January 29, 2012 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Shabelle Media director assassinated in Somali capital Mogadishu

28 Jan – Source: Shabelle, Bar-kulan, Hiiraan Online – 86 words

Unidentified masked gunmen have assassinated the director of the independent Shabelle Media director Hassan Osman Abdi (Fantastic) this evening at his home in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district.

Reports say that two men with pistols shot dead director Hassan Osman Abdi several times in the head on Saturday evening as he was entering his house located in the Nasteha village in Wadajir district in Mogadishu.

Key Headlines

President Sharif vigorously condemns and expresses grief and sorrow over the senseless murder of the prominent journalist Hassan (Fantastic) (TFG)
AMISOM offers condolence following the killing of the local Somali journalist (Source: AMISOM Force HQ)
Grenade attack at UNDP compound in Mogadishu (Garowe Online)
PM reshuffles cabinet and also departs for Italy (Radio Mogadishu)
Ethiopian troops to leave Somalia ‘as soon as feasible’: PM (AFP)
President Sharif jets out of the country to Addis Ababa (Radio Bar-Kulan)
Somali pirates to demand eight million dollar ransom for US hostage (Somalia Report)
Al Shabaab militants abduct five teenagers in southern Somalia (Radio Shabelle)
One hundred armed al Shabaab fighters surrendered to TFG (Radio RBC)

PRESS RELEASE

Communique of the 20th extra-ordinary session of the IGAD Assembly of heads of state and government on the situation in Somalia,the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan,IGAD minimum integration plan and piracy off the coast of Somalia

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA, JANUARY 27, 2012

The IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government held its 20th Extra-Ordinary Summit Meeting in Addis Ababa on 27th January 2012 under the Chairmanship of H.E. Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the IGAD Assembly.

The Assembly was attended by H.E. Ismael Omar Guelleh, President of the Republic of Djibouti; H.E. Mwai Kibaki, President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, President of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia; H.E. Omar Hassan El Bashir, President of the Republic of the Sudan; H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, the Honourable Henry Okello Oryem Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (International Affairs) and Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda; and H.E. Eng. Mahboub Maalim, IGAD Executive Secretary.

The Assembly also received briefings from H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chair of the IGAD Council of Ministers, on the deliberations of the 42nd Extra-Ordinary Session of the IGAD Council of Ministers which convened on 26th January 2012.

After discussing and exchanging views on the briefs and reports,

The Summit:

On the IGAD Minimum Integration Plan:

Recalled its directives to the Secretariat during its 12th Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa on June 14, 2008 to undertake an inventory of achievements made in regional integration and to make recommendations, underscored the imperative to move IGAD a notch higher through accelerated efforts towards effective integration; and

1. Welcomes and adopts the Report on the IGAD Minimum Integration (MIP); commends the IGAD Secretariat for its efforts towards the establishment a Free Trade Area, and urges its timely finalization;

2. Calls for the fast-tracking of the MIP and the development of a mechanism in line with the Road Map as adopted by the Council; and stresses the need to give emphasis to infrastructural development as a basis for integration; and directed the Executive Secretary to report on progress at the next Summit.

On Somalia:

Having taken note of the Report on the progress made by the Ministers of Defence and Chiefs of Defence Staff on the Strategic Concept on the future AMISOM operations in Somalia, and the proposed Stabilization Strategy for South and Central Somalia, as well as the brief on the threats of piracy in the sub-region;

Having also taken note of the gains made by TFG, AMISOM and Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), and the logistical and military support extended by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the TFG, underscored the need to seize the unprecedented opportunity provided by the current and ongoing gains to consolidate security and political control of Somalia in line with the Kampala Accord and the Road Map.

