November 10, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

New Deal conference opens in Mogadishu

10 Nov- Source: Jowhar Online/Radio Goobjoog/Radio Kulmiye – 89 words

A preliminary conference on the New Deal has started ahead of Copenhagen conference in Denmark later this month. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, cabinet ministers, UN and EU are taking part in the conference.

The meeting will focus on the achievement of the government and the new deal, the top leaders of Somalia are expected to a speak at the meeting. This meeting comes a time when there is strong disagreement between President Hassan and the Prime Minister, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed influenced all government agencies.

Key Headlines

AU special representative condemns attack on a Somali Journalist in Mogadishu (AMISOM)
Qatar pledges reconstruction of Somalia (diplomat.so)
Ministry of education concludes training for “Go To School” teachers (Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog)
Mogadishu mayor leaves for Qatar (Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan)
Land mine explosion rocks Kismayo (Radio Goobjoog)
UPDF Replaces a unit of its Forces (Radio Dalsan)
Somali leaders send a condolence message to the family and friends of Ugaas Ahmed Geesood (Radio Dalsan)
South Western regional state election committee named (Radio Bar-kulan)
Freelance journalist seriously wounded in car bomb explosion in Mogadishu (Somali Current/Radio Goobjoog)
Turkish Red Crescent donates water pumps to Elbur residents (Radio Bar-kulan)
Concern over hygiene of water reservoirs in Galgadud (Radio Ergo)
Turkey is hosting Anti-Extremism Conference (Geskaafrica.com)
Efforts underway to reconcile President PM ahead of no confidence vote (Garowe Online)
AU peace support operations division visits Somalia (Amisom-au.org)
Bahrain inaugurates artesian wells project in Somalia (Bahrain News Agency)
Somali doctors kidnapped near Kenya border (Africa Review)
Tightened security off Somalia’s coast aims to bankrupt Al-Shabaab (Sabahi Online)
Somali conservationist bags UNEP’s Champion of the Earth Award (shanghaidaily.com/Xinhua)
Somalia establishes new state (Worldbulletin)
International partners raise human rights concerns in Somalia (delegation of the european union to Somalia)
Homeland security chief pledges to work with Somali community (Star Tribune)
Students offer introduction to often-overlooked Somali culture (Statenews.com)

PRESS STATEMENT

AU Special Representative Condemns Attack on a Somali Journalist in Mogadishu

10 Nov- Source: AMISOM – 155 words

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia – Ambassador Maman S. Sidikou – has strongly condemned the car bomb attack last night that targeted Nure Mohamed Ali, a freelance journalist who has worked for Radio Kulmiye and other media organizations in the country.

Mr. Ali was seriously injured in the explosion that occurred while he was driving along Taleh Street, which is near Kilometer 4 (KM4) in Mogadishu’s Hodan District. “This is the fourth attack of this kind on Somali journalists this year. Although no group has claimed responsibility yet for this heinous act, I urge for investigations and wish Nure – and the other journalists who have been so cruelly attacked – very quick recovery,” said Ambassador Sidikou. Last month, television executive Abdirizak Jama Elmi, was shot three times while attempting to flee from unknown assassins.

SOMALI MEDIA

New Deal conference opens in Mogadishu

10 Nov- Source: Jowhar Online/Radio Goobjoog/Radio Kulmiye – 89 words

Qatar pledges reconstruction of Somalia

10 Nov- Source: diplomat.so – 332 words

Qatari government pledged to take part in the reconstruction and development of Social services in the areas seized by Federal Government of Somalia. Minister of Interior and Federalism of the Federal Government of Somalia Abdullahi Godah Barre briefing the media at Aden Abdulle international airport in Mogadishu after he returned from a trip to Doha said he had taken meeting with his counterpart and discussed wide range issues including strengthening the bilateral relations between the two nations and speeding up the reconstruction activities in the country.

