces arrived, who later carried out a search and manhunt, but no arrest was reported.
It’s yet unclear reasons behind the killing of the teacher, however, residents said he was a
staff member of the country’s education ministry.
http://radioshabelle.com/gunmen-murder-school-teacher-somali-capital/
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Somalia Soldier Shoots Dead Pregnant Wife in KIsmayu
On Apr 15, 2018 - A high ranking
Jubbaland Regional Army officer has
been arrested after he shot dead his
pregnant wife following an argument.
Somalia Soldier Shoots Dead Pregnant In
Kismayu
The wife identified as Muhubo
Mohamed Gurre was shot several
times on Friday and died at her house in
the Jubbaland administrative capital Kismayu.
“We are saddened by the killing as a family and we demand justice” Gurre Ulaye told Radio
Dalsan in a telephone interview.
The soldier reportedly served in the regional presidential guard.
Muhubo and her husband had been married for three months and was expectant.
http://radiodalsan.com/en/somalia-soldier-shoots-dead-pregnant-wife-in-kismayu/
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Somalia Citizens Decry “Discrimination” In Amisom Jobs Opportunities
On Apr 14, 2018 - There is
hue and cry among Somali
professionals who claim of
targeted discrimination in
job allocations by the
African Union Mission to
Somalia Amisom.
An official complaint by
the professionals has been lodged to the Prime Minister’s office seeking intervention by the
Somali government. VOA Somali spoke to Somalia citizen professionals who claim to have
been denied equal opportunities after sitting fir an interview in March 2017 after the jobs
were advertised by African Union. “We were eleven in number including me the only female
in the group we were communicated to and informed that we had succeeded. Then we were
told to wait until now we have not been contacted” Muna Bashir Mohamed told VOA Somali
VOA Somali interviewed two more of Somalia citizens who had been interviewed on the
same date and the answer was similar to Muna’s. They have no hope of being employed by
African Union and Amisom even after the communication that they had succeeded following
the interview. Most of the Somalia citizens working or contracted by Amisom are
interpreters, media consultants and reporters. Some of these employees allege a
discriminative working policy. There has not been an official respond by the Somalia
government following the complaints.
Amisom has denied existence of a policy that discriminate Somalia citizens in career
opportunities.
http://radiodalsan.com/en/somalia-citizens-decry-discrimination-in-amisom-jobs-
opportunities/
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International Sufi Conference concluded in Mogadishu
April 15, 2018
A two-day International Sufi Conference
was on Friday concluded in Somalia’s
capital, Mogadishu.
Dozens of Muslim scholars and imams
from over ten countries across the world
have attended the 7th International Sufi
Conference which was held in Somalia for first time since 1990 when the civil war broke out.
The conference has focused on peace, fight against extremism and terrorist activities as well
as peaceful spreading of Islam.
The delegates were drawn from Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, UK, Algeria, Morocco, Turkey,
Sudan Nigeria, Iraq, Senegal and many other countries.
Addressing the organisers and participants of the conference, Mogadishu Mayor,
Abdirahman Omar Osman said Mogadiahu’s role to host such conference was part of the
restoring the city’s dignity.
Osman commended Moalim Nur Foundation for its commitment to orchestrate and host the
conference.
“Mogadishu’s role to host religious leaders from over ten countries is an indication of our
progress and our commitment to restore our role and position in the world,” said Osman.
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Last night, the mayor hosted the
delegates to a dinner at Mogadishu
local government headquarters
where he discused with the religious
leaders on means to fight terrorists
and taking part in peace process.
“Somali people respects their clerics
therefore we need the religious leaders to play very important role in peace restoration and
reconcilation. The points are fundamental in Islam,” he urged.
In attendance at the dinner were several government officials including State Minister for
Presidential Affairs, Abdikadir Moalim Nur, Somali Attorney General, Ahmed Ali Dahir and
the chief of custodial corps, Bashiir Mohamed Jama’a.
http://www.hillaac.net/international-sufi-conference-concluded-in-mogadishu/
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Somaliland poet jailed for Somalia reunification poetry
15 April 2018 - Poet Nacima
Qorane was found guilty of
bringing the state into contempt
for backing Somaliland's
reunification with Somalia.