In view of these, the Summit:

3. Pays tribute to TFG forces, AMISOM Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) for their continued sacrifices in pursuit of peace and security in Somalia; and commends the military gains made by the various forces towards defeating Al Shabaab and other extremist elements;

4. Notes with appreciation the support by the Ethiopian National Defense Force in response to the appeals by the TFG and IGAD and urges all parties on the ground to effectively coordinate their activities;

5. Adopts the Report of the IGAD Chiefs of Defense Staff on the military situation in Somalia; and Commends the Chiefs of Defense Staff as well as the Ministers of Defense for their notable contribution in this regard;

6. Welcomes the positive consideration by Kenya to join AMISOM and the Djibouti deployment of its initial contingent into Somalia; Further calls on the African Union to continue urging other African countries to contribute to the AMISOM expeditiously; Furthermore, Calls on the African Union to engage with the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA) to expedite works on the La Marina Logistics Centre in Mogadishu to enable the Djibouti Contingent to commence operations immediately;7. Welcomes the renewed international momentum on Somalia as demonstrated in the deliberations of the UNSC session of 11th January 2012, and calls on the UNSC to expeditiously review and enhance the mandate of AMISOM in line with the Strategic Concept; Further, Summit mandates the Chair to engage African Members of the UNSC and IGAD Country Permanent Representatives to the United Nations to engages with the Council to ensure a resolution that guarantees the appropriate troops levels, and adequate resources and logistical support, to turn Somalia around;

8. Endorses the Grand Stabilization Strategy for South and Central Somalia presented by the IGAD Facilitator for Somalia Peace and National Reconciliation aimed at an inclusive process to determine political and administrative arrangements in the liberated areas at the district and regional levels, while building on existing structures; as well as urge humanitarian agencies to encourage voluntary repatriation of refugees to the liberated areas of Somalia;

9. Reaffirms the commitment and determination of IGAD Member States to continue supporting the TFG in its effort to stabilize the country and reiterates its previous commitment to link the military gains to existing political processes in Somalia;

10. Notes with concern the controversies among a section of MPs in Somalia, Recalls the decisions of the 19th Extra-Ordinary summit of 25th November 2011, which called on the need to focus attention on spoilers, particularly leaders that do not follow institutional procedures and in this regard, reiterates its previous position on the status of the Parliament and calls upon the TFIs to respect the principle of separation of power and mutual respect for orderly transition as guided by the benchmarks in the Kampala Accord, the roadmap and the Garowe Principles;

11. Urges the TFG leadership to take advantage of the expanded security to various districts to enhance national reconciliation, consolidate political and administrative control in the newly liberated areas, promote inclusive political participation in line with the Djibouti Peace Process, Kampala Accord and the Road Map; further calls on the TFG to act fast to implement quick impact projects to motivate the people of Somalia to support peace and security efforts.

12. Expresses appreciation to partner countries and organizations that are currently providing financial, material and technical assistance to the TFG; and reiterates its previous calls to the international community to increase both technical and financial support to the TFG as well as funding for programmes targeting that enhance the capacities of the TFIs across Somalia; further appreciates support provided to all other IGAD led programs in the region;

13. Recalls its previous decision to the international community to double efforts to create and bolster the Somali Security forces; further calls for the facilitation of this, through among other things, the lifting of the arms embargo;

On terrorism and Piracy off the coast of Somalia, the Summit:

14. Recognizes the efforts and achievements in countering terrorism in the region, but also takes note of the continuing threat of terrorism and its growing link with piracy, endorses the IGAD Somalia Inland Strategy and Action Plan to Prevent and Counter Piracy and further directs the Secretariat to work according to the Principles of the Djibouti Code of Conduct to prepare a background paper to guide preparations to the London Conference;

15. Welcomes UN Resolution 2023(2011) on additional sanctions against Eritrea for its continued destabilization activities in the region and calls for the expeditious implementation of the enhanced sanctions; Further welcomes the Communiqué of the 309th Session of the PSC, which underscores the need for the full implementation of these and other relevant resolutions and calls on African Members States to take adequate measures to fully implement the provisions of these resolutions. The Summit also Condemns the terrorist attacks, killing and kidnapping of tourists in Northern Ethiopia that have been linked to the state of Eritrea and further reiterates its previous position to condemn the acts of the Eritrean Government for continuously providing support to armed opposition groups including Al Shabaab;

On the Sudan, the summit:

16. Notes with concern the deteriorating relations between the Republic of the Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan and strongly urges the parties to refrain from unilateral actions that affect joint efforts to implement the outstanding issues of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and post-referendum arrangements;

17. Takes note of the brief by the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan and requests the African Union High Level Panel (AUHIP) to file its Reports on the implementation of the outstanding issues of the CPA and post-referendum arrangements to the AU Assembly;

18. Welcomes the willingness of the two parties to agree to continue negotiations on the AUHIP proposed agreement and resolve the current crisis and all outstanding issues;

19. Commends the Government of Ethiopia for its role in deploying the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei and the role of UNISFA in stabilizing the situation in Abyei, and calls upon the parties to implement all remaining commitments in the 20 June agreement on Abyei.

