European Union Training Mission

Somalia

PRESS SUMMARY

16th April 2018

“In ‘Media’ stat virtus”

President Farmajo jets off to Saudi Arabia for Arab League summit

April 14, 2018 - Somali

President Mohamed

Abdullahi Farmajo and a

high-level delegation he is

leading left Mogadishu for

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi

Arabia on Saturday.

The President accompanied high-ranking government officials is expected to attend the Arab

League summit scheduled to kick off Sunday in Riyadh, according to sources at Villa Somalia.

Farmajo will meet with several Arab leaders, including King Salman Bin Abdulaziz of Saudia

Arabia to discuss the escalating diplomatic tensions between Somalia and the UAE.

The President’s trip to Saudi Arabia which marks the 3rd since he took office in February

2017, comes nearly a week after Somali government seized $9.6 million cash from UAE at

Mogadishu Airport.

The seizure of the cash followed accusations that the UAE is interfering the political crisis

besetting the country’s Lower House Chamber of Federal Parliament.

http://radioshabelle.com/president-farmajo-jets-off-saudi-arabia-arab-league-summit/

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The Arab League Summit Held in Dammam, Will bring Muslim a Unity or Will

Continue the endless Distraction as usual.

Muqdisho | QOL | April 15,

2018 – According to the sad

stories and divisions coming

from the Muslim Countries was

escalating to the highest

extreme for their diplomatic

relations in the past few months

and also our Muslim Countries are blaming one another without discussing their differences.

At this moment, the Arab league is being held at a critical time, even thought there is a huge

political crisis, and mistrust and political confusion in the region, and also the other side,

there is a hopeful aspect, if the leaders understand their role of responsibilities and

obligations and also there is an URGE need to bring Security, stability and development to

their people.

According to the reliable sources, there will be a dispute over the Agendas will be on the

table, because Saudi Arabia wants to dominate the summit as usual, and also the kingdom

believes and will act the role of the Lion in the region, and that will cause a lot of political

confusion and maybe the summit will end without resolutions as usual and that will bring to

the Muslim nations hopeless future as the past experienced.

As we know, many countries at the summit are not freely to discuss their own political

agenda, because they have been controlled and guided by other Countries, and it’s very clear

that western Countries don’t want to see that Arab league to reach a concrete development

on their political differences.

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However, the question is? the Muslim nations will continue to live in the verge of hopeless,

grieve, an endless crisis and their leaders will be a guilt of crime against humanity in this

world and here after.

The end, I would urge to the Muslim leaders at the summit to face the reality and solve their

differences in a peaceful way for the sake of their people and look forward to play an

important role in the world politics, as we know the GCC countries can be the leaders of the

financial sectors in the world, if they use their knowledge and their resources in the best way

of their rule of law.

I am hoping the leaders will standby beside the Palestinian people who live under occupation

and an endless genocide against Humanity and our leaders must understand ideology and

the tricks of the western world based divide and rule of our nations and their creation of

hostilities and hatred between our Muslim leaders and dividing sector groups of our religion.

Hopefully and hopefully, the summit will end to the positive way that will benefit to the

Muslim nations who live in between life and death in the presence of our leaders. And I

wonder why the leaders don’t see our innocent people are begging for help day and night!!!!

As a Leaders to remember, each one of you will be accountable your role of leadership either

the positive way or negative way and the time will tell sooner or later.

http://www.qaranimo.com/news/2018/04/15/the-arab-league-summit-held-in-dammam-

will-bring-muslim-a-unity-or-will-continue-the-endless-distraction-as-usual/

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Amisom to bolster Al-Shabaab offensive ahead of transition

April 15, 2018

The AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant

General Jim Owoyesigire, speaks to his

fellow commanders, as well as commanders

in the SNA, during a capability assessment

meeting held in Mogadishu, Somalia, on 14

April 2018. AMISOM Photo

By T.Roble

Annihilation of the militant group Al-Shabaab and capacity building of the Somali Security

Forces are key in actualising Amisom transitioning plan, the mission has said reiterating its

call for force multipliers and enablers.

Amisom commanders in a week-long evaluation meeting in Mogadishu emphasised the

need to ramp up operations flush out Al-Shabaab remnants as the mission cuts down its

down troops with a further 1,000 expected to withdraw from Somalia October this year. The

first batch of 1,000 left last December in line with the UN Security Council resolution August

last year which set out a conditions based transition plan.

“There is need to continually discuss in details how ready AMISOM is, in terms of manpower

and logistics, in executing these tasks (training and operations), in the sectors, putting into

consideration the operational readiness and the strength of Somali security forces to

support the above tasks,” explained AMISOM Force Commander Lt. General Jim Beesigye

Owoyesigire.

Critical for Amisom is also the preparedness of Somali security forces which are not only

expected to take over upon Amisom’s final exit but continually take charge of recaptured

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towns. Amisom has in the past faced criticism for withdrawing from towns it had captured

but the mission has maintained its role is to create favourable environment for local

administrations then proceed to capture other towns.

The transition is also informed by the actualisation of the National Security Architecture

unveiled last April. The architecture envisions the creation of 18,000 strong Somali National

Army backed by 4,000 special forces and 32,000 state and federal police.

PACIFICATION

With the transition plan in force, the AU Mission says it will place emphasis on tasks that will

enable the Force achieve its agenda of complete pacification of Somalia.

“If the transition plan is to be realistic,

without losing our hard-earned gains, AMISOM needs to be urgently supported with force

multipliers, like attack and retreat helicopters, to conduct pre-emptive operations against

Al-Shabaab,” Lt. Gen. Owoyesigire emphasized.

The commanders agreed to re-examine and assess the progress made with the transition

plan so far, to enable it plan more effectively. AMISOM’s new mandate, requires it to

facilitate a conditions based, gradual hand over of security responsibilities to the Somali

security forces, without compromising gains already realized.

“The issue at stake is essentially one; undertaking operations to disrupt, degrade and

eventually destroy Al-Shabaab. This is the issue. There is no other issue,” remarked the AU

Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Caetano

Madeira.

“There are many things that are required but the task is to identify Al-Shabaab, its

whereabouts, plan how to reach the enemy and destroy him,” Madeira added.

http://goobjoog.com/english/amisom-to-bolster-al-shabaab-offensive-ahead-of-transition/

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AMISOM DSRCC urges military commanders to implement transition plan

14th April 2018

The DSRCC said the transition process would require doubling of efforts to further degrade

and defeat the Al-Shabaab to a level that it cannot pose serious threat to the Somali national

security forces.

