Hong Kong–based American business developer Robby Zirkelbach has set up small firms in South Sudan, Iran and North Korea. But Somalia was too risky even for the former U.S. Marine sniper with a stomach for adventurous investments, until he stumbled upon the country’s north, the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. There, he sees promise in a land shattered by war.

After a walk through the bustling, dust-filled market at the center of the region’s capital, Hargeisa, and a trip to the developing port city of Berbera, Zirkelbach has decided to “dip a toe” into the developing market. He has identified electronics as an area where his company would like to invest, and he isn’t alone.

Prospective investors are flocking to a part of Somalia that most of the world doesn’t recognize as a separate entity, attracted by its strategic geography, relative stability and mineral wealth. Such recognition is driving its next big economic hope.

UAE-based DP World is redeveloping Berbera Port on the Horn of Africa to accommodate modern supertankers, a development that could open northern Somalia — or Somaliland — to the large markets of neighboring Ethiopia and Kenya. Wassim Haroun, CEO of Conser, a regional engineering and development firm, sees potential in the northern Somali desert and is currently building a road connecting Berbera and Ethiopia.

ONE YOU GET OVER THE MISCONCEPTION THAT SOMALILAND MAY BE UNSAFE, YOU OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE VAST POTENTIAL THIS COUNTRY AND WHAT ITS PEOPLE CAN ACHIEVE.

WASSIM HAROUN, CEO, DEVELOPMENT FIRM CONSER

And Faiza Dubbe, a partner at regional firm SomOil Company who was born and raised in undivided Somalia and moved to Canada as a refugee in 1986, has now returned to Somaliland to invest in an oil and trading business. She chose the separated region over southern Somalia that is still controlled by the federal government, because Somaliland — unlike the south — has maintained stability and held democratic elections for years.

“Once you get over the misconception that Somaliland may be unsafe, you open your eyes to the vast potential of this country and to what its people can achieve,” says Haroun.

That the peace in northern Somalia coexists with the legacy of decades of war is evident on the streets of Hargeisa as the call to afternoon prayers during Ramadan rings out. Men shutter their shops and bring their prayer rugs to the mosque, walking through row after row of building blocks festooned with barbed wire. Guards with AK47s manning checkpoints pray in the road rather than abandoning their posts.

The Somali civil war began with military resistance to the dictator Siad Barre in the 1980s. The Barre government collapsed in 1991, plunging the country into a vicious conflict. Somaliland declared its independence that year. As the crisis worsened, Puntland, a region in central Somalia, declared autonomy in 1998, though it still remains loyal to the federal government.

But while many have written off Somalia as a failed state struggling to rid itself of the terrorism and corruption that’s blighted its recent history, its north is emerging as a beacon of economic hope. Ironically, the fact that Somaliland is separated is simultaneously its boon and its bane — though the fractures between Somalia’s three regions mean that development in one doesn’t mean either unity or prosperity for all.

Somaliland’s passports are recognized by only eight countries, and it receives no bilateral foreign aid. But it’s separate governance — whether recognized or not — from the war-torn south means its mineral resources, strategic location and relative security are drawing private investment and development the federal government can’t match.

Other stumbling blocks stand in the way of the north’s economic development. Its infrastructure was largely destroyed during the civil war. And the region is prone to both flooding and drought due to climate change and degradation of pastures. The broader perceptions of conflict and instability that hover over all of Somalia affect investor sentiments for the north too.

But to developers like Haroun, these obstacles are opportunities for investment, which make Somaliland look like a “blank white canvas.” And for those familiar with the region, the security the north can offer is something the south still isn’t close to providing. He believes “it’s [Conser’s] job to provide our expertise to help this country leapfrog into the next millennium.”

Though southern Somalia has had an internationally recognized federal government since August 2012, it has been beset by terrorist attacks. In October 2017, the al-Qaida-affiliated Al-Shabab group killed more than 500 people in a bombing in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu. According to the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), Somalia is also the 9th most corrupt country in the world. And the deep tribal divides unleashed by the civil war continue to tear at the country’s society. According to the World Bank, 90 percent of the federally controlled south’s total spending is on security, relegating redevelopment of infrastructure, social services, education and other municipal functions to the back burner. That’s why, says Dubbe, many Somalis are choosing to do business in the north. “As a woman, I feel safe [doing] business in Somaliland,” she says.

