UNESCO CHIEF CONDEMNS MURDER OF INDIAN JOURNALIST

UNESCO CHIEF CONDEMNS MURDER OF INDIAN JOURNALIST
New York, Feb 28 2012 11:10AM
The head of the United Nations agency tasked with promoting and defending the freedom of the press today condemned the murder of a journalist in India and called on local authorities to undertake a thorough investigation into the killing.

Freelance journalist Chandrika Rai, 43, was found dead last week along with his wife and two children in their home in the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Mr. Rai regularly published articles in newspapers in the state capital of Bhopal and, according to the International Federation of Journalists, he had recently exposed illegalities in the region's coal trade.

"I condemn the murder of investigative journalist Chandrika Rai and his family," said Irina Bokova, UNESCO's Director-General, in a press release.

"It is essential for the preservation of freedom of expression and press freedom that the authorities in Madhya Pradesh make all efforts to investigate this matter and that the perpetrators of this shocking crime be brought to justice."
Feb 28 2012 11:10AM
_

SOMALIA: Thousands flee to Mogadishu after Afgoye fighting

SOMALIA: Thousands flee to Mogadishu after Afgoye fighting

NAIROBI, 28 February 2012 (IRIN) - A renewed offensive against Al-Shabab insurgents by Somali government forces, backed by Ethiopian, Kenyan and African Union troops, has sparked another influx of civilians to the capital Mogadishu, locals told IRIN.

"Since 18 February, we estimate that between 10,000 and 11,000 families [60,000-66,000 people] have arrived in Mogadishu, fleeing fighting or the fear of fighting in their home areas," said Abdullahi Shirwa, head of the government's National Disaster Management Agency.

Most new arrivals are coming from the Afgoye corridor, "but a significant number are coming from the towns of Beletweyne and Baidoa [which were recently liberated from Al-Shabab by Ethiopian forces supporting the Transitional Federal Government]".

Shirwa said there was a likelihood that more displaced would be coming to Mogadishu in the next few weeks if the conflict in Bay, Bakool, Middle and Lower Juba (southern Somalia) escalated.

As famine conditions have ended in the country, many of the displaced have begun to return home but the renewed fighting in parts of southern Somali will make it impossible for many, said Shirwa. "We should not be talking about resettlement in the midst of conflict but rather emergency assistance to those who are coming daily."

A local journalist in the town of Baidoa, who requested anonymity, told IRIN many residents were leaving. "People are afraid and don't know what to expect so they are leaving. I think it is driven more by uncertainty of what to expect from their new rulers and the fact that any young man is suspected of being Al-Shabab until they prove otherwise," he said.

A civil society activist told IRIN that as the military pressure on areas under Al-Shabab control increased, the likelihood of more displaced coming to Mogadishu would also increase.

"I have seen people who left Merka [100km south of Mogadishu] and they told us that they were running from the military activities in the area. They don't want to get caught in the middle."

She said unknown airplanes and helicopters were flying over many parts of the southern Somalia "and it is scaring people", adding that they were also leaving "because they cannot access much humanitarian assistance in Al-Shabab territory. We were planning for massive returns but that now is not going to be possible."

Hawo Abikar, a mother of five, came to Mogadishu 10 days ago from the Lower Shabelle region with nine other families. "We left our home near Janaale town because we were afraid. There are so many planes flying low and Al-Shabab is forcing people to join the fighting."

She said they had to sneak out of town at night because Al-Shabab "does not allow anyone to leave but I am sure many more will leave because everyone is afraid of what is coming".

Al-Shabab still controls much of southern Somalia, despite pressure from the Ethiopian, Kenya, African Union and TFG forces.

So far, the displaced are staying in a temporary camp in the south of the city, said Abikar.

"Fearing the worst"

An elder, who requested anonymity, said he had left Afmadow "because these people [Al-Shabab] have no respect for tradition or elders. People don't know what to expect from them, so they fear the worst."

Conflict and drought have led to the worst humanitarian crisis the country has faced in nearly two decades. An estimated 3.6 million - almost half the total population - need aid, according to the UN.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates the number of IDPs in Somalia at approximately 1.36 million.

"Humanitarians are concerned about the impact of large-scale population movements from the Afgoye corridor on the fragile humanitarian situation in Mogadishu, where displaced people are already living in precarious conditions," said Russell Geekie, head of public information at the UN
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Somalia.

"An escalation of hostilities deeper into the Afgoye corridor will likely lead to an additional influx of tens of thousands of people into Mogadishu, straining the capacity of the camps and host communities," he told IRIN by email.

"Humanitarians in Mogadishu are doing everything within their capability to provide immediate help to those most in need, wherever they are. They have also been assessing the capacity of existing assistance structures and stocks available to extend assistance to the additional population in need and target, in particular, the most vulnerable families."

ah/mw

[END]

Golaha Wasiirada Somalliand oo Ansixiyey Miisaaniyad Sannadeedka 201

Golaha Wasiirada Somalliand oo Ansixiyey Miisaaniyad Sannadeedka 2012 oo Dhan 640,920,898,136

Madaxweyne ku xigeenka Jamhuuriyadda Somaliland ahna ku simaha Madaxweynaha, Mudane, Cabdiraxmaan Cabdilaahi

Fadhigii maanta (27/02/2012) ee Golaha Wasiirada oo Ka Qabsoomay Qasriga Maxadtooyada Jamhuuriyadda Somaliland oo uu Gudoominaayeyna Madaxweyne ku xigeenka Jamhuuriyadda Somaliland ahna ku simaha Madaxweynaha, Mudane, Cabdiraxmaan Cabdilaahi Ismaaciil (Saylici) Waxa lagu Ansixiyey Miisaaniyad Sannadeedka 2012 oo Dhan 640,920,898,136 taas oo 29.56% ka badan tii sannadkii Hore ee 2011. 


ALLAA MAHAD LEH 



XAFIISKA AF-HAYEENKA MADAXTOOYADA JSL. 

TACSI KA TIMID LA-TALIYAHA MADAXWEYNAHA EE DHAQAALAHA IYO GANACSIGA

TACSI: GEERIDA MARXUUMAD Habaryaro Sahra Gaaxnuug Cabdilaahi

Anigoo ku hadlaaya magaca Xafiiska La-taliyaha Madaxweynaha ee Dhaqaalaha iyo Ganacsiga, ka reer Cabdi Carwo iyo kan xaaskayga Amaal Cumar Carte waxaan tacsi u dirayaa ehelka, ubadka, tafiirta kale, gacalka, qaraabada, xigaalka, xito iyo asxaabta ay 

Habaryartay Sahra Gaaxnuug Cabdilaahi ka tagtay meel kasta oo ay joogaanba, si gaar ah ubadkeeda iyo tafiirtooda oo uu hormoodka u yahay Chief Caaqil Cabdirisaaq Maxamed Askar iyo Reer Gaaxnuug Cabdilaahi.
  
Alle ha u naxariistee Marxuumad Habaryaro Sahri, waxay ku geeriyootay magaalada Hargeysa, Jimce  24/02/2012 iyadoo muddo xanuunsanayd.
Habaryaro Sahra oo ahayd ruux cibaado badan,naxariis badan, oo dad jecel, waxaan Illaahay uga baryayaa inuu u naxariisto oo uu janatal fardows ku abaal mariyo, reer Maxamed Askar iyo Reer Gaaxnuug Cabdilaahi, iyo dhammaan ehel iyo asxaaba,inuu waafajiyo samir iyo duco.Amiin

Ahmed Hassan Carwo
La-taliyaha Madaxweynaha Somaliland ee Dhaqaalaha
samotalis@gmail.com

Breakaway Somaliland entity targets investors

Breakaway Somaliland entity targets investors

By William Maclean

Feb 24 (Reuters) - The breakaway enclave of Somaliland, which boasts oil and gas potential, has set up a UK-linked corporation to act as an entry point for investors concerned the Somali territory's lack of international recognition would stop contracts being enforced.

On a visit to London to attend a conference on Somalia, President Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo told Reuters that the purpose of the Somaliland Development Corporation was to "to attract companies and institutions which want to invest in our country."

"Since we are not a recognised country, insurance is always a difficult problem in Somaliland so if this can help with that, it would be useful."

