June 23, 2014 | Morning Headlines.

Main Story

AMISOM claims it killed al Shabaab fighters airstrike in southern Somalia

22 Jun – Source: Al Shahid – 81 words

AU troops in Somalia confirmed on Sunday airstrike in southern region of Lower Juba. “AMISOM forces have conducted airstrikes Anole and Kuday in the Lower Juba region as part of continued effort to further degrade al Shabaab” statement published at AMISOM facebook confirmed. “At Anole, the airstrike left more than 30 al Shabaab fighters dead, 3 technical vehicles and one Land Cruiser loaded with ammunition destroyed”, the statement claimed . “In Kuday, the airstrike killed more than 50 terrorists”, it added.

Key Headlines

Somali Prime Minister returns from his official visit to Kenya (Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan)
Security intensified in Mogadishu as the holy month of Ramadan nears (Somali Current)
First direct flight from Europe to Mogadishu starts making travel simple (Radio Mogadishu/RBC)
Turkish government promises to help Somalia achieve its goals (Bar-kulan)
Hamarweyne administration unveils plans to tighten security (Radio Shabelle)
Al Shabaab Somalia Army battle near Elbur town Central region (RBC)
Uhuru and Abdiweli discuss how to improve relations (Somali Current)
Puntland rejects oil deal with Shell and ExxonMobil (Africa Review)
Somali Foreign ministry to speed up investment opportunities (Radio Goobjoog)
British bomb suspect in Kenya ‘had bomb-making kit’ (AFP)
The Global Somali Diaspora conference starts in Istanbul (HiiraanOnline)
Federal parliament due to create judicial service commission (Radio Goobjoog)
Mandera police force interrogate 19 suspects over terror activity (Coastweek/Xinhua)
Senior police officer says the killing of journalist Keynaan was “bare assassination” (RBC)
Iran Syria and Somalia top countries that journalists flee (News Time Africa)
Turkish engineers embarked on fact finding mission intent on to rejuvenate of ancient historical sites in Zaylac (Somaliland Informer)
US issues fresh travel advisory as ambassador requests more security (Standard Media)

PRESS STATEMENT

The Ministry of Information of the Federal Government of Somalia: Weekly Progress Report

21 Jun – Source: Ministry of Information – 1087 words

H.E. Mustafa Duhulow spoke to the media in Mogadishu to provide an update on government progress over the last week. The Minister spoke on various issues: Consultation of the National Youth Policy; the progress towards reconciliation; the official opening of the Office of the Auditor General; President’s visit to Jowhar, Mahaday, Bakol and Wajid; the Draft Media Law consultation with journalists; the recent agreement between Somalia and EU that Somalia becomes a member of the ACP; and the parliament’s approval of the Independent of the Review & Implementation Commission.

The Minister of Information spoke on the Consultation of the National Youth Policy: “The Ministry of Youth & Sports began a consultation process with young people in order to provide young people with an opportunity to develop the National Youth Policy that will provide young people with a quality education and job opportunities, so that they can contribute to Somali society and politics. The Government is committed to encouraging young people to stand up for their country.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the progress towards reconciliation: “The Government, during the last week, succeeded in reconciling groups in Gedo regions, which resulted in conflicts being resolved through peaceful means. During the last week the Deputy Minister of Defense, along with a group of MPs, succeeded in reconciling groups in Beled Hawa in the presence of traditional Elders and all segments of society.

The Vice President of the Jubba Interim Administration and Gedo region authority were also there to work with the government that resulted in a peaceful reconciliation and an agreement being reached meaning that the groups are now working towards the common good of the country.

In Lower Shabelle Region, the Minister of Interior & Federalism and the Minister of Defense (who is also the Acting Minister of Security) succeeded in establishing security institutions in Merca, and started reconciliation process between groups fighting in the district. Traditional elders and all segments of the society are taking part the process of reconciliation. It is the policy of the Federal Government that all disputes should be solved through reconciliation and peaceful means.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the official opening of the Office of the Auditor General: “On 18th June the Deputy Prime Minister officially opened the new offices of the Auditor General which will help government institutions to implement good governance. The Office of the Auditor General will ensure that government institutions are free from corrupt practices and any instances of mal-administration.