“I met with the Prime Minister and the interior minister of Qatar and discussed ways to strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries,” Godah said. “ Qatar has pledged to take in the reconstruction activities in the country” he added. The Minister also noted that the government of Qatar will support the construction of new roads in the country and the refurbishment of the existing roads.

Ministry of education concludes training for “Go to School” teachers

10 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Goobjoog/Radio Mustaqbal- 120 words

The Ministry of Education of federal government of Somalia has concluded training for Go to school teachers in Mogadishu. Speaking during the closing ceremony the acting director of the ministry Arabow Ibrahim Nur and the director of the schools said the teachers were taught to handle students.

The director of schools department Mohamed Elmi Tooxow noted that there are challenges but the school needs to overcome and has urged teachers to show hard work in their job and to fulfill their duties.

The director stated that the trained teachers will be posted to government schools in Banadir region. This is the first training given to teacher since the federal government launched Go to School initiative which was aimed for over 1 million Somali students to benefit.

Mogadishu mayor leaves for Qatar

10 Nov- Source: Radio Mogadishu/Radio Bar-kulan – 61 words

Mogadishu mayor who also doubles as the governor of Benadir region Hassan Mohamed Hussein has left for gulf state of Qatar. Mungab received invitation from Arab state government officials.

While in Qatar, Mogadishu’s mayor is expected to meet several government officials for discussion. Qatar is a key ally to the federal government of Somalia particularly in the humanitarian aid sector.

South Western regional state election committee named

10 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 80 words

A new election committee to oversee the election of the new president of South Western regional state of Somalia was named. The 25 members were selected from elders and other deluges and is chaired by Sheikh Sahan Ibrahim.

Somali deputy minister of internal security Ibrahim Isaq Yarow who spoke at the meeting has welcomed the appointments of the committee which is expected to spearhead the transition of the new regional state leadership.

Land mine explosion rocks Kismayo

10 Nov- Source: Radio Goobjoog – 49 words

Reports from Kismayo states that land mine explosion occurred in Argada area near a base of the interim Juba administration forces. The number of fatalities is not clearly known. IJA forces who reached the scene after the explosion cordoned off the area, our correspondent in Lower Juba Masuud Abdullahi reports.

UPDF replaces a unit of its forces

10 Nov- Source: Radio Dalsan – 125 words

A unit within UPDF contingent of AMISOM was returned to Uganda after serving AMISOM for more than a year. The plane carrying those soldiers landed at Entebbe airport near Kampala.

That unit was being headed by Dick Olum and were received at Entebbe by General Katumba Wamala together with other UPDF army officials. On the other hand, Dick Olum handed over post to new unit commander.

The new commander will be the head of 2754 new soldiers who will be serving AMISOM next and will be sent to Somalia soon. These troops will join their Sector 1 UPDF AMISOM forces in Banadir and Lower Shabelle who guard important places such the state house, ministries, the parliament building, the airport and the sea port of Mogadishu.

Security forces arrest al-Shabaab suspects in Bulo Burte

10 Nov- Source: Radio Mustaqbal – 112 words

Somali security forces arrested members of al-Shabaab in a security sweep over the past few days in Bulo Bburte district of Hiraan region, federal government security official said. The officer commanding the Somali army in Bulo Burte zone Osman Mumin Abdi told Mustaqbal radio that they conducted operations targeting al-Shabaab hideouts in areas where they arrested two persons suspected to be al-Shabaab members.

Mr. Osman stated that residents of recently burned villages were also taking part in the operations. The officer noted that the victims of the burnt villages are in need of emergency assistance as they still live in poor conditions at the outskirts of Bulo Burte town.

Somali leaders send a condolence message to the family and friends of Ugaas Ahmed Geesood

10 Nov – Source: Radio Dalsan/Radio Goobjoog – 232 words

The president of the Federal Government of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud sent a condolence message to the family and friends of Ugaas Ahmed Ugaas Mohamed Ali (Geesood) who passed on today at Galdogob in Mudug.

