Issue 3, October 2011 UNPOS Quarterly Advancing Peace & Reconciliation for Somali People

Roadmap Adopted Consultative Meeting on Ending the Transition

New Somali Cabinet Revealed

Mobile Phones in Somaliland From the Desk of the SRSG

elcome to the third edition of shu. This would have been unthinkable the UNPOS Quarterly. This just a few months earlier— Wis a remarkable moment for would have simply been too dangerous. . On the positive side, over the However more than one hundred par- past few months we have seen the with- ticipants, including stakeholders from drawal of the extremists group Al- Sha- the international community as well baab from most of Mogadishu and the as members of the Transitional Federal adoption of a Roadmap on ending the Government (TFG), the Transitional Fed- Transition during a landmark meeting in eral Parliament, Puntland, Galmudug Mogadishu. Tragically however the dev- and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a gathered for astating drought and famine continue, the meeting which included an opening creating enormous challenges for the hu- session in the Parliament building in the manitarian agencies. heart of the capital city.

Currently hundreds of thousands of peo- The meeting adopted the Roadmap ple are facing famine conditions in So- which spells out the key tasks that the malia. Thousands have died, many more TFG must complete within the next 12 At UNPOS, we are in the process of ex- are at risk. The numbers are staggering. months including the finalization and panding our presence inside Somalia, Six districts in the country have been de- adoption of the draft Constitution; -Par with more of our staff being deployed clared famine zones. The UN continues liamentary reforms and elections; pro- to Mogadishu, Garowe, and Hargeisa to to carry out its relief efforts wherever motion of good governance and account- ensure that we interact more effectively possible and other organizations are also ability: improved security in Mogadishu and efficiently with our Somali counter- stepping up. Here, I must also acknowl- and other areas in southern Somalia and parts. There will be further follow-up edge the initiative of the African Union national reconciliation and outreach. The consultative meetings so that all those which held a pledging conference on 25 Roadmap has specific deadlines and var- willing to work to promote peace and August, raising $ 350 million. Still, much ious mechanisms to monitor its imple- reconciliation, including, in particular, more is needed. Getting these funds now mentation including high-level political civil society, will have the opportunity to is important, but money can not solve oversight. The adoption of the Roadmap participate in the dialogue. The interna- the problem alone. I call on those who marks the beginning of the implementa- tional community is firmly committed to are hindering efforts to provide help to tion phase of the peace process. Most backing the peace process, with plans for these famine-stricken areas, to lay down significantly, the adoption of the Road- resource mobilisation underway, but it is their arms, open their hearts to their suf- map demonstrates that the have understood on all sides that support and fering compatriots and allow humanitar- taken ownership of the peace process, involvement will be contingent upon ian assistance free and unfettered access agreeing on what the priority tasks are implementation of the Roadmap’s prior- to these crisis areas. and committing to accomplishing them ity tasks. within a set time frame. We must also work together, not only to I believe this is truly a golden opportu- solve this current humanitarian crisis, Much of this political progress has only nity for real progress. There is plenty of but to ensure that this does not happen been possible because of the extraor- work ahead of all of us, no doubt, but again. One of the best ways to do this is dinary work on the security front. The there has never been a better opportunity to ensure that peace and stability return TFG, supported by its allies and the cou- to capitalize on our hard won gains. If to Somalia and there is a stable, repre- rageous African Union Peacekeepers, we are united and stay the course, it is sentative Government. has been able to take control of most of my hope that we can bring about further Mogadishu. This has helped to restore stabilization of Somalia, alleviate the suf- We have taken some important steps some stability although the extremists fering of the hundreds of thousands So- towards this end. In early September a will continue to pose a threat. It should malis currently in dire need and begin high level Consultative Meeting on End- also allow ordinary Somalis to try to lead to see the sustainable change so urgently ing the Transition was held in Mogadi- a semblance of a normal life in the city. needed in Somalia.

Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia October 2011

2 UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 In this issue

Message from the SRSG 2 News 4 Consultative meeting in Mogadishu 7 Students to benefit from Government Scholarships 8 Mobile phones in Somaliland 9 UNPOS on the ground inside Somalia 10 Mama Asha - Mogadishu’s own miracle worker 12 New Somali cabinet 14 Vox Pops 16

Editors in Chief - Nick Birnback Susannah Price

Writer/Editor - Esther Njoki Mwangi

Layout and Design - Lucie Sewe

Printing and Prepress: UNON/Publishing Services Section/Nairobi, ISO 14001:2004-certified Contact: Public Information Office, United Nations Political Office for Somalia Email: [email protected] Website: www.unpos.unmissions.org

UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 3 News

UN Security Council priority tasks of security, constitutional re- est refugee camp, Dadaab, and a further discusses Somalia form, reconciliation and good governance 250 at the Dollo Ado complex of camps in by 20 August 2012. He however noted that Ethiopia each day. Over a hundred thou- many challenges lay ahead and appealed sand have flooded into Mogadishu putting for international support in delivering the a severe strain on the already limited re- humanitarian relief and security that are sources in the capital city. vital components of stabilizing Somalia. Children have been particularly hard hit. In his address, the Special Representative In the last two months, there was a 15 per of the Chairperson of the African Union cent increase in the number of child mal-