20. Commends the tireless efforts of the AUHIP and urges the need for the development of a timeframe to guide the completion of the tasks assigned;

21. Appreciates the IGAD member countries that are supporting the Government of South Sudan in the areas of capacity building; and calls for increased support;

22. Directs the Executive Secretary to transmit the contents of this communiqué to the AU Assembly;

23. Expresses its appreciation to the Government and the people of Ethiopia for hosting this Extra-ordinary Summit;

24. Decides to remain seized of political and security issues in the Region.

President Sharif vigorously condemns and expresses grief and sorrow over the senseless murder of the prominent journalist Hassan (Fantastic)

29 Jan – Source: TFG – 198 words

The President of the Republic of Somalia H. E Sharif Sh. Ahmed vigorously condemns and expresses grief and sorrow over the senseless murder of the prominent journalist Hassan Osman Abdi (Fantastic). This is a terrible tragedy, both for Hassan’s family and for the journalist community in Somalia. “I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Hassan Osman” said president Sharif.

“I appeal to the public to assist the appropriate authorities investigating this case and to remain vigilant for those who are obstacle to peace and stability in this country; it has long been the strategy of groups like the Al-Shabab to target public figures in our society with the aim of spreading fear and panic. We will not be intimidated or threatened by such odious acts” said president Sharif Sh. Ahmed.

The government will review security procedures and take all necessary measures to protect its citizens, particularly those who work in the interest of the public.

Finally, the president of the Republic of Somalia H. E Sharif Sh. Ahmed prays Almighty Allah to rest Mr. Osman’s soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.

AMISOM offers condolence following the killing of the local Somali journalist

29 Jan- Source: AMISOM Force HQ- 182 words

AMISOM is terribly grieved to hear of the killing of the prominent journalist, Hassan Osman Abdi (Fantastic). AMISOM offers its heartfelt condolences to his family, and all his journalist colleagues.

The Deputy Force Commander, Brig Gen Audace NDUWUMUNSI said this was very unfortunate and requested the TFG to investigate it to the letter. He also sent his condolences to the family.

Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Ankunda, the AMISOM spokesman said “It was a great shock to hear of his death. It is a tragedy for the media community in Somalia and a loss to his audiences, who benefited from his commitment to delivering fair coverage of the news’.

“We strongly condemn the killing of journalists. This is unacceptable action against Somali professionals and the principal of free speech.”“AMISOM has known Hassan Osman Abdi, (Fantastic), the Shabelle radio director, for many years and was often the subject of his probing investigations. We commend his professional approach to journalism and the courage he showed to perform his work.”

AMISOM will offer its assistance to the TFG in investigations and bringing to book the killers.

AMISOM helps quell blaze in Mogadishu market
27 Jan – Source: AMISOM Force HQ – 168 words

On Wednesday evening AU troops helped put out a fire that gutted Mogadishu’s HamarWeyne market. The fire was successfully curbed, preventing it from spreading to surrounding residential and business areas.
Responding to calls for assistance from Somali authorities and traders, AMISOM troops sent two fire fighting trucks and personel to help quell the 6-hour blaze that had started at 19:30 near the fruit section of the market.
To fortify the TFG police and military efforts, twelve infantry fighting vehicles and fifty soldiers were deployed to secured the premises to stop looters taking advantage of the situation.
Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Fred Mugisha, expressed his sympathies to traders who lost their goods during the unfortunate incident. “Though we are grateful that no lives were lost to the fire, AMISOM is saddened by this setback for the traders in Mogadishu,” he said.
Markets and businesses have reopened in Mogadishu following the expulsion of the al Shabaab terror group from the capital last year by the TFG military with the support of AMISOM.