Also, the president said the late Geesood took part in the healing process of the Somali nation and the formation of the Somali Government. He prayed to Allah to rest the soul of the deceased leader in eternal peace. Also, the prime minister of the Federal Government of Somalia Hon. Abdiwali Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed sent a similar condolence message to the family and friends of the late hero.

Ugaas Ahmed (Geesood) was the Ugaas (overall leader) of Leelkase Community and was a leader who was highly respected in that region as he was involved in peacemaking initiatives within the residents of Mudug. He is well remembered for taking part in the conferences which led to the formation of the successive governments in the country.

Also The president of semi autonomous regional state of Puntland Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas and delegates reached Galdogob district in Mudug region to attend the funeral service of a famous traditional elder Ugas Ahmed Ugas Mohamed.

The security of Galdogob district particularly the area where funeral service is held was tightened by Puntland security forces. Similarly traditional elders from all the regions of Somalia are attending the funeral service of the late elder.

Freelance journalist seriously wounded in car bomb explosion in Mogadishu

09 Nov- Source: Somali Current/Radio Goobjoog – 421 words

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSO) condemns the attack on the freelance journalists’ car, wounding him seriously on Sunday evening on November 9, 2014, the latest attack in a series of attacks against the journalists and the media in Somalia.

A bomb believed to have been attached to the journalist’s car exploded while he was driving at Taleh street in Hodan district, near KM4 area in Mogadishu on Sunday evening, according to witnesses and media reports.

The freelance journalist identified as Nuurre Mohamed Ali, suffered serious leg injuries and was rushed to Madina hospital for treatment, according to Osman Abdullahi Guure, Director of Kulmiye Radio, where the journalist previously worked.

Turkish Red Crescent donates water pumps to Elbur residents

09 Nov- Source: Radio Bar-kulan – 116 words

Turkish Red Crescent in collaboration with Somali ministry of foreign affairs has donated food aid and water pumps to the residents of Elbur. The food aid which included biscuits dates and among others was facilitated by interior ministry for distribution.

Elbur district commissioner Nur Hassan Gutale has told Bar-Kulan that they also received water pumps meant for the wells which were vandalized by Al Shabaab militant group. Nur thanked Turkish aid agency, Somali government and Somali Diaspora community who jointly facilitated the aid delivery.

Elbur which was over years controlled by Al Shabaab militant group was captured by Somali armed forces backed by African union troops during an offensive against the group during Indian Ocean operation.

Concern over hygiene of water reservoirs in Galgadud

09 Nov- Source: Radio Ergo – 182 words

Residents of Galgadud say the risks of outbreaks of disease are high because of sewage contamination of water supplies. Most people living in arid and semi-arid areas use underground water reservoirs to store rainwater for drinking.

There are no pit latrines and people go to the toilet in the surrounding bush. When it rains, sewage is washed into the water storage systems leading to frequent outbreaks of diarrhoeal diseaseas.

Abdullahi Hussein Dirshe, who lives in Ardo settlement, 55 kilometres east of Adado, told Radio Ergo there were frequent outbreaks of disease due to the poor hygiene of the water collection system in the area.

Dr Abdimajid Ahmed Barre of Adado hospital said there was an ongoing campaign seeking to encourage the community to use pit latrines. He urged people to boil water before drinking. Ardo village chief Farah Salad Ahmed stressed the need for outreach to create awareness in affected areas.

Abdikani Maalim Husein, owner of a water reservoir in Ben-dharte village, 35 kilometres north of Adado, said most reservoirs had not been cleaned or disinfected for many years.

Turkey is hosting anti-extremism conference

09 Nov- Source: Geskaafrica.com- 283 words

The London based Anti-Tribalism Movement (ATM) is preparing to host a four-day anti-extremism conference in Istanbul from Monday 10 November. The conference will discuss the threats from Al-Shabab and ISIS how Somalis should respond to protect their communities from the groups’ warped ideologies.