A court in the self-declared
republic of Somaliland has
sentenced a young poet to three years in jail. Nacima Qorane was found guilty of bringing
the state into contempt by advocating for Somaliland to reunite with Somalia.
Pressure groups in Somaliland said Ms Qorane's basic human rights have been violated.
Somaliland self-declared independence in 1991, but is not recognised internationally. Ms
Qorane was arrested in January after returning from the Somali capital Mogadishu, where
prosecutors said she had recited poetry calling for Somali unity.
After a ferocious civil war, north-west Somalia broke away from the rest of the country and
declared itself as an independent Somaliland. The territory is home to about 3.5 million
people. In February 2018, the self-declared republic agreed to allow the United Arab
Emirates (UAE) to set up a military base in the coastal port of Berbera, as part of the UAE's
fight against Yemen's Houthi rebels. The prosecution said that she had labelled the self-
declared republic of Somaliland a "region" and "insulted and defamed" its government.
Somaliland's Human Rights Centre has asked the government of Somaliland to release
Nacima Qorane and respect human rights. Its director, Guleid Ahmed Jama, told the BBC
that it was "very concerned about the conviction and sentencing of Nacima Qorane".
"Freedom of expression is enshrined and protected by the constitution of Somaliland. We
urge the government of Somaliland to respect its own constitution," he said. A number of
other artists and journalists have been arrested in Somaliland for the same offence.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-43775951
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Somaliland Central Bank to Set the Exchange Rate
April 15, 2018
By Liban Ahmad
Policies the Somaliland government has
adopted under President Bihi turn
analysts’ attention to what Hargeisa looks
upon as external threats. Those challenges
range from a sovereignty dispute with
Mogadishu to a territorial dispute
with Puntland.
It is easy to regard the economic policy of Somaliland government as a continuation of the
ruling party’s policies under President Silanyo. Inflation poses a challenge
to Somaliland economy. The previous government regulated mobile money transactions to
deal with inflation.
The current government has taken a further step to set the exchange rate but has not
publicised it. Telesom Managing Director, Abdikarim Mohamed Idd, told BBC that
“Somaliland Central Bank will set the daily exchange rate for money changers.” It is not clear
whether the monetary policy affects only money changers using the new Telesom mobile
exchange platform. The government-set exchange rate will unlikely make the parallel
exchange rate cease to exist. If anything, the new monetary policy shows how
President Bihi has turned his back on free market economy. The Somaliland Central Bank
does not control the hard currency in circulation in Somaliland. How will the government be
able to set the exchange rate for money changers without colluding with some businesses?
There are lessons to learn from the expediently adopted economic policies of the last
military government of Somalia. In 1986 the former military regime gave in to IMF
pressures, abandoned national development plans to adopt Structural Adjustment Program.
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The late Somaliland President, Egal, then Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce,
argued the IMF initiative could “sap the Somali economy”.
In January 1986 one hundred Somali Shillings bought one US Dollar. After the IMF-
mandated hard currency auction, 3000 Somali Shillings bought one US dollar. Although the
government had introduced economic liberalisation the Ministry of Finance set the price of
rice, sugar and wheat flour. The government intervention forced wholesalers to hoard their
commodities.
Wholesalers used to buy hard currency in the black market to import goods. There was no
way wholesalers could offset shortfall in revenues caused by auctioning of the hard
currency. Neither the Central Bank nor Commercial and Savings Bank had hard currency
reserves importers could have bought. The only option open to wholesalers was to raise
prices of rice, sugar and wheat flour, a move the government opposed. Relaxing of
government regulation of businesses led to the creation of new businesses in an
environment without fair competition. Economic liberalisation paved the way for crony
capitalism. To do something about declining government revenues the government created
a Ministry of Revenues. It sent tax bills to businesses for profits made prior years in a country
without accounting standards for income or corporate tax. The Somaliland government
might be repeating the economic mismanagement Somalis experienced under a military
regime if the Central Bank sets the exchange rate. Somaliland Central Bank authorities
haven’t explained why the bank usurped the role of the market. Ahmed Saeed Egeh, the
BBC stringer in Hargeisa, asked a money changer if money in his Telesom account was ” air
money or banknotes”. The World Bank report, Somaliland’s Private Sector at a Crossroads,
lauded Somalilandfor resilience and vibrancy but spotlighted threats to the polity thus: “At
present, Somaliland’s government is vulnerable to capture by private sector interests, which
constrains its ability to take policy actions for the public good. As pressure mounts for
passage of key legislation to promote good economic governance, interest groups with a
stake in the status quo will work to block reform.”