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has enjoyed relative stability compared to the rest of Somalia, including the holding of a series of peaceful general elections, but remains unrecognised internationally.

Silanyo did not indicate what economic sectors he wished investors to target. But energy and mining minister Hussein Abdi Dualeh said in November the northern enclave had hydrocarbon potential with a geology similar to basins containing 9 billion barrels across the Gulf of Aden.

A number of big oil companies with permits to operate there left what is now Somaliland in the late 1980s and declared force majeure during Somalia's escalating civil conflict.

Several foreign banks have expressed interest in operating in Somaliland where they are keen to capitalise on its untapped market potential. Somaliland has no formal banking sector and its people rely heavily on remittances from diaspora communities in Europe, North America and the United Arab Emirates, as there are no ATMs or loan facilities.

A briefing paper distributed to journalists on the sidelines of the London conference said that despite Somaliland's "achievements in stability and democracy, international donors cannot deal directly with its government, and foreign investors face uncertainty about whether contracts - the basis of secure business - can be enforced".

The SDC circumvented the problem of non-recognition by providing "a transparent, accountable and enforceable means by which investors can participate in Somaliland ventures".

A not-for-profit company had been set up in Britain to act as the founding vehicle, with Somaliland's Minister of State Mohamed-Rashid Hassan and Britons Myles Wickstead, a former diplomat, and Jeremy Carver, a retired international lawyer, as founding directors.

The SDC is owned by an incorporated trust, the Somaliland Development Corporation Trust, the paper said.

Oil discoveries would be a cash boon to Somaliland though hydrocarbons have often proven to be a curse to African nations as the opaque nature of the industry can breed corruption.

Colonised by Britain while the rest of Somalia was under Italian administration, Somaliland declared independence in 1991 as the rest of the country disintegrated into anarchy.

But the African Union and foreign powers have not recognised Somaliland. Many in the breakaway republic suspect the African Union fears its formal recognition would trigger a flurry of secession bids across the continent. (Reporting by William Maclean; editing by Ron Askew)

Somalia and the outcome of the London Conference: “Trust Ship” or transition to Democracy

Somalia and the outcome of the London Conference: "Trust Ship" or transition to Democracy

Adan Muse Jibril

Somalia and the outcome of the London Conference:  "Trust Ship" or transition to Democracy By Adam Muse Jibril. ; Somalis should understand and admit the facts as they are in the real life. The fact is that the history of the past 52 years has been made in the way that we (as Somalis) had acted. And the current events are only an outcome of that history.  The actual fact of today's situation is a direct result of the grave mistake we had been committing since, and an answer of the accumulated misdeeds and crimes made by the different generations of our leaders, plus the naivety and innocence of the common men and women in the Somali Society in general. . However, it is a serious mistake to attribute false impression to Somalis which was repeatedly mentioned and sometimes taken for granted that the Somali weaknesses are related to biological fixed drawbacks, and Somalis are sub-humans, or at least, less than modern humans. And therefore, they have got "the type of leadership they deserved". . In contrast to this opinion, it is generally a known fact that Somalis are one of the most intelligent people in the world. But Natural intelligence is one thing, and civilization is something else (a long and accumulated experience of statehood), which obviously we lack. . These weaknesses and drawbacks are due to the historical stage of development that the Somali society is traversing, a society in transition from clan-ethnic centered communities to    nationhood, "Colonialism accelerated what had been an embryonic nation". . The corrupt Italian style administrations, from 1960-1991 reproduced a world of its own shape, the Somalia state elite, who were equipped with 'Greater Somalia' rhetoric antagonizing the neighboring countries with and by their territorial claims, and turned the sub-region of the Horn of Africa into an ethnic based war zone. . Unfortunately, the alternative option has become much worse, when this was followed by the rise of Islamic Radicalism with their war economy and with sadist Global ideology for establishing an Islamic Emirate in the Horn region. This has antagonized the whole world; Export of terrorism and piracy as a by-product of the unwarranted civil war they were continuously waging against the Somali people. . As a result of these two ideological rhetoric slogans "Islamism" and "Irredentism", and their tragic consequence, Somalia became an enemy to itself as well as to the whole world. Consequently, Terrorism and piracy became soubriquet attributed to contemporary Somalis.  . The London Conference, hitherto, the last of a countless conferences held outside of the country, is like the previous ones, a one more attempt, the aim of which is to limit the damage of Terrorism and Piracy. However, one should not rule out, the fact that the London Conference is also an attempt to search an exit out of the Somali quagmire. Expectedly, because this conference is taking place in a time when peoples on our earth have reached well founded conclusion that the current Somali politicians, both Islamists and clannish elite can no more deliver anything positive vis-à-vis solutions to the crisis, but more troubles to the world and more plights to their people. . The Roadmap manufactured in Kampala, legalized in Mogadisu and finalized in Garowe is only a result of the conviction that there should be an international approach to the Somali question, the "sick man of Africa". But unlike Turkey in 1920s, Somalia has no credible leader like  Kamal Ataturk. . And therefore, they deserve to be ruled by the world community. The London Conference is a clear confirmation of the fact that the International Community is moving to this direction. And it is a positive step taken toward the only option open to them. The military tasks has already been given to the AMISOM, and political to UN, the financial issue will inevitably be run by an independent body since there is no other way to set a credible financial system for TFGs.  , This will temporarily put Somalia in a better shape, and pave the way to a future peaceful and democratic Somalia and will put it on a better pathway than what previously has been the case. The African and International Community will try to defeat the Shabaab militarily but they can't defeat them ideologically unless they are defeated internally. This can even aggravate the problem by making the Islamists more popular and ultimate alignment with the clannish elite. Even so, in totality, the London conference is a positive pace and a move towards transition to peace, stability and democratization, provided that its final goal is a long term comprehensive and visionary solution of the Somali question through which the Somali people themselves are engaged as real actors in the process, and not only the UN bureaucracy. .Somaliland and the London Conference Somaliland is, to the democratic Consciousness which drives the mental and physical behavior of the civilized humans, both inside and abroad, a new type of state different from the previously led by the corrupt and clannish ruling elite 1960-1991, as well as  the Radical Islamic Emirate which ferments in the minds of the Jihadist section of the Islamists. Somaliland stands for consolidation of peace, stability of the region and the world at large. It is the first Somali polity that openly and loudly renounces territorial claims to any of the neighboring states. It is the only Islamic state in the region with true democratic institutions based on political system founded on free and fair popular elections with truly a modern constitution where the power belongs to the people, with free media and market economy. . Somaliland has, therefore, a strong base for further progress and potentially viable economic prosperous, capable to play a positive role in a step-by-step economic and political process of reintegration in a democratic Somali society within, and only, within a larger Horn of African integration process (sort of federation or confederation prospect) which Somaliland's renunciation of territorial claims on the region's states paved the way to the possibility of its realization, and which is a great dream of many generations of the peoples in the region. . Now, with the conclusion of the London Conference with clear vision for a transitional period for Somalia with paying attention to a more coordinated effort to defeating extremism and piracy infrastructures in side Somalia. And supporting Somaliland's endeavors to enhance its achievements is an important positive step taken to the right direction. .  Therefore, there is a need for the Somaliland government and for President A.M.Silanyo to focus, first, on the internal front taking into consideration the global wisdom that "the best foreign policy is the internal policy". In this regard, there is a crucial need to put the vision before the Wagon of daily tactics, to put the national strategy before individual, clan, and party interests. The vision to building democratic and modern state institutions, in the Somaliland context, should take the following paradigm: ; •       The institutional building in a traditional society, where political parties and one-man-one-vote and Majority Rule alone can't work, and therefore, the traditional mechanism of conflict resolution and resource management is necessarily the right direction to follow. •       Separation of powers, not on paper but in the real practice should be the rule and the exception. , •       Clear demarcation line should be made between the state, family and clan affairs. ; •       All signs of corruption, favorism and nepotism should be put to an end. Shorter than such a stand will destroy the name of the president and his government and thus, his moral and material legitimacy.  •       Nation Building should be based on strong nationalism over and above clanism. An independent, highly educated and experienced bureaucracy, professional and technocrats as a base of the state establishment are necessary, not only, for the economic development but also for a National Strategy for the modernization of the country. Lack of this will make the country a hostage for brokers, comparators and clannish opportunists, and thus, the dead end of the state will soon appear as real possibility.   , •       Fair power and resources sharing is the heart and soul of Somaliland's existence. Gadabursi and Harti Have, hitherto, been marginalized particularly since Kulmiye government came to power. The question is how on earth, the all main posts be occupied by Issaqis (the president, chairmen of the two House of the Parliament, Ministers of Foreign and Interior, Commanders of the Army and Police. Lacking a fair balance in this regard will reduce Somaliland into an Issaq land. . •       The conflict in the East should be solved peacefully and through dialogue and negotiation. Security approach to the conflict did fail in all countries with internal conflict, and thus military solution should be ruled out. And reconciliation should be based on Traditional Mechanism of Conflict Resolution, Government should also take a major role in the process in showing longing to accommodating the Dulbahante's Garads and outside actors of Dulbahante politicians. •       President A. M. Silanyo should seek advices from knowledgeable and experienced personalities, not only amongst Intellectuals but also traditional personalities, people like Haji Abdiwarabe, for instance. The President Should immediately form a think-tang group comprising of sincere, truthful, honest and dedicated Intellectuals, who could be ready to volunteer and work without payments. No president in the world who does not have some of the most brilliant intellectual personalities in his country as close consultants, the reason is so obvious because is the science that rules the modern world. The President must realize the need to the local, regional and world events, analyzed and summarized by a group of experts on his desk every morning, without which he can't prioritize his tasks as the supreme leader of the country, this simply means that there is no other way to run the country's affairs properly. That is what all leaders of the world usually do in these modern times.   ,      •       There is a crucial need for the President to show much more tolerance. Criticism is a sign of healthiness in a democratic society, and lack of tolerances is a sign of a dangerous disease. In a democratic society, the media is a matter of motive-force of democracy and it is both opinion maker and part of the check-and-balance process.                               . Adan Muse Jibril adamjibril@hotmail.com