The DSRCC said the transition

process would require doubling

of efforts to further degrade and

defeat the Al-Shabaab to a level

that it cannot pose serious threat

to the Somali national security

forces.

Mogadishu - The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union

Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia Simon Mulongo has asked AMISOM military commanders

to implement the transition plan as per dictates of the United Nations Security Council

resolution on gradual reduction of troops serving in Somalia.

Mulongo made the remarks on Friday during a sector commanders' conference to discuss

issues related to the transition and transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali national

security forces as mandated by the United Nations Security Council late last year.

AMISOM is expected to gradually reduce the number of its troops serving in Somalia and

reconstitute its forward operating bases with the cooperation of the Somali national security

forces to ensure national security is not compromised during the transition period.

The DSRCC said the transition process would require doubling of efforts to further degrade

and defeat the Al-Shabaab to a level that it cannot pose serious threat to the Somali national

security forces.

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He reiterated that AMISOM is focused on implementing the transition plan and urged troops

to readjust their strategies in the fight against Al-Shabaab insurgents.

Said the DSRCC; “Everything we are doing now should be geared towards transition. The way

you plan in your sectors, the way you plan in your units and other formations should be

geared towards transition. How do we empower the local forces; how do we empower the

local people so that they take over responsibility.”

Mulongo said the first phase of the transition plan would last four years and success would

be measured against the ability of the country to conduct peaceful and secure one-person-

one-vote elections in 2020, which, he noted, would be a major milestone if successful.

Haji Ssebirumbi, the AMISOM Senior Political Affairs Officer who made a presentation on

the draft transition plan, highlighted that the Federal Government of Somalia is the lead in

its implementation, with AMISOM playing a support role.

“AMISOM will draw down by 1,000 in October (2018). That’s a milestone, which we know.

There must be therefore, reconfiguring of AMISOM in such a way that it must be able to

defend itself with fewer troops because 1,000 drew down last year,” added Mr. Ssebirumbi.

https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1475604/amisom-dsrcc-urges-military-

commanders-implement-transition-plan

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UAE disbands training mission in Somalia

ABU DHABI ,15 th April, 2018 (WAM) -- The UAE has decided to disband its military training

programme in Somalia which started in 2014 to build the capabilities of the Somali army .

The decision comes in response to Somali security forces' seizure of a UAE-registered civil

aircraft at Mogadishu Airport and confiscation of money destined to pay the soldiers .

The UAE and Somalia are bound by historical relations based on mutual respect and the UAE

Forces had carried out a number of training missions for thousands of Somalis to build up

their capabilities. In addition, the UAE has been paying the salaries of 2407 Somali soldiers

and built three training centres, a hospital, and dispatched Emirati medical teams for

treating Somalis .

The UAE is supervising the counter-piracy maritime police force in Puntland where the UAE

has been effectively contributing to leveraging the capacities of the Somali military and

security facilities while supporting efforts to fight terrorism in collaboration with a number

of international parties and the African Union's forces in Somalia .

The UAE has expressed its denunciation of the seizure incident which flies in the face of

diplomatic traditions and ties between world countries and contravenes the agreements

signed by both countries .

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302682188

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AMISOM issues an order for AU troops not to enter Halane compound

Monday April 16, 2018

Mogadishu (HOL) - Troops with the African

Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have been

given a directive not to enter Halane - a

sprawling heavily secured compound in

Mogadishu that is home to aid workers,

international diplomats and the African Union

peacekeepers, according to a well-placed security official who has asked for anonymity.

The UN-built compound is separated by a security wall that restricts movement between

Halane and the rest of Mogadishu. It is considered by many as an extension of Aden Adde

International Airport

It is not yet known why the order was given or when the directive will take effect, with some

only speculating that it was a "security issue".

HOL has reached out to AMISOM for comment but has not yet received a response.

AMISOM announced on Sunday that it has begun plans for the gradual reduction of troops

in Somalia.

An AU official said in a statement that the first phase of the transition plan would last four

years and Somalia's ability to hold peaceful, credible and safe one-person-one-vote elections

in 2020 will be the measuring stick on how successful the troop drawdown is performing.

AMISOM is comprised of troops drawn from Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kenya.

https://www.hiiraan.com/news4/2018/Apr/157620/amisom_issues_an_order_for_au_tro

ops_not_to_enter_halane_compound.aspx

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UAE plane blocked from leaving Somalia's Puntland region

Somali officials at Bosaso airport insisted that 'heavy bags' be checked, resulting in hours-

long row, local media say.

15 Apr 2018

Somalia-UAE tensions escalate

after plane stopped in

Puntlandtoday

Blast at Somalia stadium kills five

football fans2 days ago

Somalia disbands UAE

programme to pay and train soldiers4 days ago

UAE condemns Somalia over seizing cash 'sent to army'5 days ago

Somali officials are said to have stopped a plane from the United Arab Emirates from leaving

the country after Emirati military trainers on board refused to hand over their luggage to be

scanned and searched.

The local news website Mareeg reported on Saturday that Somali officials at Bosaso airport

insisted that the "heavy bags" on the flight be checked, resulting in an hours-long standoff.

It added that talks were under way between Somali's semiautonomous Puntland region and

the UAE to end the dispute. The UAE foreign ministry has not commented on the matter.

The news comes just days after Somalia's government seized several bags of money carrying

almost $10m from a plane that arrived at Mogadishu airport from Abu Dhabi. The money

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was found in three unmarked bags on a Royal Jet plane, the Somali interior ministry said,

adding it was investigating where it came from, where it was going and the individuals

involved. "The security forces noticed the suspicious bags and handed them over to the

concerned departments," Somalia's security ministry said in a statement.

UAE reaction

Responding to the Somali action, the UAE had accused the security forces of holding those

on the plane "at gunpoint", and said the cash had been allocated to support the Somali army

and trainees.

"The current Somali government ... is creating unnecessary tensions with a friend and an ally

who supported the stability and security of Somalia during its hardest phases," Anwar

Gargash, UAE's junior minister for foreign affairs, said on Twitter.

"We call for wisdom and reason".

Relations between Mogadishu and Abu Dhabi have been frosty since June last year after

Mogadishu resisted UAE and Saudi pressure to cut ties with Qatar following a dispute

between the Gulf neighbours. Somalia said it was neutral in the GCC diplomatic rift. And last

month, Abu Dhabi agreed to train security forces in Somaliland - a region in northern Somalia

seeking secession from the rest of the country. The UAE has also signed with Somaliland a

30-year concession to manage the semiautonomous northern region's Berbera port. Somalia

has dismissed the agreement and called on the UN to take action. Speaking at the UN

Security Council last month, Abukar Osman, Somalia's ambassador to the UN, said the

agreement between Somaliland and the UAE to establish the base in Berbera is a "clear

violation of international law". Osman called on the Security Council to "take the necessary

steps" to "put an end to these actions".

