September 25, 2014 | Daily Monitoring Report.

Main Story

Suspected Islamist militants charged in Ugandan court

25 Sept- Source: Reuters- 263 words

Ten suspected members of Somalia’s Islamist group al Shabaab were charged in a Ugandan court with terrorism-related crimes after authorities said they had thwarted an attack by the group, police said on Thursday.

Uganda said on Sept. 13 it had raided an al Shabaab cell and arrested nearly two dozen suspects who were planning attacks in the capital Kampala. Police said a substantial amount of explosives and suicide vests were seized.

The Somali group denied its operatives were involved, although it carried out attacks in Kampala in 2010 that killed scores of fans watching a soccer matches at sports bars and has vowed more attacks to punish Uganda for sending troops to Somalia.

The suspects where charged in court late on Wednesday with “aiding and abetting terrorism” and “belonging to a terrorist organisation”, police spokesman Fred Enanga told Reuters, adding eight of them were Somalis and two were Kenyans.

Key Headlines

Armed men kill senior Puntland official in Garowe (VOA Somali Service)
Joint Shipping Initiative funds new phase of anti-piracy project in Somalia (Shell)
Youth and women promoting peace in Lower Juba (Radio Ergo)
Puntland wants to build and enhance capacity of civil servants (Radio Bar-kulan)
Somalia “Kenya is against the international Maritime laws” (Geeska Afrika/SNTV)
Four dead after militias fight over ransom in Galkayo (Radio Goobjoog)
Uganda: Terror suspects jailed (Daily Monitor)
Somali region commemorates world peace day with sporting event (Radio RBC)
Suspected Islamist militants charged in Ugandan court (Reuters)
Women bearing the brunt of conflict: Dahabo’s story (Radio Ergo)
Drivers in Lower Shabelle region complain of increasing roadblocks (Goobjoog)
Ethiopia: Norwegian Envoy to Somalia exchanged views on regional issues (Geeska Afrika)
Women bearing the brunt of conflict: Dahabo’s story (Radio Ergo)
Somalia: Puntland leader fires Deputy Minister for criticism (Garowe Online)
Uhuru Kenyatta says terrorists are exploiting Kenya’s expanded democratic space (Daily Nation)
Ondoga Trial: Court warns lawyer against leaking information to press (New Vision)
Amid signs of progress in Somalia UN chief urges continuing support for peace process (UN News Center)
UN Secretary-General’s Remarks at the High-Level Meeting on Somalia (UNSOM)
Remarks by the African Union Commission Chairperson HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma (AMISOM)
President stresses political progress is central to building a united Somalia in address to High Level Meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (OP)

PRESS STATEMENT

President stresses political progress is central to building a united Somalia in address to High Level Meeting at the United Nations General Assembly

25 Sept – Source: Office of the President of Somalia – 323 words

Today, HE President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed a High Level Meeting on Somalia: “Implementing Vision 2016: Inclusive Politics in Action”, on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.

The President co-chaired the Meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Chair of the African Union Commission, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The meeting was attended by Heads of Delegations and Representatives of Member States, Observer Missions and the World Bank.

Speaking at the Meeting, the President highlighted the transformation of Somalia over the past two years, praising the efforts of the Somalia National Army and the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) in liberating 70% of south and central Somalia from terrorists and returning it to the control of the Federal Government of Somalia.

“Somalia’s transformation has been hard-won through a dual strategy of securing the country from terrorist extremists and state-building. Both strands have been made possible by substantial financial, military and technical international contributions.

“Somalia is now the only fragile state in the world successfully defeating a terrorist organisation on its on soil. But delivering peace and maintaining stability in Somalia will involve more than militarily defeating terrorists,” the President said.

Vision 2016, as articulated by the Federal Government, sets out an ambitious program of state-building by 2016, including the completion of a constitutional review, formation of federal states, and the conduct of national elections.