SOMALI PEOPLE CAN BUILD BETTER FUTURE WITH GLOBAL HELP, BAN TELLS LONDON MEETING

SOMALI PEOPLE CAN BUILD BETTER FUTURE WITH GLOBAL HELP, BAN TELLS LONDON MEETING
New York, Feb 23 2012 11:10AM
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged the international community to heed the "cries for peace" of the Somali people and help them overcome decades of instability and build a more stable and prosperous future.

Addressing the London Conference on Somalia, Mr. Ban said that an opportunity has presented itself that "we cannot afford to miss" to help the people of the Horn of Africa nation end threats and instability and to realize the vision of a productive and peaceful Somalia.

"This is a bold agenda. We have no more time to 'wait and see'," he told world leaders at the meeting. "To any donors still wavering, I say: get off the fence. Help prevent another famine and offer new hope to Somalia.

"Somalis have shown astounding resilience in the face of extreme hardship. They are ready to show the world they can rebuild their lives and their country with our support. We can do no less than answer their cries for peace."

Mr. Ban called for steps to improve security, advance the political process and step up assistance for recovery, reconstruction and development.

Yesterday the Security Council extended the mandate of the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia (AMISOM) through 31 October and called for an almost 50 per cent increase in the 12,000-strong force to deal with continued insecurity in the impoverished country.

The Council stressed that coordinated action in the region is critical for the peace, security and stability of Somalia and called on AU member States to consider contributing troops to the force to help create the conditions so that Somalia can be responsible for its own security.

"Ultimately, our goal is to transfer security responsibilities to the Somalis and establish sustainable, credible and indigenous security institutions in the country," said Mr. Ban, who called on governments to provide the necessary support to both AMISOM and to the Somali forces operating alongside it.

"This will take time. We must start now," the Secretary-General added. "The Somalis first must agree on what security arrangements best suit their system of governance. International help must be well-coordinated to support the national security and stabilization plan. As the security institutions take shape, the country needs to disarm."

Somalia has not had a functioning central government for the past 20 years, during which it has been torn apart by factional fighting and has faced a series of humanitarian crises, the latest being a food crisis that has left more than two million Somalis in need of aid.

Mr. Ban, who saw for himself the situation on the ground when he visited the capital, Mogadishu, last December, also stressed the need for political progress, adding that maintaining the momentum is "critical."

"Mogadishu is more than the capital – it stands for the unity and integrity of Somalia," he stated. "Success in the capital is important for progress all across Somalia. And it would pre-empt spoilers.

"We therefore need a surge in Mogadishu to show what is possible in southern-central Somalia. We need to consolidate military gains, provide basic social services and contribute to reconstruction."

Somalia's Transitional Federal Institutions (TFIs) are in the process of implementing a roadmap devised in September last year that spells out priority measures to be carried out before the current transitional governing arrangements end on 20 August.

Before then, Mr. Ban noted, the country needs a new constitution, a smaller and more representative Parliament and elections for the positions of President, Speaker and Deputies.

While at the conference, Mr. Ban is also holding separate meetings with various government officials to discuss issues of global concern. Earlier today, he met with Sweden's Prime Minister, Fredrik Reinfeldt, and its Foreign Minister, Carl Bildt, and discussed Somalia, Syria and Cyprus.

Prime Minister Cameron Convenes with British Somali Diasporas ahead of the London Conference

Prime Minister Cameron Convenes with British Somali Diasporas ahead of the London Conference

LONDON— Prime Minister David Cameron today joined Baroness Sayeeda Hussain Warsi to meet with active members of the Somali Diasporas ahead of the international conference on Somalia on Thursday 23 February 2012, at Lancaster House in London to listen to their thoughts on the prolonged conflict in Somalia and identify possible ways forward with the assistance of the international community. This was the first meeting of its kind whereby the Prime Minister invited members of the Somali Diasporas to partake in a serious discussion about Somalia at Downing Street. After going through security checks we proceeded to number 10, which has on its rather heavy black door letter plates reading "First Lord of the Treasury". Inside the building there are noticeable black and white pictures of Prime Ministers, Winston Churchill being most obvious with two pictures and excluding Cameron who has to wait to hang up his own till he leaves office. A warm welcome by Baroness Warsi followed in the Pillared Room decorated with fine Persian carpets and few portraits including one of Queen Elizabeth I, which hangs over a fire place. After a short introduction we preceded to the Cabinet Room with at its heart an oval shaped large table perhaps with the intention to provide a clear view for the Prime Minister who sat at the centre of the table.

Short thereafter the Prime Minster joined us posing an engaging posture and a friendly smile while shaking hands with the guests around the table.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of Somali Diasporas and their commitments to their country of origin. On their specific role Cameron said:

"No one cares more about Somalia than its people. And there are many Somalis who have made their home in this country who will have a particular interest in what we are doing this week. We can't build peace without them. My message is this: don't go back and fight. Help Somalis and help your homeland by doing all you can to back the political process, to build the rule of law and to continue to support the development of the economy. That's what we want to do this week. To turn your commitment to a better Somalia into a better future for us all."

The UK government is right to engage the Somali Diasporas on the critical task of finding lasting solutions for the problems in Somalia. Engagement of local communities is important to our countries endeavors to counter any challenges we face and this meeting brought potential partners together. The Prime Minister acknowledged that this should be the way forward and suggested to continue to work with communities more closely. British Somalis must support the London conference and rally behind the Prime Minister.

But the Somalia problem is messy and complex with a worsening situation over the last 20 years that cannot be solved overnight. Ismail Noor wanted to know whether or not Britain is ready for the task and asked Cameron "how long is UK prepared to stay involved"? Cameron gave a considered answer and explained that UK is here to help and facilitate ways forward.

Further suggestions made by the group include the ineffective management of development and humanitarian aid to Somalia. A number of people pointed out the vast corruption and mismanagement of international aid. Salah Shek Osman said "international and humanitarian agencies want to "remote control" local charities and if you do not adopt their approach there is no place for you in their organization". Surely aid is important, particularly in the Somali regions where poverty is prevalent. However, a shift from aid to trade is desirable where appropriate to tackle its structural dependency on the long term.