"The Federal Government of Somalia strongly condemns these blatant violations, and

reaffirms that it will take the necessary measures deriving from its primary responsibility to

defend the inviolability of the sovereignty and the unity of Somalia," he said.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/04/uae-plane-blocked-leaving-somalia-puntland-

region-180415001458616.html

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OPINION: What Does The UAE Stand To Gain By Destabilizing Somalia?

On Apr 14, 2018

Recent events suggest that the UAE is trying to destabilize Somalia and throw it back into

a multisided security crisis in order to trap Qatar’s Turkish ally in a quagmire and offset

the Great Power rise of Egypt’s

Ethiopian rival.

Most Things Come In Threes

Somalia has been shaken by three

interconnected developments over

the past few weeks which show that

the UAE is dedicated to destabilizing the country in order to cynically advance its grand

strategic interests in the region at Mogadishu’s expense. The Emirates

controversially signed a deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland to build a naval base

in the Gulf of Aden, shortly after which a political feud between the country’s President and

Parliamentary Speaker erupted into an armed standoff that was fortuitously resolved before

any shooting started. At the beginning of this week, the Somalian authorities seized nearly

$10 million in cash from a UAE plane that was supposedly going to be disseminated within

the country for yet-undisclosed purposes, which coincided with the Parliamentary

Speaker’s resignation prior to a planned vote of confidence against him.

The African Powder Keg

Analyzing these three events altogether in the phased continuum that they occurred, it can

be argued that the UAE is trying to destabilize Somalia as revenge for Mogadishu’s refusal

to cut ties with Qatar and its agreement with Ankara to allow a Turkish military base in the

country. Turkey is allied with Qatar, in which it also has a military base, and this has thus

made it the UAE’s rival in the context of the ongoing Gulf Cold War that has already spread

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to the Horn of Africa region via two disputes that center on Ethiopia and Djibouti. The

landlocked giant is at odds with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam that it’s

constructing on the Blue Nile River and which Cairo claims will make the Arab state forever

dependent on the upstream one in the future, while the tiny coastal country just kicked the

UAE out and retook control of the largest port in the country. The regional dynamics are

such that they could easily spill over into a regional war, thus making the contemporary Horn

of Africa eerily similar in a structural sense to the pre-World War I Balkans.

Standing Up To “Little Sparta”

Somalia has thus far avoided being dragged in to the Gulf Cold War and probably thought

that its “neutrality” in this dispute would prevent it from being destabilized as a proxy

battleground between extra-regional powers, but it now looks like the UAE is making

asymmetrically aggressive moves against the country in a bid to expand its newfound Gulf

of Aden sphere of influence all throughout the region by removing any forces that stand in

its way. To this end, Abu Dhabi sees President “Farmajo” as an obstacle because of his proud

refusal to bow down before the Emirates by cutting off ties with Qatar and his agreement

with UAE rival Turkey to build a military base along the Indian Ocean coast. This was an

unacceptable display of sovereignty that the “Little Sparta” wannabe hegemon just couldn’t

tolerate.

The Master Plan

The UAE staked out its claim to Somalia by reinforcing the de-facto “independence” of

Somaliland through the recent naval base deal in the coastal port of Berbera, which

expectedly prompted Somalian lawmakers to react with fury in Mogadishu despite their

inability to stop this from happening. Then, “provoked” by the loud condemnation against it

coming from the internationally recognized government, the UAE sought to exploit

preexisting political fault lines within the state by provoking the recent crisis between the

President and his Parliamentary Speaker. The next stage of the destabilization campaign is

supposed to see the Emirates fund an anti-government “freedom/democracy movement”

(hence the seized $9.6 million from the UAE plane) either led by the former speaker or allied

with him in order to put pressure on the President to reconsider his government’s erstwhile

refusal to cut ties with Qatar and allow Doha’s ally to set up a naval base outside the capital.

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If this initial Hybrid War provocation doesn’t succeed in its objectives, then it’s foreseeable

that the UAE might go as far as setting off a renewed round of civil war within the country

in order to trap its rivals in a quagmire.

Regional Shockwaves

The consequences of a renewed round of widespread and multisided (as in, more complex

than just the government & its allies vs. Al Shabaab) warfare could easily trick Turkey into

falling for the tempting “mission creep” scenario of bolstering its assistance to Ankara’s in-

country partners to compensate for the African Union’s planned withdrawal by 2020. Not

only that, but Al Shabaab and potentially even Daesh could take advantage of the country’s

descent back into civil conflict in order to become a more dangerous regional threat, which

could in turn prompt rising Great Power Ethiopia to once again militarily intervene. That

said, the regional leader is undergoing a sensitive “political transition” at the moment and

its tense domestic situation might explode if any forthcoming Somalian conflict spills over

into its borders and upsets its delicate ethno-political balance.

Concluding Thoughts

As cynical as it may sound, both of these “dark scenarios” would actually advance the UAE’s

grand strategic objectives by drawing Qatar’s Turkish ally and its Somalian partners into a

developing quagmire while destabilizing Ethiopia on GCC-subordinate Egypt’s behalf. The

resultant chaos could create “windows of opportunity” for the UAE to expand its influence

deeper into the Horn of Africa, as well as “justify” its military partnerships with Eritrea and

Somaliland, to say nothing of any other states or future separatist regions that it might

deploy to during this time. It’s of course way too early to say whether or not any of this will

indeed come to pass, but it’s nevertheless important to be aware of what the UAE’s interests

are vis-à-vis Somalia and how they could be promoted via the latest destabilizing events that

Abu Dhabi is responsible for in this crucially positioned country. If the present downward

trajectory isn’t soon averted, which it could be if prudency prevails, then Somalia might once

again sink back into civil war, so it’s urgent that its citizens are informed of what’s happening

and why so that they can work their hardest to prevent it.

http://radiodalsan.com/en/opinion-what-does-the-uae-stand-to-gain-by-destabilizing-

somalia/

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Mogadishu Woman Commits Suicide

On Apr 14, 2018

The body of a middle aged

woman was found lifeless at a

home in Yaqshid in the Somali

capital Mogadishu.

Relatives told Radio Dalsan that

the woman identified as Hawa

Ali.

Hawo Ali middle aged women

committed suicide Yaqshid district had committed suicide.

“We found her lying in her bedroom” Mahad Maow a relative said.

“She had been mentally ill for close to three years” Maow said.