SRSG at the Security Council in New York Commission for Somalia, Boubacar Gaous- nutrition cases from 390,000 to 450,000, the UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe sou Diarra, reiterated the appreciation of majority of which are in the south. The UN Security Council held its regular the African Union to the Security Council meeting on Somalia in New York on 14 for their support and efforts in reversing Some aid is getting through – in the first September following the Report of the insecurity and instability in Somalia. He three weeks of September, humanitarian Secretary-General on Somalia issued on 30 called on the Council to impose a mari- agencies say that food aid reached about August which provided an update of the time blockade on Kismayo, a no-fly zone 1.85 million people in crisis - almost half Somali Peace Process over the past four over Somalia’s air space and to deploy a of those in need. There are continued limi- months. UN peacekeeping operation in the coun- tations to access and it appears likely food try as requested by the Peace and Security prices will continue rising. The famine The Special Representative of the Secre- Council of the African Union last year. could spread to other regions by the end tary-General, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, of the year. briefed the Council on the political situ- Member states welcomed the adoption ation in Somalia and highlighted the hu- of the Roadmap to end the transition but The UN has warned that the onset of the mantarian crisis. He noted that although expressed deep concern over the continu- rains could lead to the spread of cholera, aid was now coming in, the Security Coun- ing humanitarian crisis. Members pledged measles and malaria resulting in more cil and the international community need- to support the Transitional Federal Insti- deaths in a population which is already ed to facilitate life-saving assistance in the tutions as they strived to implement the weak from the effects of the famine. Again, famine-stricken areas and to address the Roadmap but stressed the need for ac- it is the children who suffer most. Thou- whole challenge of drought in the Horn of countability from leaders. sands of young boys and girls are getting Africa. sick and hundreds of them are dying of simple illnesses such as measles, malaria, Dr. Mahiga stressed the positive achieve- Somali children are pneumonia and diarrhea. ments made on the political and security the main victims of the fronts including the Consultative Meeting drought and famine Since July, more than 20,000 malaria cases on Ending the Transition which took place The ongoing drought and famine in Soma- have been reported, mainly in southern in Mogadishu from 4 to 6 September and lia has killed tens of thousands of people, Somalia leading to more than 50 deaths, the retreat of Al-Shabaab from much of half of them children. Despite the efforts most of them children. Pieter Desloovere, Mogadishu. He appealed to the Security of the international community, there is the World Health Organization (WHO) Council to send an unequivocal message no end in sight to the suffering. A recent spokesman for Somalia explained: “The of encouragement to the Somali leadership survey confirms that four million people death rates amongst children are rising while simultaneously putting them on no- are in crisis nationwide – double the num- alarmingly. The bodies of malnourished tice that “there can be no return to political ber at the start of the year. Some 750,000 children and their immune system are just bickering. “ He cautioned that there would people are at risk of death from famine in t o o w e a k t o fi g h t a g a i n s t a n y d i s e a s e . ” be “no more extensions” and encouraged the next few months. By the end of Sep- all stakeholders to work together to end tember southern Somalia had six famine The humanitarian community is stepping the transitional period by August 2012. areas – Southern Bakool, Bay, Lower Sha- up efforts to save lives. Since early July, belle, Middle Shabelle, the Afgooye cor- more than 960,000 children have been vac- The Prime Minister of the Transitional Fed- ridor internally displaced persons’ (IDP) cinated against measles. However health eral Government, Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed settlement and the Mogadishu IDP com- facilities are severely overcrowded. Bana- Ali, also briefed the Council asserting that munity. Those who can have been leaving dir Hospital, in Mogadishu, admits hun- his Government was committed to imple- the worst hit areas, with more than a thou- dreds of sick children every day. Dawn menting the Roadmap and delivering the sand Somalis arriving in the world’s larg- Blalock, from the Office for the Coordina-

4 UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 News

tion of Humanitarian Affairs who visited “I am pleased that the stipend payments On 26 August, Deputy Special Representa- one clinic in the capital, said health work- were able to meet the needs of the police tive for Somalia, Christian Manahl, chaired ers there were overstretched. “Almost all officers during the month of Ramadan a meeting with 40 representatives from a children admitted in the last few weeks and to support the morale and discipline number of emerging regional adminis- suffer from measles. It is heartbreaking to within the Somali Police Force,” said Jona- trations, social and political groups from see that children die of diseases that are so than Sandy, co-chair of the Police Technical South and Central Somalia. At the meeting, easily preventable and curable.” Working Group and Chief of Security Sec- the first of its kind, Mr. Manahl urged the tor Development (SSDO) at UNPOS. groups to work together with the Transi- The humanitarian community is working tional Federal Government (TFG) to stabi- against the clock to assist those most in To facilitate the process, the Joint Secu- lize their regions, fight extremism and alle- need. The revised Somalia Consolidated rity Committee Police Technical Working viate the effects of the drought in Somalia, Appeal requirements increased from Group established a subcommittee for noting that, “in politics there is a time for US$561 million to US$1.06 billion. A sig- monitoring, oversight and verification of cooperation and a time for competition,” nificant amount has been received, much the payments. The subcommittee, named and now was a time for the former. Par- from new and non- traditional donors. International Verification Team, is com- ticularly in view of the increased stabiliza- The UN’s Resident Coordinator, Mark posed of representatives of AMISOM, the tion in Mogadishu, Mr. Manahl said that Bowden, has warned that the next few European Union, UNDP and UNPOS. concerted efforts by the TFG and AMISOM months are critical. “This is not a short- Daily situation reports ensure that pay- would require allies on the ground to meet term crisis,” he said. “We still need funds ments to the Somali Police are dispersed the challenges ahead. to continue to scale up our work and sus- in a transparent and accountable manner. tain the desperately needed support to the The participants welcomed the initiative Somali people.” “My counterpart, Somali Police Commis- which, the DSRSG stated, provided a much sioner General Sharif Shekuna Maye, is ex- needed forum to discuss issues of common tremely pleased that his men are receiving concern. Given the positive response, it UNPOS implements their stipends. We hope that the interna- was agreed to convene further meetings transparent and accountable tional community will continue to support and Mr. Manahl pressed the participants to payment exercise for Somali our efforts in strengthening the Somali Po- encourage other relevant stakeholders to Police Force lice Force,” Mr. Sandy said. join the dialogue.