In some ways, Zirkelbach’s journey to Hargeisa also marks a personal return. He had witnessed conflict in Somalia while he was with the U.S. Marines. “I wanted to just engage and see if we could do something good for the people out here,” he says. Like Haroun, Dubbe and others, Zirkelbach is betting on the development of a part of the country whose identity is unresolved. But as Somalia slowly emerges from the ashes of war, this is where hope is sprouting first.

Source: Ozy

Hargeisa – The European Union (EU) funded “Reintegration Facility” project was kicked off on Tuesday (24/04) in an event hosted by the Somaliland Government, EU and IOM, the UN Migration Agency. The project activities will help migrants from Somaliland who have become stranded in African countries to return home voluntarily and reintegrate into their communities. It will also assist Ethiopians in Somaliland return home and provide them with reintegration support.

Representatives from the Government, Civil Society and the United Nations (UN) attended the event, coordinated with the National Displacement and Refugee Agency (NDRA).

“Somaliland’s new administration has established NDRA to respond to returning migrants. IOM through the EU is supporting us to help reintegrate returning migrants into their communities. We are happy that we are launching a project covering this issue and we hope all participants will contribute to the implementation of this project.” – Mr. Abdulkariim Ahmed Mohamed, NDRA Chairman.

“Even though Somaliland already has many unemployed youth we accept our people who want to return home. However, we need to support the returning migrants when they come back, and we specifically are requesting support for the migrants to start businesses as part of a full reintegration scheme, with follow-up until they stand on their own feet.”  – H. E. Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail (Saylici), Vice President, Somaliland.

Collective responsibility to act and support migrants in need 

IOM Chief of Mission, Dyane Epstein said, “For the programme to be truly effective in supporting returning migrants and their communities, it must be a ‘joint initiative’ between all stakeholders.” She continued by describing how, the ‘Joint Initiative’ will help to develop further this essential close co-operation to facilitate safe, humane and dignified voluntary return and reintegration.

Pilar Palmero, Head of Cooperation and Chargé des Affaires at the EU Delegation, pointed out that “the situation of migrants stranded in African countries is a priority for the EU and we are very keen to make sure that those who want to return are supported not only with onward travel but also with reintegration assistance for them and their communities”.

The project will increase the capacities of partner countries and relevant stakeholders to develop or strengthen return and reintegration policies and processes, facilitate safe, humane and dignified assisted voluntary return processes among partner countries, and 3) facilitate sustainable reintegration across three dimensions: successful economic reintegration and strengthened livelihoods, social reintegration and psycho-social reintegration.

Background 

The project is part of the larger EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration, which facilitates orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration management through the development of rights-based and development-focused policies and processes on protection and sustainable reintegration. The EU-IOM Joint Initiative, backed by the EU Trust Fund, includes close collaboration with 26 African countries.

IOM

HARGEISA—The International Community has given the duty of bringing and end the animosity between Puntland and Somaliland to Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The IC has said that the Ethiopia must bring a lasting solution to the war that is raging between the Puntland and Somaliland. Ethiopia which shares borders with both sides is said to be an active mediation role to the long standing war that has been raging between the two authorities. Government officials from Somaliland are supposed to travel to Ethiopia for talks aimed at ending the hostilities.

Somaliland called on the int’l community to put pressure on Puntland authority  which is fueling the war in Tuka Raq. The IC is doing all it can to end the war while Puntland authority is inciting the war. Puntland’s Vice President, Amay has said that his authority will wage a war where Somaliland will be heavily defeated. On the other hand, Puntland authority has cried foul over a one million dollar donation that the Somalia Federal Govt has pledged to Somaliland on its relief project in the aftermath of Sagar cyclone which hit hard to coastal regions in Somaliland particularly in the west. Puntland said that the SFG has sides with Somaliland over the aid it earmarked for humanitarian relief.