Suicide are a rare occurrence in Somalia.

http://radiodalsan.com/en/mogadishu-woman-commits-suicide/

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Gunmen murder school teacher in Somali capital

April 15, 2018

Unidentified gunmen have shot dead a Somali school teacher in the capital, Mogadishu on

Saturday night, the latest in a string of such assassinations taking place in the seaside city.

The tutor, Mohamed Farah was gunned down as he walked out of a mosque near his

residence in Hodon district by two men armed with pistols, according to an eyewitness.

The killers managed to escape on foot unscathed from the crime scene before the security

forces arrived, who later carried out a search and manhunt, but no arrest was reported.

It’s yet unclear reasons behind the killing of the teacher, however, residents said he was a

staff member of the country’s education ministry.

http://radioshabelle.com/gunmen-murder-school-teacher-somali-capital/

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Somalia Soldier Shoots Dead Pregnant Wife in KIsmayu

On Apr 15, 2018 - A high ranking

Jubbaland Regional Army officer has

been arrested after he shot dead his

pregnant wife following an argument.

Somalia Soldier Shoots Dead Pregnant In

Kismayu

The wife identified as Muhubo

Mohamed Gurre was shot several

times on Friday and died at her house in

the Jubbaland administrative capital Kismayu.

“We are saddened by the killing as a family and we demand justice” Gurre Ulaye told Radio

Dalsan in a telephone interview.

The soldier reportedly served in the regional presidential guard.

Muhubo and her husband had been married for three months and was expectant.

http://radiodalsan.com/en/somalia-soldier-shoots-dead-pregnant-wife-in-kismayu/

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Somalia Citizens Decry “Discrimination” In Amisom Jobs Opportunities

On Apr 14, 2018 - There is

hue and cry among Somali

professionals who claim of

targeted discrimination in

job allocations by the

African Union Mission to

Somalia Amisom.

An official complaint by

the professionals has been lodged to the Prime Minister’s office seeking intervention by the

Somali government. VOA Somali spoke to Somalia citizen professionals who claim to have

been denied equal opportunities after sitting fir an interview in March 2017 after the jobs

were advertised by African Union. “We were eleven in number including me the only female

in the group we were communicated to and informed that we had succeeded. Then we were

told to wait until now we have not been contacted” Muna Bashir Mohamed told VOA Somali

VOA Somali interviewed two more of Somalia citizens who had been interviewed on the

same date and the answer was similar to Muna’s. They have no hope of being employed by

African Union and Amisom even after the communication that they had succeeded following

the interview. Most of the Somalia citizens working or contracted by Amisom are

interpreters, media consultants and reporters. Some of these employees allege a

discriminative working policy. There has not been an official respond by the Somalia

government following the complaints.

Amisom has denied existence of a policy that discriminate Somalia citizens in career

opportunities.

http://radiodalsan.com/en/somalia-citizens-decry-discrimination-in-amisom-jobs-

opportunities/

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International Sufi Conference concluded in Mogadishu

April 15, 2018

A two-day International Sufi Conference

was on Friday concluded in Somalia’s

capital, Mogadishu.

Dozens of Muslim scholars and imams

from over ten countries across the world

have attended the 7th International Sufi

Conference which was held in Somalia for first time since 1990 when the civil war broke out.

The conference has focused on peace, fight against extremism and terrorist activities as well

as peaceful spreading of Islam.

The delegates were drawn from Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, UK, Algeria, Morocco, Turkey,

Sudan Nigeria, Iraq, Senegal and many other countries.

Addressing the organisers and participants of the conference, Mogadishu Mayor,

Abdirahman Omar Osman said Mogadiahu’s role to host such conference was part of the

restoring the city’s dignity.

Osman commended Moalim Nur Foundation for its commitment to orchestrate and host the

conference.

“Mogadishu’s role to host religious leaders from over ten countries is an indication of our

progress and our commitment to restore our role and position in the world,” said Osman.

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Last night, the mayor hosted the

delegates to a dinner at Mogadishu

local government headquarters

where he discused with the religious

leaders on means to fight terrorists

and taking part in peace process.

“Somali people respects their clerics

therefore we need the religious leaders to play very important role in peace restoration and

reconcilation. The points are fundamental in Islam,” he urged.

In attendance at the dinner were several government officials including State Minister for

Presidential Affairs, Abdikadir Moalim Nur, Somali Attorney General, Ahmed Ali Dahir and

the chief of custodial corps, Bashiir Mohamed Jama’a.

http://www.hillaac.net/international-sufi-conference-concluded-in-mogadishu/

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Somaliland poet jailed for Somalia reunification poetry

15 April 2018 - Poet Nacima

Qorane was found guilty of

bringing the state into contempt

for backing Somaliland's

reunification with Somalia.

A court in the self-declared

republic of Somaliland has

sentenced a young poet to three years in jail. Nacima Qorane was found guilty of bringing

the state into contempt by advocating for Somaliland to reunite with Somalia.

Pressure groups in Somaliland said Ms Qorane's basic human rights have been violated.

Somaliland self-declared independence in 1991, but is not recognised internationally. Ms

Qorane was arrested in January after returning from the Somali capital Mogadishu, where

prosecutors said she had recited poetry calling for Somali unity.

After a ferocious civil war, north-west Somalia broke away from the rest of the country and

declared itself as an independent Somaliland. The territory is home to about 3.5 million

people. In February 2018, the self-declared republic agreed to allow the United Arab

Emirates (UAE) to set up a military base in the coastal port of Berbera, as part of the UAE's

fight against Yemen's Houthi rebels. The prosecution said that she had labelled the self-

declared republic of Somaliland a "region" and "insulted and defamed" its government.

Somaliland's Human Rights Centre has asked the government of Somaliland to release

Nacima Qorane and respect human rights. Its director, Guleid Ahmed Jama, told the BBC

that it was "very concerned about the conviction and sentencing of Nacima Qorane".

"Freedom of expression is enshrined and protected by the constitution of Somaliland. We

urge the government of Somaliland to respect its own constitution," he said. A number of

other artists and journalists have been arrested in Somaliland for the same offence.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-43775951

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Somaliland Central Bank to Set the Exchange Rate

April 15, 2018

By Liban Ahmad

Policies the Somaliland government has

adopted under President Bihi turn

analysts’ attention to what Hargeisa looks

upon as external threats. Those challenges

range from a sovereignty dispute with

Mogadishu to a territorial dispute

with Puntland.

It is easy to regard the economic policy of Somaliland government as a continuation of the

ruling party’s policies under President Silanyo. Inflation poses a challenge

to Somaliland economy. The previous government regulated mobile money transactions to

deal with inflation.

