June 20, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

Somalia and EU sign Somalia’s first National Indicative Programme

19 Jun – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 465 words

Today, the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed, and European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, signed the country’s first European Commission – Somalia National Indicative Programme (NIP) in the past 25 years following Somalia’s recent accession to the Cotonou Agreement .

Prime Minister Abdiweli underscored “Somalia is moving from the old Deal to the New Deal. It is not only the significant amount of predictable resources to New Deal priorities that will make a difference. It is the commitment of Commissioner Piebalgs to empower the Federal Government and support directly the core state functions through multi-partners funds that is a game changer. The EU can play a key role as a lever and catalyst for EU Member States to step up support to Somalia to deliver 2016”.

EU Special Envoy Michele Cervone d’Urso announced “This is more than a symbolic moment. The joint signature of the multi-annual indicative programme for Somalia is a response to the New Deal Compact signed in Brussels last year and allows to translate in concrete terms Somalia’s accession to the Cotonou Agreement. The EU commits for the coming years 286 million EUR ( 400 million USD) to rebuild a peaceful and prosperous Somalia”.

Key Headlines

Somalia and EU sign Somalia’s first National Indicative Programme (Office of the Prime Minister)
Wanyoto to head AU Mission in Somalia (New Vision)
Federal parliament approves Constitutional Review Committee (Radio Mogadishu)
Kenya Somalia govts to share border intelligence (Daily Nation)
Police officer shot dead in Rako-raho village near Qardho town (Radio Bar-kulan)
Kenya Attack Unlikely to Build al Shabaab’s Swahili Speaking Base (VOA)
Somaliland and the EU signed coastal security deal (Radio Goobjoog)

PRESS STATEMENT

Somalia and EU sign Somalia’s first National Indicative Programme

19 Jun – Source: Office of the Prime Minister – 465 words

As agreed during the Brussels conference, Somalia’s National Indicative Programme (NIP) has been aligned to the New Deal Compact priorities and objectives, while the Somali Development and Reconstruction Facility (SDRF) mechanisms will be used to implement programmes wherever appropriate.

In 2014, the EU will commit 100 million EUR from the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) and from the Stability Instrument to support state and peace building, resilience and food security and education. Additional support will be provided through thematic instruments, the CSDP missions as well as for humanitarian needs by ECHO. The EU contribution to AMISOM alone amounts to 240 million EUR annually. (END)

Background

The Cotonou Agreement is the most comprehensive partnership agreement between developing countries and the EU. Since 2000, it has been the framework for the EU’s relations with 79 countries from Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP). In March 2010, the European Commission and the African Caribbean Pacific group have concluded the second revision of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement following a first revision in 2001. ACP-EU cooperation has been adapted to new challenges, such as climate change, food security, regional integration, State fragility and aid effectiveness.

For each ACP country, taking part in the Cotonou Agreement, there is a National Indicative Programme (NIP), a work programme covering several years (2014-2020) and defining measurable objectives, the target groups, the programmes for achieving those objectives, the contribution to be made by the donor, the nature and scope of the support mechanisms, the results expected and an implementation timetable. For Somalia it is aligned and responsive to the New Deal COMPACT.

Justice & Constitutional Affairs Minister: “A milestone achievement has been made towards the Constitution Making Process in Somalia.”

19 Jun – Source: Ministry of Information – 671 words

H.E. Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, the Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs today welcomed the overwhelming approval of the Federal Parliament for the Independent Review & Implementation Commission. 134 members of the parliament voted in favor of the commission yes, 9 voted against, while 10 abstained. The Minister said “A milestone achievement has been made towards the Constitution Making Process in Somalia.”

Minister Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, speaking on to the media said “The Federal Government of Somalia believes that the Constitution Making Process should be a Somali-Led and Somali-Owned process, something that is very important to the legitimacy and the ultimate success of the process.

The Government is committed to the implementation of Vision 2016, including the Review of the Provisional Constitutions, the implementation of Federalism and the democratization process in order to hold free and fair elections by 2016. The Review of the Constitution is a pillar of Vision 2016. Once the review of the constitution is finalized there will be a referendum. Prior to the referendum there is a set series of activities, including public consultation, civic education, debates and discussions that will provide an objective view of understanding of the constitution.”

The Minister of Justice & Constitutional Affairs continued his press conference, said “The Federal Government of Somalia is committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and accountable to the people. Therefore, it is essential for the Somali people to take part in the process, as the engagement of the public is the key to the success of the process. I therefore call on everyone to support the process as the review of the constitution is vital to the realization of Vision 2016.”