The President continued, “We must not forget the importance of political reconciliation and reform for maintaining long-term stability, and creating an enabling environment for development gains.

“Somalia is moving along the road of integration, of inclusivity, of peace. We are leaving behind the disorder and discord sewn by distorted ideology. We reaffirm our choice that reconciliation – the path that we have chosen – will be won through dialogue, through inclusive politics, through creating a shared vision of what Somalia can be.” The President will address the UN General Assembly on Friday 26 September.

Remarks by the African Union Commission Chairperson, HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma

25 Sept- Source: AMISOM- 638 words

Your Excellency, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia,

Your Excellency, Mr. Ban ki-moon, Secretary General of the United Nations,

Excellencies, Heads of State, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me begin by thanking you, Mr. President for your leadership of the Federal Government, and for the progress recorded in our march towards a more secure and peaceful Somalia. We are pleased with the progress being made in the implementation of Vision 2016. I am sure that we are also well aware of the challenges that still need to be addressed.

In particular, let me underline that inclusive political processes, especially in the formation of the federal states, as well as the unity of Somalia’s political institutions, both within the Executive and between the Executive, the legislature and the nascent judiciary, are critical to maintain the progress achieved to date and to making further progress.

I would also like to underscore the place of women and other marginalized groups. Women must be properly included at all levels and empowered to help shape Somalia’s future, and all groups must be made to feel fully a part of Somalia.

It is also important to pass the necessary legislation creating the National Independent Electoral Commission as well as the expeditious establishment of the Commission thereafter.

These steps are all necessary to facilitate the review, approval and adoption of the Provisional Federal Constitution and the successful conduct of national elections in 2016.

UN Secretary-General’s Remarks at the High-Level Meeting on Somalia

25 Sept- Source: UNSOM- 537 words

Thank you for your commitment to Somalia, and thank you for your participation discussing the situation in Somalia. I am glad to see so many partners, including the leaders from Ethiopia, Italy and the United Kingdom who jointly suggested this meeting.

I am delighted to welcome my co-chairs, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

I would like to salute the leadership of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, the Federal Parliament and the Federal Government, in carrying out an ambitious political process under challenging circumstances.

I wish to express appreciation to the African Union for its continued support to the Federal Government’s security and stabilization efforts, especially the latest joint operations against Al-Shabaab. We pay tribute to AMISOM, the Somali security forces and the Somali people for their courage and sacrifice.

I also take this opportunity to recognize the staff of the United Nations, under the leadership of Special Representative Nicholas Kay, and other international partners serving in Somalia for their dedication to peace.

The peace process in Somalia is gathering momentum.

Since we last met, the Federal Government has set out its “Vision 2016” plan for Somalia’s political transformation. Agreements have been reached to forge interim administrations in south, south-west and central Somalia. I welcome IGAD’s important support to these developments.

But there is no time to lose if elections are to take place in 2016 as the President has pledged. I urge all Somalia’s political institutions to keep this process on track. Parliament has a central role to play in establishing the National Independent Electoral Commission and the Boundaries and Federation Commission that must be delivered this year.

National reconciliation remains crucial. I welcome the efforts of the emerging interim regional administrations, together with the Federal Government, to convene inclusive reconciliation conferences. Inclusive local administrations are also urgently needed in newly recovered areas. The participation of women at all levels in these processes and in Somalia’s institutions is an imperative.

Political progress also depends on security, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights. I welcome the recent discussions in London on building effective and human rights-compliant security forces. I urge the Federal Government to firmly place human rights, especially the protection of women and children, at the centre of its state-building policies and programmes.

The current operations to recover more locations from al Shabaab are critical to enable delivery of critical supplies to communities cut off by the group’s blockades.

I remain extremely worried about the humanitarian situation. Malnutrition rates are again on the rise. If we do not increase humanitarian support, all other gains could be jeopardized.