The conference sessions will feature a range of speakers who have the credibility to counter Al-Shabaab and ISIS’s messages. These include Somali and other East African scholars, Somali women, people who have been the victims of Al-Shabaab, and academics from Al-Azhar University in Cairo (the seat of Sunni Islamic thought).

Managing Director of ATM, Adam Matan, said: “Vile groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS are un-Islamic and do not hold any Islamic values and their views is incompatible with East African culture and identity. Collectively, we need a strategy to combat violent extremism that should be constructed with a clear, realistic end state. Our hopes for this unique conference are to work together to develop a single narrative and plan of action to combat terrorist groups around the world, which threaten all our communities. A solution led by Somalis for Somalis possesses the capabilities to eliminate support for extremist ideologies of violence and stands a chance of succeeding in stamping out their threat.”

The Anti-Tribalism Movement will convene Somali and East African religious leaders, Somali professors and Somali youth representatives to discuss conflict resolution, extremism, violence and tribalism and issue joint communiqué against Al-Shabaab and others who practice violence.

The conference will welcome some victims of extremist violence and invite them to share their stories and give them a platform to raise awareness of their ordeals. The conference will take place in Istanbul from 10th November 2014-13th November 2014.

Efforts underway to reconcile President, PM ahead of “No Confidence Vote”

9 Nov – Source: Garowe Online – 358 Words

Though Federal Government of Somalia’s political leadership stuck to their positions, Parliament speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari is mediating between the two under the backing of key international partners, Garowe Online reports. On Saturday, Jawari announced that he temporarily ceased the debate over a no confidence motion filed against the Prime Minister, holding talks with backers as well as the challengers of the proposed no confidence vote on possible solutions to the political stalemate.

Well informed sources tell Garowe Online that the parliament speaker alongside first deputy speaker Jaylani Nur Ikar and second deputy speaker Mahad Abdalla Awad reminded pro President Hassan MPs of the magnitude of the tasks charged with Somali government institutions. “MPs loyal to the President met with the speaker on Saturday morning while anti no-confidence motion campaigners voiced support for the ongoing mediation efforts by Jawari and donors,” said one source.

On Sunday, as part of the efforts to bring dispute to an end speaker Jawari discussed the role of the international community in settling the dispute with UN envoy to Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay. British Ambassador Neil Wigan is also said to have joined the reconciliation process by separately raising the root cause of the dispute with Mohamud and Mohamed. Mohamed has been accused of failing to cooperate with his opponent, President Mohamud, defiance while reshuffling cabinet ministers and incompetency according to the no confidence motion. Some insiders say, President Hassan’s close allies were wooing lawmakers with cash. Ambassador Kay has expressed concern over vote buying reports and urged opposing parties to abide by the Provisional Federal Constitution.

Reacting to the international concern, Mohamud called for what he described respect to Somalia’s right to self-determination. Over 20,000-strong peacekeepers prop up Somali National Army, the only credible fighting force in the southern part of the country. Rampant corruption and persistent political disputes dealt blow to the credibility of Mohamud’s administration as the donors continue to provide cash aid with Mogadishu-based central government. The infighting comes less than three weeks before the high-level partnership forum on Somalia that will be hosted by Denmark.

AU Peace Support Operations Division visits Somalia

07 Nov- Source: Amisom-au.org – 489 words

A high level delegation from the African Union Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) is in Somalia on a review mission, looking at the different activities being undertaken by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The delegation led by the Head of the PSOD Mr. Sivuyile Bam Bam held different meetings in Mogadishu and was led by the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Somalia (DSRCC), Hon. LydiaWanyoto Mutende on similar missions in Baidoa and Beletweyne.

While in Baidoa, the team met with the Sector Commander Brig. Gen.Gabremedhin Fikadu who briefed the AU delegation about ongoing activities, the challenges faced and gains made against Al-Shabaab.