Political representation is an area in need of significant development. On this matter, Waris Mohamoud said, "that gender inequalities need to be addressed as women outstrip men in numbers but are almost invisible from most decision making processes" and Ilham Gassar suggested that a balanced age representation in the political process matters given the fact that Somalia is a young nation with 60 percent of the population being under 40 years. Pressing the Prime Minister on the question of representation Salah Shek Osman asked Cameron whether or not he would engage in dialogue with Al shabaab. Cameron's answer was swift and argued that it is unrealistic to talk to a terrorist organization that associates itself with Al Qaida. Instead the Prime Minister expressed his support for the recent Garowe Agreement, which deals with the broader political progress through the so-called "Roadmap to end the transition" when the mandate of the current Transitional Federal Government (TFG) terminates in August 2012. Ironically the Garowe Agreement, which is based on the unpopular 4.5 Formula that is meant to represent clans evenly across the Somali regions precisely comes short to deal with equal representation in the political development. It further raises questions about the selection of officials, which are undemocratically appointed and continues unfair treatment of minority clans. These issues must be addressed.

The challenges British Somalis are facing in the UK where also highlighted. In particular great concerns were raised about young disadvantaged Somalis who are prone to radicalization while posing a threat to the UK and themselves. It was argued that these young Somali people often lack self-esteem and in order to earn respect they become more susceptible to all kinds of crime. There are, however, many young Somalis who are doing very well and are positively contributing to the British society and that needs to be acknowledged and celebrated.

After the Prime Minister left Baroness Warsi continued with the discussion and skillfully chaired the remainder of the meeting. Warsi's background and vast experience in the field was evident in the way she handled the questions and managed to progress the discussion occasionally and appropriately drawing on her Pakistani and immigrant background without upsetting or disappointed the strong characters across the table.

Further suggestions were to be aware of the divisions within the Somali communities and some reference was made to the FCO's approach of having "desks and offices for each Somali region". However, others applauded the FCO's approach and consider this as a way of acknowledging the rich diversity of the Somali people that is often misunderstood.

On the question of Somaliland's independence Cameron explained that this conference is not about the recognition of Somaliland but to strengthen and further develop the positive achievements it made so far. Ahmed Adare noted that it is fitting for Somaliland to support their brothers and sisters in Somalia and share and transfer the knowledge and skills, which have made Somaliland relatively peaceful for over 20 years.

To conclude the general consensus is that something has to change in Somalia, as it cannot continue the way it is now and this conference offers a great opportunity to make that a reality. Britain's initiative is very much welcomed by the Somali Diasporas in the UK. However, Somalis insist to draw lessons from the past conferences, which have been far from effective. More importantly this should be a Somali solution and political process and progress should be Somali-led.

By:Mohamed Aden Hassan
About the author:
Mohamed holds a BA (Amsterdam) and MA (SOAS, London), and is currently perusing a PhD at Goldsmiths researching the experiences of young Somalis in London as transnational active citizens.

Further, Mohamed is the current chairman of Nomad International, a charity that strives to assist Somali youth in Britain and various institutions in Somaliland in the developments of health, education and crime prevention programs. He is also a committee member of the London Somali Youth Forum (LSYF) that aims to advocate for the Somali youth in London.

SHIRKA LONDON EE SOOMAALIYA: WAR-MURTIYEEDKII LA ISKU RAACAY

SHIRKA LONDON EE SOOMAALIYA: WAR-MURTIYEEDKII LA ISKU RAACAY  

Khamiis, February 23, 2012 (HOL) - Kadib markii saacado ka hor lasoo gabagabeeyay shirkii London ayaa waxaa lasoo saaray warmurtiyeedkii kama dambaysta ahaa ee ay isku raaceen ka qaybgalyaasha shirka.

            Hordhac

1.    Shirka London ee ku saabsan Soomaaliya waxaa uu aqalka Lancaster House uu ka dhacay 23^kii Febraayo 2012, waxaana ka soo qaybgaley konton iyo shan wefdi oo ka kala socdey Soomaaliya iyo beesha caalamka.

 

2.    Waxa aan shirney waqti muhiim u ah Taariikhda Soomaaliya. Soomaaliya waxaa ay hadda ka soo baxaysaa dhibaatooyin bani'aadamnimo kuwii waqtigan ugu xumaa dunida. Ciidamo Afrikaan iyo Soomaali ah ayaa Al Shabaab ka saarey Muqdisho iyo degaamo kale. Hay'adaha ku-meelgaarka ah waxaa uu waqtigoodu dhammaanayaa Agoosto 2012, waxaana dadka Soomaaliya ay doonayaan in la caddeeyo waxa ka dambeyn doona. Xaaladdu weli ma deggana, waxaana ay u baahan tahay taageero degdeg ah oo ay siiso bulshada caalamka. 

 

3.    Go'aanka ku saabsan mustaqbalka Soomaaliya waxaa leh dadka Soomaalida ah. Hoggaanka siyaasadda ee Soomaaliya waa in ay ahaadaan kuwo ay la xisaabtamaan dadkooda. Kaalinta bulshada caalamka u furan waa in ay fududeeyaan horumarka iyo koboca: xooggeenu waxaa uu ku jiraa midnimo iyo taageero isku dubaridan oo aan siinno Soomaaliya. Waxaa markii la qabanqaabinayey shirkan aan aqoonsanney muhiimadda ay leedahay in aan dhegeysanno oo aan la shaqeyno dadka Soomaaliyeed ee jooga gudaha iyo dibadda Soomaaliya, waxaana aan ku soo dhoweynney la kulankooda ka hor shirkan.

 

4.    Shirku waxaa uu diiradda saarey sababaha dhalinaya degganaan la'aanta, iyo sidoo kale waxyaabaha calaamadaha u ah (macaluusha, burcad-badeednimada, iyo argagaxisanimada). Annaga oo bulshada caalamka ah, waxaan isla garanney: in aan dardar cusub gelinno geeddi-socodka siyaasadda; in aan xoojinno AMISOM oo aan Soomaaliya gacan ka siinno kobcinta ciidankeeda ammaanka; in aan gacan ka geysanno degannaanshaha heer degaan; in aan ku dhaqaaqno tallaabo wax looga qabanayo burcad-badeedda iyo argagaxisada.

 

Siyaasadda

5.    Waxaan ku heshiinney in waqtiga Hay'adaha Federalka ee Ku-meelgaarka ah uu dhammaanayo Agoosto 2012. Waana in aan mar kale waqti loo kordhin. Waxaan soo dhoweyney heshiisyada tilmaamaya waddada lagu gaarayodowlad si middan ka badan dadka u matasha: Axdiga Federalka ee Ku-meelgaarka ah, Heshiiskii Kampala, iyo Khadiiddada Waddada/Roadmap. Waxaa aan ayidney mudnaanta, lagu xusey Mabaa'diida Garowe, oo sheegayey in degdeg la isugu keeno Gole Ta'siisi ah (Constituent Assembly), waxaana aan carrabka ku adkeyney in Golaha uu ahaado mid ay ka wada muuqdaan fikradaha dadka Soomaaliyeed ee dhammaan gobollada iyo degaamada kala duwan, iyo in ay waajib tahay in haweenku ay qayb ka noqdaan geeddi-socodka siyaasadda. Si waafaqsan heshiiskii Garowe II ayaan isula oggolaaney in la dhiirrigelinno horumarka oo aan tallaabo ka qaadno kuwa qasaya geeddi-socodka nabadda, iyo in aan tixgelin doonna talooyinka arrintan la xiriira inta ka horreysa Shirka Istanbul ee la qaban doono bisha Juunyo.

 

6.    Shirku waxaa uu aqoonsadey baahida loo qabo in bulshada caalamku ay taageerto wada-hadal kasta ee Somaliland iyo TFG-da ama ciddii beddesha ay ku heshiiyaan in ay yeeshaan si loo caddeeyo xiriirkooda mustaqbalka.

