June 7, 2013 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

UN Security Council urges international support for Somalia

07 Jun- Source: Xinhua- 270 words

The UN Security Council on Thursday called on the international community to support Somalia in the process to long-term stability, while recognizing recent progress in the northeastern African country.

In a statement adopted at a meeting on Somalia chaired by Mark Simmonds, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, which holds the Council ‘s presidency for the month, the 15-member body underlined the importance of international support to the Somali government in building professional, accountable and capable security forces as part of a comprehensive approach to security sector reform, including reform of the justice sector, human rights and establishing the rule of law.

Key Headlines

Dozens arrested in operations in Marka town (Radio Kulmiye/al Shahid)
Statement by the President of the Security Council (UNSOM)
President Hassan and President Farole hold talks in Nairobi (Garowe Online/Radio Starfm)
Somaliland army chief visits Ethiopia (Somalilandinformer)
Somalia government seeks to decentralise power (Al Jazeera)
3 injured in explosion targeted on AMISOM troops in Mogadishu (Radio Risaala/Radio Kulmiye)
Kenya government says 80000 refugees out of Dadaab (Star)
Omani Cement Company to expand into Somalia Yemen (Oman Daily Observer)
China urges to advance Somalia peace process (Xinhua)
Kenyan MPs host dinner for head of Somali State (Standard)
Parents despair for ‘most wanted’ terrorist son (CNN)
UN Security Council urges international support for Somalia (Xinhua)
Somalia’s al Shabaab is on the defensive but its leader is still at large (The Globe and Mail)

PRESS STATEMENT

Statement by the President of the Security Council

06 Jun- Source: UNSOM- 1431 words

At the 6975th meeting of the Security Council, held on 6 June 2013, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The situation in Somalia”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“The Security Council welcomes the Somalia Conference held in London on 7 May, co-chaired by the President of Somalia and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Security Council fully supports the conference communiqué. At the Conference, the international community underlined its support to the Federal Government of Somalia and its plans for strengthening its armed forces and police, rebuilding the justice sector and improving public financial management. The Council expresses its gratitude for the pledges of assistance made by Member States in London.

“The Council welcomes the launch on 3 June of the United Nations Assistance Mission to Somalia (UNSOM), and reiterates its support for the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr Nicholas Kay. The Council underlines the importance of UNSOM quickly establishing a significant presence in Mogadishu and beyond, in view of the urgent need to support the Government of Somalia on its peace and reconciliation agenda, and expresses its commitment to support the Secretary-General in this regard. The Council expresses the importance of UNSOM supporting a Somali-led peace and reconciliation process. The Council takes note of the closure of the former UN Political Office for Somalia and thanks former SRSG Mahiga and all UNPOS staff for their service to Somalia.

“The Council reiterates its expectation that UNSOM shall be an integrated mission by 1 January 2014.The Council stresses UNSOM’s role in supporting the Government of Somalia in coordinating international support and calls for cooperation from international partners and organisations including the African Union (AU) the Intergovernmental Agency on Development (IGAD) and the European Union.

“The Council welcomes sustained international engagement on Somalia. In that context the Council welcomes the intention of the European Union to hold a conference on Somalia in Brussels in September. The conference will help deliver tangible peace dividends for all Somalis as well as signalling a new partnership between Somalia and the international community on political reconstruction and economic development. The Council also takes note of the recent special meeting on Somalia in the margins of the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development. “The Council underlines its gratitude to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and its strategic partners for their efforts, alongside the Somali armed forces, who have been working to provide the security space for progress towards peace and stability in Somalia.

The Council takes note of the AU Peace and Security Council’s communiqué of 10 May on the situation in Somalia. The Council pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of all AMISOM personnel and extends its gratitude to the people and governments of Troop Contributing Countries and strategic partners. The Council welcomes the intention of the Secretariat to conduct a joint review of AMISOM with the AU and emphasises the importance of both organisations working closely together in this exercise.