The current government has taken a further step to set the exchange rate but has not

publicised it. Telesom Managing Director, Abdikarim Mohamed Idd, told BBC that

“Somaliland Central Bank will set the daily exchange rate for money changers.” It is not clear

whether the monetary policy affects only money changers using the new Telesom mobile

exchange platform. The government-set exchange rate will unlikely make the parallel

exchange rate cease to exist. If anything, the new monetary policy shows how

President Bihi has turned his back on free market economy. The Somaliland Central Bank

does not control the hard currency in circulation in Somaliland. How will the government be

able to set the exchange rate for money changers without colluding with some businesses?

There are lessons to learn from the expediently adopted economic policies of the last

military government of Somalia. In 1986 the former military regime gave in to IMF

pressures, abandoned national development plans to adopt Structural Adjustment Program.

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The late Somaliland President, Egal, then Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce,

argued the IMF initiative could “sap the Somali economy”.

In January 1986 one hundred Somali Shillings bought one US Dollar. After the IMF-

mandated hard currency auction, 3000 Somali Shillings bought one US dollar. Although the

government had introduced economic liberalisation the Ministry of Finance set the price of

rice, sugar and wheat flour. The government intervention forced wholesalers to hoard their

commodities.

Wholesalers used to buy hard currency in the black market to import goods. There was no

way wholesalers could offset shortfall in revenues caused by auctioning of the hard

currency. Neither the Central Bank nor Commercial and Savings Bank had hard currency

reserves importers could have bought. The only option open to wholesalers was to raise

prices of rice, sugar and wheat flour, a move the government opposed. Relaxing of

government regulation of businesses led to the creation of new businesses in an

environment without fair competition. Economic liberalisation paved the way for crony

capitalism. To do something about declining government revenues the government created

a Ministry of Revenues. It sent tax bills to businesses for profits made prior years in a country

without accounting standards for income or corporate tax. The Somaliland government

might be repeating the economic mismanagement Somalis experienced under a military

regime if the Central Bank sets the exchange rate. Somaliland Central Bank authorities

haven’t explained why the bank usurped the role of the market. Ahmed Saeed Egeh, the

BBC stringer in Hargeisa, asked a money changer if money in his Telesom account was ” air

money or banknotes”. The World Bank report, Somaliland’s Private Sector at a Crossroads,

lauded Somalilandfor resilience and vibrancy but spotlighted threats to the polity thus: “At

present, Somaliland’s government is vulnerable to capture by private sector interests, which

constrains its ability to take policy actions for the public good. As pressure mounts for

passage of key legislation to promote good economic governance, interest groups with a

stake in the status quo will work to block reform.”

Liban Ahmad

http://www.horndiplomat.com/2018/04/15/somaliland-central-bank-to-set-the-exchange-

rate/

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Politician Abdishakur Out Of Somalia After Govt Lifts Travel Ban

On Apr 14, 2018 - The Somalia

Federal Government has lift a travel

ban imposed upon former Minister

and Presidential candidate

Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame.

Warsame on Saturday travelled to

neighbouring Kenya capital Nairobi

ending a four month travel ban.

On his official Facebook account Warsame posted a photo purporting to show he was at an

Airport lounge awaiting to travel out of the country.

With the government blocking from giving lectures or addressing political meetings

Warsame has been vocal on his social media forums.

The Somalia Court of Appeal on January 3rd issued a travel ban on the Wadajir Party leader

as a case in which the government accused him of collaborating with a foreign country to

destabilize the Farmaajo administration went on.

The outspoken politician was arrested was arrested on December 18 at his home as he

chaired a party meeting.

Five of his guards were killed in the raid by the Somali intelligence agency NISA.

http://radiodalsan.com/en/politician-abdishakur-out-of-somalia-after-govt-lifts-travel-

ban/

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Minister Wehliye Wins Galmudug By-Election

On Apr 15, 2018 - Abdullahi Farah Wehliye

the State Minister in the Ministry of Interior

trounced his opponent to be elected the

MP in a by election the Galmudug

administrative capital of Dhusamareb.

Wehliye beat his only opponent Mohamed

Afrah by garnering 28 votes out of a 51

http://radiodalsan.com/en/minister-wehliye-wins-galmudug-by-election/

State minister for interior, Wehliye elected MP in Galmudug

State minister for interior Abdullahi Wehliye has

been elected MP in a by-election in Dhusamareb

beating his only competitor Mohamed Afrah.

Wehliye got 28 votes out of a possible 51 to clinch

the seat which fell vacant following the death of

former MP Bootan Aalin from Duduble sub clan last

October.

The new MP was appointed last March by Prime Minister Hassan Khaire to served as state

minister for interior.

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Somaliland: First 120 days of the President Portends well for the Future-

Report

04/14/2018

Somalilandsun – The first four months

dubbed 120 days of the President’s

tenure was an initiative H.E. Musa Bihi

Abdi heavily underscored whereby from

the word go he impressed upon his chief

executive officials to see to it that his

visions, pledges and promises were

adhered to the letter and of course,

timely for that matter.

Newly appointed president behi cabinet sworn in by Somaliland chief justice in Hargeisa

So far the Head of State’s hands on method of

leadership that bonds with both the grasp

and knowledge of the issues at stake vis-à-vis

the seriousness he deals with matters is a

pointer of what is in store ahead for the

future of the people and the country of

Somaliland as we briefly glance over the

achievements so far in the past 16 weeks or so. Despite the usual pros and cons with all the

expectations, hullabaloos, constraints and unforeseen bottlenecks usually associated with

major change of guard, the Kulmiye administration under President Musa Bihi Abdi has done

a wonderful work given the timeline in juxtaposition to the programs he projected to

implement as per his laid down plans.

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Under the duress caused by the

serious inflation and famine that

afflicted the nation as the

President took over, he has

managed to see to it that much

of what he wanted to do has

successfully taken off the ground

and going well into the

prescribed direction and path.

The successes have been quite palpable on both the home and foreign fronts and equally, in

the same breath, as far as both short and long term plans are concerned. On the foreign

fronts, the nation has seen the largest influx of foreign dignitary visits who have all of a

sudden decided to take the country more seriously that as has been for quite a while.

Following three quick successive trips to Djibouti, Ethiopia and UAE and also after the sealing

of the DP World and SL agreements reports favorable to the country’s investiture suddenly

blossomed, the latest being Genel Energy’s announcement a fortnight ago of starting the

ultimate real drilling of petroleum in the country, come next year.

