European Union Training Mission Somalia
PRESS SUMMARY 14th June 2018
“In ‘Media’ stat virtus” EUTM - SOMALIA 14/06/2018
New European Peace Facility worth €10.5 billion to bolster international security
13/06/2018
To bolster the EU's ability to safeguard European security interests and prevent conflicts, build peace and strengthen international security, EU High Representative Mogherini on 13 June proposed a new European Peace Facility worth €10.5 billion for 2021-2027.
Announced on 13 June by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini with the support of the European Commission, the proposed European Peace Facility (EPF) is part of a package of measures designed to boost the EU's security and defence capabilities. "The European Peace Facility, noted the High Representative, would allow the EU to be much more efficient in deploying our military missions, but also to better support our partners in dealing with our shared security challenges."
In addition to the EPF, A €13 billion European Defence Fund will provide the financial firepower for cross-border investments in state-of-the-art and fully interoperable technology and equipment in areas such as encrypted software and drone technology.
The European Peace Facility
The proposed European Peace Facility is a new off-budget fund worth €10.5 billion over a seven-year period coinciding with the timeframe of the next Multiannual Financial Framework. It should substantially enhance the Union's ability to finance operational actions under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) that have military or defence implications, and that therefore cannot be financed under the EU budget. It would draw
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It is proposed that the EPF will:
Fund the common costs of EU military operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).
Contribute to the financing of military peace support operations led by other international actors.
Engage in broader actions aimed at supporting partner countries' armed forces with infrastructure, equipment or military assistance, as well as in other operational actions under the Union's CFSP with military or defence implications, when so decided by the Council.
Next steps
On 12 June the Commission College agreed to support the EPF proposal, which will now be submitted to the Council by the High Representative. The aim would be to establish this Facility in 2020 with the first budget for 2021.
Background
The High Representative/Vice-President's speech at the “Building on vision, forward to action: delivering on EU security and defence” event (Solvay library, 13 December 2017) raised the idea of an off-budget European Peace Facility.
The 14 February Commission Communication on 'A new, modern MFF for a EU that delivers efficiently on its priorities post-2020' builds on this, referencing a 'separate funding mechanism of around EUR 10 billion for the 2021-2027 period [that] would significantly increase the EU's ability to financially support CFSP actions with defence implications. This would compare to up to EUR 3.5 billion under the current period.'
The 2 May Commission Communication 'A Modern Budget for a Union that Protects, Empowers and Defends' also references the European Peace Facility.
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The EPF will be complementary to other EU programmes with a security and defence focus or component, including a €13 billion European Defence Fund and the budget of €6.5 billion earmarked in the Connecting Europe Facility to enhance the EU's strategic transport infrastructure to make it fit for military mobility.
https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/46331/new-european- peace-facility-worth-%E2%82%AC105-billion-bolster-international-security_en
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Arms trade: EU adopts comprehensive approach to scourge of illicit weapons
13/06/2018 - Illicit weapons are a threat to us all. They contribute to terrorism and organised crime within the EU. They also undermine the EU’s development and humanitarian efforts in parts of our neighbourhood and Africa. EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and the European Commission today adopted a joint proposal for a comprehensive EU Strategy against illicit firearms, small arms and light weapons (SALW).
Powerful, military-grade firearms in the hands of terrorists, criminals and other unauthorised actors pose a serious threat to our security. Illicit firearms have been used in several terrorist attacks in Europe. In the EU's neighbourhood many conflicts are fuelled by the proliferation of illicit weapons. These conflicts cause significant suffering for the populations concerned. A total of almost 800 million people are estimated to be deprived of sufficient food due to armed conflict.
The proposal, or "Joint Communication", tabled today sets out clear objectives and concrete measures to tackle the problem. It recognises the many actors, issues and cross-border dimensions that play a role in the context of illicit arms trade and therefore recommends a full set of action points to tackle the issue from all sides in a comprehensive way.
A multitude of different stakeholders need to be considered and involved such as police, customs, border guards, armed forces, export control bodies, manufacturers or judicial authorities. Addressing the trade of illicit arms effectively means that all of these need to exchange information and cooperate closely. Also, the issues do not just concern individual
EUTM - SOMALIA 4 EUTM - SOMALIA 14/06/2018 countries but all relevant countries as a group. Trade in illicit arms is indeed often transnational in nature with national, regional and global dimensions. It needs to be tackled at all of these levels. In addition, it is crucial that measures address all phases in the life cycle of firearms: manufacture, trade, export, stockpiling and disposal.
Against this background, the Joint Communication constitutes an important step forward. It proposes a set of objectives and actions for an EU Strategy against illicit firearms, small arms, light weapons and their ammunition. Once adopted by the EU Member States, the new strategy will replace an earlier but in many aspects by now outdated EU Strategy of 2005. The EU Strategy will be closely connected with the United Nations Programme of Action against the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons that will be discussed in New York in the last two weeks of June 2018.
The initiative to counter illicit arms is one element in the EU’s toolbox to tackle today’s complex security challenges. High Representative Mogherini presented in 2016 an overarching EU Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy that foresees an integrated and joined-up approach across internal and external policy dimensions, between Member States and EU Institutions as well as with regional and international institutions. Since then, a multitude of different initiatives in the areas of security and defence have been launched, including enhanced cooperation with NATO and the beefing-up of EU autonomous security and defence capabilities. https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/46425/arms-trade-eu- adopts-comprehensive-approach-scourge-illicit-weapons_en
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New EU 'peace fund' could buy weapons
13th June 2018 - The EU wants to pay for military equipment, including lethal weaponry, for partner countries in crisis zones such as Africa's Sahel region as part of a $12.4 billion ‘peace facility’ launched on 13 June. The bloc says the new European Peace Facility (EPF) is needed to make its training missions in three African countries more effective and to enable it to contribute to peacekeeping efforts elsewhere in the world. But the EU paying for arms is a sensitive issue for some member states, especially when it involves countries with histories of political unrest and human rights abuses, and there could be resistance to the proposal.
The new EPF is being kept separate from the main EU budget to get around the bloc's rules against funding military projects. The EU's diplomatic chief Federica Mogherini said the EPF – which needs approval by all of the bloc's member countries – would make it easier to help stabilise restive countries like Mali, Somalia and the Central African Republic. Mogherini said: ‘The world is living in difficult times and this calls for a European Union responsibility and role on the global scene. Both Europeans and our partners in the world expect the EU to be more and more a security provider in our region and beyond.’ The proposal, made by the European Commission, the bloc's powerful executive arm, would see partner countries given ‘comprehensive support’, which officials said could include weapons. Decisions about what to spend EPF money on would be taken by member states themselves, through the European Council. An EU official told AFP that any decision to pay for weapons would take into account the bloc's human rights values and only in ‘very specific cases and after careful checking.’ Arms would only be provided as part of a package alongside training, and would not be the main focus of the EPF funding, the official said. The fund hopes to improve the effectiveness of the EU's training missions in Africa. The official pointed to the Somalia operation, where in some cases local forces have been unable to apply the training they have received because of a lack of equipment as basic as proper boots. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/new-eu-peace-fund-could-buy- weapons/
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US donates vehicles, equipment to Uganda
Wednesday, 13 June 2018 - The United States has donated equipment and vehicles, including three armoured trucks, to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) to support its counter-insurgency and peacekeeping capabilities.
The equipment included 30 Mercedes Benz trucks, six boom lifts, a rough terrain container handler, three Oshkosh FMTV armoured trucks, a Caterpillar D7R2 bulldozer, ten generators and spares. They were handed over on 7 June by US Ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac.
