Somalia swears in lawmakers as UN warns of famine

Source: By OMAR FARUKyesterday

1 of 4S Somali lawmakers are sworn-in to office at a ceremony held in the capital’s heavily fortified Halane military camp, in Mogadishu, Somalia Thursday, April 14, 2022. Somalia on Thursday inaugurated 290 new lawmakers, bringing the country a step closer to completing a prolonged electoral process marred by alleged corruption and irregularities. (AP Photo/Farah Abdi Warsameh)

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia on Thursday inaugurated 290 new lawmakers, bringing the country a step closer to completing a prolonged electoral process marred by alleged corruption and irregularities.

The ceremony was held in the capital’s heavily fortified Halane military camp, protected by sandbagged fences and high concrete walls. Somali police and African Union troops were deployed to the surrounding areas, putting Mogadishu under lockdown.

Dozens more legislators are yet to be selected and sworn in.

Later the lawmakers will elect speakers and deputies for both parliamentary chambers before they sit to choose a new president.

“We are observing a new set of parliamentarians taking over from others. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate parliamentarians who have been sworn in today. This is a huge responsibility assigned on you by your constituents, and it is a vote of confidence,” said Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble.ADVERTISEMENThttps://5ea8d65faeda129ea5cdddb7a829f315.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

The swearing-in took place as the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Somalia warned that “the country is facing a very real risk of famine.”

Adam Abdelmoula said in a video briefing for U.N. reporters in New York that severe drought has compounded humanitarian needs, and 6 million people “need food assistance immediately.”

The U.N. asked for $1.5 billion to meet humanitarian needs in Somalia in 2022, but he said that “we have received just 4.4%.”

Hussein Sheikh Ali of the Mogadishu-based research group Hiraal Institute said the inauguration of lawmakers “marks a great relief day for all Somalis and (the) international community who invested in Somalia to move forward.”

Only in the past few years has Somalia begun to find its footing after three decades of chaos from warlords to the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group and the emergence of Islamic State-linked extremist groups.

Somalia’s parliamentary and presidential polls were delayed for more than a year amid political turmoil after President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s mandate expired in February 2021 without a successor in place. Lower house elections that were to be completed on March 15 are still not complete.

The delay raised political tensions and the threat of violence in a country prone to attacks by Islamic extremists who oppose the federal government.

Al-Shabaab claimed to have thrown mortar shells targeting the area where the lawmakers were being sworn in on Thursday. Authorities didn’t say if anyone was hurt.

Abdelmoula, the U.N. humanitarian and resident coordinator, stressed the importance of tackling the drought and famine threat, and urged donors to respond quickly.

He said he visited a camp for internally displaced people in Dolo in southwestern Somalia near the border with Ethiopia on Wednesday with other U.N. officials and “we were taken aback and also shocked by the conditions we have found many people in.”

At a nearby clinic, he said, “we saw malnourished children with their equally malnourished mothers” as well as 400 newly arrived displaced people seeking food, water and shelter.

“Any dollar spent right now will help save more lives now,” Abdelmoula said.

___

Associated Press writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report

US Expresses Grave Concern over Reports of Ethnic Cleansing in Tigray Region

 Source: The U.S. State Department issued a statement on 8 April 2022 titled “Reports of Mass Atrocities in Western Tigray.”

The United States reiterated its “grave concern over continuing reports of ethnically-motivated atrocities committed by Amhara authorities in western Tigray,” including reports described as “ethnic cleansing” by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.  

Labels: cease fire, Ethiopia, ethnic cleansing, human rights, humanitarian access, Tigray Region, US

Millions of Somalis are at risk of sliding into famine: UN agencies 

Source: Tuesday April 12, 2022

Mogadishu (HOL) Millions of Somalis are at risk of sliding into famine as the impact of a prolonged drought continues to destroy lives and livelihoods, and growing needs outpace available resources for humanitarian assistance, United Nations agencies warned on Tuesday.advertisementsThe joint statement by the WFP, FOA, OCHA and UNICEF said that six million Somalis, or almost 40 per cent of the population, are now facing extreme levels of food insecurity, with pockets of famine conditions likely in six areas of the country.

This is nearly a two-fold increase in the number of people facing extreme levels of acute food insecurity due to the drought and related shocks since the beginning of the year, according to the statement.