 

7.    Waxaan cambaareyney argagaxisanimada iyo xagjirnimada gacan-ka-hadalka wadata, haddii ay ku kacaan Soomaali ama ajnebiba. Waxaan ugu baaqney in dhammaan kuwa oggol in ay ku gacan-seyraan rabshadda/gacan-ka-hadalka ay ku soo biiraan geeddi-socodka nabadda ee Jabuuti. Waxaan ku heshiinney in aan sameyno barnaamij loogu talogaley kuwa soo goosta oo lagu taageerayo kuwa ka soo baxa kooxaha hubeysan. 

 

8.    Waxa aan carrabka ku adkeyney sida degdegga ah ee loogu baahan yahay in Soomaaliya ay awooddo in ay maalgeliso adeegyadeeda dowladda, oo ay hantideeda u adeegsato waxyaabaha dadka faa'iidada u leh, iyo sidoo kale wax ka qabashada musuq-maasuqa. Waxaan soo dhoweyney horumarka laga sameeyey dhisidda Guddi Wadajir u Maareeya Maaliyadda/ Joint Financial Management Board (JFMB) si loo kordhiyo daahfurnaanta iyo xisaabtanka ee dhinacyada soo ururinta iyo in si habboon u isticmaalidda dakhliga dowladda, iyo sidoo kale gargaarka caalamiga ah ee horumarinta, kaas oo gacan ka geysanaya xoojinta hay'adaha maareynta maaliyadda dowladda ee Soomaalida ah. Baaq ay soo saareen xubinihii u horreeyey ee JFMB waxaa uu ku qoran yahay Lifaaqa A.

 

9.    Geeddi-socodka nabadda waa in ay xuddun u ahaataa ixtiraamiddaxuquuqaha aadanaha. Waxaan ku baaqney in la qaado tallaabo gaar ahaan mid wax looga qabanayo ku-tumashada iyo xadgudubyada waaweyn ee xuquuqaha aadanaha ee haysta haweenka iyo carruurta. Waxaan carrabka ku adkeyney in ay waajib tahay in suxufiyiintu ay hawshooda u qabsadaan si xor ah oo aan cabsiyi ku jirin. Waa in la ilaaliyaa dadka rayidka ah. Waxaan madaxda Soomaalida ugu baaqney in ay qaadaan tallooyin lagu xaqiijinayo xuquuqaha aadanaha laguna joojinayo dhaqanka ah in aan waxba la isu raacan (impunity).  Waxaan ku heshiinney in aan xoojinno dadaallada caalamiga ah ee ay ka mid tahay in loo maro hay'adaha Qaramada Midoobey ee xuquuqaha aadanaha.

 

Ammaanka iyo Caddaaladda

10. Waxaan ku heshiinney in ammaanka iyo caddaaladdu ay muhiim u yihiin in la helo geeddi-socod siyaasadeed oo guuleysta iyo horumarkaba. Ammaan wanaagsan waxaa si joogto ah loogu heli karaa oo keliya marka ay barbar socdaan caddaalad wanaagsan iyo talinta sharciga.

 

11. Waxaan u mahad-celinney dalalka ciidamadoodu ay nabad-ilaaliyeyaal ahaan u joogaan gudaha waxaana aan ammaanney guulihii iyo wixii ay u hureenAMISOM iyo ciidamada kale. Waxaan soo dhoweyney qorshaha wadajirka ah ee ay dejinayaan Qaramada Midoobey iyo Midowga Afrika waxaana aan mar kale ku celinney muhiimadda ay leedahay in la sameeyo hoggaan taabogal ah. [Waxaan soo dhoweyneynaa in la ansaxiyo Qaraarkii Golaha Ammaanka ee Qaramada Midoobey ee tirsigiisu yahay **** ee ballaarinaya maandeytka (hawsha) AMISOM oo badinayana tirada ciidankooda.] Waxaan AMISOM ku dhiirrigeliney in ay hubiso ilaalinta dadka rayidka ah. Waxaa aan wada-hawlgalayaasha, gaar ahaan deeq-bixiyeyaasha cusub, ku dhiirrigeliney in ay maaliyad siiyaan AMISOM, taas oo ay ka mid tahay mid la soo mariyo Midowga Yurub.

 

12. Waxaan ku heshiinney in, muddo ka dib, Soomaalidu ay la wareegaan mas'uuliyadda ammaankooda ayna kobciyaan nidaamkooda cadaaladda si ay wax uga qabtaan halista ku wajahan ammaankooda ayna wanaajiyaan helidda caddaaladda. Waxaan aqoonsanney in Soomaalida oo keliya ay u taallo in ay go'aansadaan nooca ammaan iyo caddaalad ee ay doonayaan.

 

13. Waxaan aqoonsanney hawsha wanaagsan ee socota ee lagu taageerayo waaxaha ammaanka iyo caddaaladda ee Soomaaliya. Waxaan ku heshiinney in aan dhisno qaab wada-hawlgalayaal caalami ah si loo helo isudiwidda aadka loogu baahan yahay iyo si diiradda loo saaro hawlahaas, oo ay xoojinayaan tiro mabaa'dii ah oo lagu qorey lifaaqa B oo si dhow ula shaqeynaya Guddiga Wadajirka ah ee Qaramada Midoobey ee Ammaanka/UN's Joint Security Committee.

 

Burcad-badeednimada

 

14. Waxaan mar kale ku celinney sida ay innooga go'an tahay ciribtirka burcad-badeednimada, annaga oo ogaaney in dhibaatadu ay u baahan tahay in hab ballaaran oo dhulka iyo baddaba ah wax looga qabto. Waxaan muujinney welwelka aan ka qabno la-haystayaasha muddada dheer lagu hayso Soomaaliya ee gacantana loo qaadayo. Waxaan soo dhoweyney hawsha Kooxda Xiriirka arrimaha Burcad-badeedda Dibadda Xeebta Soomaaliya. Waxaan sidoo kale soo dhoweyney guusha ay gaareen dadaallada ciidamada caalamiga ah, waana ay innaga go'an tahay sii wadista dadaalladaas oo kale oo leh xeerar adag oo hagaya hawlgalka iyo ciidamo ku filan. Waxaan isla oggolaaney in burcad-badeednimada aan lagu xallin karin hawlo mileteri oo keliya, waxaana aan ku celinney muhiimadda ay leedahay in bulshooyinka in ay wax ka qabtaan waxyaabaha sababta u ah burcad-badeednimada, iyo sii wanaajinta in biyaha xeebaha Soomaaliya si waxtar leh loo adeegsado iyada oo loo marayo tallaabooyin lagu dhisayo kartida dhinaca badda ee gobolka. Waxaan soo dhoweyney dadaallada socda waxaana aan isla oggolaaney in si wanaagsan la isugu duwo loona taageero. Waxaan ku baaqney in si buuxda loo hirgeliyo Xeer-dhaqanka Anashaxa ee Jabuuti (the Djibouti Code of Conduct) iyo in la sameeyo Soon/Degaan Dhaqaale oo Gaar ah (Exclusive Economic Zone). Waxaana sugeynaa waqtiga aan dib u eegi doonno horumarka la gaarey oo uu ka mid yahay kan laga gaarey Shirka Burcad-badeednimada ee lagu qaban doono Imaaraadka Carabta ee Midoobey bisha Juunyo.

 

15. Waxaan soo dhoweyney  dadaalka wada-hawlgalayaasha hawshan/partners in industry ee ka dhanka ah burcad-badeedda, waxaana aan ku baaqney in si sidan ka ballaaran loo qaato Habka Maareynta ee ugu Wanaagsan (Best Management Paractice) ee maraakiibka korkooda. Waxaan soo dhoweyney hawsha hadda socota ee ku saabsan hagidda caalamiga ah ee adeegsiga sharikaadka gaarka loo leeyahay ee ammaanka ee hubeysan.