The equipment was received by UPDF Chief of Defense Forces Gen David Muhoozi at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Centre (URDCC) in Jinja district. The URDCC is a unit of the East African standby forces (EASF) that deploys peace keeping troops within the region and continental Africa.
“I commend countries that have demonstrated high levels of peace-keeping, especially the UPDF who have been in Somalia where there is insurgency,” Malac said. She added that the donation is part of the African Peace Rapid Response Partnership to support African countries involved in peacekeeping efforts.
“We have done little in the past; but this better equipment will enhance our preparedness and readiness to respond to threats in security across the region. This should not been seen as self-serving but to the rest of the world,” said Muhoozi. “The US has provided $270 million
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The United States has previously donated vehicles and equipment to Uganda, including six Cougar mine-resistant, ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles in 2016/17 and 15 Cougars and 10 RG33s in 2014, according to the US Excess Defense Articles database.
In September 2017 the UPDF received 19 Acmat/Mack Bastion armoured personnel carriers (APCs) from the United States for its contingent with the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom).
On the aerial side, the US donated two Cessna 208B Caravan light aircraft to the UPDF Air Wing in March 2015, and is delivering five refurbished UH-1H Huey helicopters to Uganda this year. http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52031&cat id=50&Itemid=105
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East African states to conduct joint military training exercises with U.S., EU troops
KAMPALA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Troops from the East African region, United States and the European Union are scheduled to hold a joint military training exercise in Uganda for two weeks, starting June 18.
Brig. Richard Karemire, Uganda's military spokesperson, told Xinhua by telephone on Wednesday that the troops will conduct a joint Command Post Exercise aimed at improving their capabilities to respond to regional security threats and enhance peacekeeping operations.
"The exercise seeks to assess abilities of participants in conducting peace keeping operations and to enhance positive bilateral and regional relationships in austere environments with coalition partners," said Karemire.
The exercise will attract participants from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Netherlands, and United States. It will be conducted at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capability Center, in eastern town of Jinja.
The exercise will include scenarios related to conducting peacekeeping operations under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Uganda and Kenya have deployed peacekeeping troops under AMISOM to help pacify Somalia. http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-06/13/c_137251731.htm
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https://twitter.com/HarunMaruf/status/1006810623836123137
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https://twitter.com/HarunMaruf/status/1006984034092711936
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https://twitter.com/HarunMaruf/status/1006940187681845249
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Islamists burns vehicle ferrying Miraa in Somalia
13th June 2018 John Snow
MOGADISHU – The Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab fighters have launched an ambush attack on vehicle carrying sacks of Miraa near Golweyn town, some 95km southwest of Somali capital Mogadishu.
The group’s fighters intercepted the vehicle ferrying Miraa near the town after the militants opened gunfire on the vehicle, killing at least 4 people, Jama Hassan Gelle, a policeman said.
Gelle says the militants had waylaid the minbus near Golweyn and burnt down into ashes all sacks of Miraa and the vehicle.
The minibus was heading to Janale town, according to policeman.
The rebel group al-Shabab controlled areas, the consumption and selling of Miraa was banned. https://mareeg.com/islamists-burns-vehicle-ferrying-miraa-in-somalia/
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https://twitter.com/HarunMaruf/status/1006748791259660289
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Al Shabaab cracks widen as leader Abu Ubeiydah battles cancer
Jun. 13, 2018
Ailing al Shabaab leader Abu Ubeiydah in this undated photo.
Supremacy battles among deputies to bed-ridden al Shabaab leader Abu Ubeiydah have reportedly widened inside the outfit's camp.
Ubeiydah’s health has worsened in the last six months, with no hope that he will recover from stomach cancer.
He has been at the helm of the group since 2014 when Ahmed Godane was killed.
Ubeiydah has, however, been very unpopular among the militants. They term his tenure as the worst time ever for the terror group.
His reign has been marred by defections, executions of foreign fighters and terror attacks in and outside Somalia that have left many Muslims dead.
Ubeiydah's quest to regain his health has left the group ungovernable with infighting.
It was expected that his deputies would start working together after his death but current hostilities show there will not be an amicable solution to the succession war.
The Shura council – which is in charge of decision making and appointing new leaders for the militants - is said to have split into two.
Majority of the members are from the Hawiye clan. They hurriedly appointed one of their own, Hassan Fiidow, as the preferred successor upon Ubeiydah's death.
The appointment has caused cracks within the council and al Shabaab's external ranks.
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Majority of the fighters, said to hail from Darod clan, feel shortchanged by the council.
Reports said Mahat Karate - the head of intelligence - was the preferred successor. Karate is reportedly gathering troops so it is suspected that he will attempt a coup against whoever takes over.
His next move is being monitored closely and will determine the future the terror group.
Countries in the region want the group crushed as attacks have left many, including solders, dead or severely injured.
Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda have contributed troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia and are determined to restore peace and stability in Somalia and the region. https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/06/13/al-shabaab-cracks-widen-as-leader-abu- ubeiydah-battles-cancer_c1772444
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Somali army chief arrives in Kismayo
13th June 2018 John Snow - KISMAYO – High level delegation led by Somalia’s army chief, Gen. Ahmed Abdullahi Gorod has arrived in the coastal town of Kismayo, amid US soldier was killed and 4 others injured on Friday.
The army chief was welcomed and then escorted to military base in the town, according to military officer, Hussein Mohamed.
Mohamed says Gen. Gorod had held talks with army officials at military base in the town, to encourage Somali military soldiers battling Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab.
Somalia’s army chief urged the military forces to get ready for fighting against Al Shabaab.
The group’s fighters carried out gurilla-style stacks and bomb explosions targeting Somali army forces, African Union peacekeepers, along with US especial commandos.
Friday’s ambush and mortar attack killed a US especial commando and injured 4 others in Bar-Sanguni area, some 50km from the coastal town of Kismayo.
The US has confirmed the death of its soldier following an Al Shabaab attack while other injured soldiers were airlifted to hospital in Kenya’s Nairobi capital.
The militant group has, however, vowed to rump up its attacks against Somalia, African Union forces backed US especial forces in south and central Somalia https://mareeg.com/somali-army-chief-arrives-in-kismayo/
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Pre-trial conference for Somali terror suspects kicks off
June 13, 2018 - Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Pre-trial Conference of eight Somali Nationals accused of terrorism kicked off in Kampala with parties marking exhibits in the trial. The suspects include Mohamed Abdul Kadil alias Hirsi alias Mohamed Abdul Aziz Adam, Abdi Abdullahi Bootan, Hassan Abdul Wa’i Muhamoud, Mohamed Ahmed Gele, Yasmin Abdullahi Aden, Hodan Ahmed Dahir, Yusuf Osman Hussein and Abdi Mohamed. They are jointly accused of aiding and abetting terrorism and Conspiracy to commit a felony. They were arrested in 2015, from the areas of Kisenyi, Mengo and Bukesa, all suburbs of Kampala with suicide vests that were to be used in a series of terrorist attacks in Uganda. Police Intelligence indicated that the group had been in constant contact with Adam Garar alias Muhammad, a member of the Alshabaab. The prosecution alleges that that between September 2010 and 2014, the accused persons in various countries including Uganda, Kenya and Somalia, rendered support to the Alshabaab militia knowing that the support would be used in the commission of Acts of Terrorism. However, the process of their trial, which started in April 2015, had stalled due to the absence of a Somali interpreter, the lack of legal representation and failure by the suspects to disclose evidence. The prosecution presented jackets which were reportedly carrying explosives, pictures taken by police officers during arrest and police statements that were recorded by the accused persons, as part of the exhibits to be used in the trial. Senior State Attorney Lillian Omara said that the remaining exhibits include a vehicle with a Somalia number plate, a Toshiba laptop with its charger, phones, and money confiscated from the suspects during their arrest. Omara, however, did not reveal the exact number of phones and the amount of money kept as exhibits saying she needed time to consult. Defence lawyer McDusman Kabega told the court that he is pleased that the pre-trial Conference has finally started. Pre-trial Judge Michael Elubu of the International Crimes Division adjourned the matter to June 13, 2018, for further conferencing. https://www.independent.co.ug/pre-trial-conference-for-somali-terror-suspects-kicks-off/
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Court to view exhibits in al-Shabaab terrorism trial
By Hillary Nsambu - 13th June 2018
It is alleged that the accused, all of whom are nationals of Somalia, were indicted for aiding or abetting terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
PIC: Al-Shabab suspects guarded by Prison wardens as they set to leave court after appearing in High Court Kampala on June 12, 2018.