“The projection for the risk of famine in six locations is extremely worrisome and should serve as a very serious warning if we really meant ‘never again’ after 2011. The reality is that time is not on our side and many more lives and livelihoods are bound to be lost in case of further funding delays,” said Adam Abdelmoula, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. “I therefore continue to call on the authorities and our development partners to act decisively and help scale up resources to match the rapidly increasing needs, save more lives and rescue more livelihoods for the people of Somalia, “added Mr. Abdelmoula.

The agencies are calling for an immediate injection of funds to enable a scale up of life-saving assistance in Somalia.

They said children under five are among the most vulnerable as the drought worsens, and access to food and milk is very scarce due to rising commodity prices and livestock losses.

Around 1.4 million children face acute malnutrition through the end of this year, with around a quarter of them, or 330,000 children, facing severe acute malnutrition, the statement said.

The agencies added that the humanitarian agencies have reached almost two million people with humanitarian assistance as of February 2022, but a critical gap in donor funding means they cannot sustain and scale up their support to meet the growing needs. If this gap is not urgently addressed, it will contribute to worse outcomes with a real risk of widespread famine. The last time such a humanitarian tragedy struck Somalia was in 2011, when famine conditions killed a quarter of a million people.

UN Secretary-General holds phone call with Somali president 

Tuesday April 12, 2022

Mogadishu (HOL) The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday phoned Somali president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo to discuss the drought, election, and the new African Union mission in Somalia.advertisements

The Secretary-General expressed his solidarity with Somalia in the face of increased Al-Shabab attacks and the country’s drought. He also expressed his support for African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and his hope that Somalia would be able to ensure its own security as soon as possible.

The al-Qaeda-linked armed group al-Shabab has increased its attacks as the country’s elections drag. The groups’ latest twin suicide attacks in Beledweyne killed 48 people, including female lawmaker Amina Mohamed Abdi. 

The UN Security Council, on March 31, voted unanimously for the new African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia. ATMIS – which started operating on April 1, 2022, will work to support the Federal Government of Somalia in implementing the Somali Transition Plan and transferring security responsibilities to the Somali security forces and institutions.

The Secretary-General and the President also discussed the electoral process in Somalia. He hoped there would be a swift conclusion for the electoral process and that any outstanding issues be addressed through dialogue.

The long-delayed parliamentary election in Somalia seems far from over after the Federal Electoral Implementation Team (FEIT) recently suspended the result of four Lower House seats, which led to a new political standoff. The Southwest state government suspended cooperation with Prime Minister on elections.

Civil War Damage to Ethiopia’s Cultural Heritage

 Source: The Conversation published on 29 March 2022 a commentary titled “Ethiopia’s War in Tigray Risks Wiping Out Centuries of the World’s History” by Hagos Abrha Abay, University of Hamburg.

The author comments on the damage to Ethiopia’s cultural heritage in Tigray region attributed to the ongoing civil war.

Labels: Abiy Ahmed, civil war, cultural heritage, Ethiopia, history, religion, Tigray Region, TPLF

New African Union Mission for Somalia

 Source: The Associated Press published on 1 April 2022 an article titled “UN Authorizes New AU Mission in Somalia to Combat Extremists” by Edith M. Lederer.

The UN Security Council voted unanimously to endorse the African Union’s new transitional mission in Somalia to counter the al-Shabaab and Islamic State terrorist organizations.  As a result, AMISOM comes to an end and the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) begins.  

Labels: al-Qaeda, al-Shabaab, AMISOM, ATMIS, Islamic State, Somalia, terrorism, UNSC

Somali leaders urged to embrace consensus to complete electoral process

Source: Zinhuanet, Wednesday April 6, 2022

MOGADISHU (Xinhua) — Somalia’s international partners Tuesday called on leaders to embrace dialogue and consensus in the final push to complete the electoral process.

The partners including the African Union, the European Union and the United Nations among other Western nations said they are encouraged that more than 91 percent of the House of the People seats have now been chosen. “We trust that this represents unstoppable momentum to complete the remaining seats very soon,” the partners said in a joint statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

advertisementsOnly two regional states – Hirshabelle and Jubaland – have yet to complete the electoral process for the House of the People.

The partners called on the leaders to prioritize the necessary dialogue and consultation to conclude the electoral arrangements – particularly in Jubaland – to ensure the communities concerned are represented in the next Parliament.

With the focus now turning to the convening of parliament in Mogadishu and election of the parliamentary speakers and then the national president, the partners urged the political leaders to ensure that these processes reflect wide consensus.