Liban Ahmad
http://www.horndiplomat.com/2018/04/15/somaliland-central-bank-to-set-the-exchange-
rate/
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Politician Abdishakur Out Of Somalia After Govt Lifts Travel Ban
On Apr 14, 2018 - The Somalia
Federal Government has lift a travel
ban imposed upon former Minister
and Presidential candidate
Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame.
Warsame on Saturday travelled to
neighbouring Kenya capital Nairobi
ending a four month travel ban.
On his official Facebook account Warsame posted a photo purporting to show he was at an
Airport lounge awaiting to travel out of the country.
With the government blocking from giving lectures or addressing political meetings
Warsame has been vocal on his social media forums.
The Somalia Court of Appeal on January 3rd issued a travel ban on the Wadajir Party leader
as a case in which the government accused him of collaborating with a foreign country to
destabilize the Farmaajo administration went on.
The outspoken politician was arrested was arrested on December 18 at his home as he
chaired a party meeting.
Five of his guards were killed in the raid by the Somali intelligence agency NISA.
http://radiodalsan.com/en/politician-abdishakur-out-of-somalia-after-govt-lifts-travel-
ban/
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Minister Wehliye Wins Galmudug By-Election
On Apr 15, 2018 - Abdullahi Farah Wehliye
the State Minister in the Ministry of Interior
trounced his opponent to be elected the
MP in a by election the Galmudug
administrative capital of Dhusamareb.
Wehliye beat his only opponent Mohamed
Afrah by garnering 28 votes out of a 51
http://radiodalsan.com/en/minister-wehliye-wins-galmudug-by-election/
State minister for interior, Wehliye elected MP in Galmudug
State minister for interior Abdullahi Wehliye has
been elected MP in a by-election in Dhusamareb
beating his only competitor Mohamed Afrah.
Wehliye got 28 votes out of a possible 51 to clinch
the seat which fell vacant following the death of
former MP Bootan Aalin from Duduble sub clan last
October.
The new MP was appointed last March by Prime Minister Hassan Khaire to served as state
minister for interior.
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Somaliland: First 120 days of the President Portends well for the Future-
Report
04/14/2018
Somalilandsun – The first four months
dubbed 120 days of the President’s
tenure was an initiative H.E. Musa Bihi
Abdi heavily underscored whereby from
the word go he impressed upon his chief
executive officials to see to it that his
visions, pledges and promises were
adhered to the letter and of course,
timely for that matter.
Newly appointed president behi cabinet sworn in by Somaliland chief justice in Hargeisa
So far the Head of State’s hands on method of
leadership that bonds with both the grasp
and knowledge of the issues at stake vis-à-vis
the seriousness he deals with matters is a
pointer of what is in store ahead for the
future of the people and the country of
Somaliland as we briefly glance over the
achievements so far in the past 16 weeks or so. Despite the usual pros and cons with all the
expectations, hullabaloos, constraints and unforeseen bottlenecks usually associated with
major change of guard, the Kulmiye administration under President Musa Bihi Abdi has done
a wonderful work given the timeline in juxtaposition to the programs he projected to
implement as per his laid down plans.
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Under the duress caused by the
serious inflation and famine that
afflicted the nation as the
President took over, he has
managed to see to it that much
of what he wanted to do has
successfully taken off the ground
and going well into the
prescribed direction and path.