In Beletweyne, the delegation further met with the Sector 4 Commander Col. Abdourahman Abdi Dhembil and also received a brief on security and ongoing operations. The DSRCC said the visits to the sectors were part of the regular process of reviewing mission activities but also an important aspect of morale boosting for the troops.

“We are in Beletweyne today to visit our troops but also the Somali National Army, the community activities and the Somali Police Force activities. We are coming after the conclusion of the Operation Indian and we came to see our commanders and thank them for the work done as we are going to do the review and see how to proceed on mobilizing the community and see how the new administration is settling in and check on the service delivery points for our people. But most important to ensure that we have some projects and community settlement and see how our people are coping after we have cleaned out Al Shabaab from all areas in these sectors,” she said.

REGIONAL MEDIA

Bahrain inaugurates artesian wells project in Somalia

Nov 9 – Source: Bahrain News Agency – 497 Words

Following directives from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and under the patronage of the Royal Charity Organisation, Dr. Mustafa Al-Sayed inaugurated the Artesian Water Walls Projects in Somalia, implemented by RCO in collaboration with the Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRWWW).

Shaikh Nasser stated that the project was part of the humanitarian aid provided by the kingdom to the brotherly Somali people upon directives from HM the King, RCO’s Honorary President.

He extended utmost thanks, appreciation and gratitude to HM the King for his directives to extend a lifeline for the needy and disaster-stricken people, out of the human ties bonding the kingdom with peoples across the world, and in confirmation of the outstanding brotherly Bahraini-Somali relations.

Somali doctors kidnapped near Kenya border

08 Nov- Source: Africa Review – 80 words

Three medical doctors were on Friday kidnapped in the Gedo region in southern Somalia, near the border with Kenya. Local media reported that the kidnapping happened in an area controlled by Al-Shabaab, the radical jihadist group. The doctors were seized alongside two companions, one of them a driver.

Sources added that the five, all of them Somalis, were travelling back from a health seminar held at Mandera town in Kenya. They where heading towards Garbaharey, the capital of Gedo region, which is about 400 km northwest of Kismayu, the main port town and capital of the Juba region.

Tightened security off Somalia’s coast aims to bankrupt al-Shabaab

7 Nov – Sabahi Online – 786 Words

The recent seizure of an illegal arms shipment off the Somali coast signals the government’s increasing ability to manage maritime security, analysts say, but it also highlights the need for more effective ways to degrade al-Shabaab’s access to weapons and money. Somali security forces seized a shipping container filled with weapons and explosives October 28th, just days after the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution authorising the inspection and seizure of vessels in Somali waters suspected of carrying prohibited items.

Under the resolution, states and regional partners can search ships in Somalia’s territorial waters and on the high seas when there are “reasonable grounds” to suspect they are transporting illegal arms or charcoal, a key source of funding for al-Shabaab militants. Despite an international ban on charcoal exports, the illegal trade has increased, with al-Shabaab holding on to approximately one-third of the $250 million annual trade, according to a report by the United Nations Monitoring Group on Somalia and Eritrea released in June.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Somali conservationist bags UNEP’s Champion of the Earth Award

10 Nov- Source:shanghaidaily.com/Xinhua – 334 Words

Fatima Jibrell, a Somali female environmentalist, won the 2014 UN Environmental Programme (UNEP)’s Champions of the Earth award for her fight against illegal charcoal trade in the Horn of African nation. UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner told a news conference in Nairobi on Friday that Jibrell has joined the ranks of global icons who made history for championing environmental sustainability.

“For the last 20 years, Jibrell has mobilized local and international resources to protect Somalia’s pastoral way of life and the fragile environment upon which many livelihoods depend,” Steiner said. Jibrell became the first Somalia woman to bag the award since its launch in 2005.

“Her courage and commitment to fight for environmental and social justice under the most distressful circumstances shines light on the resilience of the human spirit,” Steiner said.

Somalia establishes new state

09 Nov – Source: Worldbulletin – 229 Words

Somalia ratified its newest regional state at the end of a two-week conference in the south-central city of Baidoa, a local official confirmed Friday.