LONG ARM OF THE LAW
KAMPALA- Over 30 exhibits including a jacket suspected to be used in explosives have been lined up by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that will be used at the trial of eight Al-Shabaab suspects, who are facing charges of terrorism.
Justice Michael Elubu, who presided over a pre-trial session of the men on Tuesday, directed that the DPP should display the remaining exhibits that include a motor vehicle and a laptop that were being used by the suspects in their mission.
Senior State Attorney, Lillian Omara, yesterday presented to court the DPP’s amended indictment in which it is alleged that the accused, all of whom are nationals of Somalia, were indicted for aiding or abetting terrorism and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
The court also heard that in 2014, information filtered into the Ugandan security that there were planned terrorist attacks by Al-Shabaab and that the explosives suicide jackets had already been dispatched from Somalia to Uganda by Al-Shabaab members.
After the attorney had read out the indictment, the judge told the suspects that they were not under obligation to plead to the charges, but they would do it at the start of the trial.
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Seven of the accused men, save for one, are represented by senior city criminal lawyer MacDosman Kabega. Only one of them, Abdul Kadir Mohamed Mohamud Sandir, is represented by another city lawyer Sylvia Namawejje Ebitu.
Kabega submitted that the suspects were arrested by security agencies in 2014 and were detained at various police stations including Kireka.
Earlier on Monday, the court okayed an application in which the DPP sought liberty not to disclose the identities of the prosecution witnesses to the defence side until the right time for the trial came.
However, both defence counsel submitted that despite that, the prosecution should provide them all evidence without necessarily disclosing the names of those witnesses the DPP would like to protect for security purposes.
However, after the two sides had agreed to the facts of the indictment, Kabega sought clarification on what the prosecution meant by scenes of crime other than scenes where the suspects were arrested.
He also sought for the defence to look at specific exhibits including the jacket, the vehicle and the lap-top that the prosecution intended to use against their clients before the trial began.
Kabega submitted and Namawejje concurred to an application for bail pending the trial of the suspects. “Now that the prosecution has not asked for expeditious trial of the suspects, we have instructions to apply for bail for the suspects pending their trial, considering the period of four years they have spent in incarceration,” the lawyers submitted.
The judge ruled that since such an application should not be entertained by the pre-trial judge other than the chamber judge, he would forward it to the right judge. https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1479613/court-view-exhibits-al-shabaab- terrorism-trial
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Kenya warns of Shabaab attack in Lamu at Ramadhan end, beefs up security
June 13, 2018 - By Fauxile Kibet
NAIROBI: Kenya has boosted its security operations at the volatile Boni forest in the country’s coastal region following reports that Al-Shabab militia group was planning attacks in the area to mark the end of Ramadhan.
Police spokesman Charles Owino said in a statement that security officers have been deployed in the area following reports of movement of suspected militiamen from areas close to Somali border to the border along Kiunga-Hindu areas.
“This follows information we have received from local communities indicating sightings of suspected militia elements in the dense forests at Kihonge between Witu and Mpeketoni,” Owino said in a statement.
He further added that the Alshabaab have also extended their activities in parts of Lamu West and lower Tana.
“We have observed spillover of Alshabaab activities notably within Lamu West and lower parts of Tana River county. There have also been increased reports of sightings within the region an indication may have activated their makeshift camps in the vast Boni forest to flush out the militants,” the statement reads in part.
A few weeks ago, police issued a statement warning that Alshabaab militants may be planning to intensify attacks during the holy month of Ramadhan. Last week, a suspected Alshabaab attack claimed the lives of four officers in neighboring Garissa
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Over the years, the Al-shabaab militants have been using the vast Boni Forest as their hideout to launch attacks on the civilians in Lamu.
Owino added that said security agencies have been able to block and contain attempts to infiltrate the forest to be used as hideouts by the extremist group to launch attacks.
“We have also some credible information on the movements of some militants under the leadership of Maalim Ayman and Mohamed Bilaal in southern Somalia towards the Lactabelt (The Boni Forest on the Somalia side) who may be planning to infiltrate into the country and carry out attacks against some soft targets within Boni forest in Lamu and its environs,” he said.
Kenyan police say that the militia group has changed its tactics and are now using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) mostly in North Eastern Kenya. http://goobjoog.com/english/kenya-warns-of-shabaab-attack-in-lamu-at-ramadhan-end- beefs-up-security/
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Q&A: Somalia Ambassador to South Sudan addresses community, security and diplomatic missions
June 13, 2018 - The South Sudanese nation, despite the civil wars and battles between the current President Salva Kiir and his opposition leader Riek Machar, is one of the countries where Somalis are doing the biggest trading in Africa, but also a trading route for the smugglers for transporting the people illegally to Libya.
According to Goobjoog News, we interviewed Somalia’s ambassador to South Sudan Hussein Hajji Ahmed Mohamoud. And first we asked about the iftar event of President Salva Kiir
Ambassador Hussein: The iftar event I hosted for President Salva Kiir was attended by many people, including foreign ambassadors, ministers, and parliamentarians and top officials, Muslim and non-Muslims, President Salva Kiir handshaked everyone in the session.
The vice president, commanders, and so many other officials have attended the iftar. Goobjoog News: What is the current Situation of South Sudan?
Ambassador Hussein: It seems like it iscoming back normal because the rebels were defeated on military operations, but now they are politically strong. the great opposition leader of Riek Machar and Salva Kiir are expected to meet in Khartoum soon, to end the war in the southern sudan.
Goobjoog News: How many Somalis live in South Sudan?
Ambassador Hussein: The Somali communities in South Sudan are estimated at 10,000, but as you know Somalis are allied with international passports, especially in Europe, the United States and neighboring countries, but nearly half of the Somali population in southern Sudan have the Somali passport.
Goobjoog News: what do the Somalis in the contry do for living?
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Ambassador Hussein: Somalis in the country are businessmen like building materials, food, fuel, transportation of vehicles and money supply within the country and also they distribute their business to all over the regions in the country.
Somalis in southern Sudan are the people with the largest business population in the country with over 10,000 business centers.
Goobjoog News: what is the role of your embassy for the Somali people?
Ambassador Hussein: In addition to the normal operations of the Passport, we are also consortium of supervising the Somali people in the country, we have set up a committee selected by the Somalis to work with the embassy and the community, among the embassy committee also attended the iftar hosting for President Salva kiir.
Goobjoog News: Is there any solutions for the smugglers in Libya?
Ambassador Hussein: We are strongly working on to that, although we and the country are experiencing a big blow up for the smugglers to escape from the country. But still we are closely working out and giving out more efforts to eliminate the smugglers through Sudan. A week ago 9 Somali people who were heading to Libya were returned back to Mogadishu. http://goobjoog.com/english/qa-somalia-ambassador-to-south-sudan-addresses- community-security-and-diplomatic-missions/
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The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Somalia…
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Somalia, including Somaliland except for the cities of Hargeisa and Berbera to which the FCO advise against all but essential travel. Any British nationals in areas of Somalia to which the FCO advise against all travel should leave. Any British nationals in Hargeisa or Berbera who are not on essential travel should leave.