This, they said, is especially important for decisions on the location, security protocols, and anti-corruption measures for parliament’s election-related meetings.

“It is vital that arrangements for this final stage of the electoral process enjoy strong endorsement across the political spectrum and deliver a result that all accept as legitimate,” the partners said ahead of the exercise slated for April 14.

The partners urged that preparations for an April 14 swearing-in proceed at pace even as work continues to resolve other outstanding issues and complete the remaining seats in Hirshabelle and Jubaland.

The partners said completion of the electoral process will then allow Somalia to address other urgent national priorities, such as responding to the devastating drought and building security and prosperity in the years ahead.

They however regretted the many electoral irregularities observed across the country and the disappointing failure to achieve the 30 percent quota for women’s representation in parliament required by the September 17, 2020 agreement.

The 54-member Senate and the 275 members of parliament from the Lower House are expected to jointly elect a new president later in 2022

Somalia: UN expert warns health care standards “dangerously low” 

Wednesday April 6, 2022

MOGADISHU/GENEVA – The UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia has urged the central government to improve health care services, end child marriage and ensure protection of journalists.

advertisementsAt the end of a six-day visit to the country, Isha Dyfan acknowledged the steps taken by the authorities and humanitarian partners to implement an Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan and provide food, water, and other essential items to support IDP populations in Baidoa and other areas of the country.

The UN expert called on the international community to ensure access to basic social services including drinking water, sanitation facilities, housing, health care education for all children, in particular girls. She also urged the Government to expand the delivery of public health services, in light of the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, and increase funding for its health system.

“Access to health care remains dangerously low in the country,” Dyfan told journalists in Mogadishu at the end of her visit on 2 April.

“There is only one government hospital in the capital, Mogadishu, and people often have to seek health care services at a private health facility and pay out of their own pocket very high amounts for their own treatment. Only a few people can afford these services, thereby leading to high child and maternal mortality.”

She also called on the authorities to end forced and child marriages.

Dyfan said she was concerned by arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists by security personnel across the country and reiterated the importance of respecting the right to freedom of expression and opinion.

The UN expert met State officials, representatives of humanitarian organisations and civil society, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and UN agencies, funds and programmes.

Somalia: Women struggle to make their voices heard in politics 

Source: DW, Wednesday April 6, 2022

Although Somalia now has a quota system for female lawmakers, women are frequently held back from pursuing leadership roles due to pervasive cultural and social barriers. 

Fawzia Yusuf H. Adam (center) broke barriers to become Somalia’s first female Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister — but its a difficult path for many

It’s not easy being a female politician in conflict-ridden Somalia.

Men have long dominated national and local leadership roles in the Horn of Africa nation, largely due to deeply ingrained traditional prejudices.

advertisementsSomalia has established a 30% seat quota for female lawmakers. But the Somali Women Association has accused regional clan presidents of overlooking or turning down potential candidates, leaving the quota unfilled.

Amino Dhurow knows this struggle all too well. The Mogadishu-based politician is also disabled and says discrimination looms large in Somali society — even though the country’s provisional constitution includes measures intended to protect women seeking roles within the government.

“I am one of many Somali women with disabilities and I advocate for the rights of people with disabilities,” Dhurow told DW. “I tried my best to run for a seat in the ongoing parliamentary elections. I hoped to quality and get support from other Somali women.”

But things didn’t go to plan.

“Unfortunately it did not happen because I was rejected by my clan elders who refused to allow me to represent them in parliament,” she explains. “This means that women with disabilities have no political representation at all and we are not even part of the 30% quota. This is discrimination and inhuman.

Overcoming traditional barriers

Dhurow’s experience isn’t unique in Somalia, where the clan-dominated system makes it very difficult for women to succeed in politics.

In Somalia’s conservative society, both men and women with disabilities are also generally viewed as powerless and unfit to hold such positions.

And despite often being the primary income providers, women are typically marginalized from the decision-making processes of their communities. For many, these cultural and social barriers mean their political dreams end before they even have a chance to begin.Some do forge ahead despite the odds: Amina Mohamed Abdi — one of the Somali government’s most vocal critics — won her first seat in parliament in 2012 at the age of 24. She repeatedly defied clan elders throughout her political career and repeatedly accused authorities of trying to stop her from running.

Abdi was tragically killed on March 23 in a series of bomb attacks claimed by militant group al-Shabaab while campaigning in rural Somalia ahead of long-delayed parliamentary elections.