The state is one of the international legal personalities which has its own elements that determines whether it is a real or artificial. In international law, the state should have a defined territory, a permanent population, has the capacity to enter into relations with others, and a government which has the capacity to control the territory it claims and provide services to its citizens.

The political scientists both classical and contemporary agreed that sovereignty is an integral part of the state and regard it as the engine room of the post-Westphalia Peace Agreement statehood. This concept has two distinct dimensions: internal and external. A range of elements determines the internal, therefore, the state should have the capacity to govern the state, make laws, provide social services and security to the citizens, and have an authority in the territory it claims. Providing those services to the citizens’ at large lead the citizens endorse and trust to the state institutions, thus ensures state legitimacy, and this in return legitimizes the internal sovereignty of the state. In a broader sense, the internal sovereignty stems from the consent of the state citizens.

Not similar to the internal, external sovereignty in international law relates to two crucial factors: the recognition which is the practices of the modern states to formally recognize each other through diplomatic means and also equality within the states in the international system, respect of other states, and policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of the other states.

Having this in mind, does Somalia has the legal claim as a genuine state let alone its foreign-imposed governments, in accordance with the above elements of the state. Does Somalia has the internal sovereignty with the assent of the Somali citizens, or does it has the external sovereignty. If the latter does exist, is it real or artificial in connection with the existing condition in the entire Somalia regions, the Somalia Italian Trusteeship?

From the ‘provisional government’ of Ali Mahdi in 1991 to ‘Salballaadh’ of Aideed in 1994, Abdikasim in 2000, Abdullahi Yusuf in 2004, Sheikh Sharif in 2009, Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud in 2012, and the recent Farmajo government in 2017. All these ‘governments’ have had and still has an illusion claiming as genuine governments representing the will of the Somali citizens.

These claims are entirely baseless fabricated by foreign actors which are beneficial to the protracted state collapse in the south. In Mogadishu for instance, the federal government has no physical presence at all as it resides only in a small highly secured area protected by Amisom. The question arises here is: does Farmajo aware what is going on in Halane, neighborhood of Villa Somalia, which is in contrary to the security and sovereignty of the Somali people, does he also aware what is going on in Balli Doogle, before he talk about other regions and towns in the south–central Somalia. These two military bases are neither in the control of the Somalia’s ‘government’ nor under the jurisdiction of their ‘authority’.

Not only in Halane and Balli Doogle, but also Balkanization of your state ‘Somalia’ into self-governing states by competing interests both from the region and beyond are undeniable facts. Doubly important, there are growing numbers of autonomous regions which claim independent administrations from the ‘federal government’ in Mogadishu, with the support of foreign governments. These regional states, including Puntland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Jubbaland, and the Southwest State of Somalia claim greater autonomy within the ‘Somalia’ state territory. The real Somali citizens believe that these multiple administrations in the name of federalism have not only contributed its part in endangering the existence of your state, but also derail the efforts to establish long-lasting peace and state institutions in ‘Somalia’. Do you agree Mr. Farmajo?

In contrast to this chaos in Somalia, Somaliland was known as the British Somaliland Protectorate approximately for 80 years before its merger with the Italian colony. The aim of this blinded union was a part of the Greater Somalia Ambition in which most of the Somali people anticipated. In 1991, Somaliland declared its withdrawal from the unjust union of the 1960 for political, social and economic reasons. The euphoria of the citizens who were enthusiastic about the birth of an independent, inclusive Somali State in the 1960, their exhilaration has quickly dissipated as the south occupy all state institutions without considering Somaliland as an independent state which united with the south just to realize the Greater Somalia Agenda.

The unjust practices of the Somalia’s southern-led governments (1960–1991) is as clear as the daylight. In his book “Search for a New Somali Identity” (2002), Hussein Ali Dualeh stated that since the independence in 1960, Somalia has got a total aid of 4.482 billion dollars, for 148 projects. Barefacedly, 139 projects went to the south, while only 9 projects went to Somaliland. In other words, the people of Somaliland got 142 million dollars, out of a development aid of about 4.4 billion dollars. In support of the Dualeh’s argument, I have the list of all projects, including the project name, the place where the project was implemented, and the amount allocated in each project.