“The Council is grateful for international support to AMISOM, including from the EU for its valuable contribution to AMISOM’s budget. The Council reiterates its request for new and existing donors to support AMISOM, including through the provision of uncaveated funding for AMISOM to the UN Trust Fund.
“The Security Council welcomes the recent progress which has been made in security but recognises these gains are fragile. The Council underlines the importance of international support to the Federal Government of Somalia in building professional, accountable and capable security forces as part of a comprehensive approach to security sector reform in Somalia, including reform of the justice sector, human rights and establishing the rule of law.

“The Security Council remains concerned at the fragile security situation in Somalia, and the threat that al Shabaab continues to pose to peace and security. The Council reiterates its condemnation, in the strongest terms, of the recent attacks which targeted civilians supporting the peace and reconciliation process in Somalia.

“The Council reiterates the importance of the Federal Government of Somalia addressing outstanding issues which are vital for the long-term stability of Somalia including:

political reconciliation; the development of a federal system; the constitutional review process and subsequent referendum on the constitution; and preparations for elections in 2016. The Council underlines the importance of effective engagement between UNSOM and the Federal Government of Somalia on all these issues. The Security Council reiterates its call for the full inclusion of women in all political processes.

“The Council stresses its respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity. The Council underlines the importance of constructive engagement between the Federal Government of Somalia and local and regional administrations.

In this regard, the Security Council takes note of the reopening of the Dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and ‘Somaliland’ in Ankara in April 2013. The Security Council encourages the parties’ continued commitment to the Dialogue.

“The Council stresses the importance of developing peaceful and cooperative relationships between the States of the region. The Council takes note of the Government of Somalia’s efforts to rebuild good-neighbourly relations to enhance collective security. The Council takes note of the 24th May Communiqué of the 22nd IGAD summit in Addis Ababa. The Council shares the concerns of IGAD on the situation in Kismayo, and in that context calls on all parties to refrain from any actions which may threaten the peace and stability of Somalia. The Council welcomes the commitment of the Federal Government of Somalia to lead reconciliation efforts in the Juba Regions, with the support of UNSOM, IGAD, and other appropriate actors.

The Council expresses its intention to keep the situation under review.

“The Council emphasises the need for the international community to provide well coordinated, timely and sustained humanitarian assistance to the millions of Somalis who remain in urgent need of life-saving humanitarian support; and development assistance with a focus on livelihood recovery and building community resilience to support Somalia’s transition to sustainable peace and economic development.

“The Council expresses its deep concern at reports of continued violations and abuses of human rights in Somalia by all parties to the conflict, including reports of grave violations and abuses against children. The Council also expresses concern at reports of sexual violence perpetrated against internally displaced persons by organised armed groups and members of the Somali armed forces. The Council calls on the Government of Somalia to ensure that all perpetrators of violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law are held fully accountable, in line with the relevant provision of international humanitarian law and human rights law.

“The Council welcomes the Government of Somalia’s signing of a Joint Communiqué with the UN on the prevention of sexual violence in Somalia, which took place in the margins of the Somalia Conference. The Council underlines the importance of full and swift implementation of these commitments including the visit of the team of experts and subsequent recommendations for action. The Council welcomes the Federal Government of Somalia’s commitments to eliminate the killing and maiming of children, and to end the recruitment and use of children by parties to armed conflict. In this regard the Council underlines the importance of full and swift implementation of the two action plans signed by the Government of Somalia.

“The Council remains concerned by the threat posed by piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia. The Council stresses the primary responsibility of Somalia in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea. The Council welcomes the substantial reduction in the number of successful piracy-related attacks brought about by effective counter-piracy measures through increased national, bilateral and multilateral initiatives and regional cooperative mechanisms, and recognises the need for counter-piracy efforts to continue, because these gains are reversible as long as the conditions ashore are conducive to piracy activity at sea.

The Security Council encourages the Government of Somalia to adopt and implement antipiracy legislation without further delay.

“The Security Council reiterates the urgent need for the competent authorities to investigate and prosecute not only suspected pirates captured at sea, but also anyone who incites or intentionally facilitates piracy operations, including key figures of criminal networks involved in piracy who illicitly plan, organise, facilitate, or finance and profit from such attacks. The Council keeps under review the possibility of applying targeted sanctions against such individuals or entities if they meet the listing criteria set out in paragraph 8 of resolution 1844 (2008).