Amina Mohamed Abdi was killed in a bomb attack in March while campaigning for re-election

Women’s participation a ‘fundamental issue’

For young Somali women determined to make a difference, change begins with better representation of women in the executive branch of the government.

“Women’s political participation is a fundamental issue,” political science graduate Hamdi Adam told DW. “Our constitution protects women’s direct engagement in public decision-making and maintaining equal rights in a positive way which shapes democracy and good governance. Women should be strongly motivated to [pursue] more political participation.”

Only four women hold ministerial positions within Somalia’s current federal government, while 14 women hold seats on the upper house and 51 in the lower house.

Somalia’s Minister for Women and Human Rights Development, Hanifa Mohamed Ibrahim, says these numbers need to increase amid ongoing elections in the country.

“Previously we had 67 seats in the lower house and we know that 20 more seats in the house are yet to be elected, so we are looking to have our share,” she told DW.

“As women in Somali politics, we have to move our agenda forward and get more political representation in all sectors of the government.”

• Somali forces nab 2 Shabaab terrorists with explosives – Xinhua

Turkish humanitarian aid reaches out to drought-stricken Somalia 

Source: Daily Sabah, Wednesday April 6, 2022

Turkish nongovernmental organization (NGO) the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) has provided food packages to 427 families in need in Somalia during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the charity said Monday.advertisements”We are in the capital Mogadishu. We have delivered food and greetings to the families who are in a difficult situation due to the drought,” the Istanbul-based charity said in a statement.

The statement also said that the drought in Somalia, caused by below-average rainfall since 2020, has seriously affected the people. Stating that millions of people living in Somalia have great difficulty accessing clean water and food and that some water wells have dried up, the statement said there is a great need for health services, food and water in the country.

It is estimated that 4.3 million people have been directly affected, while at least 500,000 have been displaced, it added.

“Sources in the region state that the search for grazing and water for animals, as well as resource use, poses a risk of conflict, especially in central and southern Somalia. In the country, where a state of emergency was declared on Nov. 23, 2021, the government requested assistance from other states and nongovernmental organizations.”

IHH had delivered food boxes and hygiene packages to 200 families ahead of Ramadan, according to the statement.

“As part of aid activities for the region, IHH delivered 85 tankers of drinking water that benefit nearly 408,000 individuals in the city and on the outskirts of Baidoa in November 2021,” said the statement, highlighting that it also provided humanitarian aid to 415 families.

Baidoa is the administrative capital of Somalia’s southwest state and is located around 270 kilometers (167 miles) from the capital Mogadishu.

“A total of 12,000 people benefited from the food and hygiene packages during and ahead of Ramadan,” it added.

Turkish-Somali relations have been strengthening over the years and as part of the cooperation between the two countries, Turkey has trained nearly one-third of the Somali military forces. In addition to military cooperation, the two countries also partner on health, education and other initiatives. The food donations were provided by the Turkish people, who are also concerned about the current drought in the country.

Somalia is currently battling one of its worst climate change-related droughts in decades, with the United Nations warning that over 4.6 million people in the country will face severe food scarcity in the coming months.

 AU, NISA clash over Halane security 

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday April 6, 2022

Mogadishu (HOL) – African Union officials in Somalia reportedly engaged in a standoff with National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) over security responsibility at the Halane Compound in Mogadishu, a source shared with HOL on Tuesday.

The dispute allegedly stems from NISA’s refusal to dismantle two checkpoints inside the Halane Camp at ATMIS’s request. ATMIS cited security concerns for their directive.

The Halane Compound is an expansive UN Compound that houses various multinational organizations and western diplomatic missions, including the US Embassy. The compound is adjacent to Mogadishu’s international airport.

Two weeks ago, Al-Shabaab fighters killed three people – two security guards and a policeman –  following an armed raid at the gates of the military camp in Halane. Abdiasis Abu Musab, an al-Shabab spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack.

On Tuesday, Somalia’s intelligence agency issued a rare public notice about an Al-Shabaab plot to kill the nation’s leaders.

The United Nations voted unanimously to endorse a new Somali-led transitional mission to replace the 15-year AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The British-drafted resolution recognizes changes in the security situation since AMISOM was first authorized in February 2007. 

The new ATMIS mission’s mandate includes supporting the Somali forces “in providing security for the political process at all levels.”