Notes to Editors – Here is a short profile of each member of the commission:

1. Mrs. Asha Gelle Dirie Studied faculty of education at Lafole University in 1984 and obtained post graduate degree on Women and Rural Development in India, she had three decade long professional experience in the areas of governance, education, peace building, conflict resolution, gender, community development, environmental protection and rural development. Before her appointment, she served as the Minister of Women & Family Affairs for 8 yrs in Puntland State of Somalia.

2. Mr. Osman Jama Ali

Studied Electronic Engineering at Leningrad, Soviet Union in 1968, and served as a Minister of Fishers and Marine Transport and Minister of Public Works and Housing between (1973 – 1989), he also served as Deputy Prime Minister of the Transitional National Government of Somalia under President Abdikasim Salad Hassan, and was a candidate of the presidential elections in 2004. Osman is currently the Chairman of the Somali Initiative for Dialogue and Democracy.

3. Prof. Hassan Omar Mahadallah

Mahadallah is a Professor and researcher in the Dept. of Political Science at the Southern University of Baton Rouge (SUBR), Louisiana USA, he is an author with a vast experience on Somalia and has published a number of articles on Somalia including “The Origins and Essence of Somali Nationalism, Leadership in the Horn of Africa, The Horn of Africa: Intra-State and Inter-State Conflicts and Security, History of Somalia’s Armed Forces, Continuity and Change in U.S. Foreign Policy toward the Horn of Africa, Islamic Courts, Ethiopia’s Intervention in Somalia, and Its Implications for Regional Stability, Somalia: Economy without State, The Somali Conflict: Clan Rivalry or the Cabals of a Few”.

4. Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Saleh

Mohamed is a legal Consultant and Attorney to various International and local Institutions, appeared as a solicitor at the Somali Courts between (1972–1975). He has been in the field of law since 1972 and has extensive experience in the field of conflict management, peace building, Negotiations and Strategic Leadership.

5. Mr. Hassan Hussein Haji

Hassan is an experienced lawyer, specialized in the field of immigration, asylum & international humanitarian law. In the past few years, he has been actively involved in legal and academic discussions about the constitutional building, appeared a weekly TV program in the subject. He has a rich understanding in the constitutional making process and will bring vast knowledge to the commission.

SOMALI MEDIA

Federal parliament approves Constitutional Review Committee

19 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Radio Goobjoog/Radio Dalsan/Kulmiye/Garowe Online – 102 words

In an extra-ordinary meeting the federal parliament of Somalia on Thursday passed the constitutional review committee. Today’s sitting chaired by Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, the Speaker of the federal parliament was attended by 154 MPs, 134 members voted in favour of the committee,9 members rejected while 10 others declined. On 29th May the council of ministers in their weekly meeting approved five members of the independent constitutional review committee and proposed to the parliament for approval. Minister for constitution Farah Abdulkadir after cabinet’s approval of the committee stated that the ministry was making efforts to the formation of constitutional review committee.

Police officer shot dead in Rako-raho village near Qardho town

19 Jun – Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 129 words

A police officer in charge of Rako-raho police station near Qardho town in Bari region has been shot dead according to local administration officials in Qardho. Abdi Mohamed Aden who is one of the local administration officials in Qardho told Bar-kulan that a young man from the area has on Wednesday night shot dead the officer whose name was Abdullahi Farah Gahshe. He said that the assailant managed to escape from the scene after carrying out the horrendous action. He added that security forces in collaboration with the local community elders are trying to find him and will eventually bring him to book. Aden said the reasons behind the killing of the officer have not been established so far.

Somaliland and the EU signed coastal security deal

19 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 133 words

Somaliland and the European Union signed an agreement over the Indian ocean coastal safety, it also authorises EU naval forces to hunt and detain suspected Somali pirates.The agreement was signed by Somaliland foreign affairs Minister Musse Bihi Abdi and EU East Africa representative Alexander Rondos who is based in Djibouti, other representative were also present. Among the points agreed is; EU will provide support to Somaliland Coast Guard forces. The year 2016 Somaliland’s Coast Guard will fully take over the security of Somaliland coast. The agreement also shows that the European union will Contribute to the development of the Academy of Oceanography.