“The members of the Security Council will keep the situation under close review.”

Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council Open Debate on Somalia

06 Jun- Source: UNSOM- 1460 words

I want to begin by thanking the United Kingdom for convening this meeting during its Council Presidency and for your Government’s active role on Somalia, most recently by hosting the London Conference on May 7 this year.

The Secretary-General and I have been following developments closely. Somalia has held a special place in my heart since I worked with the country in 1992 as the first United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator. Those were very dark days, as you know. It is a source of deep satisfaction that today, we welcome the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Somalia, [Mrs. Fawziya Yusuf Haji Adan], representing a government committed to lead the nation to peace, unity, development and a life of dignity for all.

Somalia still faces many challenges, as we all know. But we must remember how far we have come – we very much thank the women and men of the African Union Mission in Somalia, AMISOM, as well as the Somali National Security Force and their allies.
I pay tribute to their commitment and courage risking their lives to bring peace to Somalia. They have made progress possible. We must not allow any reversals of these hard-won gains.

This week, we passed a major milestone in the United Nations’s engagement in Somalia by launching the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, UNSOM, in Mogadishu. The Secretary-General’s new Special Representative, Mr. Nicholas Kay, has already met the Speaker of Parliament and the Prime Minister pending President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s return to the country.

UNSOM will support political dialogue, peace-building, and the protection of human rights. However, meeting the major peace-building challenges successfully primarily depends on the efforts of the Government of Somalia. Foremost among these challenges is the establishment of a well-functioning federal structure. A parallel challenge is cooperative relations between Somalia and its neighbours, based on mutual and complementary interests.
Eight months since its formation, the Federal Government of Somalia has established its political programme and presented plans for stabilization and peace-building. It has begun reaching out beyond Mogadishu to realize its vision of a federated Somalia, demonstrating commitment to dialogue with other regional administrations. A process has been launched to review the Provisional Constitution ahead of elections planned for 2016. I commend the Government for its efforts, which deserve full and continuous international support.

Realizing a federal state in Somalia is a complex and demanding task. We see the high stakes in the recent rise in tensions in Kismayo following the declaration of a regional state in early April. On 15 May, 500 delegates to a conference in Kismayo selected a president of what was called “Jubaland State of Somalia”. This administration is regarded by the Federal Government as illegal and unconstitutional.

The process has also been criticized for being insufficiently inclusive. Since then, six other candidates have declared themselves president of the new entity. While there have so far been no reports of military confrontation, the situation remains volatile.

These issues, related to the unity and federalism of Somalia, can only be resolved through dialogue among the Somalis themselves. This requires patience and pragmatism on all sides. The United Nations stands ready, if requested, to provide good offices in full respect of the lead role of the Government of Somalia.

At the same time, Somalia needs the support of its partners, its neighbours and its friends. The efforts being made by the leaders of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia to develop trust and cooperative relationships are essential and must continue. There is agreement that a strong and stable Somalia is in the interests of all. This recognition should guide regional efforts to address outstanding issues and potential sources of friction.

In this regard, I fully support the statement of the extraordinary Summit of IGAD last month which recognized the lead role of the Federal Government in addressing the situation in Kismayo. The summit also recommended that the Government convene a reconciliation conference with the support from IGAD and the United Nations.

Meanwhile, AMISOM has a critical role to play in ensuring security and freedom of movement for all those engaged in the peace process.
As in so many countries across the continent, partnership of the UN with the African Union is vital to reaching our objectives in Somalia. With the deployment of UNSOM, we will work together on political strategy, peace-building and stabilization, as well as protection of human rights. The new Mission’s impact will also depend on effective security arrangements in close collaboration with AMISOM.

Here, I wish to call attention to the Secretary-General’s statement, in his report, that AMISOM is reaching its operational limit in terms of holding and expanding areas under its control. In order to keep the momentum of the past year, the Mission needs additional resources for ground and air mobility, including helicopters and armoured personnel carriers, as well as the means to reconfigure its forces. I urge Council Members to give positive consideration to these requests.

In addition, we remain open to discussions on long-term options for the security track, together with the African Union and the Federal Government of Somalia. In follow-up to the Security Council’s request, DPKO will undertake, jointly with the AU and in close consultation with the Somali Government, an exercise to review the deployment of AMISOM and establish benchmarks for the possible future deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping operation.