The successes have been quite palpable on both the home and foreign fronts and equally, in
the same breath, as far as both short and long term plans are concerned. On the foreign
fronts, the nation has seen the largest influx of foreign dignitary visits who have all of a
sudden decided to take the country more seriously that as has been for quite a while.
Following three quick successive trips to Djibouti, Ethiopia and UAE and also after the sealing
of the DP World and SL agreements reports favorable to the country’s investiture suddenly
blossomed, the latest being Genel Energy’s announcement a fortnight ago of starting the
ultimate real drilling of petroleum in the country, come next year.
Similarly, the friends of Somaliland in
the name of the UK All Parties
Parliamentary Committee for
Somaliland revisited the country after
an over a decade hiatus.
The first and foremost amongst
priorities to be embarked upon was that
of good governance and developmental
aspects for factors of production.
In this case, the state started with the streamlining of the civil service just as it did with the
revising of the national priority areas hence revamping its policies.
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The agricultural sector which has since seen quite in impetus injected in, is part of the almost
35% the national budget earmarked for aspects that pep up development sectors that are
potentially productive. Dozens of
hospitals and MCHs hitherto not
in operation has been put into
gear just as the education sector
has seen school equipping
scheme ignited by the
distributing of school books to
pupils country-wide.
Salaries have already seen the teaching and security sectors receive a whopping 29%
increment.
The support to electrical power and lighting industry that has seen several major towns like
Burao, Borama, Buhodle, Sheikh, Gebiley and Badan is just a point to note.
Similarly, major trends going on and are in process in the water resources, youth and
associated social services and infrastructure are quite remarkable.
When all the above is put into
consideration, hence given the big
war which is also in process being
waged against inflation that has
gored into the national economy,
it is worth noting that the first 120
day of H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi is quite
impeccable and commendable and
surely lifts our spirits up confidently.
By M.A. Egge
http://www.somalilandsun.com/2018/04/14/somaliland-first-120-days-of-the-president-
portends-well-for-the-future-report/
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Somaliland: How Bebera has transformed through the years?
I went for a short working visit to the coastal city of Berbera, which I had to go to during
school holidays. Again, I obtained opportunity to peregrinate to this city conventionally
between the years of 1995-2006 from COOPI international NGO to whom I worked for had
a main office in Borama and sub office in Berbera at the time. To begin with the history begin
with the chronicles of the town; the city has gone through different times. First, Berbera has
a long history of beautiful architectural buildings with diverse ethnic groups, mainly Hindi,
Arab and Turks and of course Somalis who composed the bulk of ethnic groups at all times.
Among the Somalis, there were different tribes, including to that of Isaq, dhulbahante,
Warsangali and Gadabursi.
I met with friends who were born and raised in this city, but had been away for a long time
and the only matter that these people were in agreeable were Berbera was not a clannish
city. They said: We had heard; Issa Musa and Musa Abdallah rarely; but nothing more than
that. It has been common to hear Deerayahan, Xasan jibriil, Cabadala qoyan, Dhogori since
1990.
There has been a sharp drop among the different ethnic groups used to live in Berbera for
example Indians, Arab, Turkish and other Somali tribes from different parts of Somaliland.
Fewer individuals of the communities live in Berbera to this day. Although, they do not speak
in their own languages, they are an important part of the local community.
The 1980’s, Berbera was a small town, but its business activity for example shipping ships
that come to the port and the people coming to trade or to board the ships to fulfill the
pilgrimage were significantly higher than the size of the population in the city.
Unlike before, many parts of the city are deserted; especially in the famous suburbs of Darole
where the famous kiln of Elmi Bodhari was located is dilapidated and horrible. The financial
prospects of the city was very appalling before the advent of DP world and nobody in
Somaliland would have dared to invest in Berbera.
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By the way, the major holders in the country with the arrival of DP world have set great
ambitions to prepare themselves for the jobs and business opportunities expected from the
DP WORLD. Despite the people in the city of Berbera being busy in bustling trade of among
others buying plots of greater sizes and constructing modern hotels, the size of the
population remains very little and the worst is for the women and children. The majority of
the people I saw were mostly men who either work directly or indirectly at the port of
Berbera.