I am pleased to announce that the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund under the Somali Compact is operational. We are also working with the World Bank on an initiative to promote resilience and economic development in the Horn of Africa.

There is much work still ahead. I urge you, Mr. President, and the Federal Government to redouble efforts to deliver on “Vision 2016” and the Somali Compact. Yet they cannot achieve this ambitious agenda alone. As we look forward to the High-Level Partnership Forum in Copenhagen in November, I appeal to the international community to continue its support to Somalia so that its people can reap the dividends of peace.

The United Nations remains strongly committed to supporting these efforts.

Thank you.

SOMALI MEDIA

Armed men kill senior Puntland official in Garowe

25 Sept- Source: VOA Somali Service/Radio Garowe/Radio Goobjoog/Universaltv- 89 words

Unknown armed assailants have killed senior official of Puntland administration Abdirashid Bulhan Boqor Osman in Garowe, the administrative capital of the administration. Mr. Bulhan was killed by armed men near Towfiq hotel in the heart of the town who immediately fled from the area.

Security officials are in hot pursuit of the murderers and no was still arrested in connection of the act. The motive behind his murder is not clearly known as no one claimed the responsibility of the attack.

Youth and women promoting peace in Lower Juba

25 Sept- Source: Radio Ergo- 164 words

Women and youth groups in Lower Juba region have embarked on awareness campaigns among the locals on the importance of social interaction and peaceful coexistence. Lul Jama Da’ud, one of the campaigners, told Radio Ergo they aim to achieve lasting peace in the region.

“Women need to live in peace because they are the most vulnerable bearing the brunt of the 23-year-old conflict,” said Da’ud.

The head of Wamo youth organization, Ahmed Mohamed Maktal, said they were working on enhancing security through the campaign.

“Somali youth are tired of war. They have been the biggest victims because they were used for the wars in the country. Therefore we are fighting to avoid more youths being used for meaningless wars,” said Ahmed. He called on the youth in the region to refrain from anything that was harmful to society.

The peace push comes at a time when a reconciliation conference to promote peace and reconciliation is underway in Kismayo, the provincial capital of the region.

Puntland wants to build and enhance capacity of civil servants

25 Sept- Source: Radio Bar-kulan- 160 words

A meeting to discuss ways to build the capacity of Puntland’s civil servants on Wednesday opened in Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland.

Puntland deputy president, Abdihakim Abdullahi Omar and other senior government officials attended the opening of the meeting which is scheduled to be concluded in Garowe on Thursday.

Mustafa Said Sha’ab, the director of Puntland’s civil servants commission stated that the focus of the meeting is to set up clear vision to enhance and develop the capacity of civil servants in Puntland.

Puntland’s Minister for Labor Abdirahman Ahmed who spoke at the opening of the meeting said that his ministry is working closely with stakeholders on new measures to build and improve the capacity of civil servants in government institutions.

Meanwhile, Puntland’s deputy president, Abdihakim Abdullahi Omar stressed that the meeting is part of the pledges made by Puntland president Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas during his presidential campaign.

Somalia “Kenya is against the international Maritime laws”

25 Sept- Source: Radio Mogadishu/SNTV/Geeska Afrika- 483 words

Somalia’s Attorney General Dr Ahmed Ali Dahir held a press conference in Mogadishu and clarified why Somalia is taking Kenya to the International Courts of Justice (ICJ) over Kenya’s violations to the integrity and sovereignty of Somali water territory.

The Attorney General gave brief history since 1958 and all laws relating to Somalia territorial waters. The Attorney General said “Somali people are very grateful of Kenya’s support in many areas such as accepting Somalis as refugees, Kenya’s role to bring peace and stability in Somalia, and Kenya’s generosity of hosting Somali conferences in Kenya. However, it is our solemn duty to defend our territorial waters from anyone.“

The Attorney General continued to say “It is unlawful and is beyond anyone’s imagination of the unilateral decision by Kenya to sign an agreement with Oil and Gas exploration companies in our territorial waters. Their decision is unacceptable and it is wrong and therefore, we Somalis will not tolerate such clear violations from Kenya.