Over the long-term, Somalia must assume its own responsibilities through integrated, accountable and effective security institutions. This requires a well-funded and coordinated strategic approach. I welcome the pledges of support of more than $300 million made at the London Conference. I appeal to donors to live up to their commitments.

At the London Conference, I was impressed by the resolve of Somalia and its neighbours to forge positive relationships in the region. This is essential to address mutual interests and build a more stable and prosperous region for all. We discussed the scope for economic cooperation between Somalia and its neighbours, as well as the need to create an environment conducive to the safe and voluntary return of refugees.

I wish to underline the importance of coordinated and common positions of States in the region in support of processes led by the Federal Government of Somalia, as exemplified in IGAD’s recent communiqué. I strongly encourage all partners to continue their dialogue and to work closely together for Somali state-building and peace-building in this spirit.

Somalia will require sustained and generous international support to continue on the path of progress. This means a clear commitment to the Federal Government to rapidly develop its plans and build its capacities.

We should all agree on a framework for future coordination, building on the London Conference and on the side meeting on Somalia at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development. I welcome the launch of the “New Deal” and look forward to the development of a new aid compact, with Somalis in the centre, accompanied by unified funding mechanisms.

In closing, as we enter a new era of UN engagement in Somalia, I express appreciation to outgoing Special Representative Ambassador Augustine Mahiga for his many contributions to help lay a foundation for Somalia’s path to lasting peace.

I also congratulate SRSG Kay on his new role, and look forward to his engagement on the political process, as well as the other areas of UNSOM’s mandate. I thank all those in Somalia and at UN Headquarters who have worked hard to ensure the deployment of UNSOM on time.
We are committed to delivering on the Security Council’s vision for a dynamic new UN presence in Somalia, grounded in respect for Somali leadership and Somali ownership.
UNSOM has already set up its Headquarters in Mogadishu and will establish its presence across the country, notably in areas recovered from al Shabaab, as well as in Garowe and Hargeisa. The Mission will support political dialogue and advise the Government on peace-building and state-building, including coordination of international assistance. UNSOM will be an integrated Mission, offering “one door to knock on” for Somalia’s engagement with the United Nations.

I appeal to the Council to support UNSOM and help it fulfill its mandate, also by providing the necessary resources to the Mission itself and to Somalia.
I call on all to come together in support of the new Government in its efforts to bring peace and stability to the people of Somalia. The Secretary-General and I firmly believe that with the continuous support and firm commitment of its partners, Somalia can achieve its vision: a country in unity and at peace with itself and its neighbours, living under the rule of law, and on the path to economic stability and decent living conditions for all.

Thank you.

SOMALI MEDIA

Dozens arrested in operations in Marka town

07 Jun- Source: Radio Kulmiye/ al Shahid- 105 words

Extensive operations carried out by the African Union forces and Somali troops, occurred in coastal town of Marka, capital of Lower Shabelle province, south of Mogadishu. The African Union forces and Somali troops deployed battalions on Friday morning in the neighborhoods of the city of Marka.

Some residents said that the AU forces and Somali troops carried out house to house search in the city, and arrested dozens of people during the operations. The operations come after grenade attacks on Thursday in the town.

President Hassan and President Farole hold talks in Nairobi

07 Jun- Source: Garowe Online/Radio Starfm – 206 words

Somali Federal Government (SFG) President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole met in Nairobi on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

According to a Puntland press release, the two leaders met at Safari Hotel in Nairobi to discuss the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC), Jubaland, Federalism, Shiling Somali, financial crisis, reconciliation process and the distribution of foreign aid to all regions of Somalia.

President Hassan and President Farole agreed to meet in Nairobi during a meeting between the two leaders at the Jomo Kenyatta airport on May 29.

The press release did not state what came out of the meeting between the two leaders. But government officials that spoke to GO said that the leaders reached a consensus on most of the issues.

3 injured in explosion targeted on AMISOM troops in Mogadishu

07 Jun- Source: Radio Risaala/Radio Kulmiye/ al Shahid- 116 words

Three civilians were injured in an explosion on Thursday morning, targeting a convoy of African Union forces in Kaxda area , south of the capital Mogadishu.