It seems that people are intrigued by prospects of buying land proximate to the seaport, and
that is not good because port needs reserve lands for future prospects. Surprisingly enough,
the future is not bright for Berbera power utility Company. It is the only city in Somaliland,
where the electricity goes off when it rains because the system (electrical grid) is out-of-date
and in ruins and requires to be renovated so as to withstand with heavy rain. Unfortunately,
the company is unprepared to restore the system as no other company competes with them
in the city.
Another issue topic of great concern was that the road route between Hargeisa and Berbera
despite restructuring the road with funds obtained from Somali Development Somaliland
Development Fund (SDF), Dakarbudhuq and Aw Barkhadle remain, the two most dangerous
places places in the ravine for all the village on the roadside. wayside. To reduce the risk of
flood-related overflow -related deaths as a result of driving through floodwater. You need
to build two bridges over the gully one each at Dakarbudhuq and Aw Barkhadle so that
people can travel from Berbera to Hargeisa safely. It is pleasing to note that many people in
Sahil region are becoming farmers and they have invested heavily in agriculture, especially
in irrigation farms. I expect from them to produce fruits and vegetables to make money
despite challenges. They require to be trained in modern agricultural farming techniques
and modern drip irrigation systems that will reduce water cost. Finally, I recommend for
farmers in the Sahil region to be constructed greenhouses with drip irrigation systems that
can be a good role model.
Abdirahman Ibrahim Abdilahi
http://www.somalilandinformer.com/opinion/somaliland-how-bebera-has-transformed-
through-the-years/
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Somaliland Recognition, each of the Ex- presidents did what? — what is next?
15 Apr, 2018 - When a territory declared itself as a state, the first step that is needed is to
make sure that it is eligible to claim as sovereign state according to the minimum standards
for statehood specified by the customary international law: It must have a defined territory.
It must have a permanent population. It must have a government with all its status; capable
of interacting with other states. However, Somaliland state was established and declared
that it withdrew from the unification with Somalia and standing as an independent state. It
ensured the world that it meets or marches the qualifications and conditions of statehood;
and it has the right to declare itself as an independent country. This was achieved during the
period of ex-president Marxuum Abdurrahman Ahmed Ali.
Somaliland designed its flag, money, Passport and national anthem. It established its own
government with its legislative body, judiciary sector, all institutions of the executive body
headed by a president, security forces and national army force. It prepared and
implemented internationally acceptable financial and monitory systems; using a national
budget. It prepared its own National Constitution approved by a national referendum that
97% of the voters voted in favour and support of the constitution. It took the democratic
system that its leaders and MPs come through elections. It established all institutions
needed for the work of its democratization and elections, as well as all concerned regulations
and procedures. the world knows that Somaliland established itself as a state free from
violence, wars, terrorism and political instability with its territorial integrity. Somaliland
benefited from these developments and nation building efforts. These were achieved during
the period of ex – President Marxuum Mohamed Ibrahim Egal.
Though not recognized by anyone; the international community allowed dealing with
Somaliland as a de facto state. Somaliland established a multi-party system, with three
national parties, to avoid that one party often has a chance of gaining power alone.
Somaliland held several peaceful national elections like local councils, Parliamentary and
presidential elections. Somaliland developed its foreign policy lopping in the AU meetings,
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in U.K. in the EU. It persuaded several countries in Africa and Europe, MPs of foreign
countries and even international organizations to advocate for Somaliland sovereignty.
Really Somaliland reached in front of the recognition gate. All these successes were taken
during the period of ex-president Dahir Rayaale Kahin.