Following the 26 August meeting, the Emerging administration DSRSG convened another meeting on 8 representatives meet September 2011, which the Somali Minis- ters of National Security and Reconcilia- tion and Constitutional Affairs attended. During the meeting, UNPOS and the in- ternational partners stepped back to allow the Somali participants to discuss among themselves. One of the outcomes of the Representatives from UNPOS, UNDP and meeting was a commitment by the TFG to AMISOM monitor the verification exercise of convene a follow-up meeting in Mogadi- police stipends shu. Owing in part to a $10 million package provided by the Government of Japan, DSRSG Christian Manahl In carrying forward this dialogue, DSRSG UNPOS, in partnership with the United Since late August 2011, the leadership Manahl facilitated a meeting in Nairobi, Nations Development Program (UNDP) of UNPOS has held a series of meetings on 8 October, between representatives of and the African Union Mission in Somalia with representatives of administrations the emerging administrations and the TFG (AMISOM), succeeded in implementing which are emerging in South and Central Minister of Constitutional and Reconcili- the payment of stipends to the Somali Po- Somalia. UNPOS is urging the represen- ation Affairs. The all-Somali dialogue fo- lice force. Working through UNDP, UN- tatives to discuss with the Transitional cused on issues surrounding steps to be POS began dispersing funds on 29 July to Federal Government (TFG) arrangements taken in the formation of regional admin- 300 police a day. To date, over 1,120 police by which the former could go about estab- istrations, following which they agreed to officers have received stipends for the last lishing regional entities that are officially continue the discussions. six months. recognized by the Government.

UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 5 News

Women activists attend UNPOS-sponsored meeting in Nairobi Empowering women who are largely ex- area of women, peace and security were cluded from negotiations and other key drawn from UN Women and UNPOS. political processes was the aim behind a The training explored such topics as man- UNPOS-sponsored training workshop that aging, addressing and resolving conflict, took place in Nairobi. Thirty-six women’s mediation, strengthening relationships rights activists, representing umbrella or- with stakeholders, leadership and advo- ganizations from all regions in Somalia, cacy skills. The course also introduced participated in the three-day workshop the participants to innovative strategies to held from 13 to 15 July at the UN Gigiri overcome obstacles particularly for wom- Women activists during the gender training Complex. Trainers with expertise in the en involved in peace and security.

UN agencies working together to combat piracy malia. It would also facilitate improve- ment of pirate-related legal structures and assistance in developing functioning Somali law enforcement entities, includ- ing a Coast Guard. Other programmes will include coordination of international military activity; strengthening of the fisheries and environmental manage- ment regimes to address Somali concerns regarding illegal fishing and toxic waste, programmes to increase economic op- portunities especially regarding employ- ment within the country and public out- French soldiers arresting suspected Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden. Photo: French Ministry of Defence reach campaigns. With growing levels of violence against the crews held hostage Incidents of piracy off the coast of Soma- tablish a new UN Joint Piracy Unit, which (currently 18 ships and 375 hostages) the lia have steadily increased since entering will soon bring on board piracy officers Piracy Unit is also involved in raising hu- the global consciousness in 2008, grow- from other organizations such as the UN man rights concerns. ing into a major trans-national issue, both Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for security and economic reasons. In the and the International Maritime Organiza- The Joint Piracy Unit programmes will last two years, piracy has spread across tion, with others to follow. The new unit continue to be vetted and funded through the Indian Ocean, as far east as India and will create greater unity and flexibility an International Trust Fund and bilateral stretching as far south as Mozambique within the UN, allowing for a swifter and donations. The Trust Fund has proven and South Africa. The piracy business more effective response to piracy-related to be an innovative way to allow donor model has developed into a major crimi- issues in Somalia. countries to pool money for piracy-re- nal enterprise and is showing growing lated efforts, and has given UN entities links to insurgents groups. However, due The Joint Piracy Unit will coordinate the a common source from which to request to the ongoing security concerns within piracy-related efforts of the Transitional funding. The fund also provides a truly Somalia, it has been difficult for UN staff Federal Government and Somali regional international response to piracy, as UN and other organizations to work within administrations and across the UN as a and donor country representatives evalu- the country to address the root causes of whole to maximize the impact of ongoing ate and approve Trust Fund bids, jointly piracy. and future programmes. This includes deciding how best to proceed. The Joint efforts to improve the capacity of the Piracy Unit aims to mirror this level of Under UN Security Council Resolution Somali national criminal justice sector innovation and cooperation with the UN 1976, UNPOS was given the role as the which would allow pirates to be given a system to better serve the international UN’s Focal Point for Counter Piracy in So- fair trial inside the country and see more community in the fight against piracy off malia. UNPOS is leading the effort to es- pirates serving prison terms inside So- the coast of Somalia.

