July 30, 2015 | Daily Monitoring Report
Full Speech: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Opening Remarks HLPF Forum
30 July – Source: Somali Update – 1, 877 Words
Presidents of Regional Administrations, Mr Nicholas Kay, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Somalia, Excellences, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of the Federal Government of Somalia, it is my great pleasure to welcome you today to Mogadishu for the High Level Partnership Forum. I acknowledge the United Nations in their role as Co-Chair and offer my appreciation for their continued commitment to Somalia. I am pleased that Somalia is present here as one delegation, with representation from the Interim Regional Administrations. I am saddened that Somaliland has decided not to join us, but the Federal Government will continue to make sure they benefit from the Somali Compact.
In 2013, on the endorsement of the Somali Compact, the Federal Government, Parliament, regions and people of Somalia, and international partners established a partnership – a partnership based on common goals and shared effort in achieving those goals. We shared then, and continue to share now a deep desire to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for Somalia. This is of course, what is at the heart of the New Deal Compact: a commitment to a new way of ‘doing development’. We deliberately signed up to a process that was meant to be a paradigm shift away from ‘business as usual’ of the past. At the heart of the New Deal Compact is a set of principles: Somali leadership and ownership, nationally determined and Government-aligned priorities delivered in partnership with Somali institutions, and in line with the national budget cycle, channelled through preferred instruments of the Government.
Development in Somalia is supposed to support the capacity development of Somali institutions: Government institutions in particular. What is delivered should be coordinated so that it doesn’t double up. It must be provided transparently and in time. Importantly, it should do no harm. You can see some of the principles reflected around you today. We all agreed in Brussels, in 2013, that these principles – the Partnership Principles- would govern our relationship. Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, six months ago in Copenhagen, my Government made several concrete, public promises. In short, we promised to get our political act together. We delivered on these for the good of Somalia.
Over the past several months, Somalia has realised several incredible goals: 3 interim regional administrations have been peacefully formed- the Interim Jubba Administration, Interim South West Administration and the Interim Galmudug Administration. The Boundaries and Federation Commission and the National Independent Election Commission have been established, the review of the Constitution is underway, an action plan and guiding principles for the electoral process for 2016 will be tabled today, and troop integration has begun in Kismayo with more than 2500 troops enrolled.
To read transcript of the President’s full speech, click here.
Key Headlines
- Full Speech: Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Opening Remarks HLPF Forum (Somali Update)
- As Government Dismisses 2016 Popular Elections UN Rules Out Somali Leaders’ Possible Term Extension (Hiiraan Online)
- Puntland Bars Media From Covering Ex-president’s Hero Welcome Home (Garowe Online)
- Heritage Institute Says They Have Foreseen Failure Of 2016 Election (Goobjoog News)
- Jubbaland In Operation To Liberate Buaale And Hagar (Wacaal Media)
- Mogadishu: IDPs Trying To Get Alternative Sources Of Income (Radio Ergo)
- Somalia Offers Apology Seeks China’s Help (China Daily)
- Plan To Build Wall On Somali Border On course Insists CS (Media Max)
- Crisis in Europe: Ismail’s Journey To Italy (Save The Children)
NATIONAL MEDIA
As Govt Dismisses 2016 Popular Elections, UN Rules Out Somali Leaders’ Possible Term Extension
30 July – Source: Hiiraan Online – 344 Words
Days after Somalia’s government and parliament have jointly declared the country would not be able to hold popular elections in 2016, the United Nations envoy to Somalia has dismissed potential term extension for the country’s leaders as unacceptable. Speaking at the first-ever Ministerial High-Level Partnership Forum (HLPF) held in Mogadishu on Wednesday, Nicholas Kay referred a United Nations resolution that reiterated delivering Somalia’s Vision 2016 plan, without any extension of the term of the Federal Parliament or President in August and September 2016 respectively. Mr. Kay has however concurred with the Somali government on the unfeasibility of one man one vote election scenario for the country at the end of 2016. “Any term extension beyond the designated mandate will be unacceptable,” he said. The UN envoy’s remarks echoed concerns by Somalia’s opposition parties who expressed worries of possible term extension by the president, whom they accused of power grab and failure of genuine political outreach, and consultations.
Nevertheless, in an interview with the BBC Somali service, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dismissed the likelihood of term extension by him and emphasize his government’s stance that the country would not be able to hold one man one vote elections in 2016. With the hope of timely election in Somalia, Mr. Kay who was briefing members of the Security Council in May said that the United Nations would deploy an Electoral Assessment Mission to advise and determine, in close collaboration with stakeholders, the nature and extent of UN electoral support in Somalia. Despite the fact that the one man one vote election would not take place in Somalia, concerns about political instability are growing amid suspicions that Somalia’s president seeks one year term extension. “The implementation process of Vision 2016 has become a monopoly and a tool for power grabbing and an illegal extension by the President. As such, the process has lost the trust of the political stakeholders and the Somali public.” said a statement from the Forum for Unity and Democracy, an opposition party based in Mogadishu.