From there, it was needed from Siilaanyo Government to go forward to the next step of
seeking recognition for the country; bargaining with all the above developments made by
the previous governments; That was to make efforts to persuade some countries that
Somaliland deserves recognition; to continue working with Somaliland’s friends in Africa,
and Europe; to increase lopping in the AU, EU and IGAD. But unfortunately, president Silanyo
turned from that strategic path that could be a short cut to reach recognition. Instead
Kulmiye government stopped communicating with all Somaliland international supporters
and advocators. It shut some very important representative offices in Africa like South Africa,
Senegal, Ghana and others. It diverted the foreign policy of seeking friends and recognition
to a new policy of opening talks with Somalia. The talks and meetings with Somalia were
going on throughout Silanyo’s seven years rule; Somaliland benefiting nothing but loss of
time. In the seven years of Kulmiye rule, Somalia recovered much of its problems including
its recognition as the republic of Somalia, besides playing a humiliating tactics with Silanyo’s
government. Here we are, facing the most politically critical situation ever. These retarding
diplomatic failures that slowed down or hindered Somaliland’s progress to recognition were
experienced during the period of ex- president Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo.
Every day is a new opportunity for Somaliland. A government can build on yesterday’s
success or put its failures behind and start over again; so what to expect from Kulmiye’s new
government headed by President Musa Bihi Abdi? Picking up Somaliland out of these
political failures it is now experiencing? Or digging and putting Somaliland deeper in to the
bottom of the muddy pool?
Adam Ali Younis
https://qarannews.com/somaliland-recognition-each-of-the-ex-presidents-did-what-what-
is-next/
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Turkey offers Somalia a chance at world stage in ex-FETÖ schools
YUNUS PAKSOY
Somalia has become a showcase on
how foreign partners can cooperate
with Turkey to fight FETÖ while
allowing Maarif Foundation to take
over the management of Turkish
schools to prevent further
recruitment by the terrorist group
The bloody coup attempt on July 15,
2016 by the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) killed more than 250 people and injured over
2,000. Less than a day after the ferocious attempt to overthrow the democratically elected
government in Turkey, the Somali administration said: Enough is enough. The door was
shown to Gülenists as their schools were shut down, effective immediately.
As the Somali government made a brave decision to get rid of all the terrorist group-linked
members in the country, Turkey's Maarif Foundation (TMV) has taken charge. Today,
hundreds of Somali children and teenagers are in pursuit of a chance at world universities
thanks to the education offered at TMV schools.
TMV authorities in Mogadishu, Somalia
believe that the brotherly ties, Turkish
investments and humanitarian projects
in the country since 2011 triggered the
very swift response to the FETÖ issue.
The Turkish foundation provides
education to around 600 students in
two separate buildings. The classes are neat, high-technology materials are at the disposal
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of children and teachers from Turkey place the utmost significance on the quality of the job
they are performing.
Somali children are taught four languages in the schools, namely Arabic, Somali, English and
Turkish. The administration said the students can speak all four at a very advanced stage at
the end of the school. Furthermore, the Somali students receive the same courses as their
peers around the world without any hindrance or deficiency.
According to the TMV authorities, the
main goal here is to prepare them for
international universities. Turkey, indeed,
is among the top destinations for Somali
students for a dream-like university life. In
fact, scores of Somalis move to Turkey to
receive university or master's degree
education. Scholarship opportunities by
the Turkish government is also a chance to make a comfortable living in the country.
The Turkish foundation asserts that the idea is to sow the seeds of loyalty in the minds of
Somali students to their homeland and help the country move forward with qualified fellow
citizens. "The development of Somalia requires such things," the authorities said.
Apart from the usual education at TMV schools in Somalia, the foundation is gearing up for
vocational schools. Such schools will train students for specific areas of work.
While the Turkish foundation continues to deliver sustainable and high quality education to
Somali students, the FETÖ-era in the country was different. The TMV authorities said that
FETÖ picked out targets among the students to shape the domestic politics in the country.
As one of the most well-known strategies of the terrorist group, FETÖ provides education to
the children of the elite and political class to meddle in internal affairs of that respective
country. While doing that, FETÖ used to portray its educational activities abroad in Turkey
as reaching out to the poor and providing them education.
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The TMV authorities said that Somali parents used to pay high amounts of money to the
FETÖ-linked schools. Being able to afford the school tuition for a Somali parent, though, was
extremely tough back in the FETÖ-era.
The foundation contends that FETÖ used to perceive the Somali families as their sole clients.
With the handover of schools to TMV, on the other hand, the picture has changed from
gloomy to rosy. The authorities stress that the trust in the schools peaked as parents
reportedly feel that no harm would come to them from schools that have the backing of the
Republic of Turkey behind them.