6 UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 Consultative meeting on ending the Transition charts a new course forward

an overspill room with video link up for those who could not squeeze into the main conference room. The proceedings were covered extensively by the Somali and international media.

The Meeting concluded with the adop- tion of a Roadmap, which sets out a number of key tasks for implementa- tion before 20 August 2012 under four broad headings: Security; Constitutional Reform and Elections; Outreach and Reconciliation; and Good Governance. Specific tasks include the approval of the National Security and Stabilisation Plan, measures to prevent piracy, adoption of a new constitution, reform of Parliament, holding of elections, preparation of a National Reconciliation Plan, improved Prime Minister of Somalia (far right), President of TFG (second from right), Speak- financial transparency and the establish- er of the National Assembly (second from left) and the SRSG (extreme left) during the ment of an Anti-Corruption Commis- Consultative Meeting in Mogadishu, September 2011 sion. In addition, there was a special session on how to address the ongoing or the first time in years, a major lines a series of implementational mech- humanitarian crisis. Participants agreed Conference was held in Moga- anisms. Those atttending the Meeting that within fourteen days a Technical Fdishu from 4 – 6 September. included President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Committee would be formed to over see This important meeting, the Consulta- Ahmed, Speaker Sharif Hassan Sheikh the Roadmap. tive Meeting on ending the Transition, Aden, Prime Minister Dr. Abdiweli Mo- brought together key players in Somalia hamed Ali, President Abdirahman Mo- The meeting was organized by a Prepa- to discuss the way forward over the next hamed Mohamud of Puntland, President ratory Committee comprising represen- 11 months and resulted in the adoption Mohamed Ahmed Alin of Galmudug and tatives of the TFG, Transitional Federal of a Roadmap on ending the transition their respective delegations, three sepa- Parliament (TFP) and the regional gov- period. rate groups from Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a ernments of Puntland and Galmudug and a large number of international part- which met several times in Nairobi and According to the Transitional Federal ners including representatives of the Af- in Mogadishu. It has also agreed that a Charter and the Djibouti Agreement, the rican Union, AMISOM, European Union, second Consultative Meeting with a ma- Transition should have ended in August IGAD and the League of Arab States. The jority of members from civil society will 2011. However most of the tasks set out Meeting was characterized by a willing- be held. had not been completed. By signing the ness from all sides to work together and Kampala Accord in June, the President come to an agreement. The first Consultative Meeting has given and Speaker of parliament committed fresh impetus to the peace process. to “work together with the international The partially-refurbished Parliament There is a new sense of momentum, and community to establish a Roadmap with building in Mogadishu was used for the optimism. SRSG Mahiga said: “This of- benchmarks, timelines and compliance opening ceremony on the first day – an fers a real opportunity to end the Transi- mechanisms for the implementation of event impossible just a few months ago tion in a responsible and productive the priority tasks”. The resulting Con- when Al-Shabaab controlled much of the manner. It is different from previous ef- sultative Meeting articulated what tasks city. Days two and three of the conference forts because this time there is a broad- must be accomplished over the next 11 took place within a specially-constructed based consensus and political commit- months to end the transition and out- building near the airport terminal with ments. The path ahead is clear.”

UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 7 Students to benefit from Government Scholarships

he Somali Government showed its intention to invest in its youth and Tdispel any suggestion of corrup- tion by presiding over an examination to short list candidates for Government sponsored scholarships.

The exercise, the first of its kind to be held outside Somalia, attracted close to 1,000 high school graduates in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. Efforts to hold one in Yemen proved futile owing to security concerns.

Tragically several Somali students who were hoping to benefit from a Turkish scholarship program were among those killed in the suicide bombing on 4 Octo- ber in Mogadishu as they waited at the Somali students during the examination exercise for government sponsored scholarships Ministry of Education Headquarters.