SOMALI MEDIA

AU leaders meet in Addis Ababa on Somalia

29 Jan- Source: Radio Bar-kulan, Kulmiyenews, Radio RBC- 111 words

African Heads of States are today meeting in AU’s newly built headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to discuss several issues including the recent development in Somalia. The leaders, including Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, will discuss the progress on the stabilisation of the anarchic Horn of Africa nation and efforts to redouble the African Union peacekeeping force as well as winding up the transition period. The meeting is expected to issue a communique on the current situation in Somalia.

Shabelle Media director assassinated in Somali capital Mogadishu

28 Jan – Source: Shabelle, Bar-kulan, Hiiraan Online – 86 words

Unidentified masked gunmen have assassinated the director of the independent Shabelle Media director Hassan Osman Abdi (Fantastic) this evening at his home in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district.

One hundred armed al Shabaab fighters surrendered to TFG

29 Jan- Source: Radio RBC, Radio Mogadishu- 85 words

Over hundred well-armed al Shabaab soldiers and their commanding officers just surrendered to the Federal government. Witnesses noted that al Shabaab defectors crossed peacefully at the “the Kaxda checkpoint”. Raxanreeb reporter quoted security officers who want to remain anonymous as saying: “this the biggest defection so far and we hope a lot more will flow”. Deserters brought with them small arms and three armed technical wagons including a Kenyan army vehicle captured by al Shabaab.

President Sharif jets out of the country to Addis Ababa

27 Jan – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 131 words

President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed on Friday travelled to neighbouring Ethiopia where he is set to attend the African heads of States meeting which is schedule to kick off in Addis Ababa next Sunday.

The president is expected to a deliver a speech on the current situation in Somalia and the need to have AU peacekeeping forces in other parts of the country. Reports say president Sharif will first attend IGAD member states meeting in Addis Ababa, ahead of the AU summit.

Somali pirates to demand eight million dollar ransom for US hostage

29 Jan- Source: Somalia Report- 214 words

According to a pirate source close to the kidnappers of American journalist Michael Scott Moore, he was moved on Saturday from Hinlabi village near Cadaado district to Hareeri Farah, 60km from Harardheere. The pirate sources said that the move was a tactic to protect their lives and the hostage. “There are a large number of pirates using more than three Land Cruisers. They have been under pressure from Galmudug state, elders and another pirate from Saleeban clan as well as American forces,” said the pirate.

Grenade attack at UNDP compound in Mogadishu

29 Jan – Source: Garowe Online – 127 words
A group of gunmen attacked a UNDP compound throwing grenades at the headquarters’ walls, Garowe reports. The group of men threw 4 grenades at the UNDP headquarters located near Mogadishu’s Airport and escaped as security at the compound opened fire on the fleeing gunmen.
No one was injured in the blast which took place on Saturday evening.

PM reshuffles cabinet and also departs for Italy

27 Jan- Source: Radio Mogadishu, SONNA- 122 words

The Somali PM has on Friday replaced several state and deputy ministers. The reshuffle comes barely seven months before the end of the current administration paving way for a permanent government. 18 individuals were named to take over the positions of State Ministers and Deputies in a statement that was signed by the president of the Transitional Federal Government H.E Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and delivered to the press by the Somali Prime Minister H.E Abdiweli Mohamed Ali.

TFG says it is securing regions in central Somalia

27 Jan – Source: Mareeg Online – 140 words

Somali government vowed Saturday to secure the overall stability of Beledweyn town, the provincial capital of Hiran region in central Somalia, days after a suicide bomber attacked a government building in the town, killing Ethiopian soldiers. Abdullahi Godah Barre, the Minister of Planning and International Relations of Somali government said at a security meeting held on Friday in Beldweyne town that TFG is planning to root out the remants of al Shabaab fighters and their sympathizers in the town as well as the whole country.

Ethiopian APC bombed in Beledweyne

29 Jan- Source: Somalia Report, Somalimemo, Raxanreeb- 157 words

An Ethiopian armed personnel carrier was struck by an IED near the bridge through Beledweyne on Sunday. Locals in Beledweyne told Somalia Report that the number of Ethiopian casualties is unknown but that Ethiopian forces shot and killed a man suspected of carrying out the attack. Ethiopian military and TFG forces have cordoned off the area and are investigating.