 

16.  Ma jiri doonto burcad-badeenimada aan waxba la isugu raacan. Waxaan ku baaqney in si weyn loo kobciyo awoodda garsoor ee dacwad ku soo oogista iyo xiridda kuwa ka dambeeya burcad-badeednimada ee Soomaaliya iyo guud ahaan gobolka waxaana aan aqoonsanney baahida loo qabo in la xoojiyo kartida dowlad goboleedyada. Waxaan soo dhoweyney heshiisyada cusub, ee qaar ka mid ah dowladaha iyo hawlgallada ciidamada badda awood u siinaya in ay kuwa looga shakisan yahay burcad-badeednimada loo maxkamadeeyo marka ay wada-hawlgalayaashu ku qabtaan gobolka Badweynta Hindiya, iyo in marka lagu helo, loo wareejiyo xabsiyo ku yaalla Puntland iyo Somaliland oo heerarkoodu gaarsiisan yihiin jaangooyooyinka caalamiga ah. Waxaan ogaanney ujeedka lagu doonayo in laga sii fekero suuragalnimada in Soomaaliya gudaheeda laga dhiso maxkamado ku takhasusey wax ka qabashada burcad-badeednimada.

 

17. Waxaan mar kale sheegney sida ay innooga go'an tahay in aan maxkamadeyno kuwa u madaxda ah burcad-badeednimada. Annaga oo aqoonsanneyna hawsha hore loo soo qabtey, waxaan ku heshiinney in aan sii wanaajinno isuduwidda hawlaha wax looga qabanayo isusocodka maaliyadda sharci-darrada ah iyo in la isu duwo sir-doonka iyo baaritaannada. Waxaan ogaanney in Seychelles laga dhisey Xarun-goboleedda Isuduwidda Sir-doonka-Maxkamadeynta ee La-dagaallanka Burcad-badeedda/Regional Anti-Piracy Prosecutions Intelligence Coordination Centre.

 

Argagaxisada

 

18. Argagaxisanimadu waxaa ay halis adag ku tahay ammaanka Soomaaliya, kan gobolka, iyo kan caalamka. Waxaa ay silic weyn u geysatey dadka Soomaaliyeed. Waxaan isla wada oggolaaney in aan u wada shaqeyno si sidii hore ka xooggan, iyo iyada oo si buuxda loo ixtiraamayo talinta sharciga, xuuqaha aadanaha, iyo sharciga caalamiga ah ee bani'aadamnimada, in la dhiso kartida si loo carqaladeeyo argagaxisada gobolka, iyo in wax laga qabto sababaha asalka u ah argagaxisanimada. Waxaana aan aan isla garanney muhiimadda ay arrintan leedahay. Waxaan isla garanney muhiimadda ay leedahay carqaladeynta safarrada argagaxisada ay ku tagayaan Soomaaliya iyo kan ay kaga imanayaan, iyo muhiimadda ay leedahay carqaladeynta maaliyadda argagaxisada, waxaana aan ugu baaqney dalalka goboka ku yaalla in ay hirgeliyaan talooyinkii Koox-halweedda Tallaabada Maaliyadda/Financial Action Task Force ee ku saabsanaa la dagaallanka dhaqidda lacagta (raad-gadidda lacagta/money laundering) iyo maaliyad-siinta argagaxisada. Waxaan xusney in sir-doon iyo baaritaan taabogal ah, iyo taageero la siiyo nidaamka cadaaladda dembiyada ee Soomaaliya, ay muhiim u yihiin la dagaallanka argagaxisada. Waxaan ku heshiinney in aan la shaqeyno Golaha Caalamiga ah ee La-dagaallanka Argagaxisada/the Global Counter Terrorism Forum iyo hay'adaha kale ee caalamiga ah iyo kuwa goboleed si looga soo dhalaalo hawshan muhiimka ah.   

 

Degannaanshaha iyo Soo-kabashada

 

19.  Waxaan soo dhoweyneynaa guulaha ay gaareen degaanno ka mid ah Soomaaliya ee ay ku abuureen goobo deggan, waxaana aan ku heshiinney in aan kordhinno taageero lagu dhiso maamul sharci ah oo nabad ku dhisan, iyo si loo wanaajiyo adeegyada ay helaan dadka ku nool degaamadaas. Waxaan ku heshiinney in dadaallada noocaas ahi ay dhiirrigeliyaan/kor u qaadaan wadajirka, ayna qayb ka noqdaan geeddi-socodka siyaasadeed ee qaranka.

 

20. Waxaan fulinta Qorshaha Soo-kabashada iyo Dejinta Muqdisho u aqoonsanney mid muhiim ah. Waxaan ku heshiinney in barnaamijyada aan ku baahinno degaannada dhowaan dib loo soo ceshadey. Waxaan diiradda saari doonnaa taageero lagu suuragelinayo in faa'iidooyin degdeg ah oo la joogtana ah loo gaarsiiyo dadka Soomaaliyeed ee caadiga ah: bedqabka iyo ammaanka, fursado dhaqaale iyo adeegyo aasaasi ah. Waxaan dhiirrigelin doonaa maamullo degaan oo waxtar leh oo lala xisaabtamo, waxaana aan taageeri doonnaa xallinta khilaafaadka.

 

21. Waxaan ku heshiinney in guud ahaan taageerada arrimaha degannaanshaha ee gudaha loo bixiyo si waafaqsan Heshiiska Cusub ee ka hawlgelidda qaramada jilicsan ee dhowaan lagu ansxiyey Busan, oo aan ka faa'iideysanno istiraatiijiyadihii dejinta ee ay diyaariyeen IGAD iyo Dowladda Federalka ee Ku-meelgaarka ah. Waxa aan ayidney tiro mabaa'dii ah oo hagaya taageerada caalamiga ah ee la siinayo arrimaha degannaanshaha ee gudaha ee Soomaaliya (Lifaaqa C). Waxaan xusney in la sameeyey Sanduuqa Maaliyad Degganaansho oo cusub kaas oo qaar badan oo innaga mid ahi ay wax ku biirin doonaan[1].

 

22. Waxa aan isla oggolaaney in dib-u-dhiska iyo koboca dhaqaalaha  ee Soomaaliya ee muddada fog ay ku xiran yihiin ganacsi gaar loo leeyahay oo firfircoon, iyo in gargaarka iyo maaliyadda qurba-joogta ay labaduba kobcin karaan qaybaha laga faa'iideysan karo ee xoolaha, kalluumeysiga iyo qaybaha kale ee dhaqaalaha. Waxaa aan xusney in degganaanshuhu uu shuruud u yahay badi maalgelinta joogtada ah ee kaabayaasha dhaqaalaha sida nidaamyada korontada, waddooyinka iyo biyaha. Waxaan fileynaa in dhammaan arrimahan looga munaaqashoodo Shirka Istanbul.  

 

Bani'aadamnimada

23. Shirka waxaa ka hormarey kulan gooni ah oo laga yeeshey arrimahabani'aadamnimada  kaas oo ay wada guddoominayeen Qaramada Midoobey iyo Imaaraadka Carabta ee Midoobey. In kasta oo ay dhammaatey macaluushii, haddana ka-qaybgalayaashu waxaa ay welwel ka muujiyeen dhibaatooyinka bani'aadamnimada ee hadda jira, waxaana ay ballanqaadeen in ay bixiyaan gargaar bani'aadamnimo oo sal looga dhigayo baahida jirta oo keliya. Waxaa ay isla oggolaadeen waxyaabo lagu heshiiyey oo la xiriira arrimaha bani'aadamnimada iyo in gargaarka lagu xiro soo-kabashada muddada fog (waxaa lagu faahfaahiyey qoraal gaar ah).

 

Isuduwid Caalami ah

 

24. Waxa aan ku heshiinney in hawsha looga heshiiyey London aan u gudbinnoKooxda Xiriirka Caalamiga ah/International Contact Group (ICG) ee Soomaaliya, waxaana aan soo dhoweyney go'aanka ICG ee Jabuuti ee ah in laga fekero dib-u-habeyn si loo noqdo kuwo intan ka waxtar badan. Waxaan ku taliney in ICG ay dhisto guddi hawleedyo u qaabilsan geeddi-socodka siyaasadda, ammaanka iyo garsoorka, iyo degannaanshaha iyo horumarinta. Waxaan ogaanney in, ICG dhexdeeda, ay koox dalal muhiim ah oo ku hawlan arrinta ay ka shaqeyn doonaan horumar laga gaaro dhinaca taageeridda dadaallada Qaramada Midoobey, Midowga Afrika iyo IGAD.