“The South Western [State] has been born today despite the problems we faced before and during the conference,” Mohamed Nur, a representative of the Bay region – one of the new state’s three regions – told Anadolu Agency by phone.

South Western, which is now Somalia’s fifth state in accordance with the country’s federal constitution, also comprises the Bakol and Lower Shabelle regions. The other states are Jubaland, Khatumo, Puntland and Galmudug, each of which is led by a federal government.

International partners raise human rights concerns in Somalia

07 Nov- Source : Delegation of the European Union to Somalia – 600 Words

On 5 & 6 November 2014, the Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), a group of international partners comprising the European Union, its Member States, Norway, Switzerland and the United States of America, carried-out a mission to Mogadishu as part of its efforts to continue a regular human rights-focused dialogue with Somali and international stakeholders. The mission met with delegations from the federal Ministry of Women and Human Rights and the federal Parliament as well as with a broad range of civil society organisations. Separate meetings were also held with the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and with AMISOM. The mission offered an opportunity to take stock of progress made over the course of the last few months.

The HRWG recognised the important work being carried-out by the UN. Its continued presence in Somalia and key role in the advocacy, protection and furtherance of Human Rights is essential. Therefore, the Group is committed to working closely with the UN to build and strengthen Human Rights throughout Somalia, particularly in the fields of security sector reform, SGBV and child protection.

The Group reiterated its appreciation of the contribution that AMISOM has made to security and stability in Somalia, however, remains deeply concerned over allegations of sexual abuse by AMISOM forces. It therefore welcomes efforts made by AMISOM in response to the Human Rights Watch report on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA). The Group looks forward to receiving the reports of the AU’s independent Research & Assessment and Investigations Teams on SEA that are currently deployed on the ground. The Group took note of the idea put forward by AMISOM of creating a Somali-anchored special victims’ helpline, however, would urge any individual complaints and referral mechanism for victims of SGBV to be embedded in an independent structure which also provides in-depth support.

The Group supports, in particular, the adoption and implementation, by the Ministry of Women and Human Rights, of a National Action Plan against sexual violence. The Group also finds it imperative that all necessary steps be taken to ensure the establishment of a national, independent Human Rights Commission.
The lack of resources and capacity in the Human Rights domain remains a major challenge – the Group calls upon its Members and the wider international community to provide, in a joined-up and coordinated way, the necessary assistance.

The Group took note of several challenges faced by the Parliamentary committee for Human Rights and agreed that their capacity to carry-out their responsibilities needed bolstering. HRWG showed its appreciation for the persistent and courageous efforts made by civil society organisations to defend human rights under very challenging circumstances. It listened carefully to civil society’s concerns regarding the justice sector and CSOs’ relations with the government structures. The Group calls upon the authorities and civil society organisations to engage in a more regular, institutionalised dialogue on the Human Rights strategy for the country.

Finally, the HRWG notes with concern the rising threats to media freedom in Somalia. Independent media and access to information are essential to the realisation of Vision 2016 and for free and fair elections. The Group encourages the adoption of the necessary steps to create a legal framework allowing the media to operate independently and in safety. The Group encourages a transparent debate on the draft media bill that is currently before Parliament to ensure it is in line with international standards and agreed on the necessity of ensuring compatibility with the proposed Communications Act.

The Group looks forward to continuing its dialogue with the Federal Government of Somalia, regional stakeholders, the Somali Parliament, AMISOM the UN and CSOs on Human Rights issues.

Homeland security chief pledges to work with Somali community

07 Nov – Source: Star Tribune – 578 Words

A top official of the Obama administration promised Friday to address racial profiling encountered by Somalis who fly out of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, acknowledging the need to ensure that civil liberties are not eroded in the effort to investigate terrorism leads in the Twin Cities.