Similarly, the friends of Somaliland in

the name of the UK All Parties

Parliamentary Committee for

Somaliland revisited the country after

an over a decade hiatus.

The first and foremost amongst

priorities to be embarked upon was that

of good governance and developmental

aspects for factors of production.

In this case, the state started with the streamlining of the civil service just as it did with the

revising of the national priority areas hence revamping its policies.

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The agricultural sector which has since seen quite in impetus injected in, is part of the almost

35% the national budget earmarked for aspects that pep up development sectors that are

potentially productive. Dozens of

hospitals and MCHs hitherto not

in operation has been put into

gear just as the education sector

has seen school equipping

scheme ignited by the

distributing of school books to

pupils country-wide.

Salaries have already seen the teaching and security sectors receive a whopping 29%

increment.

The support to electrical power and lighting industry that has seen several major towns like

Burao, Borama, Buhodle, Sheikh, Gebiley and Badan is just a point to note.

Similarly, major trends going on and are in process in the water resources, youth and

associated social services and infrastructure are quite remarkable.

When all the above is put into

consideration, hence given the big

war which is also in process being

waged against inflation that has

gored into the national economy,

it is worth noting that the first 120

day of H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi is quite

impeccable and commendable and

surely lifts our spirits up confidently.

By M.A. Egge

http://www.somalilandsun.com/2018/04/14/somaliland-first-120-days-of-the-president-

portends-well-for-the-future-report/

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Somaliland: How Bebera has transformed through the years?

I went for a short working visit to the coastal city of Berbera, which I had to go to during

school holidays. Again, I obtained opportunity to peregrinate to this city conventionally

between the years of 1995-2006 from COOPI international NGO to whom I worked for had

a main office in Borama and sub office in Berbera at the time. To begin with the history begin

with the chronicles of the town; the city has gone through different times. First, Berbera has

a long history of beautiful architectural buildings with diverse ethnic groups, mainly Hindi,

Arab and Turks and of course Somalis who composed the bulk of ethnic groups at all times.

Among the Somalis, there were different tribes, including to that of Isaq, dhulbahante,

Warsangali and Gadabursi.

I met with friends who were born and raised in this city, but had been away for a long time

and the only matter that these people were in agreeable were Berbera was not a clannish

city. They said: We had heard; Issa Musa and Musa Abdallah rarely; but nothing more than

that. It has been common to hear Deerayahan, Xasan jibriil, Cabadala qoyan, Dhogori since

1990.

There has been a sharp drop among the different ethnic groups used to live in Berbera for

example Indians, Arab, Turkish and other Somali tribes from different parts of Somaliland.

Fewer individuals of the communities live in Berbera to this day. Although, they do not speak

in their own languages, they are an important part of the local community.

The 1980’s, Berbera was a small town, but its business activity for example shipping ships

that come to the port and the people coming to trade or to board the ships to fulfill the

pilgrimage were significantly higher than the size of the population in the city.

Unlike before, many parts of the city are deserted; especially in the famous suburbs of Darole

where the famous kiln of Elmi Bodhari was located is dilapidated and horrible. The financial

prospects of the city was very appalling before the advent of DP world and nobody in

Somaliland would have dared to invest in Berbera.

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By the way, the major holders in the country with the arrival of DP world have set great

ambitions to prepare themselves for the jobs and business opportunities expected from the

DP WORLD. Despite the people in the city of Berbera being busy in bustling trade of among

others buying plots of greater sizes and constructing modern hotels, the size of the

population remains very little and the worst is for the women and children. The majority of

the people I saw were mostly men who either work directly or indirectly at the port of

Berbera.

It seems that people are intrigued by prospects of buying land proximate to the seaport, and

that is not good because port needs reserve lands for future prospects. Surprisingly enough,

the future is not bright for Berbera power utility Company. It is the only city in Somaliland,

where the electricity goes off when it rains because the system (electrical grid) is out-of-date

and in ruins and requires to be renovated so as to withstand with heavy rain. Unfortunately,

the company is unprepared to restore the system as no other company competes with them

in the city.

Another issue topic of great concern was that the road route between Hargeisa and Berbera

despite restructuring the road with funds obtained from Somali Development Somaliland

Development Fund (SDF), Dakarbudhuq and Aw Barkhadle remain, the two most dangerous

places places in the ravine for all the village on the roadside. wayside. To reduce the risk of

flood-related overflow -related deaths as a result of driving through floodwater. You need

to build two bridges over the gully one each at Dakarbudhuq and Aw Barkhadle so that

people can travel from Berbera to Hargeisa safely. It is pleasing to note that many people in

Sahil region are becoming farmers and they have invested heavily in agriculture, especially

in irrigation farms. I expect from them to produce fruits and vegetables to make money

despite challenges. They require to be trained in modern agricultural farming techniques

and modern drip irrigation systems that will reduce water cost. Finally, I recommend for

farmers in the Sahil region to be constructed greenhouses with drip irrigation systems that

can be a good role model.

Abdirahman Ibrahim Abdilahi

http://www.somalilandinformer.com/opinion/somaliland-how-bebera-has-transformed-

through-the-years/

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Somaliland Recognition, each of the Ex- presidents did what? — what is next?

15 Apr, 2018 - When a territory declared itself as a state, the first step that is needed is to

make sure that it is eligible to claim as sovereign state according to the minimum standards

for statehood specified by the customary international law: It must have a defined territory.

It must have a permanent population. It must have a government with all its status; capable

of interacting with other states. However, Somaliland state was established and declared

that it withdrew from the unification with Somalia and standing as an independent state. It

ensured the world that it meets or marches the qualifications and conditions of statehood;

and it has the right to declare itself as an independent country. This was achieved during the

period of ex-president Marxuum Abdurrahman Ahmed Ali.

Somaliland designed its flag, money, Passport and national anthem. It established its own

government with its legislative body, judiciary sector, all institutions of the executive body

headed by a president, security forces and national army force. It prepared and

implemented internationally acceptable financial and monitory systems; using a national

budget. It prepared its own National Constitution approved by a national referendum that

97% of the voters voted in favour and support of the constitution. It took the democratic

system that its leaders and MPs come through elections. It established all institutions

needed for the work of its democratization and elections, as well as all concerned regulations

and procedures. the world knows that Somaliland established itself as a state free from

violence, wars, terrorism and political instability with its territorial integrity. Somaliland

benefited from these developments and nation building efforts. These were achieved during

the period of ex – President Marxuum Mohamed Ibrahim Egal.

Though not recognized by anyone; the international community allowed dealing with

Somaliland as a de facto state. Somaliland established a multi-party system, with three

national parties, to avoid that one party often has a chance of gaining power alone.