In Kenya, over 324 students based in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps Somalia with his family in 1992 praised and Nairobi took part in the exam at In my role as the UN the initiative saying: “I saw an advert on the former Somali Embassy in Nairobi Representative of Soma- the internet and forwarded my name. If on 14 June. After the exam, there was a I’m short listed for the scholarship, I will ceremony attended by several dignitaries lia, from today, I am go- study Community Development. When I including the Special Representative of ing to be telling the world finish, I will return to Somalia if there is the United Nations Secretary-General for to give us education op- peace.” Somalia (SRSG), Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga. portunity for young gen- Dr. Mahiga pledged to promote educa- Dr. Mahiga praised the former Minister of erations tion for young Somalis saying: “In my Higher Education, Hon. Abdinur Sheikh role as the UN Representative of Somalia, Mohamed, for organizing the scholarship body has done in the field of education in from today, I am going to be telling the selection process in a transparent man- the last 20 years. There have been schol- world to give us education opportunities ner. “He has done something which no- arships, there have been students, there for young generations.” He promised to have been ministers, but he’s the first one approach universities in Europe, Austra- to extend scholarships in a fair, transpar- lia, North America as well as the region ent and equal manner,” said Dr. Mahiga. seeking funds and education opportuni- Paying tribute to young Somalis, Dr. Ma- ties for Somali students. “ I want to make higa said, “To me you [young people] sure that you get the best education, be- represent three things. You represent the cause you are capable of the best educa- resilience of Somalia, whatever the hard- tion and you deserve the best education.” ships, you can survive. You represent the determination of the Somali people. Selection criteria required participants Nothing can scare you, and you represent to pass a written test. Out of the 324 who hope for a brighter future. ” sat for the examination in Nairobi, 90 stu- dents passed and will be granted schol- One of the participants, Hassan Ali Far- arships in Somali Higher Education In- ah, a 22 year-old who has been living in stitutions or in other countries including Hassan Ali Farah, scholarship candidate Hagadhera, Daadaab camp, since fleeing Sudan, Turkey, Pakistan and Yemen.

8 UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 The growing mobile phone industry in Somaliland

By Mustafa Abdi Idan in Somaliland and Esther Njoki Mwangi in Nairobi

around 40 million people. Compare that to Somaliland’s three companies serving 3.5 million people.

Somaliland’s mobile industry is yet to reach the same level of competition as that of its counterparts in Kenya. How- ever, it is not too far behind considering that the industry in Kenya has a greater investment power, a larger customer base and has been in the market longer.

Multinational companies are taking note of Somaliland’s functioning economy and potential. In mid-May, the world’s largest soft-drink maker, Coca Cola, issued a li- Telesom’s Head of Public Relations Mustafa Adam Muuse cence to invest here. The move by Coca Cola may go a long way in propping up investors’ confidence that has been huge- n a region often characterised by con- the only free mobile money service in the ly affected by the image reflected by the tinuing insecurity, a small vibrant city region. troubled South. boasts a functioning economy, low I Somtel’s Chief of Operations Awil Sh. crime rate and relative peace. While it has Somtel mobile company is another key yet to attain the economic status of other market player in Somaliland. The compa- Salah says, “The mobile phone industry major power houses in the area, a boom- ny was started only a year ago and now can benefit investors here; we are in the ing mobile phone industry is promising boasts 120,000 customers. It offers ser- information age and all industries de- to put Hargeisa firmly on the regional vices similar to competitors such as fixed- pend on telephone services.” Mr. Muuse map as a strategic emerging market. lines and broadband wireless among oth- from Telesom agrees, “We are happy to ers. To compete with the more established note that international companies are In Hargeisa, capital of Somaliland, three Telesom, Somtel has announced its own aware of Somaliland’s potential and seek- mobile phone companies, Telesom, Som- mobile banking called Edahab which will ing to invest here. These companies will tel and Telecom are competing to serve be launched soon. also be our potential customers.” 3.5 million people. Telesom’s Head of Public Relations, Mus- Telesom leads the industry with a cus- tafa Adam Muuse, attributes the growth tomer base of around 400, 000 users, (ac- of the industry in Somaliland to a free cording to recent figures in the Financial market that has been allowed to flour- Times). It is one of the biggest private ish. He says this has enabled businesses companies in Somaliland. Established in to import the latest technologies to serve 2001, the company offers regular services their clientele. such as fixed-line, internet broadband and international roaming among others. Mr. Muuse is optimistic about continued growth. “We hope to see Somaliland’s The company also has other specialized mobile industry become the largest in services such as the mobile money ser- Africa or as large as those in Europe and vice Zaad. This allows subscribers to use America,” he says. His vision is not too the money in their accounts to transfer, farfetched. Kenya, the region’s biggest purchase, make payment of bills and re- economy, has only four mobile phone charge airtime. Telesom’s Zaad service is companies which serve a population of

UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 9 UNPOS: On the ground in Somalia

By Kiyoshi Matsukawa

This article first appeared in the UN Department of Political Affairs Politically Speaking Bulletin.

While security constraints continue to pose challenges to working in Somalia, the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) is in- creasing its presence on the ground as part of a stepped up effort to help bring political stability and recovery to the country and its people.

Led by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, the Mission has facilitated key political agreements between Somalis including the Djibouti Peace Agreement , the Kampala Accord of June 2011, and the Consultative Meeting on Ending the Transition held in Mogadishu in September designed to complete the period of Somalia’s transitional administration. UNPOS has also worked in creative ways to promote business investment as an engine for growth and stability in the troubled country.