Any British national visiting Hargeisa or Berbera should exercise a heightened level of vigilance and take care in public places where people gather. Monitor local and international media to avoid any demonstration or disturbance taking place. Leave any area of unrest quickly and don’t attempt to watch or photograph it.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Somalia. There is a high threat of kidnap throughout Somalia. Terrorist groups have made threats against westerners and those working for western organisations. There is a constant threat of terrorist attack in Mogadishu and terrorists continue to plan attacks against westerners in the rest of Somalia including Somaliland.
On 14 October 2017 a large truck bomb exploded in central Mogadishu (Hodan District). This was Somalia’s deadliest ever terror attack with over 300 killed and hundreds more injured.
Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in crowded places, high-profile events, events involving government officials and in places visited by foreigners. Due to their use by
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There is a high threat of maritime crime in the territorial and international waters off Somalia and attack remains a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean. See Sea travel
All areas across Somalia are suffering food shortages resulting in the displacement of thousands of Somali people including those caused by Tropical Storm Sagar in the north and flooding in the south. See Local travel
The British Embassy in Mogadishu is unable to provide consular assistance. If you’re in Somalia (including Somaliland) and need urgent help from the UK government (eg if you’ve been arrested or you’re concerned about forced marriage), contact the British High Commission in Nairobi. If you’re in the UK and are concerned about a British national in Somalia, call the FCO on 020 7008 1500.
Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
Safety and security
Crime
There is a dangerous level of criminal activity by armed militia throughout Somalia. There have been murders, armed robbery and a number of incidents of kidnapping. There are regular outbreaks of inter-clan violence throughout Somalia.
Local travel
British government officials serving in Somalia live and work under strict security rules. All British officials live in secure, guarded accommodation and travel with close protection teams at all times.
Humanitarian needs are great in Somalia, with over 5.4 million people in need of assistance. Displaced people living in settlements and other vulnerable groups will remain ‘food insecure’.
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The displacement and overpopulated refugee camps may lead to a significant increase in disease, increased risk of crime over food security and a heightened security threat to foreigners.
Sea travel
There is a high threat of maritime crime in the territorial waters and international waters off Somalia. Recent attacks off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden highlight that the threat of piracy related activity and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant. Reports of attacks on local fishing dhows in the area around the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa continue. The combined threat assessment of the international Naval Counter Piracy Forces remains that all sailing yachts under their own passage should remain out of the designated High Risk Area or face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom. For more information and advice, see our Piracy and armed robbery at sea page.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/somalia http://somaliweyn.org/2018/06/14/the-foreign-and-commonwealth-office-fco-advise- against-all-travel-to-somalia/
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US-Backed NGO Project Enhances Biometric Border Screening in Mogadishu
13, 2018 - New fingerprint scanning terminals at two critical points of entry in Mogadishu could help to thwart international criminals and terrorists trying to elude authorities through Somalia.
The terminals were installed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations-affiliated intergovernmental organization, with support from the US Department of State. Deployed at Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport and the Mogadishu Seaport, the terminals are aimed at replacing single-digit fingerprint readers that are currently in place, allowing detailed 10-digit scans that can be compared against INTERPOL databases. And the project is more ambitious than these initial deployments suggest, with IOM planning to deliver these new fingerprint reader terminals to a total of eight points of entry in Somalia.
In a statement announcing the deployments, IOM explained that Somalia has a “fluid internal movement of regular and irregular migrants,” with criminals often “striving to circumvent the system by capitalizing on loopholes in border management.”
The deployments are illustrative of a global trend toward biometric border screening, with the US being a prime example as its Department of Homeland Security seeks to establish biometric identification systems airports and other border checkpoints. The US government’s funding of this IOM project indicates that its pursuit of biometric border control does not stop at the US border, with authorities evidently seeing opportunities to help other states detect international criminals through the implementation of sophisticated biometric identification technologies. https://findbiometrics.com/us-backed-ngo-project-enhances-biometric-border-screening- mogadishu-506133/
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https://twitter.com/HarunMaruf/status/1006842872468004868
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https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/puntland/somalia-puntland-security-chiefs- sacked-amid-rising-terrorist-attacks
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Somaliland ready for peace talk with Puntland
June 13, 2018
Somaliland is ready to start peace talks with Puntland authorities who were recently fighting in Tukaraq town of Sool region.
Somaliland Foreign Minister Said Saeed Ali Shire told the media that Somaliland recognizes that there is no need for war for the people of Sool region currently and it is important to have peace and have a negotiation meeting with Puntland.
“Sool Region does not need war and conflict, it needs peace, every country has the right to its limitations, Somaliland does not need its people to suffer from war,” he said.
Puntland’s minister for internal affairs, Abdikarim Hussein Guled, said that Puntland is ready to accept to have peace talk with Somaliland into a conditions of ending the war in Tukaraq town and do exchange of prison release from the both sides.
Somaliland and Puntland have been fighting in some parts of Sool region for the last months for boarder disputes. http://goobjoog.com/english/somaliland-ready-for-peace-talk-with-puntland/
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Puntland denies the peace talks with Somaliland
June 13, 2018
The Puntland administration denied the statement from Somaliland foreign minister has announced this morning that the Somaliland administration will have a peace talks with Puntland to discuss over the issue of Sool region.
The Puntland government’s information minister, Abdullahi Jama Koran, said that the statement made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland is not true, and that Puntland is not ready to have peace talks and that we are committed to rule the Sool region under the puntland administration.
“I heard this news from the Somaliland foreign minister Sacad Ali Shire who is playing political tricks that Puntland has accepted the peace talks which we are not even aware of. Laascan and Sool region to liberate from the enemies is on our constitution, and if the regions were under the admistration of Somaliland for the last years does mean that regions are part of Somaliland” he said.
Koran “said that there will be no issue of peace talks in the area currently, because Sool region belongs to Puntland and we are ready to defend our territory.
There is no formal effort of mediation between the two sides currently after the President of the federal government of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and the United Nations Representative to Somalia Michael Keating have failed to end the disputes. http://goobjoog.com/english/puntland-denies-the-peace-talks-with-somaliland/
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Conference aimed at boosting security kicks off in Somaliland
June 12, 2018 - HARGEISA– A large gathering aimed at bolstering the country’s national security kicked off in Hargeisa a couple of days ago. The ministry of interior which is in charge of homeland security in Somaliland organized the gathering which saw the attendance of planning ministry, Good Governance and Anti Corruption Agency, and Denmark’s Developmental Agency (Danida).
Somaliland Police, the immigration department, fire fighters and both int’l agencies and local organizations including EUCAP,MONPD, EU,OXFOM, UN, IOM,CPC, NAGAD,SONYO, SONSAF and HRC attended.