Witnesses in told local reporters that the explosion was caused by an explosive device planted on the side of the road, injuring three civilians. The African Union forces cordoned off the scene. It was not possible to know whether there was any casualties among the AMISOM troops.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast, but it comes at a time when the al Shabaab militants waging a hit and run attacks on the forces of the African Union and Somali forces.

Somaliland army chief visits Ethiopia

07 Jun- Source: Somalilandinformer -147 words

Army Chief of Somaliland National Army Ismail Mohamed Shaqale is leading delegation of senior army officers on a visit to Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia on Wednesday. The delegation departed from Berbera airport, the provincial capital of Sahil.

According to the local media, the visit of Brig. Gen Shaqale and commanders of armed forces to Ethiopia came after they received a formal invitation from their Ethiopian counterparts. Local press further reported that the visit will last for about four days.

Somaliland military leaders are expected to meet with their Ethiopian counterparts and topics that will dominate in the discussion include ways to enhance the bilateral ties mainly on security areas. The visit made by country’s army chief came at a time where Ethiopia and Egypt are conflict over the use of Nile River water.

Hobyo police chief shot dead by pirates

07 Jun- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 100 words

Armed militias believed to be Somali pirates have shot dead Abdiweli Hassan Hirsi, the police boss of Hobyo district of Mudug region on Thursday. Confirming the incident, Hobyo district Mohamed Mohamud Arale told Bar-kulan that the police chief was shot dead.

The police chief was killed in a shootout between police and armed militias during a security operation targeted on the pirates in the area and also drug dealers in the district. Mohamed added that the police are pursuing the suspects and will soon arrest them. Hobyo district is one the key strongholds of the Somali pirates.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Kenya government says 80,000 refugees out of Dadaab

07 Jun- Source: Star (Kenya)- 351 words

The Kenya and Somalia governments have signed a joint commission agreement which will provide a framework to facilitate the return of Somali refugees to their home country.

Speaking to the press in Nairobi, acting commissioner for Refugee Affairs Badu Katole and Somali Embassy first secretary Ali Mohamed said following the restoration of peace and security in Somalia, the government of Kenya and that of Somalia has started the process of voluntary repatriation of about one million of refugees living in Kenya.

Katole said the government of Somalia has put in place sufficient security measures to ensure that Somali refugee who have been residing in Kenya are settled safely and in dignity.

They said more than 80,000 Somali refugees from the Daadab refugee camp have returned to their country and asked other refugee who are still residing in Kenya to return to their country.

Omani Cement Company to expand into Somalia, Yemen

07 Jun- Source: Oman Daily Observer- 688 words

The Board of Directors of Raysut Cement has resolved to approve the company’s plans to go in for a series of expansion abroad and in the Sultanate. As part of the plan, the country’s largest cement manufacturer will establish modern stateâ€ ofâ€ theâ€ art Cement Terminal inside Duqm Port for storing, packing and distribution of cement, with all the facilities including two silos in the capacity of 4,000 MT each.

This is expected to commence operation in the second half of 2014, the company says in its statement to the Muscat Securities Market. Also the board has given its approval for establishing a modern stateâ€ ofâ€ theâ€ art Cement Terminal in Berbera Port in Somalia, as a joint venture with one of the local partners for storing, packing and distribution of cement, with all the facilities and equipment including three silos in the capacity of 4,000 MT each.

Kenyan MPs host dinner for head of Somali State

06 Jun- Source: Standard- 183 words

Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, the president of Somalia’s State of Puntland ended his week-long tour of Kenya with a dinner on Wednesday night hosted by Kenyan MPs. The legislators mainly drawn from North Eastern, who met at a Nairobi hotel expressed support for Farole’s diplomatic meetings with international partners of the Somali peace and reconciliation process. The Puntland president and the Kenyan hosts also said they supported the State of Jubaland and its new administration led by Sheikh Ahmed Madobe.