Al Shabaab militants abduct five teenagers in southern Somalia

28 Jan – Source: Radio Shabelle – 127 words
Al Shabaab militants have abducted at least five teenagers, among them footballers, in the town of Afgoye, which is just 30-km south of Mogadishu, witnesses said Saturday. Reports say fighters loyal to al Shabaab stormed houses and villages of Afgoye town overnight, arresting five young boys, whom they blame of spying the UN-backed Somali government.

Funeral held for Shabelle Media Network director killed in Mogadishu

29 Jan – Source: Shabelle – 203 words

Hundreds of tearful mourners, including journalists and members of civil society on Sunday attended a funeral held for Shabelle Media Network director Hassan Osman Abdi known as “Fantastic” in Mogadishu.Hassan Osman Abdi’s family, the top Shabelle Media Network officials and for the Somali journalists’ community have all condemned in their strongest terms against the heinous killing of Mr Abdi.

Mr. Abdi was 30-years-old and was the father of three, two daughters and a son.

Militia kills Puntland MP in Bargal

28 Jan – Source: Garowe Online – 276 words
A group of militiamen opened fire on a car transporting a Puntland member of parliament on Friday, instantly killing the lawmaker, Garowe reports. Bile Mohamed Yusuf was a Puntland MP from Bari region. He was traveling from Puntland’s commercial port city of Bossaso Friday morning en route to Bargal, around 250km east of Bossaso along the Indian Ocean coast. MP Bile was travelling with his son and three other men.

REGIONAL MEDIA

IGAD supports Kenya’s bid to join AMISOM

29 Jan- Source: the Standard- 310 words

IGAD has welcomed Kenya’s request for its defence forces to join AMISOM. In a communique released after a summit attended by Heads of State and Government, IGAD paid tribute to the TFG, AMISON troops and Kenya for their continued sacrifices in pursuit of peace and security in Somali.

“The summit commends the military gains made by various forces towards defeating al Shabaab and other extremist elements,” read the communiquÈ in part.

Kenya Police arrest Muslim cleric with illegal firearms

29 Jan- Source: Daily Nation- 347 words

Police in Kilifi have arrested a Muslim cleric in possession of grenades and firearms.

Mr Aboud Rogo was arrested on Sunday morning in Kikambala by the Anti Terrorism Police officers.

During the raid at his home, the suspect who is out on bond in connection with terrorism activities was found to be in possession of 102 bomb detonators, an AK-47 gun loaded with 27 rounds of ammunition, a ceska pistol loaded with 10 bullets, a revolver and 82 rounds of ammunition.

KDF: Key al Shabaab arms centre seized

28 Jan- Source: Daily Nation- 289 words

A key centre used by al-Shabaab to transport arms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from Kismayu to Kenyan refugee camps through Hosingow was captured this week, military spokesman, Col Cyrus Oguna, said. The capture of Delbio in the central sector would go a long way towards destabilising the terrorist group’s operations near Kenya’s eastern border with Somalia, he said during the Kenya Defence Forces weekly media briefing on Saturday.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Ethiopian troops to leave Somalia ‘as soon as feasible’: PM

28 Jan- Source: AFP- 250 words

Ethiopian Prime Minster Meles Zenawi said Friday he would pull troops out of Somalia “as soon as feasible,” admitting for the first time that forces had crossed into the war-torn neighbouring country.

“The decision has all along been to help the TFG and we will withdraw our troops as soon as feasible,” Meles told reporters in the Ethiopian capital, referring to Somalia’s transitional government.

“We are not going to create a vacuum, we expect the AMISOM troops to be able to fill in the gaps before we withdraw,” he added.

Britain may try and jail Somali pirates

28 Jan- Source: Reuters- 500 words

Britain may put on trial and jail Somali pirates in the United Kingdom if its citizens are attacked at sea, but the government’s priority is to help Somalia boost its inadequate prison capacity, a British minister said on Saturday. Pirates operating from the Somali coast have raked in hundreds of millions of dollars in ransoms from hijacking ships and currently hold up to 10 ships and 200 hostages.