The TMV was founded in 2016. According to the website of the foundation, "together with
the Ministry of National Education, TMV, which was established by the enacted law on June
17th 2016 by the Turkish Parliament, is the sole entity authorized to provide educational
services abroad. As a non-profit public educational foundation, TMV is entitled to run
institutions from pre-school to higher education."
https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/2018/04/16/turkey-offers-somalia-a-chance-at-
world-stage-in-ex-feto-schools
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Aid funding crisis hits Somaliland after 80 per cent of livestock die and
700,000 people forced from homes as result of devastating drought
Donations which keep this clinic going will run out next month and urgent funding is needed
Geraldine McKelvie - 14 APR 2018
Gran Mako Ibraham with malnourished
granddaughter Amren Hassan, 4 (Image:
Sunday Mirror)
Tiny Amran Hassan howls in agony from
the hunger pains that ravage her -
emaciated body. She is four but weighs
just 21lb – the same as the average one-
year-old in Britain.Her skeletal frame is the result of a drought devastating Somaliland in East
Africa, where rain last fell two years ago. Nearly 80 per cent of livestock has died, destroying
the livelihoods of families like Amran’s.
And 700,000 people have been forced from their homes. Many walk for days hoping to find
a scrap of land to farm. They have no idea when they will next eat as the region – which
declared independence from Somalia in 1991 – teeters on the brink of famine.
The Garowe river bed after five years of
no rain (Image: Sunday Mirror)
Amran’s 70-year-old grandmother
Mako Ibrahim has walked 30 miles
through the night carrying her to
the village of Abdi Geedi, where
there is a mobile Save the Children
clinic.
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It is her only hope of survival – but now even that is under threat.
Donations which keep the clinic going will run out next month and urgent funding is needed.
Mako says: “It is only because we have come to this new village that Amran is still alive. It is
better here for her because there are aid agencies bringing food, water, and medicine. God
knows what will happen to Amran.
“I say all of the prayers I can that she will be well one day.”
Mako says her family once owned 200 sheep and goats, and 30 camels.
Now she has to beg for food.
She adds: “Amran is very hungry. She has been like this for three years. Her energy is very
low and she almost always has a severe fever. It never leaves her body.
Rayann with baby Sayido at clinic (Image:
Sunday Mirror)
“She can’t really walk – she only ever
manages a few steps.
“When I see other children running
around I wish it was her. But I do not
know if we will ever see that day.”
Many people have only been able to survive thanks to the generosity of neighbours.
Garoomaale Elmi Ali, 53, runs a small shop selling rice and bread to villagers like Mako. He
has given away so much free food he is nearly £3,000 in debt.
He says: “These are my friends, I can’t let them starve.”
People tell similar stories in villages across Somaliland, where animal carcasses line the dusty
roads as a bleak reminder that death is close by. In Hul-Xudhunle village Rayaan Mohammed
is at the mobile clinic. He is with his 16-month-old daughter Sayido Jama who is 18lbs, the
same size as a baby of nine months in the UK.
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Rayaan, 35, has nine hungry mouths to feed. She tells me that she prays for rain every day.
She says: “Most of the time we only have a little rice at breakfast. There are times we haven’t
eaten for two days. I suppose we will all die if this continues.
“I had to stop breastfeeding four months ago because I don’t have enough milk. Sayido
always has a fever and diarrhoea. Most of the time she just lies down. She has no energy to
play. I can’t afford to take her to the doctor.”
Back in the capital Hargeisa, tiny Ahmed Dheej is being treated at a specialist malnu-trition
clinic run by doctors.
This is where Save The Children refers its most urgent cases. Ahmed is 18 months but weighs
15lb – less than a six month old baby. His mother Leyla, 20, is being treated in a room down
the corridor. She lost the baby she had carried to term because she was so malnourished
her kidneys were failing.
She cannot speak to me through her tears.
Her mother Suri explains: “We lost all our livestock in 2017. My daughter doesn’t have
enough milk to give Ahmed. She had a daughter two months ago but the baby passed away.
