NATIONAL MEDIA
1 August – Source: Halbeeg – 149 Words
A British man who was accused of endangering public safety and for failing to disclose possession of teargas canisters appeared before Mogadishu court. The court later announced to have adjourned the case of Anthony Thomas Cox. The 48-year-old Briton was arrested at Mogadishu airport on January 19 for allegedly carrying teargas canisters in his luggage.
Hearing his case on Wednesday, the court said the man failed to disclose possession of explosive materials. The court, however, did not slate a date for the next for the case. Mr Cox was catching a flight to Addis Ababa in neighbouring Ethiopia when security officials found several tear-gas canisters inside his suitcase. Cox, who works for a private security firm, had survived an attack by jailed militant inmates armed with razor blades in late 29 January.
1 August – Source: Radio Dalsan – 75 Words
Minister for Labor and Social Affairs in the Federal Government of Somalia Hon. Sadik Warfa has outlined his impressive record in the first 100 days in office. Mr Warfa said that among his achievements were the rebuilding of the ministry’s headquarters which was damaged by a terrorist attack.
“The rebuilding was done through Is-xiqaan (Do it yourself) programme. He added that he has also accelerated the rights and the socio-economic development programme for all employees.
INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
1 August – Source: AMISOM – 297 Words
I have received with great sadness the news of the passing of Mayor of Mogadishu, H. E. Abdirahman Omar Osman (Eng. Yarisow). On behalf of all the AMISOM colleagues and on my own behalf, I extend our deep-felt condolences to the bereaved family of the mayor, the population of Mogadishu and to the entire people of Somalia for the loss of such a great son.
Mayor Yarisow, together with the resilient people of Somalia, shared the ideals of justice, peace, security and improved standards of living for the people of this great country. He was a true friend and companion of AMISOM and supported, without reservations, our mandate to help usher in a stable, peaceful and prosperous Somalia. In my interactions with him, it was clear that public service was his patriotic obligation in the reconstruction and rebuilding of his beloved city of Mogadishu. His commitment and belief in a better, stable, and secure Somalia was the spirit that drove him to serve his people with such admirable courage and dedication. For that, we are all indebted to Engineer Yarisow and to all those who, like him, lost their lives in the service of the people of Somalia. May they always be remembered as our heroes.
As we come to terms with the passing of the Mayor, terrorists should be aware that their cowardly attack will not break the people’s resolve to forge ahead. AMISOM, in close collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia, the Federal Member States and International Partners, will remain by the side of the great people of Somalia as they steadfastly continue to fight for stability in Somalia, strive to bring peace and build a better future for all its people. May Allah keep Engineer Yarisow and all his colleagues in eternal peace
1 August – Source: UNSOM – 149 Words
The United Nations joins Somalia in mourning the tragic passing of the Governor of Benadir Region and Mayor of Mogadishu Abdirahman Omar Osman, known as Engineer Yarisow, from injuries he sustained in a terrorist attack in Mogadishu last week.
“Our deepest condolences and thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of Engineer Yarisow, who was long dedicated to helping his country on its path to peace and stability, and meeting the needs of Mogadishu’s most vulnerable,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.
“His life reflected a deep commitment to Somalia and his loss is felt by all of us,” Mr. Swan added. “His work must be continued, and those responsible must be brought to justice.” Several members of the Mayor’s staff who were injured remain hospitalized following the 24 July attack, and the United Nations renews its wishes for their full and speedy recovery.
1 August – Source: Anadolu – 123 Words
A Somali military tribunal on Thursday sentenced a Daesh terrorist to death for his role in the killing of five people, including civilians and a security official, in separate shooting incidents in 2018-19. The military court convicted Adan Mohamed Ali, 25, for being member of Daesh terrorist group and playing his part in the killing of at least five people in the port city of Bosaso and in Mogadishu, according to Hassan Ali Nour Shuute, the military tribunal director.
“After we have seen enough evidence, this court has sentenced Adan Mohamed Ali, 25, born in Beledwayne town of Hiran region, to death,” Shuute said. The court released Abdishakur Hajji Barsanji, who was also accused of being member of a pro-Daesh group in Somalia.
OPINION, ANALYSIS AND CULTURE
“The Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) continued efforts to broaden the tax base and strengthen tax administration has been reflected in increased domestic revenue (almost 30 percent higher than in 2017). This has supported a small expansion in spending on health and education. However, expenditures continue to be dominated by spending on salaries and other operating costs, especially on security-related expenditures, with little space for critical social and development programs.”
1 August – Source: IMF – 918 Words
On July 22, 2019, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2019 Article IV consultation [1] with Somalia. Improved confidence, on the back of the continued implementation of reforms, and strong donor support continue to support economic activity, especially in the telecom, trade, construction, and financial sectors. However, poor rainfall in Spring weighs on the outlook and threatens food security. GDP growth is estimated at 2.8 percent in 2018 after 1.4 percent in 2017. If normal rains resume later this year, GDP growth could remain broadly unchanged at around 2.9 percent in 2019. Inflation is expected at 3.0 percent in 2019, following 3.2 percent in 2018.
The Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) continued efforts to broaden the tax base and strengthen tax administration has been reflected in increased domestic revenue (almost 30 percent higher than in 2017). This has supported a small expansion in spending on health and education. However, expenditures continue to be dominated by spending on salaries and other operating costs, especially on security-related expenditures, with little space for critical social and development programs.
Despite stronger growth and the improving fiscal position, per capita incomes remain very low and more resources are needed to achieve greater economic resilience and reduce poverty. With debt at unsustainable levels (at about $4.7 billion or 100 percent of GDP in 2018, of which 96 percent is in arrears), Somalia will need the continued support of the international community to help meet much-needed humanitarian and development needs.
Somalia’s fourth SMP (May 2019–July 2020) will support the authorities’ continued reform efforts, laying the foundation for greater self-sufficiency and higher and more inclusive growth. The program will expand and deepen measures to build fiscal sustainability, across the FGS and the Federal Member States, further improve financial stability, address residual anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) gaps, and strengthen governance and the fight against corruption.
Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the authorities’ strong commitment to implementing three consecutive staff‑monitored programs (SMP) in a challenging environment, noting that Somalia’s gradual economic recovery reflected the authorities’ sustained policy and reform efforts, coupled with strong donor support. Directors recognized the challenging security and political situation, and welcomed the authorities’ ongoing efforts to improve economic resilience and inclusive growth. Directors indicated that the forthcoming National Development Plan should provide a blueprint to support these goals, and encouraged consultation with a wide set of stakeholders.
Directors welcomed the continued improvement in fiscal performance. Efforts to broaden the tax base and strengthen tax administration have increased domestic revenues, supporting a small expansion in health and education spending. However, substantially boosting development spending and achieving fiscal self‑sufficiency will require more effort in terms of revenue mobilization. Directors encouraged continued public financial management (PFM) reforms, highlighting the need to strengthen commitment controls and embed improvements in procurement. They welcomed the cabinet approval of the airport‑fee contract and further progress on the renegotiation of the Mogadishu port contract. Directors stressed that implementing a strong fiscal framework, supported by effective natural resource management and revenue‑sharing frameworks with the Federal Member States, will be critical to realizing Somalia’s longer‑term potential. |