Fire sweeps northern Somalia market; 28 Injured 

Source: VOA, Sunday April 3, 2022

A huge fire engulfed the main market in the city of Hargeisa in northern Somalia Saturday, injuring at least 28 people and destroying hundreds of businesses, city authorities and witnesses said.advertisementsAccording to witnesses the overnight inferno started where old warehouses are located in the sprawling Waheen market, a vibrant business center in the city.

“The fire started from an old warehouse department and winds spread it rapidly through the market, razing multistory buildings, tea shops, groceries, restaurants, electronics stores and a meat market,” Sayid Karama, a witness told VOA Somali.

Images posted on social media showed the entire market area covered by huge flames sending columns of black smoke above the city, located in the country’s Somaliland region.

During a visit to the marketplace, Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi said 28 people, nine of them women, were injured, and that no loss of life had been reported.

Officials said those injured were mainly traders attempting to salvage some of their wares from the burning stalls.

The cause of the fire, which some market traders blame on an electrical fault, remains unclear.

Hargeisa’s mayor, Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge, who visited the burned-out market, said that the market’s narrow streets and hundreds of traders, who stormed to the scene hampered efforts to immediately contain the fire by the city’s small brigade of firefighters.

“This place was the economic center of Hargeisa and even though the firefighters did their best to contain the fire, the market is destroyed, and this city has never witnessed such a massive calamity,” said Mooge. “We share the pain with the traders in Hargeisa, those who lost property in the blaze. We must show the world that we are persevered because of a belief — a belief that out of the ashes of such an inferno, a new recovery could be born.”

Several store owners who spoke to VOA reported a huge loss of property due to the fire. Somaliland authorities said a committee has been organized to assess the financial damage.

“My government would be releasing 1 million U.S dollars to help with the emergency response to the disaster,” President Bihi said.

The pinch of rising food prices

The market fire coincides with the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which begins this year with soaring prices of staple foods in markets in Somalia and across the world.

For traders and consumers in Hargeisa, in the aftermath of COVID-19’s economic impact, Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, and recurring drought, the market fire means extra strain for their daytime fasting and nighttime feasting.

“It is the beginning of Ramadan, a holy month for 1.8 billion Muslims around the world to observe with prayers, happiness and in the hope of forgiveness and reward, but for many of us here in Hargeisa, it started with happy and sad at the same time,” Mahad Ahmed, a trader whose family lost five shops in the fire, told VOA.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It started Friday and lasts for 29 to 30 days. During Ramadan, observers refrain from eating, drinking and sex between daybreak and sunset.

Residents of Mogadishu and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia are aware of the news of the market burnout and the burden it can bring to the local people.

“We share the pain and the sad feeling with the people in Hargeisa for the loss of property and wish them that Allah gives them replacement,” said Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.

“We tell the Somaliland people that we are with them in their difficult times, and I wish them better. Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return,” said Abiy Ahmed Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

In 1991, Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia, which views it as a northern breakaway region, not a separate nation.

The two sides have held repeated rounds of talks, most recently in June 2020 in Djibouti, when they agreed to appoint technical committees to continue discussions. No meetings have taken place since then.

Last month, Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi paid a visit to Washington, making the case that the U.S. should become the first country to recognize his self-declared state’s independence.

In an interview with VOA Somali during his visit, Bihi said he was leaving with some positive signals to show for it.

The U.S. State Department emphasized the Biden administration’s commitment to a unified Somalia, but also held out the possibility of stronger ties with Somaliland.

Khadar Akulle contributed this report.

Somaliland market fire losses estimated at up to $2 billion 

il

Source: AP, Monday April 4, 2022

A massive fire in an expansive market in the capital of Somaliland destroyed property worth up to $2 billion, according to local officials in the autonomous region of Somalia.advertisements

At least 28 people were wounded in the Friday night fire that ravaged Waheen market, a major source of livelihood for the residents of Hargeisa.

The loss on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan sparked despair among many at home and solidary efforts among outsiders who say they will help Somaliland in rebuilding the market.

A preliminary report released by a national taskforce looking into the fire estimates losses of between $1.5 billion and $2 billion.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but some traders in Hargeisa said they believe a bad electrical connection may have been the cause.

The disaster has united Somalis, with President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of Somalia reaching out to Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi in a rare phone call between the two. Abdi, who has been Somaliland’s president since 2017, has been pursuing international recognition of his territory’s self-declared independence, which Somalia opposes.

“Saddened to see the aftermath of the fire in Hargeisa with such destruction in the open market that is the economic heart of the city, affecting many small and family enterprises,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter. “Your city will rise again and the UK will do what we can to support Somaliland’s rebuilding effort.”