 

25. Waxaan soo dhoweyneynaa dadaallada Wakiilka Gaarka ah ee Xoghayaha Guud ee Qaramada Midoobey iyo Xafiiska Qaramada Midoobey ee Siyaasadda Soomaaliya (UNPOS) ay ku fududeynayaan horumarka laga gaarayo Soomaaliya. Waxa aan sidoo kale soo dhoweyney kaalinta IGAD iyo Midowga Afrika, iyo taageerada Jaamicadda Carabta, Midowga Yurub, iyo Ururka Shirka Islaamka. Waxaa aan dhiirrigelinney in si waxtar leh ay hawlahooda isugu duwaan hay'adaha Qaramada Midoobey ee ka shaqeeya Soomaaliya. Annaga oo aqoonsan xaaladda ammaan ee culeyska leh ee weli ka jirta Soomaaliya, ayaan haddana soo dhoweyney dib-u-guuritaanka ay UNPOS ay dib ugu guureyso Muqdisho waxaana aan isla oggolaaney in aan higsan doonno in aan waqti badan oo kale ku bixinno gudaha Soomaaliya si Soomaalida loogala shaqeeyo hawlaha adag ee hor yaalla.

 

Gebogebo

26. Waxa aan muujinney rajada aan ka qabno in la gaarey waqti cusub oo siyaasadda Soomaaliya, oo ay taageereyso bulshada caalamka, ay nabad ka dhalinayso Soomaaliya. Waxaa naga go'an in danaha dadka Soomaaliyeed aan xuddun uga dhigno dhammaan tallaabooyinkeenna. Waxaa aan ka dhur sugeynaa maalinta xaaladda ka jirta Soomaaliya ay sameysey horumar dad ugu filan in shir caalami ah lagu qabto halkaa. Inta laga gaarayo waqtigaas, waxaa aan laba-laabeynaa dadaalkeenna aan dadka Soomaaliyeed ku gacan siineyno doonistooda ay dalkooda u doonayaan mustaqbal wanaagsan.  

 

London

      23 Febraayo 2012

Briefing: Somalia's political roadmap

Briefing: Somalia's political roadmap

NAIROBI, 22 February 2012 (IRIN) - In August, Somalia faces constitutional limbo if the key provisions of a political "roadmap" agreed in September 2011, and one of the topics of this week's conference in London, are not met.

What governance structures exist in Somalia?

The internationally recognized and funded administration in Somalia is the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), appointed by parliament in 2004 after three predecessors and more than a dozen major and often internationally sponsored conferences failed to establish a nationally effective government, something Somalia has lacked since the fall of Mohammed Siad Barre in 1991.

The TFG's legislative branch is the 550-seat Transitional Federal Parliament (TFP). It and the TFG are defined in the Transitional Federal Charter, a sort of proto-constitution, and have outlived their original mandate, which expired in 2011. New governance structures are supposed to be in place by August 2012.

The fact that the TFG has little presence or control outside Mogadishu and is unelected, being a product of prolonged negotiations in Djibouti between armed groups, former warlords, international mediators and some elements of civil society, weakens its legitimacy.

The TFG depends on foreign military and financial assistance, including 10,000 African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces in Mogadishu. Large parts of southern and central Somalia are controlled either by loosely allied factions, militia and self-regional administrations or "micro-states" or by the hard-line Al-Shabab. Kenyan and Ethiopian troops are attempting to push Al-Shabab out of key towns and economic strongholds in the south and centre.

Meanwhile, stable northwestern Somaliland has claimed independence since 1991 but plays no part in the TFG.

What is the roadmap?

The "Somalia End of Transition Roadmap" is a detailed nine-page list of dozens of tasks designed to steer Somalia towards more permanent political institutions and greater national security and stability.

These tasks are grouped under the headings of security, a new constitution (due by June 2012), political outreach and reconciliation, and good governance.

The roadmap includes measures for countering piracy; co-opting local militia groups (although there is no specific reference to Al-Shabab); preventing the recruitment of children into armed groups; demarcating territorial waters; reducing the size of parliament and planning for elections; developing peace-building initiatives; and tackling corruption.

It was announced in Mogadishu on 6 September 2011 and initialled by the Somali prime minsister, leaders of regional entities Puntland and Galmudug, the head of the Ahlul Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah (ASWJ) militia group, the UN envoy to Somalia, representatives of the League of Arab States, the African Union and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

What support does the roadmap enjoy inside Somalia?

Augustine Mahiga, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative to Somalia and head of the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), described the document as "probably the most inclusive instrument and most inclusive process" of all the efforts to rebuild Somalia's governance. Mahiga pointed to the involvement of regional entities such as Puntland and Galmudug.

"We have also brought in civil society, which is a whole array of social and political actors, including women, elders, religious leaders, the youth, business community and the diaspora... Our [UN] role was only to facilitate in terms of logistics; it continues to be Somali-led and a Somalia-owned process," said Mahiga.

In early February, Somali Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali declared his government's commitment to the roadmap "and to fulfilling the tasks that will allow us to move into a new era of security, stability, political inclusivity, and financial integrity.

"We believe government should come from the people. We need to re-establish that link between our parliament and our public - that is why we must reform our parliament," he added.

Do legislators back the roadmap?

Not all of them. In early January, 185 legislators, led by second deputy speaker Ahmed Dhimbil Asawe, wrote to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon complaining that a copy had not been submitted to parliament for approval.

"The word 'roadmap' is being used to mislead and confuse the Somali public," he said, adding that the only substantive topic of discussion at related conferences was reducing the legislature's size. The letter also called for the TFP's mandate to be extended for three years.

One legislator, Omar Islaw Mohamed, told IRIN the roadmap was "the brainchild of the international community with very little Somali input. Only a small group of Somalis - who appointed themselves - are pushing something many Somalis have no clue about."

Mahiga told IRIN the reforms had "created insecurities among parliamentarians" because the changes "will not only reduce their numbers but also define new criteria on representation in parliament".

What other issues are contentious?

Political analyst and president of the Somali Canadian Diaspora Alliance Abdi Dirshe said the roadmap "undermines the sovereignty of the state institutions of Somalia as the institutional oversight mechanisms are now in the hands of external forces", such as the UN, AU and IGAD, as well as Uganda and Ethiopia.

"This approach will undoubtedly strengthen support for resistance and the likelihood of wider support for groups like Al-Shabab," he warned in an article published on the Somali Talk website. [ http://somalitalkradio.com/2011/oct/newsomalia_roadmap.pdf ]

Dirshe said priority should rather have been given to the restoration of law and order by reinforcing national security forces and establishing an effective judiciary.

Countering the charge of unwanted foreign meddling, Abdihabib Yasin Warsame, a US-based Puntland Diaspora Forum leader, wrote in a recent article [ http://codkawaamo.com/2012/02/is-somalias-roadmap-too-big-to-fail/ ] that "an honest inspection of history reveals that Somalia has been bogged down by its own leaders refusing to reach a collaborative solution. The lack of personal accountability and the never-ending crisis among our leaders was the rationale that led the creation of the roadmap."

Political scientist Oduesp Eman said that by failing to focus on bolstering and unifying the army, the roadmap "sets the stage for indefinite dependency on AMISOM".

Concern has also been raised about the clout accorded in the roadmap process to select regional entities such as Galmudug and the ASWJ, given their unelected status and alleged financial backing from neighbouring states. The exclusion of other similar entities, say critics, undermines the objective of political unity and confidence in the process and runs the risk of increasing the perceived legitimacy of groups such as Al-Shabab, which claim to champion the interests of the wider population against foreign intervention.

For Mahiga, there is no alternative to the current strategy. "The message is clear: the roadmap is the way forward and spoilers seeking to derail the process will not be tolerated," he said in December 2011.

While "engaged, constructive dissent" was welcome, he said there was "no place for those who work to unravel years of work advancing the cause of peace in Somalia".

Is the roadmap on track?

Mahiga told IRIN the document's deadlines were being met and that the London Conference would give "added momentum" to the process and provide new ideas about what has to be done after the transitional period expires in August.

But independent Horn of Africa analyst Rashid Abdi said that despite progress on drafting the constitution, there was only a "minuscule" chance that all the benchmarks would be achieved on schedule. Parliamentary infighting and dysfunction, he said, would slow down the key pillar of legislative reform.