Somaliland held several peaceful national elections like local councils, Parliamentary and

presidential elections. Somaliland developed its foreign policy lopping in the AU meetings,

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in U.K. in the EU. It persuaded several countries in Africa and Europe, MPs of foreign

countries and even international organizations to advocate for Somaliland sovereignty.

Really Somaliland reached in front of the recognition gate. All these successes were taken

during the period of ex-president Dahir Rayaale Kahin.

From there, it was needed from Siilaanyo Government to go forward to the next step of

seeking recognition for the country; bargaining with all the above developments made by

the previous governments; That was to make efforts to persuade some countries that

Somaliland deserves recognition; to continue working with Somaliland’s friends in Africa,

and Europe; to increase lopping in the AU, EU and IGAD. But unfortunately, president Silanyo

turned from that strategic path that could be a short cut to reach recognition. Instead

Kulmiye government stopped communicating with all Somaliland international supporters

and advocators. It shut some very important representative offices in Africa like South Africa,

Senegal, Ghana and others. It diverted the foreign policy of seeking friends and recognition

to a new policy of opening talks with Somalia. The talks and meetings with Somalia were

going on throughout Silanyo’s seven years rule; Somaliland benefiting nothing but loss of

time. In the seven years of Kulmiye rule, Somalia recovered much of its problems including

its recognition as the republic of Somalia, besides playing a humiliating tactics with Silanyo’s

government. Here we are, facing the most politically critical situation ever. These retarding

diplomatic failures that slowed down or hindered Somaliland’s progress to recognition were

experienced during the period of ex- president Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo.

Every day is a new opportunity for Somaliland. A government can build on yesterday’s

success or put its failures behind and start over again; so what to expect from Kulmiye’s new

government headed by President Musa Bihi Abdi? Picking up Somaliland out of these

political failures it is now experiencing? Or digging and putting Somaliland deeper in to the

bottom of the muddy pool?

Adam Ali Younis

https://qarannews.com/somaliland-recognition-each-of-the-ex-presidents-did-what-what-

is-next/

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Turkey offers Somalia a chance at world stage in ex-FETÖ schools

YUNUS PAKSOY

Somalia has become a showcase on

how foreign partners can cooperate

with Turkey to fight FETÖ while

allowing Maarif Foundation to take

over the management of Turkish

schools to prevent further

recruitment by the terrorist group

The bloody coup attempt on July 15,

2016 by the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) killed more than 250 people and injured over

2,000. Less than a day after the ferocious attempt to overthrow the democratically elected

government in Turkey, the Somali administration said: Enough is enough. The door was

shown to Gülenists as their schools were shut down, effective immediately.

As the Somali government made a brave decision to get rid of all the terrorist group-linked

members in the country, Turkey's Maarif Foundation (TMV) has taken charge. Today,

hundreds of Somali children and teenagers are in pursuit of a chance at world universities

thanks to the education offered at TMV schools.

TMV authorities in Mogadishu, Somalia

believe that the brotherly ties, Turkish

investments and humanitarian projects

in the country since 2011 triggered the

very swift response to the FETÖ issue.

The Turkish foundation provides

education to around 600 students in

two separate buildings. The classes are neat, high-technology materials are at the disposal

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of children and teachers from Turkey place the utmost significance on the quality of the job

they are performing.

Somali children are taught four languages in the schools, namely Arabic, Somali, English and

Turkish. The administration said the students can speak all four at a very advanced stage at

the end of the school. Furthermore, the Somali students receive the same courses as their

peers around the world without any hindrance or deficiency.

According to the TMV authorities, the

main goal here is to prepare them for

international universities. Turkey, indeed,

is among the top destinations for Somali

students for a dream-like university life. In

fact, scores of Somalis move to Turkey to

receive university or master's degree

education. Scholarship opportunities by

the Turkish government is also a chance to make a comfortable living in the country.

The Turkish foundation asserts that the idea is to sow the seeds of loyalty in the minds of

Somali students to their homeland and help the country move forward with qualified fellow

citizens. "The development of Somalia requires such things," the authorities said.

Apart from the usual education at TMV schools in Somalia, the foundation is gearing up for

vocational schools. Such schools will train students for specific areas of work.

While the Turkish foundation continues to deliver sustainable and high quality education to

Somali students, the FETÖ-era in the country was different. The TMV authorities said that

FETÖ picked out targets among the students to shape the domestic politics in the country.

As one of the most well-known strategies of the terrorist group, FETÖ provides education to

the children of the elite and political class to meddle in internal affairs of that respective

country. While doing that, FETÖ used to portray its educational activities abroad in Turkey

as reaching out to the poor and providing them education.

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The TMV authorities said that Somali parents used to pay high amounts of money to the

FETÖ-linked schools. Being able to afford the school tuition for a Somali parent, though, was

extremely tough back in the FETÖ-era.

The foundation contends that FETÖ used to perceive the Somali families as their sole clients.

With the handover of schools to TMV, on the other hand, the picture has changed from

gloomy to rosy. The authorities stress that the trust in the schools peaked as parents

reportedly feel that no harm would come to them from schools that have the backing of the

Republic of Turkey behind them.

The TMV was founded in 2016. According to the website of the foundation, "together with

the Ministry of National Education, TMV, which was established by the enacted law on June

17th 2016 by the Turkish Parliament, is the sole entity authorized to provide educational

services abroad. As a non-profit public educational foundation, TMV is entitled to run

institutions from pre-school to higher education."

https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/2018/04/16/turkey-offers-somalia-a-chance-at-

world-stage-in-ex-feto-schools

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Aid funding crisis hits Somaliland after 80 per cent of livestock die and

700,000 people forced from homes as result of devastating drought

Donations which keep this clinic going will run out next month and urgent funding is needed

Geraldine McKelvie - 14 APR 2018

Gran Mako Ibraham with malnourished

granddaughter Amren Hassan, 4 (Image:

Sunday Mirror)

Tiny Amran Hassan howls in agony from

the hunger pains that ravage her -

emaciated body. She is four but weighs

just 21lb – the same as the average one-

year-old in Britain.Her skeletal frame is the result of a drought devastating Somaliland in East

Africa, where rain last fell two years ago. Nearly 80 per cent of livestock has died, destroying

the livelihoods of families like Amran’s.

And 700,000 people have been forced from their homes. Many walk for days hoping to find

a scrap of land to farm. They have no idea when they will next eat as the region – which

declared independence from Somalia in 1991 – teeters on the brink of famine.