Some in Hargeisa who spoke to AP said the fire shattered their livelihood.

“It is a major hit on the first day of Ramadan, as so many of us rely on this market (to) make our ends meet,” said businesswoman Hodan Ali, who lost property in the inferno.

She described Waheen market as “a one-stop spot for the needs of” Somalilanders.

Strategically located by the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland’s territory of more than 3 million people broke away from Somalia in 1991 as the country collapsed into warlord-led conflict.

Despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland has maintained its own independent government, currency and security system. The region has largely succeeded in holding regular elections over the years, including parliamentary polls held last year.

Five Reasons Why Many African Countries Remain Neutral on Putin’s War

 Source: The Conversation published on 30 March 2022 a commentary titled “Five Reasons Why Many African Countries Choose to Be ‘Neutral’” by Olayinka Ajala, Leeds Beckett University.

The author suggests the following 5 reasons why many African countries have taken a “neutral” position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: (1) skepticism about the motives of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; (2) growing reliance by some African countries on Russian arms; (3) growing dependence on Russia for wheat and fertilizer; (4) a sense that this is a return of the Cold War; and (5) the perception of some African countries that traditional Western allies are only focused on self interest.

Comment:  Unfortunately, this analysis seems to omit any reference to the aggrieved party, Ukraine, or the depredations brought to it by Russia.   

Labels: Africa, arms sales, Cold War, fertilizer, NATO, Russia, Ukraine, UNGA, Wagner Group, wheat

New African Union Mission for Somalia

 Source: The Associated Press published on 1 April 2022 an article titled “UN Authorizes New AU Mission in Somalia to Combat Extremists” by Edith M. Lederer.

The UN Security Council voted unanimously to endorse the African Union’s new transitional mission in Somalia to counter the al-Shabaab and Islamic State terrorist organizations.  As a result, AMISOM comes to an end and the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) begins.  

Labels: al-Qaeda, al-Shabaab, AMISOM, ATMIS, Islamic State, Somalia, terrorism, UNSC

US Issues Statement on Delivery of Humanitarian Aid to Ethiopia

 Source: The US Department of State issued a press statement in the name of Secretary Antony Blinken on 1 April 2022 titled “Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance to Tigray and Afar Regions.”

The United States welcomed steps by the government of Ethiopia and regional authorities to implement a cessation of hostilities and commended them on the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Ethiopians in Tigray and Afar regions.  

Labels: Afar Region, Antony Blinken, cease fire, Ethiopia, humanitarian assistance, Tigray Region, US

Progress, Challenges and Needs in Somalia’s Human Rights Highlighted in Visit of UN Independent Expert 

Source: African Business, Sunday April 3, 2022

The human rights situation in Somalia came under the spotlight this past week with the first visit of the United Nations Independent Expert on the issue, and ended with her noting progress and challenges, as well as calling for more international support for human rights in the country.advertisements

“I urge the international community not to relent in its support, at this last stage, when stability is increasingly becoming a reality in Somalia,” the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia, Isha Dyfan, said at a press conference today in the capital, Mogadishu, during which she shared some preliminary observations and recommendations on some key issues.

“I call upon the international community to continue its assistance to Somalia towards strengthening the Federal and Federal Member State institutions, in particular the security and justice institutions as well as the health system,” she added, “and addressing the adverse impact of climate change on the full and effective enjoyment of human rights, by ensuring access to basic social services including drinking water, sanitation facilities, housing, health care education for all children, in particular the girl child.

The Independent Expert was speaking at the end of a week-long visit to Somalia. It was her first since being appointed in May 2020 by the UN Human Rights Council to the post, which involves assessing, monitoring and reporting on the situation of human rights in the Horn of Africa country, with a view to making recommendations on technical assistance and capacity-building.

The travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic had prevented her visiting earlier.

“In light of this and the ongoing electoral process, I chose to focus my first visit on economic, social and cultural rights, as they relate to the benchmarks and indicators of my second report to the UN Human Rights Council,” Ms. Dyfan said.

While in Mogadishu, the Independent Expert met with the federal Minister of Women and Human Rights Development, Hanifa Mohamed Ibrahim, and the federal Minister of Justice, Hassan Hussein Haji, as well as representatives of humanitarian organizations and civil society, and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and UN agencies, funds and programmes.

She also visited the city of Baidoa, in the Federal Member State of South West State, where she met with its President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’ and other senior officials, and civil society representatives.