The Auditor General was appointed through a transparent and competitive process and the aim was to appoint the most competent people to lead the office so that we can improve good governance and public finance management. This in turn will give confidence to the people and to the donor community.”

The Minister of Information spoke on HE the President’s visit to regions: “On 18th June the President of Somalia visited Jowhar and Mahaday districts and he lay down the foundation stone of the first University building in Mahaday, which Banadir University is implementing. The aim is to provide education in every district in Somalia. The President spoke to the public at the ceremony and promised that the Federal Government will reach out to all regions of Somalia.

The President also visited Bakol and Wajid districts in Bakol region in order to evaluate the conditions for the people in those areas. The government succeeded in bringing food aid to Bakol and Wajid following al Shabaab’s blockage of the area. The Government is committed to carry out political outreach to all districts and regions in Somalia in order to provide basic services to the people.”

The Minister of Information spoke on the draft Media Law consultation with journalists: “On 18th June members of the Review Committee held a consultative meeting with Somali journalists in Nairobi. The purpose of the consultation was part of the ongoing consultation with Somali journalists, in order to provide opportunities for Somali journalists to share their views on the draft Media Law.

I took part this consultation meeting over the telephone and I was encouraged by the commitment and dedication of the Somali journalists taking part in the development of the Somali media. I promised them that the Media Law will reform the Somali media and all journalists will have their rights as Somali journalists protected by law. On Thursday 19 June I presented the draft Media Law at the cabinet, which they are now reviewing. We hope the cabinet will approve the Media Law during its next meeting.”

The Minister of Information spoke on Somalia becoming a member of the ACP: “H.E. Abdiweli Shiekh Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Somalia and H.E. Andris Piebalgs, Head of EU Development signed an agreement on 19 June 2014 in Nairobi in order for Somalia to become a full member of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. Somalia was excluded from the Cotonou Agreement for the ACP countries for the last 25 years.

Additionally, the EU donated 400 million Euros to Somalia, part of the ACP donations. EU provides donations through the ACP in order to implement projects for peace-building, stabilization, economic development, reducing poverty and public finance management. This historic agreement will help Somalia to receive donations through the ACP and that is why it is important for Somalia to be a member of the ACP.”

Finally, the Minister of Information spoke on the approval of the parliament of the Independent Review & Implementation Commission: “The overwhelming Parliamentary approval of the Independent Review & Implementation Commission on the 19th June 2014 is a significant step towards the Constitution Making Process.

The Federal Government is committed to implementing Vision 2016 including the Review of the Provisional Constitution, the Implementation of Federalism, and the democratization process in order to hold fair and free elections by 2016. Review of the Provisional Constitution is the pillar of the Vision 2016. There will be a referendum after the review of the constitution.

But before the referendum there will be a set of serious consultation process, public awareness campaigns, debates and discussions so that the people may fully understand the constitution. 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 realisation of Vision 2016.”

UN Envoy to Somalia condemns killing of journalist

21 Jun – Source: UNSOM – 130 words

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Nicholas Kay, has condemned the killing of radio journalist Yusuf Keynan in the capital, Mogadishu, this morning.

Mr. Keynan, who was working for Radio Mustaqbal and Radio Ergo at the time of his death, was killed when an explosive device attached to his vehicle detonated in the city’s Hamarweyne District.

“I condemn the killing of another young, talented Somali journalist, and call on the Federal Government of Somalia to act swiftly to investigate this murder and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said SRSG Kay.

“Media workers must be able to conduct their important work in a safe and secure environment,” he added. Mr. Kay extended his sincere condolences to Mr. Keynan’s friends and family, as well as to Somalia’s media fraternity.

SOMALI MEDIA

Somali Prime Minister returns from his official visit to Kenya

22 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/Bar-kulan – 112 words

Somali Prime Minister, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed and his delegation has on Sunday returned to Mogadishu after an official visit to the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The prime minister and his delegation were received by members of the two government branches at Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu. Speaking to the press, the prime minister said they met with Kenyan officials and international organizations that advocate for human rights and the rights of refugees and discussed the protection of the rights of the Somali refugees. He added that they also visited Dadaab Refugee Camp where there is a huge number of Somali refugees and urged Kenyan government officials not to forcibly repatriate Somali refugees.