Puntland Bars Media From Covering Ex-president’s Hero Welcome Home
30 July – Source: Garowe Online – 270 Words
In an unprecedented move, the semiautonomous northern Somali region of Puntland banned the state-run television from covering the return of the former president Abdirahman Farole whose visit has drawn thousands of cheering supporters who filled the streets of the region’s capital Garowe on Wednesday. Mr. Farole who was credited for the region’s overall growth has landed at Garowe airport as thousands of people carrying his portraits lined up along the city’s main streets to welcome the former leader who waved at them from his motorcade window which slowly drove through the city’s streets. Sources at the Puntland TV told Garowe Online that the information minister has directed them not to cover the Mr. Abdirahman Farole’s return which is significant for many in the region.
The former Puntland president is often credited for turning the region from an average region to a regional power that played a prominent role in the international arena. Upon his arrival in Puntland, Mr. Farole was received by top Puntland officials including parliament speaker Saeed Hassan Shire, ministers, legislators, ministries directors and army chiefs. During his reign, Mr. Abdirahman Farole has granted his rival election candidates, including the current president Abdiweli Gaas and all parties equal access to the national television and radio. The national television has also regularly covered his presidential campaigns across the region. Critics often point out political shortcomings by the Puntland government led by president Abdiweli Gaas which they said led the region to lose its political clout in negotiations with Somali government and donor countries, an accusation often dismissed by government.
Heritage Institute Says They Have Foreseen Failure In 2016
30 July – Source: Goobjoog News – 185 Words
The Somalia’s reputable policy think-tank, Heritage Institute, said it was not surprised by the decision by Somali Federal Government and Parliament not to hold universal vote in 2016. Abdirishid Hashi , Heritage Director spoke to Goobjoog News about his take on the latest development on the political scene, saying the outcome has been in the making for a quite a long time. He said that the original decision to announce one man one vote in 2016 was sensational. “We went to some parts of the country, we conducted surveys and interviewed the public, people said they wanted them to be the decision maker, we believe that those gathering in Halane base do not represent the will of the people, but because the decision is in their hands, their decision could be valid provided they keep the best interest of the country in heart” said Abdirashid. He suggested that since universal vote couldn’t be held, the general opinion should be sought as much as possible. He also warned against the manipulation of the current leadership of the transition system, and that the role of traditional elders should not be denied.
Jubbaland In Operation To Liberate Buaale And Hagar
30 July – Source: Wacaal Media – 136 Words
The Interim Administration of Jubbaland is currently in heightened military activity in Lower Jubba’s Dhoobley and Af-madoow districts with reports indicating that the state is to launch an offensive to liberate two key towns from Al-Shabaab militants. A senior Jubbaland military official Mohamud Khaalib told local media that they will not rest until Buaale and Hagar towns were brought under government control. Buaale is the official headquarters of IJA as per the state’s constitution. Sources say forces recently trained in Af-madoow and Dhooble who were heavily armed have been dispatched to the areas under the auspices of Jubbaland. The two areas are the remaining key towns under militant rule. Al-Shabaab has been under pressure the past few weeks from the combined forces of AMISOM and the federal government who dislodged them from several key areas including Baardheere and Diinsor.
Mogadishu: IDPs Trying To Get Alternative Sources Of Income
29 July – Source: Radio Ergo – 391 Words
The inconsistent of aid are pushing displaced women in Mogadishu to get out of their camps and take small jobs to feed their children. Some of them are creating their own small business in order to find alternative source of livelihoods other than food aid. Nurto Mohamed, a widow and mother of four, is among more than 2,000 displaced people living at the Sayidka camp near the parliamentary building. Every morning, she leaves her makeshift house to go and look for menial jobs in the neighborhood such as helping middle families wash their clothes at a fee. On a good day, she makes 40,000 to 50,000 Somali shillings, roughly less than $3 dollar, which is not even enough two meals a day for her family.
“It is not enough, but it is better than waiting for a food aid you are not sure when it will be received,” Mohamed told Radio Ergo. Another displaced mother Raliyo Aweys Ahmed has been a professional basket and mat weaver before she fled from her hometown of Bardale due to conflict and poverty. But she now makes and sells snacks such as samosas, pan cakes and other soft foods in Mogadishu’s streets because her traditional skills have no use in the capital. “I have three children and I make around 50,000 to 60,000 Somali shillings per day,” Raaliyo who seems to be in content with her life said.