Humanitarian needs

In her remarks to the media, the Independent Expert noted how the issues of insecurity, conflict and recurring drought due to climate change continue to increase the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Somalia, as well as severe food and water shortages.

“To this end, the Federal Government and humanitarian partners are implementing the Emergency Response and Preparedness Plan of 2021 and pre-positioning food items, water and non-food items to support the IDP populations in Baidoa and other areas in the country,” Ms. Dyfan noted.

Health needs

The Independent Expert flagged how access to healthcare remains dangerously low in the country. She cited the example of Mogadishu having only one government hospital and people often having to seek healthcare services at private health facilities and pay high amounts out of their own pockets for medical treatment.

“As a result, only a few people can afford these services, thereby leading to high child and maternal mortality. I therefore urge the Government to expand the delivery of public health services, in light of the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, and increase funding for its health system,” the Independent Expert said.

She also called on the authorities to advance efforts to eliminate child, early and forced marriage and to protect the rights of girls in vulnerable positions, as such marriages contribute to an extraordinarily high population growth and result in negative health consequences.

Justice needs

Ms. Dyfan flagged how the treatment and conditions in Somalia’s prisons fall below international standards and capital punishment remains a legal penalty. She urged the Federal Government to put a halt on all executions and to introduce a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition.

“Despite the enormity of these challenges,” she added, “the Government has strengthened its normative and institutional frameworks to address the promotion and protection of human rights, including in the area of rule of law and administration of justice.”

In this respect, the Independent Expert also highlighted the country’s alternative dispute resolution centres. These have been established to handle small civil cases – including family issues, land and property rights – with a view to addressing the gaps in the justice sector and improving citizens’ access to justice.

“The alternative dispute resolution model, funded by international partners, complements the judicial process and is credited with resolving large number of cases, by applying Islamic and customary laws,” Ms. Dyfan said.

Electoral needs

Somalia’s ongoing parliamentary elections were also flagged in the Independent Expert’s remarks. She emphasized that women’s political participation is a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy.

“However, from the discussions, I was informed that the 30 per cent minimum quota for women’s representation during the ongoing electoral process is not being met, suggesting that more work needs to be done now towards the next election,” Ms. Dyfan said, in addition to calling on the Federal Government to ensure that the quota for women’s participation is achieved in the remaining seats.

“I also urge the Government to ensure diversity and inclusion, which focuses on equal treatment and equal opportunity for marginalized and minority groups,” she added.

Media needs

Somalia’s media sector also featured at the press conference, with the Independent Expert noting that the right to freedom of expression and opinion is essential to any functioning democracy. In this vein, she noted concerns about arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists by security personnel across the country.

“I wish to reiterate the importance of respecting the right to freedom of expression and opinion. I recommend that laws and policies, whose ambiguity have been used to criminalize journalists for their legitimate work, are revised with a view to bringing their content and execution in compliance with the principle of legality and other international human rights standards” Ms. Dyfan said.

She added that she was encouraged by the launch of a legal aid unit by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to provide legal protection for journalists. The programme focuses on ensuring lawyers are equipped with the tools needed to promote fundamental rights related to media freedom, based on international and regional legal standards.

Independent Experts

Ms. Dyfan said she will elaborate on her preliminary observations and recommendations in a comprehensive report to the UN Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly later this year.

Independent Experts like Ms. Dyfan are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

Source: AFP, Sunday April 3, 2022

For 15 years, African soldiers have rotated through Somalia as part of a 20,000-strong force mandated by the United Nations to protect the fragile central government from an Islamist insurgency.advertisements

But the mission is winding up, with a transitional force given less than two years to hand over security responsibilities to Somalia’s national army and withdraw from the troubled country. Will it work?

– What is AMISOM? –

Created in 2007 by the UN Security Council, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was tasked with fighting the Al-Shabaab militants bent on overthrowing the foreign-backed government in Mogadishu.

Drawn from across Africa, the mission drove Al-Shabaab out of Mogadishu in 2011, creating enough stability for government and federal agencies to take shape, and two rounds of elections to be held.

“AMISOM played a part in securing and providing a conducive environment for politics and for economic activity,” said Samira Gaid, executive director of the Hiraal Institute, a Somalia-based security think tank.

But after the early gains, the mission has mainly been on the defensive.

“There was an opportunity in 2014, 2015, to sustain the offensive and have the upper hand against Al-Shabaab… That opportunity was not taken,” Gaid said.