Security intensified in Mogadishu as the holy month of Ramadan nears

22 Jun – Source: Somali Current – 99 words

Somali Security Agencies have said they are gearing up to intensify the security of the capital Mogadishu to avert more attacks from al Shabaab militant group in the country during the holy month of Ramadan. According to Somali police force spokesman Kassim ahmed extra security personnel were put on the ground to ensure safety of the residents in the capital city as they perform their religious obligation during the sacred month of Ramadan. The Somali police have also confirmed reports that say Al Shabaab militants’ members that were dispatched to carry out attacks in the city during the occasion.

First direct flight from Europe to Mogadishu starts making travel simple

22 Jun – Source: Radio Mogadishu/RBC – 111 words

The first direct flight from Europe to Somalia capital, Mogadishu started today as more than 200 Somali passengers from Europe returned back. This commercial flight run by Sky Greece has flown directly from Stockholm the capital of Sweden in-transit to Athens making travel to Somalia very simple for both Somali diasporas and foreigners arriving the country. According to the airline’s schedule, it will fly from several European cities including London, Athens and Stockholm where traveling to Somalia will be very simple and comfortable. The airline’s flight was initiated by both Somali and Greece businessmen who have did their efforts to ensure establishing such airline flight as a profit-seeking business.

Turkish government promises to help Somalia achieve its goals

22 Jun – Source: Bar-kulan – 103 words

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister, Emrullah Isler has urged Somali people to take advantage of the many opportunities that they have in their home country. While speaking at the Global Somali Diaspora Conference in Istanbul, Isler stated that his government plays an important role in the rebuilding process of Somalia. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the existing relations between the two countries and their people. The deputy prime minister said that Turkish government has done a lot in the Somali capital in terms of reconstruction and improving of social services which makes Mogadishu much better city than it was some three years ago.

Hamarweyne administration unveils plans to tighten security

22 Jun – Source: Radio Shabelle – 83 words

The District Commissioner of Hamarweyne, Abdikadir Mohamed Abdikadir told the press in Mogadishu that the district administration will begin plans to tighten security in the district. Mr. Abdikadir strained that the district troops will improve and strengthen the security situation in Hamarweyne to make sure no-body gets hurt or attacked. There has been several explosions in Hamarweyne district specifically car bombs, the latest one yesterday when a Somali journalist was blasted after a IED bomb was tied to his car.

Al Shabaab, Somalia Army battle near Elbur town, Central region

22 Jun – Source: RBC – 108 words

Heavy gun battle erupted near the town of Elbur in Somalia’s central region of Galgadud after the militants attacked bases of the Somalia Army and those of the African Union Forces (AMISOM), RBC Radio reports. According to the residents in the town heavy gun battle started early morning on Sunday after fighters of al Shabaab attempted to attack bases of the government forces in nearby villages and then fighting broke out. The casualties from this battle is not known, according to the deputy regional administration Mohamed Muse. The deputy regional administration said the joint forces repulsed the attack by al Shabaab and that the area as not safe.

Uhuru and Abdiweli discuss how to improve relations

21 Jun – Source: Somali Current – 91 words

Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Ahmed while in Nairobi met Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta. The two leaders discussed how to cooperate in the areas of security, economy while strengthening the diplomatic relations between the two nations which was strained by the harassment of Somali refugees in the country during recent security operation in predominate Somali neighborhood of Eastleigh in Eastern Nairobi. The two leaders have also discussed how to get a long lasting solution to the issues of refugees that has nearly prompted diplomatic row between the neighboring states earlier.

Somali Foreign ministry to speed up investment opportunities

21 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 93 words

Federal government foreign Minister Abdirahman Duale Beilah stated that his ministry is committed to speed up reconstruction and investment opportunities in the country. The minister and delegations are attending conference held in Turkey where United Nations, Turkish authorities and diplomats were meeting. Addressing the participants the Minister said that Somalia has the longest coastline in Africa, fertile land suitable for agriculture, rivers for irrigation and livestock ideal for local and foreign investment. On the other hand Mr. Beyle had special meeting UNDP and discussed with the challenges and the progress in the country.