In this first-person account from a recent visit to Mogadishu, UNPOS staff member Kiyoshi Matsukawa — whose job focuses on planning and coordination of economic development and livelihood generation — provides a glimpse of life and work for the United Nations in the long- embattled Somali capital.

peacekeepers from Uganda businesses and private sector develop- and Burundi of the African ment in general. This would involve get- Union Mission in Somalia ting to know the business community, (AMISOM). government officials, and NGOs on the ground. The biggest challenge was to In no time after touch- find ways to meet people. The choices down, UN security officers were limited to either having interlocu- hurried us into armoured tors come to Mogadishu International vehicles to shuttle us away Airport, putting them at personal risk, or just as one of the numerous going to areas outside the airport that had commercial flights landed. been cleared by UN security in advance, The choice of accommoda- such as the Prime Minister’s Office, in tion in Mogadishu for UN AMISOM convoys. These movements re- staff is limited to two places quired detailed planning and a constant both inside the airport. Lo- review of the security situation. cated just metres from the runway, my home for the Despite the security and logistical chal- next few weeks was a room lenges, the meetings proved very success- Kiyoshi Matsukawa, UNPOS Planning Officer in Mogadishu in a container, two by three ful. The Somalis excel in business, have a metres, complete with show- wealth of information to share and went er facilities, laundry (ironed and pressed), to great lengths to accommodate us. We wireless internet, and three meals a day. receive many reports on Somalia, but he UN-chartered plane flew in low there is no substitute for being on the over dark blue waters, skirting the As a Programme Planning Officer from ground to gain a keener understanding Trisk of hostile fire from along the UNPOS, I was in Mogadishu to partici- and feel for the situation. coastline before touching down on a hu- pate in a joint mission with the UN Resi- mid tarmac in Mogadishu. I was back in dent Coordinator’s Office to develop the Most of the private sector people we met Xamar, as the locals call their capital city, UN Mogadishu Plan, which outlines ways with were from Somali diaspora-owned after nearly seven years and much had to help development and recovery in the businesses working in service industries changed. Back in 2004, when I first came various districts of Mogadishu in areas such as restaurants and hotels, and trad- to Somalia for academic research, the such as garbage collection, painting build- ers importing household goods. We also main international airport, like the main ings and rehabilitating markets. had good discussions with the Moga- seaport, was a “contested area” since the dishu mayor’s office, the ministries of warlords could not agree on how to con- My specific task was to identify how the public works, telecommunications, and trol these areas. Seven years on, the inter- business community could contribute in finance. We met with NGOs working on national airport was in the hands of the implementing the recovery plan, particu- women’s issues, human rights and in pro- Transitional Federal Government and the larly through small and medium-sized viding humanitarian aid.

10 UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 Clearly it will be up to Somalis to create ple we spoke with were concerned about Apart from progress on the security the kind of environment in which small security of ownership and with ensuring front, the peace process is also moving and medium businesses can emerge, jobs a measure of profitability. I was told that forward. The signing of the Kampala are created and growth sustained. The for every business venture that succeeds, Accord in June helped to bring the So- diaspora needs to feel comfortable about twenty fail. mali leadership together. They are now coming to invest in Mogadishu. Business- expected to work on drawing up a Con- In other ways, security has improved in stitution, on reconstruction and develop- the capital. The Government and AMISOM ment, on a security plan and on a sched- Clearly it will be up have taken over several areas from Al- ule for eventually holding elections. to Somalis to create Shabaab insurgents this year. A visit to the main seaport and down-town was truly an SRSG Mahiga is committed to working the kind of environ- amazing experience, as seven years earlier as closely with the Somalis as possible ment in which small this was a no-go area where the infamous and has himself made numerous trips to and medium busi- “green line” split north and south Moga- Mogadishu. Furthermore, a third of his dishu between two clans. Streetlights had staff will be moving from UNPOS’ cur- nesses can emerge been installed, road repairs were ongoing rent base in Nairobi to locations inside on the main strip, and residents were buy- Somalia including Mogadishu, Garowe friendly regulatory frameworks need to ing glass windows — a sure sign of confi- in Puntland and Hargeisa in Somaliland. be created in close consultation with the dence that security was being restored. This will allow the staff to engage closely state, in order to promote the formaliza- with the authorities and the people, to tion of the business sector. There is a need What was once a relatively narrow conflict experience life in Somalia first hand, and for stable, cheap, reliable electricity, and between warring clans seems much more to work more effectively for a brighter the promotion of manufacturing indus- complicated today, with more guns and an future for all Somalis. It will be exciting tries in an economy in which nearly ev- increased number of actors both for and and gratifying to be a part of that pro- erything is imported. Many business peo- against peace. cess.

AMISOM Soldiers on patrol in Mogadishu

UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 11 Inside Somalia

Mama Asha - Mogadishu’s own miracle worker

By Esther Njoki Mwangi

here is something unique that draws you to 62 year-old Asha TAbdi Dini. It is not just her charm or the respect that she accords you when you approach her. Perhaps it is her appeal- ing smile or the fact that she never frowns or complains. Even when she recounts the day an armed man threatened her, she still manages to remain collected and bubbly.

Asha, or Mama Asha as she is fondly known, heads a charitable organization, the Inter-Community Development Ser- vices (ICDS). The organization runs a Mother and Child Health care centre lo- cated at Hamar Jajab District, Mogadishu which she co-founded with her husband in 1993 to help the most needy living in the area. “We opened the centre after we realized that a lot of people were coming to us for help,” says the qualified midwife and nutritionist.