Somalia government seeks to decentralise power

06 Jun- Source: Al Jazeera- 2:10 min

Somalis are trying to agree on a government that decentralizes power but also brings the nation back together after years of conflict. But that’s proving difficult. The country’s constitution calls for a federal structure but a recent claim of statehood in the country’s south is causing problems. In the second part of our series, Mohammed Adow reports from Kismayo, the commercial capital of the autonomous region of Jubaland.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

China urges to advance Somalia peace process

07 Jun- Source: Xinhua- 316 words

China on Thursday called on the United Nations and the international community to continue to play an active and constructive role in addressing the Somalia issue and advancing the peace process in the country.

Li Baodong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, said at an open Security Council meeting on the situation in Somalia that “We support the new government of Somalia in implementing an interim Constitution, carrying out its six-point plan, strengthening institutional capacity, exercising government functions and extending effective authority over all its national territory.”

The Chinese envoy stressed that national reconciliation is the only way to build lasting peace in Somalia, urging different factions in the country to renounce violence and to join the peace process unconditionally as soon as possible.

Parents despair for ‘most wanted’ terrorist son

07 Jun- Source: CNN- 245 words

While others enjoy the approaching summer, barbeques and baseball, one American family scours the internet looking for clues to whether their son is alive. U.S authorities also want to find him but not to secure a happy family reunion. Their son, Omar Hammami, is a wanted terrorist fighting — or barely surviving — in Somalia with a $5 million bounty on his head.

Now after an apparent assassination attempt on their son, the family opens up in an exclusive CNN interview about how their son grew up to be a terrorist, how their lives are changed forever and how their joint faith has seen them survive burdens that could have destroyed other families.

Somalia – Security Council, 6975th meeting

06 Jun- Source: webtv.un.org- 2:06: 09 min

The situation in Somalia. Report of the Secretary-General on Somalia (S/2013/326)

UN Security Council urges international support for Somalia

07 Jun- Source: Xinhua- 270 words

Attorneys make opening statements in Somali piracy, murder trial in federal court in Virginia

07 Jun- Source: washington post/AP- 801 words

Defense attorneys for three Somalis charged with murdering four American yachters in a pirate hijacking saidThursday there’s no physical evidence proving their clients fired the shots that killed the Americans during a moment of chaos as U.S. Navy warships and special forces circled nearby off the coast of Africa.

The attorneys also suggested during opening statements in federal court that the other 11 men who have already pleaded guilty to piracy in the case have a vested interest in testifying against their clients, noting that they agreed to testify in exchange for the possibility of a reduced sentence. The 11 are currently serving mandatory life sentences.

Somalia’s al Shabaab is on the defensive, but its leader is still at large

06 Jun- Source: The Globe and Mail- 916 words

Just moments after hearing that his brother had been arrested, Bashe Abdi Godane saw the convoy of police cars descending on his mother’s home.

Seven vehicles roared down the dusty street in the noonday sun. Dozens of masked gun-wielding police commandos leaped out of the cars, blocked off the area and scaled the cracked walls to ransack the frail woman’s modest brick home.

Their target was her son, Ahmed Abdi Godane, the shadowy and reclusive leader of Somalia’s biggest terrorist group, al Shabaab. But after the police arrested two of his brothers and seized a batch of wedding videos from the house where Mr. Godane was born and raised, officials admitted they had found no evidence that the terrorist leader was in touch with his family here.

Security Council, senior UN official urge support, patience as Somalia turns new page

06 Jun- Source: UN News Centre- 947 words

While welcoming recent progress in Somalia, the Security Council today recognized that gains in security and other sectors ‘remain fragile’ and urged the international community to support the efforts of the Somali Government to tackle outstanding issues vital for the country’s long-term stability.

In a statement adopted at a meeting on Somalia chaired by Mark Simmonds, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, which holds the Council’s presidency for the month, the 15-member body underlined the importance of international support to the Somali Federal Government in building a professional, accountable and capable security force as part of a comprehensive approach to security sector reform.

The Council also reiterated the importance of the Government addressing outstanding issues, such as political reconciliation, development of a federal system, the constitutional review and subsequent referendum process, and preparations for elections in 2016. The Council also reiterated its call for the full inclusion of women in all political process.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“We were fortunate enough to catch Dr Hawa after her book tour (her book: Keeping Hope Alive: One Woman: 90,000 Lives Changed, is available on Amazon.com). Her answers are unedited – the words are those of the doctor herself. Her Dr Hawa Abdi Foundation is always grateful for assistance, and can be found online.”