This kind of practice and thinking of the Somalia decision-making circles made Somaliland citizens to become hostile to the Somali state institutions till it ceased to exist as a state in 1991. Given the emphasis on this argument, the unjust distribution of power and national resources between the two (British Somaliland Protectorate and Italian Trusteeship in Somalia), remains the source of the Somalia’s conflicts and the protracted civil war and its subsequent disintegration of the state. Do you agree Mr. Farmajo?

In spite of all difficulties, in the post-1991 period, Somaliland has managed to build its own state institutions without an international engagement, has a full control into its territory, and later transitioned the country from elders appointed to popularly elected presidents. Somaliland’s road to democracy and multi-party politics is an outcome of Somaliland’s successful political reconciliation, reconstruction of its economic infrastructures and the subsequent well-built state institutions. Somaliland is an island of peace and stability surrounded by a violent and a volatile region. Do you agree Mr. Farmajo?

Certainly, Somalia’s statehood is uncertain, let alone its floating ‘government’, which isn’t in control of about 1km² in its capital. The concrete evidences acquired from the Somaliland indigenous peace and state building endeavors affirm that building governance institutions and security mechanisms work best when the people at the grassroots are part of the process, and thus elect and rally behind their leader without international interference. But nothing would work if the leader is clapping without crowd as the current situation of the Farmajo clearly states. Farmajo’s ‘government’ is just nominal and is anti-thesis of the Somalia peace and reconciliation efforts as it isn’t a genuine government representing the will and interest of the entire territory of the former Italian Trusteeship in Somalia.

Despite the illusion of the Somalia politicians, since 1991, Somalia remains in what John Burnett described in his book “where soldiers fear to tread” (2005), as a shambles, torn apart by more than [two] decades of lawlessness and near-classic anarchy. It is the only nation without some form of central government, and it is considered still to be one of the most dangerous places on earth.

Nasir M. Ali

Hargeisa, Somaliland

The de-escalation of tensions and increase of peaceful political dialogue is the fundamental principle of the United Nations’ mandate for international security. If that is the case, there comes a question of whether the Special Representative of United Nations Secretary-General to Somalia Michael Keating is fulfilling that mandate?

Michael Keating is the head of United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). An organisation established by UN Security Council Resolution 2102, following a comprehensive assessment of the United Nations in support of the establishment of the Federal Government of Somalia. The mandate of UNSOM was subsequently renewed by Security Council resolutions 2158 (2014), 2221 (2015), 2232 (2015), 2275 (2016) and 2358 (2017).

Keating’s specific mandate differ considerably from that of the Forum for the Family of Nations. UNSOM’s machinery is to turn its mission into an instrumental for unilateral backup for what was once called the Somali Republic in the form of Federalised Tribal Regional States. There comes another question, why Somaliland still hosting UNSOM and allowing Keating to fly in and fly out Somaliland soil?

Keating’s record of non-partisan watchdog is full of hypocrisy. He supervises a mission that singled out one portion of the disintegrated Somali Republic – an assignment that is detrimental to the image of the world and that of the United Nations’ mandate as a beacon of hope and world champion of peace.

Mr Keating intentionally overlooked his last statement to the Security Council – the complete success of Somaliland elections, but praised the malfunctioning administration of Mogadishu. Keating never cited why the Somali Republic withered and shrunken into an anarchic domicile due to the despotism command of Siyad Bare and his cluster of thugs in 1991?

Keating, on the other hand, never stated the reasons why the Northern part of the country (currently renowned the Republic of Somaliland) restructured its political system and referred back to its history of ‘’British Somaliland’’ prior the amalgamation of the two regions.

Ill-advisedly, despite Keating’s partiality in a mode of operation and political bias, the Southern part of the very same country, what is vastly renowned Somalia still roaring overhead and going into nosedive once again same as the ash of a cremated dead body.