The Garowe river bed after five years of

no rain (Image: Sunday Mirror)

Amran’s 70-year-old grandmother

Mako Ibrahim has walked 30 miles

through the night carrying her to

the village of Abdi Geedi, where

there is a mobile Save the Children

clinic.

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It is her only hope of survival – but now even that is under threat.

Donations which keep the clinic going will run out next month and urgent funding is needed.

Mako says: “It is only because we have come to this new village that Amran is still alive. It is

better here for her because there are aid agencies bringing food, water, and medicine. God

knows what will happen to Amran.

“I say all of the prayers I can that she will be well one day.”

Mako says her family once owned 200 sheep and goats, and 30 camels.

Now she has to beg for food.

She adds: “Amran is very hungry. She has been like this for three years. Her energy is very

low and she almost always has a severe fever. It never leaves her body.

Rayann with baby Sayido at clinic (Image:

Sunday Mirror)

“She can’t really walk – she only ever

manages a few steps.

“When I see other children running

around I wish it was her. But I do not

know if we will ever see that day.”

Many people have only been able to survive thanks to the generosity of neighbours.

Garoomaale Elmi Ali, 53, runs a small shop selling rice and bread to villagers like Mako. He

has given away so much free food he is nearly £3,000 in debt.

He says: “These are my friends, I can’t let them starve.”

People tell similar stories in villages across Somaliland, where animal carcasses line the dusty

roads as a bleak reminder that death is close by. In Hul-Xudhunle village Rayaan Mohammed

is at the mobile clinic. He is with his 16-month-old daughter Sayido Jama who is 18lbs, the

same size as a baby of nine months in the UK.

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Rayaan, 35, has nine hungry mouths to feed. She tells me that she prays for rain every day.

She says: “Most of the time we only have a little rice at breakfast. There are times we haven’t

eaten for two days. I suppose we will all die if this continues.

“I had to stop breastfeeding four months ago because I don’t have enough milk. Sayido

always has a fever and diarrhoea. Most of the time she just lies down. She has no energy to

play. I can’t afford to take her to the doctor.”

Back in the capital Hargeisa, tiny Ahmed Dheej is being treated at a specialist malnu-trition

clinic run by doctors.

This is where Save The Children refers its most urgent cases. Ahmed is 18 months but weighs

15lb – less than a six month old baby. His mother Leyla, 20, is being treated in a room down

the corridor. She lost the baby she had carried to term because she was so malnourished

her kidneys were failing.

She cannot speak to me through her tears.

Her mother Suri explains: “We lost all our livestock in 2017. My daughter doesn’t have

enough milk to give Ahmed. She had a daughter two months ago but the baby passed away.

“We didn’t even have time to name her. She was dead when she was born. Ahmed has been

here for three months. He has malnutrition and a severe fever and diarrhoea. He was sick

for 40 nights before we could bring him here. People are suffering. We are in God’s hands.”

Aid provided by charities such as Save the Children is the only hope for families like these.

But it needs donations before its life-saving mobile health clinic runs out of funds in May.

Keyan Salarkia, Save the Children’s Conflict and Humanitarian Advocacy Adviser, says: “We

have a genuine opportunity to break this cycle of hunger and despair.”

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/aid-funding-crisis-hits-somaliland-12360804

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QC provides emergency relief to 6,000 drought-hit families in Somalia

April 15, 2018 - Qatar Charity (QC) has started the distribution of dry food to more than

6,000 families affected by drought in Baidoa city of Somalia. Thousands of Somali families

have been displaced from affected remote areas to nearby villages and towns, due to the

drought, which has frequently occurred in the country over the last three years, because of

the disruptions in the rainfall.

Director of Qatar Charity Office in Somalia, Abdel Nour Mirsal said the dry food has been

distributed to 670 drought-hit families in Baidoa and nearby areas as the first phase of a

relief aid project for drought-affected people in Somalia.

Qatar Charity noted that the emergency relief

project included the distribution of dry food,

safe drinking water through tanks, medical

convoys, and the distribution of plastic

blankets for families to protect them from the

heat of the sun and the cold of the night.

QC said that the relief campaign will be

implemented in the displaced people camps in the outskirts of Mogadishu and most affected

regions from the far north to the far south.

The emergency relief projects include medical convoys providing primary medical services

in Somalia, in order to reduce the spread of diseases and epidemics, in addition to a charity

kitchen benefiting daily about 2,000 families in the cities of Mogadishu and Baidoa.

The humanitarian situation in Somalia may worsen this year due to drought, based on

climate reports and forecasts, according to international humanitarian reports.

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Earlier, the QC Office in Somalia rehabilitated many thousands of the floods and cyclones

victims through its early recovery programs, which have contributed to restoring basic

services and environment and social life, providing livelihoods and shelter, and reintegrating

displaced populations.

Qatar Charity and UNHCR signed an agreement in October 2017 in Geneva to reintegrate

Somali returnees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and receiving communities through the

construction and rehabilitation of public infrastructure in the water, education, shelter, and

sanitation sectors with a budget of over $9 million, which will approximately benefit 100,000

people.

http://www.geesguud.com/qc-provides-emergency-relief-to-6000-drought-hit-families-in-

somalia/

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Attaccato campo ONU in Mali

Un casco blu è morto e un'altra decina è rimasta ferita

domenica 15/04/18 - Il grande campo che ospita la forza di pace dell'ONU e il contingente

militare francese a Timbuctù, nel nord del Mali, sabato pomeriggio è stato attaccato. Contro

la missione multidimensionale e di mantenimento della pace MINUSMA sono stati sparati

missili, colpi di mortaio ed è stata fatta esplodere un'autobomba guidata da un kamikaze. Il

bilancio è di almeno un morto e una decina di feriti. Ma vi sarebbe una decina di feriti anche

tra i militari di Parigi.

L'assalto, definito di "violenza senza precedenti", sarebbe stato condotto da un commando

di guerriglieri legati ad Al Qaida.

La missione di mantenimento della pace nel paese africano, in corso dal 2013, vede

attualmente impegnati 11'791 militari, 1'737 poliziotti e 1'180 civili. È l'impegno sotto l'egida

delle Nazioni Unite che ha provocato il maggior numero di vittime tra i caschi blu. Prima

dell'attacco di sabato vi erano già stati 98 morti. Anche soldati e guardie di confine svizzere

sono presenti nel paese tramite la partecipazione sia a MINUSMA nella quale sono impegnati

ufficiali di stato maggiore sia alla missione civile dell'EUCAP Sahel Mali.

https://www.rsi.ch/news/mondo/Attaccato-campo-ONU-in-Mali-10361078.html

EUTM - SOMALIA 16/04/2018

EUTM - SOMALIA 42