“There are people here who say they’d rather fly out of Chicago,” Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson said after a roundtable discussion with irritated Somali leaders at the Brian Coyle Community Center in Minneapolis.
Johnson made clear he was angry to learn that Somalis in the Twin Cities will drive more than 400 miles to bypass what they say are discriminatory and demeaning screenings by security agents at the Twin Cities airport. “I think I understand what it’s like to be the object of stereotyping, of profiling,” said Johnson, who is black.

Friday’s meeting in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, which has a large Somali population, was closed to the press, but those in attendance said Johnson heard a number of stories about young men being targeted and harassed at the airport. The meeting was attended by top law enforcement leaders from the metro area — many of whom are also involved in the effort to stop local recruitment by international terrorist groups.

Students offer introduction to often-overlooked Somali culture

10 Nov – Source: Statenews.com – 496 Words

As music and laughter swirled around students on Friday night, knowledge about one country in the Horn of Africa passed between them. Student members of the Somali Association of Michigan hosted their annual Somali Cultural Night at the Eppley Center, and attendees from a variety of backgrounds were immersed in the food, music, clothing and history of Somalia.

The students involved with SAM arrange the cultural night every year in an attempt to educate students about their roots. “We try to get our culture out there because many people don’t know where Somalia is at or that it even exists,” biomedical laboratory science sophomore and SAM President Abdulkadir Muridi said.

Muridi said he hoped students would experience something new and leave with a better understanding of Somali culture.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“Given the weakness of the Somali government and its inability to exercise sovereignty over the mainland, let alone the maritime belt, Kenya can acquire the disputed territorial waters by manifesting power and authority over the contested territorial waters on a continuous basis.”

Kenya and Somalia could go to war on territorial row

10 Nov – Source: Standard Media – 791 Words

On August 28, this year, Somalia took Kenya to the International Court of Justice to resolve a long-standing dispute over the maritime boundary in the Indian Ocean. Kenya’s view has been the maritime boundary should run east from the point where it touches the Indian Ocean, whereas, Somalia differs and argues that if its border with Kenya runs continuously from land into the ocean, it would take a south-east direction.

If Somalia had its way, Kenya would be worse off and would lose over 100,000 square kilometres of territorial waters, leaving a small triangle of a marine belt in Indian Ocean without free access to the high seas. Thus, the case is not a small matter for Kenya, and, thus, it deserves serious legal defence by drawing on multi-disciplinary insights.

Based on the previous decisions by the ICJ and other international tribunals on disputes of similar nature, several considerations will be brought to bear on the matter. One primary consideration will be the “equidistance/special circumstances rule”. Article 15 of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea that stipulates, where the coasts of two states are opposite or adjacent to each other, neither of two states is entitled, failing agreement between them to the contrary, to extend its territorial sea beyond the median line every point of which is equidistant from the nearest point on the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial seas of each of the two states is to be measured.

Top tweets

@Somalia_Focus AU Special Representative Condemns Attack on a Somali Journalist in Mogadishu http://wp.me/p51HPA-zb

@NUSOJ_Somalia Freelance Journalist survives from car bomb attack in #Mogadishu, resulting serious leg injuries.#NUSOJ_Somalia

@SomaliaEU #South West Constitution ratification is an incremental step forward in continued process of reconciliation & state building in #Somalia

@FCONeilWigan Nov 8 Met the President and other political figures today to discuss how to avoid political instability that could hinder progress in #Somalia.

‏@UNGeneva Nov In Somalia, @UN & @WorldBank pledge support for transition & efforts to strengthen security & dev in region http://bit.ly/1xE5Fe1

@Daudoo Over 20,000 people reportedly evacuated#Baladweyne after Shabelle river overflowed & town became flooded. #Somalia

@movementatm “Jihad is not about killing innocent people” The head of Somalia religious leader sheikh Bashir Ahmed Salad#CredibleVoices

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Image of the day

Meeting today between donors, Prime minsiter and President to discuss future international support for Somalia, through New Deal.Photo: @FCONeilWigan