The food aid has been inconsistent in Mogadishu for a while, thus encouraging IDPs to seek alternative sources of income in order to meet their daily bread. However, Somalia’s National Women Association said the only way to end IDPs’ dependence on food aid is to train them skills and help those who have skills get jobs in the city. The organization is now registering IDPs that live in and around the capital ahead of a job creation project for IDPs that will be implemented by the end of the year. “We are carrying out a census of all IDPs and after we finish will be training them for skills and help them get jobs that will make them self sufficient instead of relying on food aid by the end 2016,” said Amina Hassan Adan, the organization’s officer for IDPs and the disabled people.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Somalia Offers Apology, Seeks China’s Help
30 July – Source: China Daily – 290 Words
While expressing their apologies after a recent terrorist attack in Somali capital Mogadishu, which killed one Chinese embassy’s security staff, Somali officials said they believe this incident will not affect China’s relationship with Somali, and the rooting-out of terrorism in Somali needs the collaboration of international community, including China, who has long and sincere relationship with the terrorism-stricken country.
The officials made the comment at Aden Adde International Airport on Wednesday in Mogadishu while bidding farewell to the Chinese security official killed in the explosion on July 26. The attack also claimed lives of 14 other people. They said the body of the victim will be transported on Wednesday afternoon to Kenya capital Nairobi, from where it will be sent back to China.
The incident happened when an attacker drove a car rigged with bombs into the building of Jazeera Palace Hotel, where the Chinese embassy is based, setting off an explosion. Another three embassy staff members were injured.”This was very sad and I offer my deepest condolence to the People’s Republic of China and to the family and friends of the victims. We are deeply concerned what with what has happened and were worried about the Chinese staff when the incident took place,” said Mohammed Awil, former ambassador to China.
Plan To Build Wall On Somalia Border On course, Insists CS
30 July – Source: Media Max – 208 Words
Interior Cabinet secretary Joseph Nkaissery has maintained that the government will not rescind its plan to build a wall between Kenya and Somalia border in a bid to keep off al Shabaab militants who have been attacking Kenya. He said should the wall affect diplomatic relations between the two countries, the government would consider bringing down part of the wall, once peace is restored in Somalia. “The wall will remain in place as long as there is instability in Somalia but once peace is restored, we will consider, in consultation with the Somali government to bring the wall down,” he said. The wall would also help check the flow of contraband goods to Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps estimated at Sh1 billion. “We have to control who comes in to Kenya. We all know that terrorists are into conventional therefore we need to channel them to particular entry points so that we can see and vet them. By putting up this barrier, I think we’ll secure the country,” said the CS. Nkaissery, however, disclosed that the National Security Council (NSC) was yet to determine what type of wall would be constructed or its location along the border.
OPINION, ANALYSIS, AND CULTURE
“In Addis Ababa [Ethiopia], I was approached by traffickers who offered to take me to Tripoli [Libya]…we left by car…and reached the outskirts of Khartoum [Sudan] and from there we crossed the river by foot. Reaching the city of Khartoum was tough. This trip took me 15 days and during this time I only ate biscuits and mango juice.”
Crisis in Europe: Ismail’s Journey To Italy
30 July – Source : Save The Children – 657 Words
You’re on a boat in the middle of the vast Mediterranean Sea. You’re surrounded by people you’ve never met before. And you have no idea whether you’ll survive the journey to your destination. Welcome to Europe’s escalating migrant crisis.
Every day, hundreds of people are fleeing danger and conflict in places such as Nigeria, Somalia and Syria and making a perilous journey across the Mediterranean and Andaman seas in the hope of finding safety in Europe.Many of those making this journey are children with nobody to look after them – they are at the mercy of the people smugglers who are profiting from the crisis. Ismail* doesn’t know his birthday. He only knows he was born sometime in 1999. He’s no older than 16 but has seen more than most people see in a lifetime. Ismail has been on a journey that no child should ever have to endure – but it’s a journey that has become a daily reality for too many kids.
Top tweets
@UNSomalia Day 2 #HLPF2015 #Somalia is about to start. Today’s discussion: accelerated delivery, financial governance, key priorities under PSGs
@Aynte Minutes before we enter z High Level Partnership Forum on the 2nd day. W/DPM & other colleagues. #Somalia #HLPF2015
@TheVillaSomalia IMF Mission chief: Revenue performance has improved in #Somalia—they have almost doubled what they began with in 2013
@Payitforward87 This Somali man is changing the world of remittances. http://www.bbc.
@SomaliaNewsroom Interesting @HarunMaruf interview with @TheVillaSomalia on #Somalia’s options for elections in 2016 http://m.voanews.com/a/
@theodolan Wow – 97% mobile penetration in #Somalia – lots of potential to tap for constitution-based dialogue
@radiogarowe #Somalia: Thousands cheer former #Puntland President http://bit.ly/1SME83F
Image of the day
Delegates from 30 countries gather for the second day of the High Level Partnership Forum in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Photo: UN/Tobin Jones