Somaliland Ministerial level delegates, heads of three national political parties set to visit Ethiopia, Kenya

19 Jun – Source: Somaliland Informer – 175 words

A Ministerial level Delegation who will be accompanied by the three chairmen of political national parties will embark on diplomatic visit to Ethiopia and Kenya for the days to come. The delegation is expected to be headed by the minister of foreign affairs Hon. Mohamed Bihi Yonis and ministers from Sool & Sanaag will be part of the delegates. The mission is to conduct a diplomatic leverage to show the world that the incursion of Defense Forces to Taleh was justifiable and was meant to stabilize the region. The delegation will convince that the government of President Ahmed Silanyo is committed to bring development to the already forgotten and neglected parts of the country due to insecurity.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Wanyoto to head AU Mission in Somalia

19 Jun – Source: New Vision – 234 words

The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of African Union Commission (DSRCC), Lydia Wanyoto Mutende will head the AU Mission in Somalia until the appointment of a replacement. Wanyoto, a former East African Legislative Assembly member takes office effective July 2, 2014 when the incumbent ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif leaves office. According to statement issued by AMISOM in Mogadishu, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif will leave the mission on same date.

Kenya, Somalia govts to share border intelligence

19 Jun – Source: Daily Nation – 286 words

The Kenya and Somalia governments will be sharing intelligence information on people crossing their common border in a bid to fight terrorism. All people living along the common border, and not just security agents, will be involved in this process unveiled on Wednesday following a meeting between Deputy President William Ruto and a delegation from Somalia led by Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed. The border residents will be expected to assist their security agents to know who has crossed over either into Kenya or into Somalia.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Kenya Attack Unlikely to Build al Shabaab’s Swahili Speaking Base

19 Jun – Source: VOA – 382 words

Deadly attacks this week in Mpeketoni, Kenya have left many wondering what Somali militant group al Shabaab hoped to accomplish with the killings. Experts say the attacks – for which the group quickly claimed responsibility – are unlikely to broaden the militants’ support base among Swahili-speakers in Kenya or the region. Roland Marchal, senior Research Fellow at the National Center for Scientific Research in Paris, says this kind of “havoc violence” does little to advance the group’s political aims or gain recruits. “Whether they want to prove that they are able to learn from ISIS [the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] in Iraq or other groups in Syria, I believe they already made the case, they killed so many innocent people for nothing,” Marchal says. “You could have strategy to deteriorate the relations between Christians and Muslims in Kenya, but what they have been doing over the last year with some scale, this kind of violence is not readable that way, because you kill people who have absolutely no say in anything, so the point is lost in this mass killings.”

SOCIAL MEDIA

CULTURE / OPINION / EDITORIAL / ANALYSIS / BLOGS/ DISCUSSION BOARDS

“Throwing accusations at the political opposition, large-scale ethnic profiling and detainment of Somalis cannot solve what is a serious security problem in Kenya. Instead, any counter-terrorism effort should be linked with a clearly defined Somalia exit plan. The current open-ended stay by Kenya forces will only lead to mission creep and the window between when Kenya was seen as a liberator and invader closed a long time ago.”

To prevent more Mpeketonis Kenya must define Somalia exit plan

19 Jun – Source: African Argument – 1382 words

Since Kenya intervened in Somalia in October 2011, insecurity has spiraled out of control, with attacks (largely targeting Kenyans) becoming commonplace occurrences in Nairobi, the coast, and parts of North Eastern. These fall into two broad categories: large-scale and sophisticated (some foiled, some successful), and amateurish low-grade and low casualty. Last September’s attack on the Westgate shopping mall, and more recently that on the village of Mpeketoni in Lamu County, fall into the large-scale category. Sandwiched between these are those targeting Matatus – public transport taxis in Eastleigh, a Nairobi suburb popular with the Somalis – and other public facilities like the Gikomba (East Africa’s largest open air market). The government’s response to the attacks has been at best impotent and at worst, misguided. First, they instituted ‘Nyumba Kumi’ (know thy neighbor) – the ten houses initiative. The concept of Nyumba Kumi, borrowed from Tanzania, was predicated on dividing the households into groups of ten, and people in those households hold each other accountable through sharing information on any suspicious activities. While the concept looks neat in theory, in practice, it is not the most effective way of addressing the ever-mutating threat of terrorists – people with no return address. It might work in some rural settings where the residents tend to be less mobile, but not in urban areas like Nairobi and Mombasa where residency is fluid and transient due to the economic pressures.