The gist of the meeting was to put in place a robust security system that will protect country’s homeland security and the well being of its citizens from any security threat be it terrorism, domestic crimes and any danger that the country may face. The conference set up a plan to develop the country’s national security in collaboration with security agencies under the banner of the interior ministry. Somaliland lies in a region where terrorism and piracy are rampant due to the collapse of Somalia’s central govt in the 1990’s. https://somalilandinformer.net/2018/06/12/conference-aimed-at-boosting-security-kicks- off-in-somaliland/
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https://twitter.com/HarunMaruf/status/1006956151173537793
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Somali students volunteer to educate IDP children in Mogadishu
June 13, 2018 - (ERGO) – Around 600 girls and boys under 16 have been enrolled in a free education programme in various displacement camps in the Somali capital Mogadishu, where they are being taught by young university and school student volunteers. Sulekho Muhydin is a member of the group of 17 volunteer student teachers. She said when she saw how neglected the children in the camps were, without a chance to go to school, she decided with other friends to offer her services as a teacher. The volunteers collect between $30 and $50 a month among them to support the programme. They also get some donations from universities, schools and diaspora communities. The group provides basic education classes on Thursdays and Fridays in makeshift classrooms with no desks and chairs. The children come from camps in Kahda, Daynile, Hodon and Lafole districts of Mogadishu. Mohamed Amin Nur, 12, lives in Hibaaq camp in the city’s KM13 area. “I have never had education before, but now I have got free education!” he told Radio Ergo outside the classroom. “In the future I would like to become a teacher and help poor children using my knowledge,” he added. One of the biggest challenges faced by the volunteer teachers is that many of the children are working in casual jobs to provide for their families, which affects their regular attendance at the school. Sulekho said they take time discussing with the parents and encouraging them to bring their children to school. They sometimes take gifts of food to the parents as an incentive. Most of these families, however, are focused on securing adequate food. They are unable to afford the local private schools that charge fees of $12 a month. Well-wishers have donated some stationery and classroom items. The children do not have any uniform and often lack books. https://www.radioergo.org/2018/06/13/somali-students-volunteer-to-educate-idp- children-in-mogadishu/?lang=en
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Somalia:Banadir Region Administration and Ministry of Health Co-operate on Developing Health Services in the City
Mugadishu, 12 June 2018 – Mayor of Mogadishu, who is also Banadir Region Governor, honorable Abdirahman Omar Osman (Eng. Yarisow) together with the Ministry of Health of the Federal Government of Somalia discussed on ways in which they could co-operate on extending health services in the City.
Banadir Region Governor has met with the Health Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Drs. Fowzia Abikar Nur, and other staff of her Ministry. After a long debate, the two have agreed to improve the quality of the services and the general health facilities to allow the citizens to receive high quality health services.
“We have discussed with the Ministry on how we can link health services together and develop the health sector in Banadir Region as well, since the City accommodates the greatest number of people compared to other regions of the country, therefore, we should put in place a reliable health system” The Mayor said. Mr. Yarisow has described the meeting between Banadir Administration and the Ministry of Health of the Federal Government of Somalia as one that paves the way for providing the residents of the City with quality health services while the two have agreed to co-operate on implementing the move. Health Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Drs Fowzia Abikar Nur, has thanked Banadir Region Administration for their co-operation with the Ministry and their continuous commitment to deliver better health services to the residents living in the City. https://mareeg.com/somaliabanadir-region-administration-and-ministry-of-health-co-operate-on- developing-health-services-in-the-city/
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Somalia: displaced and desperate in IDP camps
Polish Humanitarian Action - Polska Akcja Humanitarna - 11 Jun 2018
Somalia is facing a severe humanitarian crisis triggered by multiple natural disasters and long term political instability which are having a crippling effect on the country’s economy. Recovery efforts have not yet provided state building opportunities due to the fragile institutions in place and the rapidly changing natural phenomena that have led to an increase in population vulnerability to hazards. Protracted conflict continues to cause large scale displacements in many parts of South Central Somalia and the security situation has been deteriorating in the Middle and Lower Shabele regions as military confrontation between waring armed groups intensifies.
Between November and December 2017, over 2000 families fled their homes in villages south of the Balcad district (Middle Shabele region) after the Somalian government forces raided areas believed to be hosting armed groups. Clan clashes over territorial control continues to result in forceful displacements of social minority groups in the Marka district (Lower Shabele). Affected families have fled to Mogadishu to join internally displaced communities in makeshift camps. Severe droughts are becoming a seasonal phenomenon, having distressing effects on pastoral and farming communities in Bay, the Lower shabele and Bakool regions. Thousands of families there continue to face increasing food insecurity, and farming activities have been significantly reduced due to the prolong periods of low precipitation. A direct dire result of those droughts has been the drying up of the river Shabele which used to provide a lifeline water source for South Central Somalia. Pastoral communities have lost animals, making life in rural villages unbearable and causing mass relocation of affected populations to Mogadishu to join informal settlements.
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IDP settlements in Banadir are overcrowding while services provided by humanitarian actors are overstretched as already limited NGOs facilities continue to receive new families every day. Despite 70% of their population being composed of women and children IDP camps provide limited employment opportunities to them due to their lack of skills as well as social restrictions. Lacking income and needing to support their families, women are faced with the hard options to either remain in the shelters or to move around Mogadishu in search of rarely available income opportunities, often leading them to accept exploitative casual work which pays them less than a dollar a day. Surviving on one meal a day and poor access to food commodities is the cause of high malnutrition cases among infants and pregnant women in camps.
Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) is present in Somalia providing WASH and livelihood support to displaced population in Banadir, priority is given to IDP camps hosting the highest number of drought displaced families. According to OCHA, the Banadir region hosts more than 700,000 internally displaced persons and nearly 270,000 of them are facing acute food insecurity (IPC3 and 4) while the rest are at critical levels of acute malnutrition (16.1 per cent GAM prevalence). Reduced humanitarian funding and an increasing number of crisis affected individuals are limiting the humanitarian actors’ capacity to reach most of these communities in urgent needs of assistance. In its current programming, PAH focuses on providing families in acute emergency with satisfactory access to food through distribution of unconditional multi-purpose cash transfers. Within the currently ongoing ECHO funded project, 770 most food insecure families living along Afgoye Corridor (Banadir) as well as drought affected families from Middle Shabelle will receive 3 months of unconditional and unrestricted cash transfers. The transfer value is based on the harmonized transfer value recommended by ECHO and DFID (65% of the combined MEB). In PAH areas of operation this is 70 USD per month and each targeted family will receive a maximum accumulative amount of 210 USD for the 3 months. This intervention aims to provide life-saving assistance to crisis affected vulnerable families by enabling them to have access to basic food commodities to avert negative effects of food insecurity especially among women and children. According to targeting criteria and outcomes of PAH monitoring, it is assumed that the majority of families will use the unconditional MPCT on food items. https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/somalia-displaced-and-desperate-idp-camps
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Somaliland: Somaliland Diaspora Agency Boss Hold Meeting with the Immigration Chief
06/13/2018 Somalilandsun: The chairman of Somaliland Diaspora Agency Mr.Abdi Abdillahi Hirsi (Dayaxweraar) and the immigration department Chief Brigadier Mohammed Osman A’alin held an extraordinary meeting at the Hargeisa Immigration headquarters. The meeting comes hot in the heels of Somaliland’s Diaspora investors in the country complaint about the bureaucratic handicap placed on them by the immigration department when applying for foreign workers permits.
The meeting was attended by foreign investor’s representatives and some members of the diaspora business community. The discussed about the problems they encounter at the hands of unreasonable immigration officers who harass foreign workers who come in the country to do some technical jobs that locals cannot do
The immigration boss was flanked by top officials from the visa and work permit departments that scrutinize the different immigration laws that explicitly states those qualified to receive Somaliland’s work permit.