The Global Somali Diaspora conference starts in Istanbul

21 Jun – Source: Hiiraan Online – 104 words

The Global Somali Diaspora Conference in Turkey has just got under way in Istanbul today. The event which is the first of its kind aims to explore a way to work towards a unified Somali Diaspora community. The Conference will run all day and include key note speeches from the Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Dr. Maryam Qasim, the former Minister of Social Services in Somalia and prominent members of the Somali Diaspora community. The Somali Diaspora communities are represented from all over the globe and they will work together on formulating solutions towards creating a unified Somali Diaspora for the next two days.

Federal parliament due to create judicial service commission

21 Jun – Source: Radio Goobjoog – 95 words

The Lawmakers of Federal Parliament of Somalia in their normal meeting are expected to create the judicial service commission that has been on debate the last few days. The Secretary of Rules of Procedure, Ethics and Immunity Committee Mohamed Omar Mohamud told the media that the MPs will make amendments to the proposed bill. The members of the federal parliament are making efforts to make laws including the formation of electoral commission to conduct free and fair elections 2016. On Thursday the parliament approved the independent constitution review committee and suspended the boundaries and federalism bill.

Senior police officer says, the killing of journalist Keynaan was “bare assassination”

21 Jun – Source: RBC – 103 words

Senior Somali police officer said that the killing of young Somali journalist in Mogadishu Saturday morning was a bare assassination against him, RBC reports. General Mohamed Yusuf Madale announced that despite investigations are underway to probe up the killing against Yusuf Ahmed Abukar Keynaan, but initial investigations showed the attack against the journalist was an assassination plot. “We have established the investigations in order to know the exact case of the killing against the journalist, but we can say that this is a bare assassination against journalist Yusuf Ahmed Abukar Keynaan,” General Madale said during the funeral service of Late Keynaan.

Puntland Govt rebuffs Oil, Gas exploration deal with Dutch company

21 Jun – Source: Garowe Online – 113 words

Somalia’s Northeastern State of Puntland has rebuffed oil and gas exploration deal that was struck with Anglo-Dutch oil company Shell PLC by Federal Government of Somalia, Garowe Online reports. Speaking on BBC Somali Service, Puntland’s Petroleum and Minerals Agency Director-General Isse Mohamud Farah (Dhollowaa) said ‘Puntland has a full authority to exploit its natural resources without prior approval’, calling on Mogadishu-based Federal Government to abide by Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC). In response to an agreement in which the Somali Federal Government signed with Royal Dutch Shell PLC on Friday, Dhollawaa regarded the new oil deal as invalid after blocks in Puntland were included in the consensus on the return of Shell to Somalia.

Hodan administration claim they have improved security in the district

21 Jun – Source: Radio Shabelle – 5 words

The Deputy District Commissioner of Hodan for security and political affairs, Ali Abdullahi Abdulle told Radio Shabelle that the Hodan administration has enforced tighter laws and the security situation in the district has immensely improved recently. Mr. Abdulle added that to improve security in Hodan, the administration ordered all families living in different neighborhoods to install a light outside of their homes. Furthermore, he said that they will continue to improve the modernization of beautification of the district.

Turkish engineers embarked on fact finding mission intent on to rejuvenate of ancient historical sites in Zaylac

21 Jun – Source: Somaliland Informer – 110 words

Turkish delegation Yesterday paid a visit to the coastal town of Zaylac, the provincial capital city of Salel. They were on a fact finding mission and observed the Turkish ancient historical sites in the town. Turkey has recently made the pledge that it will hugely contribute to the implementation of street that links Djibouti to Zayla. A seven member’s delegation was headed by an officer from the Turkish embassy in Djibouti and was accompanied by engineers and Turkish firms that won the contract to the materialization of the road. Salel regional governor and other officials welcomed the delegation to the town and held a long hour meeting with regional administration.