Four dead after militias fight over ransom in Galkayo

25 Sept- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 91 words

Four people died and three others sustained injuries after two militias believed to be the pirates who released the German-American journalist Michael Scott Moore exchanged fire in southern Galkayo.

The confrontation came after the pirates misunderstood over sharing the ransom paid to the release of the journalist according to sources.

Michael Scott Moore was flown from Galkacyo on Tuesday afternoon to Nairobi after he was secured from the captors. A special aircraft landed in Galkayo airport and flown the journalist to Nairobi.

Somali region commemorates world peace day with sporting event

25 Sept – Source: Radio RBC – 174 words

Over 150 people including politicians, athletes and women have taken part a three-kilometre peace match held in the southern port city of Kismayo as a commemoration event for the world peace day.

The peaceful sporting event was organized by the region’s local sports committee under the auspice of the National Olympic committee of Somalia and was held in Kismayo on the 21st of September, the day marked as the world’s peace day.

Former footballers including some who represented the Lower Jubba region in the country’s regional football tourneys just dozens of years ago also took part in the peace match.

Somali National Olympic committee secretary General Duran Ahmed Farah who was reached for comment by the NOCSOM media department said that the event was part of several sporting programs held in different places in the country as commemorations for the global day.

He praised the lower Jubba region’s local sports committee for the promotion of sport in the region adding that the organization of sports for peace programs was a very tangible step forward.

Jowhar farmers repair water canal ahead of rains

25 Sept- Source: Radio Ergo- 282 words

Farmers in Middle Shabelle’s regional capital Jowhar have joined together to repair a key irrigation canal ahead of the coming Deyr rains. They fear they may be hit again by floods if heavy rains fall and the river swells and bursts its banks. They hope to repair the canal so that their crops benefit from the rain rather than being destroyed by it.

Abdikadir Salah, head of Moyko Canal, a major water supply canal for irrigation, explains to Ergo how the preparation work at the canal is shaping up. “The canal was badly damaged by previous heavy floods and torrential rains,” Salah said.

“The farmers decided to depend on themselves rather than appeal for help that often doesn’t arrive. We’ll continue working on the canal until it is fully prepared for the rains.” The Moyko canal feeds water to over 500 farms in Jowhar.

Women and men have been working together. Madina Abdullahi, one of the female farmers participating in the canal work, said she was taking part in the preparation work so that her farm, her only source of income, could be well irrigated when the rains arrives.

“We are getting prepared for Deyr season. We are not waiting for others to come and repair the canal for us,” said Madina.

Twenty five hectares of farm lands were destroyed this month [September] when the River Shabelle burst its banks in Jameo village near Jowhar district. One of the affected farm owners, Jama Haddi, said they lost their entire livelihood in the floods.

Local farmers in this areas largely depend on water from the river for their irrigation activities and have been hit numerous times by heavy rains followed by river floods.

Drivers in Lower Shabelle region complain of increasing roadblocks

25 Sept- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 172 words

The drivers and the owners of vehicles that work in Lower Shabelle region especially the road linking Maareerey and Afgoye towns complain of an increased number of roadblocks.

Some of the drivers and the owners of vehicles who contacted Radio Goobjoog stated that the drivers are forced to pay large amounts of money they cannot afford by men dressed in military uniform.

“We have lots of problem with these illegal checkpoints in Lower Shabelle region because we cannot afford the amount of money we are forced to pay,” one of the drivers said.

The driver also stated that they filed their complaint to Afgoye administration but the administration failed to give immediate response.

The drivers called the federal government to take immediate action of removing the illegal checkpoints in the region.

The federal government carried out several operations to remove the illegal roadblocks set by the men dressed in military uniform but no change was so far felt according the owners and the drivers.