Also discussed was surety for foreign employees before setting foot into the country since some engage in immoral and dangerous criminal enterprise. It was decided that the importance of many different department of government with different responsibility should knit a close working relationship to smoothen the bureaucratic handicap experienced by investors. For instance Somaliland foreign embassies, the immigration department and ministry of foreign affairs have to work closely to remove bottlenecks on investors who bring in more foreign capital and create jobs for locals.Las t but not least it was put forward that the right f Somaliland’s Diaspora business should not be infringed whatsoever. http://www.somalilandsun.com/2018/06/13/somalilandsomaliland-diaspora-agency-boss- hold-meeting-with-the-immigration-chief/
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The 5 worst countries in the world to be a child are all in Africa
13.06.2018 - Children in these countries are the least likely to fully experience childhood, a time that should be dedicated to emotional, social and physical development, as well as play,” the report said. A child in Africa is 20 times more likely to die before age 5 than one in the United States. That is according to statistics from the international NGO, Save the Children. Sub Saharan Africa ranks top on the table of unsafe places to be a kid. Save the Children ranked 172 countries based on where childhood is most protected as well as the contrary. With the use of government and United Nations data, researchers looked at indicators like mortality for children under the age of 5, malnutrition, access to schooling, child labor, early marriage, displacement from conflict, and child homicide. European countries like Norway, Slovenia, and Finland rank first while Niger, Angola, and Mali came in last. Amongst the list of dangerous places to be a kid, 7 were in West and Central Africa. Children in these countries are the least likely to fully experience childhood, a time that should be dedicated to emotional, social and physical development, as well as play,” the report said.
Country Rank Guinea 163 Sierra Leone 163 Burkina Faso 165 South Sudan 166 Chad 167 Somalia 168 Central African Republic 169 Mali 170 Angola 171 Niger 172 The highest rates of child mortality are in African countries like Angola, Chad, Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and the Central African Republic, where 10% or more of children die before their fifth birthday. This rate is at least 40 times that of Finland or Japan. Countries in Africa also have the highest rates of child labor and child marriage. http://www.pulse.com.gh/bi/lifestyle/5-worst-countries-in-the-world-to-be-a-child-are-all- in-africa-id8492637.html
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Development Programs Can Help Reduce Political Violence
Dafna H. Rand and Beza Tesfaye
June 13, 2018 - Maintaining a critical eye toward development programs — particularly those with the explicit intent to counter violent extremism — is important, especially given the dearth of rigorous research analyzing their impact over the short and long term. In a recent article in War on the Rocks, Jessica Trisko Darden uses research from our global organization, Mercy Corps, to convey the flaws inherent to development programs seeking to counter violent extremism. We commend Trisko Darden for pushing those seeking to counter violent extremism to be more self-reflective and to ensure that development programs do not exacerbate the very issues they seek to address. Yet, we find her characterization of our research incomplete and in some cases inaccurate. We stand by the conclusions offered in recent Mercy Corps reports on Somalia and Afghanistan: Under certain circumstances, development interventions can decrease support for political violence.
Program Objectives
We want to correct the record regarding the original program goals, the intent of the research, and the findings themselves. To build her argument, Trisko Darden highlights our research findings related to two programs that Mercy Corps implements—the Somali Youth Learners Initiative, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the INVEST program in Kandahar, Afghanistan, funded by the State Department (not by the United States Institute for Peace, as her article states).
It is important to note that neither the Somali youth program nor INVEST are development programs with an original, explicit objective or strategy to counter violent extremism or to prevent youth radicalization. The Somali program reflects USAID’s broader development
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In Kandahar, we also studied cash transfers, a short-term economic intervention that humanitarian organizations use to help displaced communities globally. We sought to test the effects of cash transfers and the INVEST program by asking whether these programs might also reduce support for political violence rather than against their original intended economic goal. Many countering violent extremism programs have focused on vocational training, and our research partners wanted to add in the additional element of cash, an immediate and relative less expensive economic solution, to the study.
Our Findings
We are committed to transparency in our research — presenting both the positive and negative findings from these studies. Trisko Darden’s article, however, only highlights findings that align with her argument that countering violent extremism programs are ineffective or harmful, while overlooking results that suggest these programs’ potential to reduce support for violence. For instance, her article highlights that the provision of cash in Kandahar by itself increased relative support for armed opposition groups such as the Taliban (by roughly 4.5 percent). Yet the more important point is the central finding of that study: The combination of cash and vocational training reduced relative support for armed opposition groups by nearly four times that effect (a reduction of 17 percent).
With regards to the youth program that we implement in Somaliland, Trisko Darden incorrectly states that the secondary education program provided in the semi-autonomous Somaliland region of Somalia, made youth less likely to use violence in personal disputes – there was no statistically significant effect. She is correct, however, in reporting our finding that providing secondary education to youth in Somaliland did increase their self-reported support for political violence. We carefully evaluated these findings when they came out two years ago and arrived at a preliminary analysis based on our field research to explain them – it seems that as Somaliland youth became more educated, they had higher expectations for their future and became dissatisfied with their government’s ability to respond to their needs. Yet even if they supported political violence, their rates of participating in political
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Moreover, Trisko Darden neglects to mention positive findings from our research of the same Somali youth program implemented in the more conflict-affected areas of Puntland and South Central Somalia: In these unstable parts of Somalia, youth who were enrolled in secondary schools through the Somali youth program were 48 percent less likely to support political violence. Those who received both secondary education programming and participated in civic engagement activities were 64 percent less likely to support political violence. Overall, these studies suggest — contrary to Trisko Darden’s conclusion — that development programs can be effective in reducing support for political violence, particularly when individuals benefit from a number of different types of resources and programming.
Lessons for Countering Violent Extremism
As with any empirical research, we must not draw overly broad generalizations from these preliminary studies but rather use them as the basis for adapting programs and testing new approaches. Nonetheless, over the past few years, after conducting nearly a dozen studies on political violence across seven countries, we are arriving at some common understandings: We are learning that, for development programs to reduce support for and participation in violence, they must be multi-dimensional, addressing both individuals’ skill deficits and desire for upward mobility in addition to short- and long-term economic needs. In Somalia, we found consistently that when young people were both enrolled in formal schools and participating in civic activities, they were less inclined to support violence. In addition, we have found that successful strategies for countering violent extremism need to challenge the source of deep-rooted grievances, which often involve unjust or weak governance and real or perceived inequality. Our research finds that when individuals, particularly youth, find avenues to participate civically in their communities — for instance, through community service or advocacy campaigns — they can constructively channel grievances.
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Advancing the Research Field
Our research goal is to advance our field’s overall understanding of the potential for certain development programs — and more likely a combination of them — to reduce political violence. We are collecting evidence that might be helpful to Mercy Corps’ and the broader NGO sector’s ability to design future programs aimed at shifting local attitudes about the use of violence. Nonetheless, we always moderate expectations about our findings, acknowledging the limitations inherent to this type of field research. One significant limitation is that we rely on self-reported survey responses to measure our respondents’ support for — and in some cases actual participation in — political violence.
We believe there are many rich research questions yet unanswered regarding the root causes of radicalization and political violence. Answering them requires rigorous evidence and sophisticated methodologies. We encourage a healthy dose of skepticism and self- critique to ensure that development programs are not inadvertently harmful, are implemented efficiently, and remain accountable to donors’ objectives. We emphatically agree with Trisko Darden that more can be done to improve programs designed with the goal of countering violent extremism in mind, as well as to address the broader social, economic and political goals of stability. Although our field has a long way to go, we see some potential for improved programming based on our research from Somalia, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.
Dr. Dafna H. Rand is Vice President for Policy and Research at Mercy Corps. Prior to joining Mercy Corps, Rand served as a Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. State Department. Beza Tesfaye is a senior researcher at Mercy Corps, where she designs, manages and authors policy-relevant research on issues related to conflict, violent extremism, migration and governance. https://warontherocks.com/2018/06/development-programs-can-help-reduce-political- violence/?singlepage=1
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The bedrocks of peace and prosperity
Thousands Displaced by Floods and Conflict near Jowhar, Somalia, November 2013
12 June, 2018 - Somalia connects disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development to reach 2030 Agenda and Paris Goals
By Umberto Labate and Keith Bettinger
In 2017 Somalia elected its first president since the ousting of strongman Siad Barre in 1991, an event which plunged the country into an extended period of civil conflict from which it is only now beginning to emerge. The landmark election marked a turning point for the people of Somalia as they work to rebuild their country after more than a quarter-century of violence, worsening famine, and national disintegration.