REGIONAL MEDIA

AMISOM claims it killed al Shabaab fighters airstrike in southern Somalia

22 Jun – Source: Al Shahid – 81 words

Puntland rejects oil deal with Shell and ExxonMobil

22 Jun – Source: Africa Review – 117 words

Somalia’s semi-autonomous north-eastern state of Puntland has rejected a deal signed between the federal government and two oil firms, Shell and ExxonMobil. The Director General of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Petrol for Puntland, Mr Issa Mohamoud Farah alias Dollawaa, made the announcement in an interview with the BBC. Mr Farah, who was talking on the BBC-Somali Service on Sunday, was reacting to the contract details as spelt out by the federal government’s Director General for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mr Farah Abdi Hassan, on the same channel a day earlier. Mr Hassan had said that his administration entered into an agreement in The Hague in the Netherlands with Shell and ExxonMobil, two giant fuel companies.

Mandera police force interrogate 19 suspects over terror activity

22 Jun – Source: Coastweek/Xihua – 129 words

Kenyan police on Friday arrested 19 suspects, among them three Somali aliens believed to be part of a gang aiding terror activities in the border town of Mandera. Mandera County Police Commander Noah Mwivanda confirmed the arrests, saying that the security forces were on the third day in an ongoing police swoop to arrest aliens and criminals who have been terrorizing the residents. “The swoop is intended to weed out illegal immigrants, ‘al-Shabaab’ operatives and their sympathizers. “We have recovered explosives, and components used in making improvised explosive devices (IED), but no firearm has been nabbed,” said Mwivanda. “We shall take the 19 suspects to court to face different charges and I want to confirm that police are making good progress in curbing terror in Mandera town,” said Mwivanda.

US issues fresh travel advisory as ambassador requests more security

21 Jun – Source: Standard Media – 152 worrds

The US ambassador to Kenya has requested additional Kenyan and American security personnel and is reducing the size of the embassy staff because of an increase in terror threats in the country. The Associated Press said the ambassador made the requests in a letter sent to embassy employees Friday. Ambassador Robert Godec said additional police are already patrolling around the embassy and that more assets will arrive from Washington next week. The embassy warned Americans last week that it was taking new security steps because of recent threat information. Thursday, the US renewed travel advisory to its citizens, cautioning them against any travel to the coast region after another warning had been issued last month. Based on the recent changes in Kenya’s security situation, the Embassy is also relocating some staff to other countries.

Popular radio presenter killed in Mogadishu blast

21 Jun – Source: Africa Review – 110 words

One of Somalia’s best known radio presenters Yusuf Ahmed Abukar alias Kaynan was killed in a Mogadishu blast Saturday morning. The car bomb blast occurred between Ba’adle Shopping Centre and Muna Hotel in Hamarweyne District in the city centre. Initial reports indicated that the bomb was attached underneath the driver’s seat. On separate occasions, Mr Abukar worked for independent media in the Somali capital. His latest engagements were with Mustaqbal Radio, an independent broadcaster in Mogadishu and Ergo Radio, a humanitarian station based in Nairobi. A bomb believed to have been attached to his car exploded at around7:40am, according to Mr Mustafa Yasin, the owner of Mustaqbal Radio.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Prominent Somali journalist Ahmed Abukar killed in Mogadishu

21 Jun – Source: DW News – 133 words

A 27-year-old Somali journalist has been killed by a car explosion in Mogadishu. Yusuf Ahmed Abukar was driving through the capital’s Hamarweyne district on his way to work when the bomb went off. Police said they believed the bomb, which was attached to the journalist‘s car, was remotely detonated. Abukar, a prominent journalist who also used the name Yusuf Keynan, had worked with the private Mogadishu FM station Mustaqbal and also contributed to the Kenya-based UN humanitarian radio Ergo. “It is a very shocking tragedy,” the journalist Abdifatah Halane told the German news agency DPA. Abukar had become known for criticizing both the Somali government and the Islamist militant group al Shabaab, which has recently launched attacks against the parliament in Mogadishu andabroad in Kenya. In 2013, Abukar won the UN-sponsored Somali Media Awards.