Unable to rely on Somalia’s poorly-trained and -equipped national army, AMISOM resorted to holding its positions as Al-Shabaab gained ground in rural areas and regrouped to launch deadly attacks across the country.

– Is it popular? –

Many of AMISOM’s biggest troop contributors — such as Uganda, Kenya and Burundi — are majority Christian and Al-Shabaab has tried to paint them as “crusaders” seeking to occupy Muslim lands.

Accusations of rape and murder levelled at AMISOM soldiers furthered a level of distrust about the foreign force in Somalia.

The central government has also accused some countries — notably Kenya, with whom relations are tense — of using the mission to meddle in Somalia’s affairs.

Mogadishu has never hidden its desire to regain control over its own security.

But AMISOM remains indispensable for securing strategic assets and supply routes in a country where Al-Shabaab maintains the capacity to launch frequent and deadly attacks.

“AMISOM was stuck in a status quo where it wasn’t making new progress, but taking it out also would mean a reversal of progress,” said Omar Mahmood, a Somalia analyst at the International Crisis Group think tank.

– What comes next? –

The UN Security Council voted Thursday to replace AMISOM with the AU Transitional Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

ATMIS has a more offensive remit than its predecessor, and calls for security to be assumed by Somalia’s army and police force by the end of 2024.

Somalia’s government on Friday said it welcomed the decision and was “committed to ensure the transfer of responsibility of security from ATMIS to the Somali security forces.”

Over that time, troops should be gradually withdrawn in four distinct phases coinciding with major ground operations against Al-Shabaab.

Analysts doubt whether the timetable will be kept — AMISOM was initially mandated for six months, and lasted 15 years.

“We’ve seen these same timelines time and time again… those timelines are still contingent on ground conditions, and that’s been the situation for years,” said Mahmood.

There is no big difference between this mission and the last, Gaid said.

“You have the word ‘transition’ which provides hope… to donors that they are coming to the end of paying for this expensive mission,” she said.

“It also gives hope to (the) Somali side that AMISOM is on its last legs.”

ATMIS should prioritise training and equipping Somali forces and investing in security infrastructure, she added.

– Can it succeed? –

Analysts say progress on security cannot be achieved while the country is stuck in political deadlock.

Elections are more than a year overdue and the process towards completing the vote for parliament, which will in turn choose a president, has been hobbled by power struggles at the highest level of government and feuds with some states.

The deadlines set by ATMIS are optimistic considering the uncertainty surrounding the “incredibly divisive” election process, Mahmood said.

“Reconciliation is a prerequisite in order to sustainably implement some of the security dynamics,” he said.

Collaboration between Mogadishu and Somalia’s federal states on security would also be essential to achieve these outcomes — trust that in some cases is nonexistent.

Gaid said handing over security to Somalia would take “at best five years, maybe 10”.

Hargeisa Mayor says market fire caused billions in damages 

Source: Hiiraan Online, Sunday April 3, 2022

Hargeisa (HOL) – A commission tasked by Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi was sent to Hargeisa on Saturday to assess the total property loss in the fire that has destroyed much of the Waheen and to lead efforts to rebuild the market. The group told the media that a preliminary assessment is that the fire caused billions of dollars in damages.

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“According to preliminary data, the damage and damage caused by the disaster here are estimated to be between one and a half and two billion,” said Hargeisa Mayor Abdikarin Ahmed Mooge.

Officials said that over two dozen were people in the fire, but nobody lost their life.

“This place was the economic center of Hargeisa, and even though the firefighters did their best to contain the fire, the market is destroyed,” he added.

Mooge, a committee member,  said a fundraiser would be held for those whose property was destroyed in the blaze that lasted nearly 30 hours. 

The committee said firefighters extinguished the fire last night but are still patrolling the area for fear of another explosion.

Putin’s War May Trigger African Food Crisis

 Source: Aljazeera published on 29 March 2022 an article titled “AFDB President: Ukraine War Could Trigger a Food Crisis in Africa” by Jack Dutton.  

Africa is heavily dependent on wheat from Russia and Ukraine.  Wheat prices have increased by 64 percent since the beginning of the conflict and fertilizer prices are also rising sharply.  The head of the African Development Bank concluded the war could “trigger a food crisis in Africa.”

Labels: AFDB, Africa, Algeria, Egypt, energy, fertilizer, food insecurity, Morocco, Nigeria, Russia, Somalia, trade, Tunisia, Ukraine, wheat