Interview with Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, Dr. Hawa Abdi

06 June- Source: Africulture-1609 Words

William Shakespeare once wrote of adversity: “Sweet are the uses of adversity which, like the toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in his head” (As You Like It, Act II, Scene I). Some nations have a long history of adversity, be it internal conflict, famine, or war but as Shakespeare said, there is always a jewel present to rise above the adversity.

There are some notable people who have shone through adversity and not only made the best of their situation, but spread that to others. Dr Hawa Abdi, of Mogadishu, is easily one of the most noteworthy examples. Dr Hawa has been administering medicine to Somalis in need since 1983, when she established an Obstetrician service to some 25 people a day in the Shebelle region.

When the Somali central government collapsed in 1991, the clinic was slowly transformed into a 400-bed hospital providing required medical assistance to refugees. As the hospital grew it added a feeding center, a small farm, and even a school, eventually being renamed the ‘Dr Hawa Abdi Foundation’. At its peak, the foundation was providing services to almost 100,000 people before it was forcefully suspended. Despite this, she continues to administer medical assistance to those in need, rising above clan-politics.

It is worth noting that Dr Hawa is not doing this alone – her two talented daughters, both doctors in their own right, accompany her. Dr Hawa managed to establish this service in the middle of a conflict zone, while raising two children.

“We are doing our day-to-day business better than Somalia and better than many other countries. We are living in a country where there is democracy, free press, rule of law, elected government, a justice system, and a legal system.”

Somaliland Is a Real Country, According to Somaliland

06 June- Source: VICE-2142 Words

At the back corner of the top floor of a little office building in London’s East End, around the corner from the Tesco down Mile End Road from the Whitechapel subway stop, sits the one-room Somaliland Mission in the UK. Yes, Somaliland, not Somalia (as the pamphlets in the office make painfully clear). In 1991, right after the ouster of the Cold War-era military dictator of Somalia, Mohamed Siad Barre, and just before the descent of the country into 22-and-counting years of chaos and violence, the northern stretch of the nation softly declared its independence as the Republic of Somaliland.
No countries have officially recognized the independence of Somaliland, however, and few provide it much support. In fact many countries, America included, officially back the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, a party that periodically denies the independence of Somaliland.

Yet since declaring its independence, Somaliland appears to have experienced less insecurity and violence and developed more effectively than the rest of Somalia. Most of the recent (extremely limited) news coverage of the region has applauded heartening developments like the 2010 presidential elections, in which the opposition party defeated the incumbents by a razor-thin margin of a few hundred votes in elections dubbed free and fair by international observers, and power transitioned with nary a Molotov cocktail thrown.

After that changing of the guard, the new president, Ahmed Mahamoud Silanyo, appointed Ali Aden Awale as the new head of Somaliland’s Mission in the United Kingdom, a fully functioning diplomatic outpost issuing Somaliland visas and promoting the cause of recognition. After visiting the Mission recently, I spoke to Awale to figure out how exactly he conducts diplomacy in a world that has yet to recognize the reality of his nation.

Top tweets

@engyarisow You can watch the video on the #UN Security Council Meeting on #Somalia 06 June 2013http://webtv.un.org/watch/somalia-security-council-6975th-meeting/2440921328001/ …

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@GenoWorldview There are still 1 MILLION people in#Somalia dependent on #Food aid, according to the FSNAU.

@hisilow Somalis in CapeTown have started their protest march from Kaizergracht Street, heading to Parliament.#Somalia #CapeTown #Mogadishu

‏@unisvienna #FF — New UN Assistance Mission in#Somalia is online at http://www.unsom.unmissions.org ,@UNSomalia, & http://facebook.com/UNSOMALIA

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Image of the day

Image of the day Djiboutian soldiers, serving under AMISOM, marking 36th anniversary of Djibouti national armed forces at a ceremony in Somalia’s central town of Beledweyne, capital of Hiiraan region. Photo: Mogadishu Journal