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“The Obama administration has pursued a dual-track policy toward Somalia since 2010. Under this approach, the U.S. supports the weak transitional government while simultaneously engaging local and regional leaders to cultivate peace and stability.”

U.S. policy on Somalia gets mixed reviews

28 Jan- Columbus Dispatch- 435 Words
For decades, Somalia has been plagued by myriad problems — famine, violence, piracy and thousands of refugees — and not everyone agrees on how to solve them.

During a panel discussion yesterday at Ohio State University, centered on U.S. engagement in Somalia, speakers were critical of the current administration’s policy aims.
“The most-important part is the security of the Somali people themselves,” said panelist Jibril Mohamed, CEO and president of the Somali Community Access Network in Columbus.
“There’s no policy of securing the people; it’s the Somali people who suffer the most. It’s the Somali people who are the victims. Somali people are dying in droves from famine and violence. There needs to be a comprehensive policy that takes into account the Somali people’s needs.”
Mohamed helped organize the conference, “Somalia at Crossroads: Foreign Intervention, Humanitarian Crisis and Aspirations for Statehood.”

“Security and diplomacy go hand in hand. Diplomacy is the ultimate weapon for security. The group noted that stabilization of Somalia will contribute to dealing with piracy in the region. As members take practical steps consistent with international law to combat piracy, IOR-RIM could serve as an effective vehicle for sharing information, experience and best practices.”

London Conference On Somalia: Building Momentum “Diplomacy and Security challenges”

29 Jan- Halbeeg Opinion- 1058 Words
The British Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Mr. David Cameron announced on November 24th, 2011 an International Conference on Somalia to combat piracy and lawlessness in the failed Somali state. Whether by coincidence or otherwise, on the same day, the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim- Association for Regional Co-operation (IOR-ARC), issued the Bengaluru Declaration on the conclusion of its 11th meeting. Security and Diplomacy challenges were among the discussion topics highlighted and the following is an excerpt on the menace of piracy off the coast of and Somalia and how it should be tackled:

“Like Hungary and Czechoslovakia during the Soviet era, the Somaliland Army is seeking to suppress the will of the people, but like Communism, the idea of Somaliland is dead. With the emergence of the Awdal State and the Khaatumo State, the winds of unity are blowing in the Northern Somali territories.”

Like Communism, the “Idea” of Somaliland is Dead

28 Jan- Hiiraan Online Opinion- 503 Words

The winds of unity are blowing in the Northern Somali territories. Since the fall of the Siad Barre’s regime, there have been two fighting ideologies in the territory that was known as British Somaliland. The first ideology was the belief in one unified Somali Republic, led by Northern Unionists. The second ideology was the belief in dividing the Somali Republic on early European imperial boundaries, led by the SNM, also known as the Secessionist. The Secessionist strong holds are Hargeisa, Berbera, and Burco, what can be called the SNM triangle.

The western and eastern regions, of what was known as British Somaliland, have decided to join the Somali Republic in the forms of two federal states: The Awdal State and the Khaatumo State. These new federal states, within the Somali Republic, are following international law and policy towards the Somali territories which explicitly dictates that the Somali nation is one and that it must be federated. With the emergence of the Awdal State and the Khaatumo State the idea of two Somali nation-states, the idea of secessionism, is dead. Like Communism, the idea of Somaliland is dead.

“It is not being widely discussed, but there is another underlying reason behind Turkish involvement in Somalia: to curb Iran’s meddling in the affairs of Somalia and its immediate neighborhood. All efforts expended by Turkey will undoubtedly bring good fortune in terms of political capital, which Ankara intends to spend on countering Iranian influence in the Horn of Africa — a place Iran feels is perfect to act as a fallback position when the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria falls to democratic opposition mostly consisting of Sunnis.’

Turkey challenges Iran in Somalia

27 Jan- Source: – 1431 Words

Turkey’s relatively newfound interest in engaging with Somalia was triggered by a combination of different events, from the extension of humanitarian assistance during a time of great famine to the desire to establish a foothold in a strategic location so as to benefit from future trade deals.

Not only have a number of Turkish government agencies been actively working on the ground, but also a host of nongovernmental organizations in Somalia are working to bring about positive changes in what many have called a “failed state.”