Changing climatic conditions have been identified as a key driver of conflict and a significant factor in the overall deterioration of human well-being in Somalia. The latest statistics indicate that 2.7 million Somalis do not have secure access to food. Below-average rainfalls in 2017 have been cited as a prime driver for these disturbing numbers. With projected rainfalls also lower than average, this situation could worsen, with dire consequences for the over 300,000 children that are acutely malnourished in the country today.
The interactions between climate, conflict, development, security, policy and economic growth are highly complex, but understanding them is integral for peace building, socioeconomic development, and alleviating the chronic humanitarian crises that have affected the country in recent years.
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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is working in partnership with the Government of Somalia to navigate these complex interactions.
Planning for climate change in a place like Somalia is like pulling together a thousand-piece puzzle without seeing the picture on the top of the box. Settled agriculture is only practical in a small portion of the country, so over countless generations the lifeways of the Somali people have evolved. An estimated 65-70% of Somalis derive their livelihoods from agriculture and pastoralism.
In recent decades, however, rainfall patterns have shifted, and the droughts that once came roughly once per decade and were manageable are occurring more frequently. As a result, pastoralists’ seasonal migration patterns have shifted, in some cases resulting in conflicts between groups. In addition, unsustainable harvesting of timber resources for charcoal has contributed to a loss of biodiversity and an increase in land erosion, and increasing temperatures are making both settled agriculture and pastoralism more precarious.
The interaction of these factors has contributed to instability in the country, as hundreds of thousands of Somalis have been internally displaced by conflict, drought, and other factors. In addition, these processes undermine food security, as the country currently relies on aid and imports to fulfill approximately half of its food requirements, and remains trapped in an unvirtuous cycle where disasters undermine long-term plans for peaceful and sustainable economic and social growth.
Racing toward a solution
The Federal Government of Somalia and its constituent states have recognized that the stability of their country depends on developing comprehensive solutions to these problems, which combine climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, socio- economic development, and conflict resolution.
To help address these issues, UNDP is supporting Somalia in the formulation of its first National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for climate change adaptation. The NAP will provide a blueprint to guide Somalia in implementing a comprehensive approach to climate change adaption. To make it simple, it’s the picture on the top of box for the thousand-piece puzzle.
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One major thrust of this blueprint is to incorporate climate change considerations into emerging institutions and structures of governance and planning. This presents unique opportunities not only for innovative approaches to mainstreaming climate change into governance, but also for designing a national framework for climate change adaptation that outlines clear roles for the national, state, and district authorities in a way that reinforces the new federal system and contributes to national reconciliation.
In addition to guiding the mainstreaming and acceleration of this improved climate governance, the NAP will also help build capacities and put in place the enabling conditions so that government, non-government, and private-sector stakeholders can effectively work together to identify priority adaptation actions to address the most urgent vulnerabilities, and formulate innovative blends of financing to support these projects.
Taken from a 50,000-foot perspective, this policy support will provide the backbone for the country to make good on its Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement, fuel low-carbon, climate-resilient development, and solidify the bedrocks of peace and prosperity for generations to come.
Bios
Keith Bettinger is a Country Support Consultant for the UNDP National Adaptation Plan Global Support Program (NAP-GSP), specialising in climate change adaptation, resource management and governance issues. Keith earned his doctorate in Geography from the University of Hawaii.
Umberto Labate is a climate change adaptation Programme Specialist and Manager on a number of UNDP programmes, including the NAP-GSP and the Integrating Agriculture in National Adaptation Plans (NAP-Ag). Umberto studied in Denmark, earning an MPA from Roskilde University as well attending Copenhagen Business School. http://www.adaptation-undp.org/bedrocks-peace-and-prosperity
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Somali, Somali Bantu Communities Reel From Double Tragedies
Wednesday June 13, 2018
A fire at a housing complex in Burlington late Saturday morning and a fatal car crash about two hours later have shocked the local Somali and Somali Bantu communities.
The tragedies, both involving refugees from the African nation and occurring just blocks away from each other, took place less than a week before the Islamic holiday of Eid, which Muslims celebrate to mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Lul Ali Gure, 29, was killed in a car crash around 1 p.m. Saturday near the Burlington-South Burlington line. She was the passenger in a car driven by Sadio M. Ali, also 29.
The two women were driving eastbound on Home Avenue and hit a vehicle that was traveling southbound on Shelburne Road, according to police. Ali's car continued on Farrell Street before it jumped a curb, struck a tree and overturned in the Shaw's supermarket parking lot. Gure was ejected from the car and died at the scene, South Burlington police said in a press release.
"We have had a crash reconstruction team called in to assist with determining the mechanism of the crash," South Burlington police chief Trevor Whipple wrote in an email. "I suspect that there will not be an outcome to this investigation for some time."
Gure's husband, Said Elmi, is pleading with Vermont's congressional delegates to help bring his mother from a refugee camp in Uganda to care for his seven kids.
"We're in so much pain," Elmi, 34, said in Somali. The couple's children range in age from 1 to 12; his wife was still breastfeeding the youngest.
Elmi, who works at Peerless Clothing in St. Albans, said he doesn't have any close relatives in Vermont. Natives of Somalia, he and his family were resettled from a refugee camp in
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Kenya in early December 2016, about two months before President Donald Trump signed an executive order that closed the U.S. to refugees and nationals of seven predominantly Muslim countries, including Somalia.
Since the crash, Elmi said his younger children have been asking for their mother. If their grandmother were in the U.S., she'd be able to take care of the kids while he works, Elmi said. His wife's mother remains in a refugee camp in Kenya.
"Someone has to stay with the kids," said Abdirashid Hussein, a staffer at the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program and owner of Brixton Halaal market in Burlington's Old North End, where a handful of men gathered on Monday afternoon to discuss Gure's funeral arrangements, scheduled for the next morning.
"He can't even explain what death is [to his kids]," Hussein added.
"If he's stuck in the house, I don't think he's going to be OK," said Noor Duale, who knew Gure. "I think we need to save him."
"He'll need spiritual, community and financial support," said Hussein.
Two hours before the crash, and about two-tenths of a mile away, a fire broke out in the South Meadow Apartments in Burlington. The blaze damaged about eight units in the Champlain Housing Trust-owned complex, displacing 30 people.
Among those displaced were Aden Haji's Somali Bantu family. The University of Vermont student said his mother, Asha Abdille, was injured when she and his 16-year-old brother jumped off of their three-bedroom apartment's balcony as the fire spread and they couldn't exit through the main door.
"She hurt her back," said Haji, "[but] she's recovering." He said his mother fractured a bone in her back and is on medication. He was on campus when the fire broke out, though his mother mistakenly thought that he was trapped in the apartment.
Haji, 23, said he's been told that the bedrooms and kitchen were severely damaged. The family has received assistance from several people, including some associated with the Janet S. Munt Family Room parent-child center and with AmeriCorps. Both Haji and his mother are
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AmeriCorps volunteers; he with the Vermont Folklife Center and she with the Family Room. Friends also started a donation page for the family.
Haji and his parents, two siblings and uncle were the first Somali Bantu refugees to resettle in Vermont, on July 23, 2003.
Both Gure and Ali had gone to the complex to check up on Haji's family, several community members said. Shared background had something to do with it: The Somali and Somali Bantu are ethnic groups from Somalia. According to Haji, his mother knew the Somali women involved in the car accident: "They knew each other from the Family Room," he said.