British bomb suspect in Kenya ‘had bomb-making kit’

21 Jun – Source: AFP – 137 words

A Briton on trial in Kenya for plotting bomb attacks had chemicals that could be used to make “highly volatile” explosives, a British detective told a Mombasa court on Friday. Suspected British militant Jermaine Grant, accused of ties to Somalia’s al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab and plotting attacks, was arrested in December 2011 in the Kenyan port city with various chemicals, batteries and switches. Prosecutors say he planned to use them to make explosives. He denies the charges. “These items can be found with someone with the intention of constructing an IED, (improvised explosive device),” John Reilly, from London’s Metropolitan police, told the court. The chemicals were capable of making a “highly volatile explosion”, he added. The detective also provided evidence from mobile telephone SIM cards found on Grant, including one with an apparently coded message warning of “lions inside.”

Iran, Syria, and Somalia top countries that journalists flee

21 Jun – Source: News Time Africa – 145 words

Over the past five years, the Committee to Protect Journalists has supported 404 journalists who have been forced to flee their home countries because of their work, according to a new CPJ report on exiled journalists. Journalists cite the threats of violence and imprisonment as the top reasons why they flee. The annual survey of exiled journalists assisted by CPJ spotlights the plight of journalists who have been forced to flee some of the world’s most repressive nations. The top countries that journalists fled in the past five years were Iran, Syria, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. CPJ is releasing the report, including a narrative timeline of eight journalists’ journeys, to mark World Refugee Day on June 20. “Forcing journalists into exile with violence and intimidation is a very effective method of restricting freedom of expression,” said María Salazar-Ferro, the Coordinator of CPJ’s Journalist Assistance Program.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“A Somali refugee who has spent nearly his whole life in Kenya’s Dadaab camp tells Al Jazeera what it is like.”

Growing up in the world’s largest refugee camp

21 Jun – Source: Al Jazeera English – 837 words

One day in 1991, gunmen from the Hawiye clan attacked my father’s shop in Qoryooley, a city in southern Somalia. When my father, who belonged to one of the main clans fighting the Hawiye escaped, he told us we had to flee. My parents later told me that gunmen from a coalition of clans had killed many people and looted the town on several occasions. I was just three at that time. But we got into a car, and after driving for about five days, arrived at the city of Ogorchi Libo in northeastern Kenya. There, United Nations officials registered us and brought us to the Dadaab refugee camp, the world’s largest refugee complex where I now live. I didn’t know it at that time, but my parents were fleeing the conflict between warring clans, along with thousands of other Somalis, after the collapse of President Mohamed Siad Barre’s regime. As a child, life in the Dadaab refugee camp was full of hardship and difficulties. We were family of five: my parents, myself and two siblings, who were later born at the camp. Lack of clean water was common, and our only shelter was a plastic sheet. That sheet protected us from the hot sun during the day and the cold at night. In the early days, the camp was not overcrowded but food shortages were common because the handouts given by the World Food Programme in the camp were never enough.

“Refugees are an asset to both their adopted and home nations. They support international development policies of the developed world by actually rebuilding their nations, families and fellow countrymen’s lives through remittance and their expertise when they return to work and invest. It is time we recognised their contribution and thanked them.”

Refugees are assets to their adopted and home nations

20 Jun – Source: Hiiraan Online – 877 words

Refugee week is one of the most important weeks in the calendar for us every year in the United Kingdom. It is a week of fun, happiness and a chance to reflect. There is much to reflect on. Almost all the members of our organisation are and were at one point in one European Union (EU) State or another, a refugee. Some have even spent time in different refugee camps across the world but upon arrival to England they quickly educated themselves, integrated and are now role models for their community. This is not exclusive to Act For Somalia members only. Almost all refugees across the world aspire to or have already become an asset to their adopted nations. We as an organisation have been working tirelessly to confront the stereotypical but wholly false “lazy benefit seeking foreigners flooding our country” narrative in England alongside many other great Somali British organisations. We showcase the success of our community wherever we can in our literature, at our conferences and wherever else possible. We as former refugees understand what a lonely and cold journey the route to citizenship in the UK and most of Europe and the world can be. This journey has got more frightening, lonelier and cruel every year as the economic and financial meltdown in the developed Western nations such as England and most of the EU and the subsequent austerity that followed has allowed for the widespread circulation of myths against asylum seekers and immigrants.