Mama Asha Abdi Dini on the sidelines of the gender technical training in Nairobi Now approaching its twentieth year, the Centre serves over 100 patients daily and boasts of departments specializing in chil- dren’s, Antenatal and Postnatal care. On a normal day, they treat around 40 children Security is clearly a concern. However, lost three of his children and did not even under the age of five, 30 to 35 Antenatal she downplays the incident when a man have the energy to bury them. Some 15 to patients, around 20 to 25 Postnatal pa- put a gun to her head demanding money, 18 people are dying daily.” tients and deal with at least 20 emergency cases. Situations that cannot be handled When she is not running the centre, are referred to main hospitals. I can see peace is Mama Asha is a strong advocate of wom- en’s rights in Somalia. She is a member The work is made possible by a team of coming near for the first of Coalition for Grassroots Women Or- volunteer nurses and midwives. Once a time in 20 years ganization (COGWO), a network of 30 week, a pediatrician and a gynecologist women’s organizations established in offer their free services to the centre. saying that she never worries much about 1996 to lobby for women’s rights which her own security as she gets protection has its headquarters in Mogadishu. She ICDS gets its funding from United Na- from the community she assists. notes that women have been very vocal tions agencies, mainly United Nations in the Somali peace process as they often Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which regular- Her expression turns sad as she says: approach opposing sides seeking recon- ly offers assistance in the form of medicine “Sometimes there are many malnour- ciliation. “We talk to warring sides. They and vaccination campaigns. The World ished children and we have nothing to of- are our sons and husbands. Women are Health Organization and the UN Popu- fer them.” Recently, with the current fam- the most affected by the war. They are the lation Fund, occasionally give a helping ine, the situation has only become more breadwinners. Husbands are either dead hand. desperate. “A man fleeing the drought or have no jobs,” she says. Do the war-

12 UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 ring sides listen when they intervene? She enlightened us. It will help us train others who served in several countries including breaks into warm laughter, “No.” when we return,” she stated. Italy, China and the UK during Siad Barre’s regime. While accompanying her husband Some of their efforts however do bear Mama Asha has a positive approach to on these missions, Mama Asha filled her fruit. After the signing of the Kampala life. Perhaps it is this optimism that al- time studying - nutrition in Rome and acu- Accord that ended five months of politi- lows her to believe that the two decade puncture in China. Mr. Ali, who is a pub- cal deadlock between the executive and long war in Somalia is nearing its end. lished author, now lives in Cairo. legislature, Mama Asha was part of a ”I can see peace is coming near for the civil society delegation that was tasked first time in 20 years,” she tells me. I ask Mama Asha has a daughter and four with seeking an audience with the Presi- her how she comes to that conclusion. grandchildren living in Canada. “I want to dent and Speaker. “We talked to them “AMISOM and Government soldiers are be like Mother Teresa. I want to help peo- and asked them to come to an agreement. pushing back Al-Shabaab fighters. If they ple. If I live in Europe or Nairobi, I will just They promised us that they would not continue, Al- Shabaab will be out of Mog- help myself,” she explains. fight,” she says. adishu,” she says. Then she pauses and adds with a smile: “Even the women will It is quite clear that she is restless visiting We met Mama Asha in Nairobi where she help. If Mogadishu is captured, the rest Nairobi as she constantly makes reference was attending an UNPOS/UN WOMEN of the regions will be easy.” to the internally displaced people she left sponsored training course entitled Build- behind in Mogadishu, many displaced by ing Somalia Women’s Capacities for Peace What makes Mama Asha’s story so inter- the current drought, “I feel useless when from 13 to 15 July 2011. The training was esting is that she chooses to stay in Moga- I’m here. At least when I’m in Mogadishu, I aimed at empowering Somali women and dishu when she has the option of living can help.” she says before adding: “Please looking at their future engagement with elsewhere. She is the wife of a former do not forget Somalia. Help Somalia stay the Peace Process. “We learnt a lot. It has Somali Ambassador, Salah Mohamed Ali, on the world map.”

Building Women’s capacities for Peace

Mama Asha and other women activists during the gender technical training in Nairobi, July 2011

UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 13 Somalia unveils new cabinet

By Esther Njoki Mwangi

n line with the Kampala Accord signed on 9 June 2011, the Somali IPresident, Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, named Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali as the country’s next Prime Minister. Dr. Ali re- placed Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed who resigned to pave the way for the implementation of the Accord.

Like his predecessor, the new Prime Min- ister unveiled a lean, technocratic and largely politically inexperienced Cabinet of 18 ministers mainly from the Diaspora. None of the new ministers had served in the previous Government.

The Cabinet is based on the 4.5 clan for- mula and has one woman. With the ex- Prime Minister Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali chairs a Cabinet meeting in Mogadishu ception of two Ministers, (Minister of Jus- tice, Religious Affairs and Endowments and also the Minister of Labour, Youth Prime Minister’s Cabinet, well within the Co-operation. He hails from Dhuusa and Sports), the rest are not Members of deadline set in the Kampala Accord. This Mareeb District in Galguduud Region, Parliament. sends a strong, constructive signal and Puntland. He is also an American citizen represents a positive start for the new So- and is fluent in Somali, Arabic, Italian On 23 July, the Transitional Federal Par- mali administration.” and English. liament approved the new Cabinet by a vote of 397 to 21. The UN Special Rep- Prime Minister Dr. Ali spent his early years in Somalia resentative for Somalia, Dr. Augustine P. Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mahiga commended Parliament saying: Before his current appointment, Dr. Ali Economics from the Somali National “I am very pleased that the Somali Par- was the Deputy Prime Minister and the University. Later, while living in the U.S., liament acted so promptly to endorse the Minister of Planning and International he received a Master of Public Adminis- tration from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Economics from George Mason University, while pursuing other disci- plines.