Champlain Housing Trust spokesman Chris Donnelly said Monday that the agency is still awaiting a report from the fire department. "We're not sure of the cause or even the extent of the damage," he said.
Most of the affected tenants are currently being put up at the TownePlace Suites in Williston, said Donnelly. "We're looking for openings right now in the rest of our portfolio to house people quickly," he said.
Despite the family's material loss, Haji said it was a "miracle" that his family survived the fire. "We have all of our family together," Haji said. https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2018/Jun/158577/somali_somali_bantu_communities_r eel_from_double_tragedies.aspx
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Former State Minister Of Finance Warns Government Against Printing New Currency
On Jun 13, 2018 - A member of the parliament and a former state minister of finance has warned the government against printing new currency. MP Abdullahi Mohamed Nur, who is also the Secretary of the Parliament Committee on Budget & Finance, said there were many challenges that need to be addressed by the government before it embarks on printing the new currency. The challenges include securing the huge funds needed to finance printing and keeping the value of the new currency, political stability and a reaching a consensus with the regional states, improving security conditions, setting mechanisms for tackling corruption among other challenges, he cited.
He called for the government to put in place and implement all the pre-required conditions rather than embark on such huge task for political propaganda and ignoring all the potential economic risks involving in the process. His remarks came after the Somali government this week released the design of new banknotes to be printed this year.
He also cited Al-Shabaab as another main challenge to printing the new currency as it will threaten business people for using the new currency. He, thus, called for the defeat of Al- Shabaab and addressing the issue of Somaliland before the new currency is printed. He also pictured a grim picture of the central bank and said it doesn’t have the capacity to manage such a task for the time being. https://www.radiodalsan.com/en/2018/06/13/a-former-state-minister-of-finance-warns- government-against-printing-new-currency/
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Djibouti's international investment projects spark economic boom
13-06-2018 11:28:44 | by: Bob Koigi | On 22 February, the Republic of Djibouti terminated the DCT (Doraleh Container Terminal) concession, in which DP World is a shareholder and operator.
This decision was taken after numerous unsuccessful attempts to get DP World to renegotiate a contract that was clearly contrary to the fundamental interests of the nation.
This termination is a sovereign decision, part of a legal procedure, and executed at the end of a transparent process. It was instigated by an unfair and unbalanced contract, the clauses of which imposed unacceptable limits on Djibouti's development policy.
The decision is linked to an exceptional and aberrant situation that by no means calls into question the strength or credibility of the signature of the Republic of Djibouti.
The decree terminating the concession, as well as the law governing it, provide for a compensation procedure in accordance with commonly accepted international rules and practices.
This compensation procedure will continue, despite the obvious unwillingness of the former partner. Djibouti hopes to reach a rapid and equitable solution that is in accordance with the law.
The termination of the contract has in no way stopped port operators from expressing their confidence and interest in the new public structure that has taken over its management – SGTD (Doraleh Container Terminal Management Company).
Singaporean ship-owner PIL signed an agreement in March to triple transshipment traffic handled by the terminal. Numerous discussions are underway with other major players in the sector. The port’s productivity has undergone a marked increased since its operation was placed in the hands of its Djiboutian managers.
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Djibouti's scope and ambition goes way beyond the success of Doraleh port. Major investments are ongoing and the amounts committed attest to the confidence of international partners: the Djibouti-Addis-Ababa railway line, Tadjourah mineral port, Goubet port, Doraleh multipurpose port, the start of construction work on the new Djibouti mega free zone in Khor Ambado and the launch of the Damerjog industrial development free zone, etc.
One of the more recent agreements is for an ambitious energy sector project. The first phase provides for the commissioning of a gas pipeline between Ethiopia’s Ogaden Basin natural gas fields and the coast of Djibouti.
The second phase concerns the construction and operation of a natural gas liquefaction plant and a gas terminal in the Damerjog area, all privately financed by the mega project’s developer, China’s POLY-GCL Petroleum Group Holdings Limited, to the tune of US$4 billion.
These major projects are being undertaken within a particularly attractive macroeconomic and regulatory framework. Economic growth is expected to remain at high levels – around 7% for 2018 and 2019 – making Djibouti one of Africa's top ten economies in terms of growth. The Djiboutian Franc is a stable currency, pegged to the US dollar, freely convertible (without restriction) and its exchange rate has remained unchanged since 1973.
The sustainability of these investments is buoyed by the Republic of Djibouti’s ambition and by excellent medium- and long-term prospects, since Djibouti is strategically located at the crossroads of one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, linking Europe, the Far East, the Horn of Africa and the Persian Gulf. \
Quite naturally, Djibouti positions itself as the main gateway to East Africa, and particularly Ethiopia, an emerging nation of 100 million people and the Republic of Djibouti’s leading strategic partner.
While maintaining very close relations with its other traditional partners, Djibouti is linked to China’s big New Silk Road development strategy. In reality, Djibouti is the entry point to a formidable logistics corridor designed to serve an emerging African continent.
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Djibouti’s investment ambitions are being rolled out in a context of optimal security. Its solid institutions guarantee stability and visibility in an often difficult regional context. It is a welcoming land where dialogue is key.
The country’s respect for its international commitments since its independence has made it a reliable and respected player in the concert of nations.
Djibouti is an essential partner for peace, and a stalwart in the fight against terrorism and piracy, hosting on its territory American, Chinese, French, Japanese, European (Operation Atalanta) and Saudi military bases. Thus Djibouti ensures the de facto safety of the world's main shipping route through which 70% of international traffic passes. www.presidence.dj https://africabusinesscommunities.com/news/djiboutis-international-investment-projects- spark-economic-boom/
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Somaliland fishermen out of work after cyclone Sagar destroyed boats and cold stores
Wednesday June 13, 2018 - Around 3,500 fishermen in Somaliland have been put out of a living by the tropical cyclone Sagar that struck northern parts of Somalia on 18 May.
Fishermen in Lughaya, Berbera, Sayla, Laas-qoray and El-Sheikh are struggling to feed their families after losing equipment and the damage of infrastructure.
Ali Hussein Nur, director of Somaliland’s ministry of pastoralism and fishing, said four large fish cold storage facilities in Lughaya had been destroyed in the storms.
The deputy chairman of the fishermen association in Lughaya, Awil Hussein, said their 1,500 members had seen their income slashed.
Feysal Ali Sheikh, director of Somaliland’s disaster preparedness and food storage agency, said 53 fishermen who were out at sea when the storm came had made narrow escapes. Their boats were destroyed whilst the men were saved by the coast guards.
Feysal said the government had issued warnings to stay away from the ocean two days prior to the cyclone. However, the fishermen continued to go out to fish. Feysal said he asked the regional administration to send out the coast guard to save fishermen stranded some 200 metres off shore as the storm increased.
Mohamud Farah Ali, a fisherman in Las-qoray, Sanag region, and a father of five, normally earns $6 a day from fishing. His family is currently buying food on credit from the stores.
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Mohamud and two others were saved off Lasqoray coast. He told Radio Ergo they were powerless to navigate their way back to the shore due to the high winds. After two hours in the rain and storm, the coast guard came to their rescue.
Some families dependent on fishing are now relying on aid handouts from Somaliland and Djibouti, as well as from UN agencies including UNICEF and WFP.
Hussein Ibrahim Rayaale lost his house in the storm and is sheltering with his four children under plastic sheeting given out by UNICEF. He said they lost all their belongings.
Awil Hussein, deputy chairman of the fishermen’s association in Lughaya, told Radio Ergo they have not calculated the losses caused by the cyclone. They are working to rebuild the fish storage facilities. https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2018/Jun/158585/somaliland_fishermen_out_of_work_ after_cyclone_sagar_destroyed_boats_and_cold_stores.aspx
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