Ethiopia: Norwegian Envoy to Somalia exchanged views on regional issues

25 Sept- Source: Geeska Afrika- 170 words

Ethiopian State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dewano Kedir, met Jens Mjaugedal, Norwegian Special Envoy to Somalia. Discussions focused on the need to strengthen the innovative cooperative partnership with the view to elevate bilateral ties to a new level, working in concert for the creation of a harmonious and stable region and expanding converging interests for the benefit of all.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dewano Kedir noted the continued growth of Ethio-Norway relations, stressing the need for consolidation and furtherance of practical and productive cooperation in all spheres with the aim of increasing and expanding common interests.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dewano Kedir underlined that Ethiopia was keen to welcome Norwegian investors and business persons who could benefit from the investment opportunities available in Ethiopia. He also detailed Ethiopia’s developmental progress in assisting in the transformation of the lives and livelihoods of the peoples of the region. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and bilateral issues of common concerns.

Women bearing the brunt of conflict: Dahabo’s story

25 Sept- Source: Radio Ergo- 316 words

This is a summary of an interview in a new series of radio talks with Somali women, exploring the ways in which women have endured extreme challenges and developed a resilience with which to forge a new future.

Dahabo Ahmed Arab is a single mother with nine children. She was among the first Somalis to flee across the border into neighboring Kenya when Somalia’s civil war erupted in 1991.

Dahabo lost one of her daughters, less than five years old, to starvation on her way to Kenya. One of her sons suffered severe mental trauma from his exposure to the conflict and his mental disorder endured.

“I arrived in Hagardere refugee camp [Dadaab] where I lived for four years. But in 1995, I went back to Mogadishu because I couldn’t endure the miserable conditions in the camp,” Dahabo recalled.

She lived in Mogadishu until 2011, when one of her daughters was seriously injured in a clash between armed groups. Again she decided to move, and packed up and went to Adado in Galgadud, central Somalia, seeking somewhere to live in relative peace.

“My children don’t have a father, so I have to take care of them. It is not an easy task to provide for the basic needs of children. But many other Somali mothers, some who were divorced or others widowed, share similar hardships. The impact of the civil war was not a joke,” Dahabo said.

She has been determined to secure a good future for her children, and this has motivated her in all her decisions. Drawing on her own hard experience, she warned other women not to flee to exile in other countries, where life can be even tougher than at home. “What women need to do is to stay in their country and work to restore peace and stability in our nation,” she urged.

Fire outbreak in Mogadishu destroys houses

25 Sept- Source: Radio Goobjoog- 94 words

Fire outbreak in Wadajir district earlier on Thursday has caused destruction, mountains of smoke is seen coming from the houses where the fire outbreak started. The outbreak of fire is due to electrical faults as residents in Wadajir district confirmed to the media.

Families living near the area safeguard themselves and took their belongings away fearing that the fire might spread to their houses. The local people in the area are making efforts to put out fire as there were no firefighters that immediately reached the scene.

Somalia: Puntland leader fires Deputy Minister for criticism

24 Sept – Source: Garowe Online – 133 words

The President of Somalia’s Puntland Government Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gaas has fired Deputy Minister of Ports and Marine Transport for criticizing former Somaliland official for being futile on Wednesday, Garowe Online reports.

Abdirashid Gaani Ali was sacked by presidential decree which was not released to the media, well informed sources stated. Ali slammed former Somaliland Information Minister and Sool politician Ahmed Abdi Haabsade for handing over Sool regional capital of Lasanod to Somaliland’s separatist administration in October 2007.

“The arrival of Ahmed Abdi Haabsade sounds nothing. Crimes being committed by Ahmed are known, the land he gave to [Somaliland] still remains in the hands of the enemy. He was exploited and after he lost credibility, if he says I have been exonerated, it’s meaningless,” said sacked Deputy Minister of Ports and Marine Transport.