Some analysts argue that members of the TFG and TFP would like the roadmap not to be completed, because they could then avoid elections and remain in a governance structure they believe the international community would have no option but to continue to recognize.

ah-am/mw

[END]

Somalia: Cameron Speaks On Nation's Conference and Somaliland Independence

Somalia: Cameron Speaks On Nation's Conference and Somaliland Independence

22 FEBRUARY 2012

London, England — The British Prime Minister David Cameron who spoke to the BBC said that the upcoming conference will not deal with states looking for independence but that the one day conference being held in London will deal with security dilemmas that have plagued the country and its future, Garowe Online reports.

As the London conference is slated to take place on Thursday more than 40 leaders from Africa, the Middle East and Europe are scheduled to attend the meeting which will be a one day conference on Somalia's issues such as security and piracy and how to continue government support for the country.

Although Somalia has had recent achievements in forcing Al Shabaab out of strongholds in southern Somalia, the British PM feels there is still a long way to go. "The problems are very deep and the challenges are very grave but I do see progress," said PM Cameron.

The PM spoke about the Arab Spring and why it had not reached Somalia indicating that Al Shabaab have waged a jihad or holy war which youth have been recruited to join. Adding that a new hope has to be positioned in the hearts of the young so they can hold their government accountable. "We could see it all across north Africa, the prospects of an Arab Spring, where people actually start to have more of a say in their country and how it's run, and that should be the case in Somalia as well as in the Arab world," said PM Cameron.

The PM also touched on the unrecognized de facto sovereign state of Somaliland and their bid for independence. PM Cameron was asked if this upcoming conference would undertake the issue of Somaliland's independence. "The objectives of this conference are not Somaliland's independence," said Cameron, "Britain's objectives are to strengthen ties and cooperation with Somalia."

Somaliland after much hesitation officially joined the delegates attending the Somalia conference. Former Somaliland President Dahir Riyale and many other officials in the Somaliland government opposed the attending of the conference.

UN-RUN CAMPS FOR SOMALIA REFUGEES IN KENYA ENTER 20TH YEAR OF EXISTENCE

UN-RUN CAMPS FOR SOMALIA REFUGEES IN KENYA ENTER 20TH YEAR OF EXISTENCE
New York, Feb 21 2012  1:10PM
The world's largest refugee camp – the Dadaab settlement in eastern Kenya – set up to host tens of thousands of people who fled Somalia following the 1991 collapse of the government and the ensuing civil war-related humanitarian is marking its 20th anniversary with the population having grown exponentially, the United Nations refugee agency <"http://www.unhcr.org/4f439dbb9.html">said today.

The original three camps in Dadaab – Ifo, Dagahaley and Hagadera – were established by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) between October 1991 and June 1992 to host up to 90,000 people. They are currently home to more than 463,000 refugees, including some 10,000 third-generation refugees born in Dadaab to refugee parents who were themselves born there.

During last year's famine in Somalia, arrival rates frequently exceeded 1,000 people a day, UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic told reporters in Geneva.

About 30,000 people arrived in June, 40,000 in July and 38,000 in August last year, placing additional strain on services. Local authorities and UNHCR and partners managed to address the influx by establishing reception centres and rapid response assistance for new arrivals.

The agency, the Kenyan Government and other relief organizations have been providing protection, shelter and humanitarian assistance, often under difficult and complex circumstances. Chronic overcrowding, risk of disease, and seasonal floods are among the challenges.

On the 20th anniversary, UNHCR is renewing its appeal to the international community to ensure continued support to the approximately one million Somali refugees in the region, and to Kenya and the other countries hosting them.

The past two decades have also underlined the need for the restoration of peace in Somalia so that the refugees can have a prospect of going back.

The situation at Dadaab is currently extremely challenging. The kidnapping of three aid workers late last year and more recently, the killing of two refugee leaders and several Kenyan policemen, as well as threats against humanitarian staff have forced UNHCR and its partners to rethink the way relief is delivered.

"Life-saving assistance such as the provision of food, water and health care never stopped and has always been our priority," said Mr. Mahecic. "In addition, schools run mostly by refugee teachers have been open and managed to conduct Kenyan national exams at the end of 2011 despite the insecure environment."

Humanitarian agencies have since the end of last year looked at various ways to resume activities, using different methodologies and most importantly, shifting more responsibilities to the refugee communities.

Somalia: Could London Conference Mark a Turning Point On Road to Peace?

21 FEBRUARY 2012

London/Nairobi — World attention is on the war-torn Horn of Africa nation once more, with analysts saying the London Conference on 23 February could mark a turning point in the country's quest for peace and stability.

Somalis from across the country and the diaspora - including for the first time a delegation from the self-declared autonomous regions of Somaliland and Puntland - are expected to attend the conference, hosted by UK Prime Minister David Cameron, together with representatives of 44 countries, the UN and Arab League, among others.

Al-Shabab is not invited, but countries such as Turkey and Qatar, which have urged engagement with the militia, will be there.

Regional analyst Nuredin Dirie, once a presidential candidate in Puntland, says "success" for this meeting would be the achievement of a better international coordination of help and support for Somalia.

"We also need a better focus on the international engagement in Somalia, not just seeing it through the eyes of security, but through reconciliation and strengthening what is already succeeding in Somalia. But it all depends on how Somali leaders will respond to this opportunity."

Rashid Abdi, an independent Horn of Africa analyst, told IRIN, "[We are by and large] wary of foreign-led peace initiatives. The current scepticism about London on the Somali streets is understandable considering past failures. However, there is hope too that London can be different and must be different. That is the only way to restore Somali faith in the internationally led peacemaking and state-building processes."

Timing

The UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has called the conference a "moment of opportunity". He recently told a gathering of Somalis living in the UK there were "compelling reasons why the time was right for a major push": the success of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in taking control of Mogadishu, the pressure exerted on Al-Shabab, the progress against piracy and the fact that the mandate of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was due to end soon.

We are by and large wary of foreign-led peace initiatives. The current scepticism about London on the Somali streets is understandable considering past failures. However, there is hope too that London can be different and must be different

"The current transitional institutions in Mogadishu run out in August. After seven years of minimal progress, they must not be extended. The Somali political process must become broader and more representative," Hague said.

The agreement signed in Garowe, Puntland, on 18 February means there is a now a proposed framework for what could succeed the TFG.

The deal foresees a role for the semi-autonomous Somali regions, something likely to be welcomed in London, where preliminary meetings have emphasized the need to build on the successes achieved by these quasi-states.

Piracy and Al-Shabab

One of the suggested ways to use these regional islands of relative stability is to encourage them to become more involved in the battle against piracy.

Participants will consider plans for internationally supported special courts to try pirates in Mauritius and the Seychelles and special prisons in Puntland and Somaliland where they will serve their sentences.

The meeting takes place against the background of a new offensive against Al-Shabab in the south of the country. People who took part in preliminary meetings say Britain hopes to persuade the UN Security Council to agree to an increase in AMISOM troop numbers, which would allow the Kenyan soldiers already in Somalia to be join them, with new contingents from Djibouti and Sierra Leone. Along with that would go pledges of more financial support, to put AMISOM funding on a more sustainable basis.

Funding

The various initiatives on the table will cost money, but this is not a pledging conference, despite the Somali Prime Minister's optimistic call for a "Marshall Plan", with a trust fund and a complete reconstruction programme.

Nor is it primarily about humanitarian funding, although there will be a side-event about these issues. But NGOs will not be involved.

This distancing of the humanitarian issues is a relief to those organizations struggling to work on both sides of the lines, especially since Al-Shabab has made its hostility towards the London Conference very clear. A representative of one such group told IRIN it had been worried about being co-opted into the political- and security-based agenda of the meeting.

Roger Middleton, who leads Somali policy for Oxfam, told IRIN there were still huge needs in Somalia, and it was important that the international community recognized that and did not do anything to compromise it.

"There are some things we are very clear about. We are not calling for the international community to negotiate on our behalf in terms of access. We are not calling for military support for our humanitarian actions. It's very important that we continue to operate, as we do operate at the moment, as impartial actors, neutral to any side in the conflict, and deliver aid to the people who need it, when they need it and where they need it."

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]