Prior to joining the political scene, Dr. Ali was an economist and a professor at Ni- agara University in Buffalo, New York. He has also consulted widely with in- ternational organizations including the United Nations and the World Bank.

On taking up his new post, the Prime Minister said that eradicating corruption and improving the army’s welfare will be his top priorities. ==>> Prime Minister Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali and SRSG Dr. Mahiga at a meeting in Mogadishu

14 UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 The Cabinet

Mohamed Mohamud Haji Ibrahim, Hussein Arab Issa. Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of 1 2 Minister of Defence Foreign Affairs

Abdiwahab Ugas Husein (Ugas Khalif), Ahmed Hassan Gaboobe (Ugaas Bille), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of 3 Minister of Justice, Religious Affairs and 4 Commerce and Industry Endowments.

Abdisamad Moalim Mohamud Sheikh Abdinasir Mohamed Abdulle, Minister of Hassan, Minister of Interior and Na- Finance and Treasury 5 tional Security 6

Maryam Juma Aweis, Minister of Women Abdullahi Haji Hassan Mohamed-Nur, and Family Affairs 7 Minister of Agriculture and Livestock 8

Abdulkadir Mohamed Ahmed (Jahaweyn), 9 Abdiaziz Sheikh, Minister of Health 10 Minister of Information, Posts and Telecommunications

Mohamed Muhuyadin Sheikh Mursal, Abdirahman Sheikh Ibrahim, Minister of Minister of Labor, Youth and Sports 11 Fisheries, Marine Wealth and Environment 12

Adam Abdullahi Adam, Minister of Air, Abdirahman Hosh Jibril, Minister of Constitution 13 Sea, Land Transportation and Ports 14 and Reconciliation

Jaylani Nur Ikar, Minister of Public Abdulkadir Mohamed Dhi’sow, Minister of Works, Housing and Reconstruction. 15 Water, Petroleum and Mineral Resources 16

Ahmed Aydiid Ibrahim, Minister of Abdullahi Godah Barre, Minister of Planning and Education, Culture and Higher 17 18 International Cooperation Education

UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 15 VoxPops

At the high level Consultative Meeting on ending the Transition held in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu from 4 to 6 September 2011, the leadership of the Transitional Fed- eral Government, Transitional Federal Parliament, Galmudug and Puntland adopted a Roadmap on priority tasks to be undertaken by 20 August 2012. In view of this, we caught up with some Somalis and asked: What would you like to see the Somali lead- ership achieve in the next year?

Abdirahman , 33, Journalist and Psychologist Ahmed, 32, Producer The Government should create trust between itself and Complete the Roadmap and the draft consti- people at the grassroots. This will help people understand tution by the end of the year. Encourage the the Government. Somalia has been lawless for 20 years and formation of new states. Unless there are re- people have no idea what a government is. It should also gional states, there can be no federal Somalia. stop its internal fighting which is quite common. People Formation of political parties which will en- living in Al- Shabaab controlled areas should be assured of sure that elections will take place next year. I their safety should they choose to cross into Government- would also like to see Al-Shabaab wiped out controlled areas. Empower women since women have been of Somalia. breadwinners since the civil war broke out. Prioritize open- ing all education sectors and implement the Roadmap, con- stitution and security.

Abdiftar , 24, Webmaster To restore peace throughout Somalia as this will help international agencies move back to Mogadishu. I would like the Government to open up education institutions in Somalia so that people can have a chance to study. I would also like to see it wipe out anyone who is not supporting peace and stability and af- filiates of Al-Shabaab and Al Qaeda.

Abdulkadir , NGO worker Nimo, 20, Jobseeker I would like to see the Government I expect the Government to finalize the constitution bill which improve security and finalize the constitution. I would also should be Somali driven. The Inter- like them to build strong insti- national Community is interfering tutions which will in turn help with the sovereignty of Somalia and with accountability. this should come to an end.

16 UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 UNPOS Quarterly Newsletter - Issue No. 3, October 2011 17 United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms. Valerie Amos holds talks with the Somali Prime Minister in Mogadishu.

Delegates attend the Consultative Meeting on ending the Transition in Mogadishu.

Dr. Mahiga (centre) with Prime Minister Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali (left) during the Joint Security Committee in Mogadishu

Above: Prime Minister Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali visiting patients in a Mogadi- shu Hospital Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs, B.Lynn Below: Staff from UNPOS and UN Women follow proceedings during a gender Pascoe with President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and the training session in Nairobi Speaker of Parliament Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden

A ceremony to mark the examination exercise for Government sponsored scholarships SRSG Mahiga in an interview with journalists in Mogadishu

UNPOS staff with Somali students and other delegates during the scholarship ceremony International delegates during the Joint Security Committee (JSC) in Mogadishu

SRSG meets diaspora children at a school in Canada Mogadishu residents walk in Bakaara market following Al-Shabaab’s withdrawal from the area