REGIONAL MEDIA

President Kenyatta says terrorists are exploiting Kenya’s expanded democratic space

25 Sept – Source: Daily Nation – 112 words

Terrorism is threatening Kenya’s efforts to deepen and sustain its democracy, President Uhuru Kenyatta told the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday. The country, he said, is struggling to balance protection of democratic freedoms with the imperative of stamping out terrorism within its borders.

“In Kenya, we stand at a critical moment. As we deepen our democracy, we find our nation thrust into the frontlines of a regional and global war against terror.

“Terrorist actors are exploiting the expanded democratic space, sometimes feeding into and even influencing local politics,” President Kenyatta said in his first speech to the UN General Assembly in his capacity as Kenya’s head of state.

Ondoga Trial: Court warns lawyer against leaking information to press

25 Sept- Source: New Vision- 418 words

Prosecutors in the General Court Martial have expressed disappointment at the lawyer defending the ex-commander of the Uganda Military Contingent in Somalia, Brig. Michael Ondoga, for leaking proceedings of his (Ondoga) closed trial to the press.

State attorneys, Capt. Fred Kangwamu, Capt. Gerald Bamwitirebye and Lt. Ambrose Baguma told court chaired by Maj. Gen. Levy Karuhanga on Wednesday that Frank Kanduho has been leaking proceedings of his client’s closed trial proceedings to the press.

The lawyers noted that a local tabloid which quoted Kanduho published the proceedings of Ondoga’s closed trial that took place last week. This, the state attorneys, said constitute contempt of court.

Karuhanga warned Kanduho against leaking details of his client’s closed trial to the press again during a closed session in Makindye, a Kampala suburb yesterday.

The court has been hearing the testimony of the first prosecution witness, Lt. Col. Edson Muhanguzi, formally the commander of the Uganda Battle Group ten in Somalia in camera because of its “sensitivity” to national security and the African Union led operations against the al-shabaab terrorists in the horn of Africa nation.

Uganda: Terror suspects jailed

25 Sept – Source: Daily Monitor – 165 words

Ten people, including nine Somalis and one Kenyan who are accused of sneaking into Uganda on a terror mission, were yesterday charged in court and sent on further police detention for further interrogation.

It is alleged the suspects, who include two Somali women, belong to the Somalia terror group al Shabaab. They were taken to the Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) at Kireka. They are: Mahamad Abdulkadir, 31, Abdi Abdullahi, 26, Hassan Abduwali, 25, Mahamed Ahmed, 23, Yasimin Abdullahi, 20 and Hodan Ahmed, 23.

Others are: Yusuf Osman, 29, Abdi Mahamed, 29, Abdul Kadir, 24, and Mohamad Yusuf. They will return to court for mention of their case on October 7.

They are charged with aiding and abetting terrorism contrary to Section 8 of the Anti-Terrorism Act and belonging to a terrorist organisation. The suspects appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court for mention of their case but could not plead to the charges because terrorism is a capital offence only tried by the High Court.

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA

Joint Shipping Initiative funds new phase of anti-piracy project in Somalia

25 Sept- Source: Shell- 466 words

The Joint Shipping Initiative – made up of Shell, BP, Maersk, Stena and Japanese shipping companies NYK, MOL and “K” Line – today announced it has given $1.5 million of additional funds to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project to improve the lives of Somalis and security for seafarers.

The UNDP’s “Alternative Livelihoods to Piracy in Puntland and Central Regions of Somalia” project aims to reduce piracy off the coast of east Africa through local economic development, job creation, training, and business development grants on-shore in one of the world’s poorest countries.

“Development projects that provide an alternative livelihood to would-be pirates are a vital element of the long-term solution to piracy,” Dr Grahaeme Henderson, Vice President of Shell Shipping & Maritime, said. “We have been very encouraged by progress so far and look forward to positive results from this new phase of work.”