“We didn’t even have time to name her. She was dead when she was born. Ahmed has been
here for three months. He has malnutrition and a severe fever and diarrhoea. He was sick
for 40 nights before we could bring him here. People are suffering. We are in God’s hands.”
Aid provided by charities such as Save the Children is the only hope for families like these.
But it needs donations before its life-saving mobile health clinic runs out of funds in May.
Keyan Salarkia, Save the Children’s Conflict and Humanitarian Advocacy Adviser, says: “We
have a genuine opportunity to break this cycle of hunger and despair.”
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/aid-funding-crisis-hits-somaliland-12360804
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QC provides emergency relief to 6,000 drought-hit families in Somalia
April 15, 2018 - Qatar Charity (QC) has started the distribution of dry food to more than
6,000 families affected by drought in Baidoa city of Somalia. Thousands of Somali families
have been displaced from affected remote areas to nearby villages and towns, due to the
drought, which has frequently occurred in the country over the last three years, because of
the disruptions in the rainfall.
Director of Qatar Charity Office in Somalia, Abdel Nour Mirsal said the dry food has been
distributed to 670 drought-hit families in Baidoa and nearby areas as the first phase of a
relief aid project for drought-affected people in Somalia.
Qatar Charity noted that the emergency relief
project included the distribution of dry food,
safe drinking water through tanks, medical
convoys, and the distribution of plastic
blankets for families to protect them from the
heat of the sun and the cold of the night.
QC said that the relief campaign will be
implemented in the displaced people camps in the outskirts of Mogadishu and most affected
regions from the far north to the far south.
The emergency relief projects include medical convoys providing primary medical services
in Somalia, in order to reduce the spread of diseases and epidemics, in addition to a charity
kitchen benefiting daily about 2,000 families in the cities of Mogadishu and Baidoa.
The humanitarian situation in Somalia may worsen this year due to drought, based on
climate reports and forecasts, according to international humanitarian reports.
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Earlier, the QC Office in Somalia rehabilitated many thousands of the floods and cyclones
victims through its early recovery programs, which have contributed to restoring basic
services and environment and social life, providing livelihoods and shelter, and reintegrating
displaced populations.
Qatar Charity and UNHCR signed an agreement in October 2017 in Geneva to reintegrate
Somali returnees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and receiving communities through the
construction and rehabilitation of public infrastructure in the water, education, shelter, and
sanitation sectors with a budget of over $9 million, which will approximately benefit 100,000
people.
http://www.geesguud.com/qc-provides-emergency-relief-to-6000-drought-hit-families-in-
somalia/
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Attaccato campo ONU in Mali
Un casco blu è morto e un'altra decina è rimasta ferita
domenica 15/04/18 - Il grande campo che ospita la forza di pace dell'ONU e il contingente
militare francese a Timbuctù, nel nord del Mali, sabato pomeriggio è stato attaccato. Contro
la missione multidimensionale e di mantenimento della pace MINUSMA sono stati sparati
missili, colpi di mortaio ed è stata fatta esplodere un'autobomba guidata da un kamikaze. Il
bilancio è di almeno un morto e una decina di feriti. Ma vi sarebbe una decina di feriti anche
tra i militari di Parigi.
L'assalto, definito di "violenza senza precedenti", sarebbe stato condotto da un commando
di guerriglieri legati ad Al Qaida.
La missione di mantenimento della pace nel paese africano, in corso dal 2013, vede
attualmente impegnati 11'791 militari, 1'737 poliziotti e 1'180 civili. È l'impegno sotto l'egida
delle Nazioni Unite che ha provocato il maggior numero di vittime tra i caschi blu. Prima
dell'attacco di sabato vi erano già stati 98 morti. Anche soldati e guardie di confine svizzere
sono presenti nel paese tramite la partecipazione sia a MINUSMA nella quale sono impegnati
ufficiali di stato maggiore sia alla missione civile dell'EUCAP Sahel Mali.
https://www.rsi.ch/news/mondo/Attaccato-campo-ONU-in-Mali-10361078.html
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