Suspected Islamist militants charged in Ugandan court

25 Sept- Source: Reuters- 263 words

Amid signs of progress in Somalia, UN chief urges continuing support for peace process

24 Sept – Source: UN News Center – 139 words

Somalia’s peace process is “gathering momentum” amid political progress and improving security, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, while also warning that there was “much work still ahead” for the Horn of Africa country.

Speaking at the High-Level Meeting on Somalia, held on the margins of the General Assembly debate in New York, the Secretary-General voiced optimism that the country was on track to achieving political and national stability through the Somali Federal Government’s “Vision 2016” plan for a political transformation.

“There is no time to lose if elections are to take place in 2016,” Mr. Ban declared. “I urge all Somalia’s political institutions to keep this process on track.”

In addition to facilitating Somalia’s political transition, Mr. Ban also underscored the need for national reconciliation, stating that it remained “crucial” in the country’s ongoing recovery from conflict.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

“The message should not fall on deaf ears. Somalis will only enjoy peace when it comes from a political solution. Somalia’s politicians must now be its peace-builders.”

Politics will save Somalia

25 Sept- Source: Daily Nation-1029 Words

Sitting in Mogadishu, it’s easy to think the world needs to learn from Somalia. As human suffering escalates in Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Gaza, Libya, South Sudan and the Central African Republic, Somalia looks increasingly stable and hopeful. Is that just a mirage? Or are there genuine grounds for optimism and even lessons to be drawn?

My answer is an emphatic “yes”. Perhaps, as some say, I’m a professional — almost incurable — optimist. But I am not alone. In New York this week, the UN Secretary-General will convene leaders from a growing band of countries, whose collective efforts over the last years mean that today millions of Somalis can dare to dream that more than two decades of hopeless conflict are over.

Who is saving Somalia?

First and foremost Somalis themselves are writing this new chapter in their nation’s troubled history. Their solution is political – and very Somali in nature, combining modernity and tradition. But the international community — in its broadest sense — also has a significant role in the emerging success.

“Initially designated as a school project, the Mogadishu Diaries developed into a much sought after video series as it caught the attention of the Somali public, especially its youthful fraternity starved off original Somali stories.”

Abla Elmi’s Mogadishu Diaries Cast Somalia in Different Light

25 Sept- Source: Digital Journal-3989 Words

Written, directed and produced by Abla Elmi, an Honours Double Major in Human Rights & Equity Studies and Film, the six part series takes viewers through episodes that cover among others; an introduction to the history of Somalia, arrival in Mogadishu (for filming), the arts and cultural scene, Diaspora kids, inspirational people and a parody of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (titled ‘the Fresh Prince of Mogadishu’).

The 22 year old York University student left behind her comfortable life in Toronto, Canada, last summer, to spend time on the ground in Somalia to document the video series from June 30th to August 20th 2013.

In an exclusive interview with the Digital Journal, Abla discussed the firsthand experience she had with the people of Somalia whom she engaged through a series of interviews that delved into virtually every aspect of the Somali life.

Top tweets

@TheVillaSomalia #UnitedNation s @secgen Ban Ki Moon: ‘the peace process in #Somalia is gaining momentum’

@mfaethiopia Pres. Hassen Sheik Mohamud: implementing vision 2016:inclusive politics in action,at High Level Meeting on Somalia pic.twitter.com/5zRALZtyw5

@amisomsomalia Remarks by #AU Commission Chairperson, HE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma at the high level meeting on Somalia in New York http://bit.ly/1qwZZgk

@AU_PSD The high-level meeting on Somalia commends #AMISOM Somali forces for their bravery @u n @amisomsomali a @_AfricanUnion

@UNGeneva #Somalia in the spotlight at UN Human Rights Council this morning. Follow #HRC27 . @UN_HR C @UNSomalia

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Image of the day

Image of the day Amb. Maman Sidikou Spec. Rep. of AU Chair for Somalia & Head of AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) @Summit on #Somalia. Photo: @_AfricanUnion