This resulted in turning the capital city of Somalia (Mogadishu) into clan-based fiefdoms. The political pandemonium created the seizure of the capital into the hands of Islamic extremism, followed chieftains of clansmen puppets, who graft for their individual and tribal interests. Most surprisingly, Mr Keating still supports this inferno state when such an unfortunate annihilation is taking place under the auspices of his so-called UNSOM project. Sad

The government of Somaliland has accepted the call by the international community concerning the war between Somaliland and Puntland in Tukaraq town. The international community had issued a stern warning to the Puntland militia to stop the constant attack on Somaliland.

The minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation Mr.Sa’ad Ali Shire speaking to a local English daily newspaper the Horn Newspaper accused the Somalia sponsored Puntland administration for constant incursions into Somaliland territorial borders to initiate attack on Somaliland armed forces guarding her international borders.

Addressing the international community Dr.Sa’ad stated “I urge the community of nations to exert pressure on Puntland and her sponsor Somalia to stop the naked interferences on Somaliland internal affairs. I call on the international community to urge Somalia to intervene so that Somalia quits her constant attacks and propagations of anarchy in Sool region of Somaliland.”

Minister Sa’ad revealed that the people of Sool are thirsty and need development, hospitals, schools, jobs. Sool province is located in Somaliland and her people are Somalilanders.

“Somalia should disengage from fueling fire in Somaliland.  I send my congratulations to Somaliland armed forces for the spirited fight to defend their people and country from the invading Somalia/Puntland militias. This is an army that day a night loses sleep to defend their country and sovereignty.

Speaking about the Tukaraq war Mr.Sa’ad “The war that has transpired is an insult to Somaliland because the country boundary is well known inherited from the British colonial masters. We did not create it. It was created by the British and the Italians; furthermore it is an international border just like the one Somalia has with Kenya and Ethiopia. “

In another development the minister of foreign affairs talked about the recent visit by the H.E president Musa Bihi Abdi in the western coastal plains regions of Somaliland that were hit by cyclone.

“We toured four towns they are as follows Asha-ado, Gargaar Bari,Lughaya and Sayla’a.  The people we met told us many livestock died, many farms were destroyed and upto 31 people lost their lives as a result of the cyclone disaster. These people need emergency relief aid; they need water, food stuff and humanitarian assistance. They lost their livelihood and now live in destitution. I call on the local people who have resources to help their brothers who have been afflicted by the cyclone disaster. International and local humanitarian organizations should come to the peoples’ rescue.” Dr.Sa’ad said.

The foreign minister also revealed that the UAE sent two Chinook helicopters to reach the marooned people of the cyclone disaster. They distributed basic disaster relief aid to the western coastal plains. The government of Djibouti also helped with a aero plane that ferried the president of Somaliland H.E Musa Bihi Abdi to tour the affected region.

Hornnewspaper

MOGADISHU—Somalia’s law makers called on Puntland to cease the hostilities it is fueling  in the border regions with Somaliland. The MP’s have further suggested that the Somali authority must do all they can so as to diffuse the escalating tensions between Somalia and Somaliland. They said that using a barrel of gun would not end the war that broke out in Tuka Raq between Somaliland and Puntland.

Somaliland leveled accusations against the Somalia authority of inciting the unrest in the region. The lawmakers from both houses in Somalia accused Puntland of waging the war under the pretext of ethnic kinship and claiming of territory which is not under its control and belonging to Somaliland in terms of geography and border demarcations which dates back to the colonial era.

The MP’s have reiterated that the the greater Somalia came into being after the merging of Somaliland with Somalia in the 1960’s.

ETHIOPIA has announced it will fully accept a peace deal to see an end to its long-running border dispute with Eritrea after the government voted to accept the terms of the agreement.

Following a lengthy meeting of its 36-member executive committee session yesterday, the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) accepted the outcome of the Algiers peace agreement brokered in 2000.

The peace accord followed a two-year deadly border war which saw tens of thousands killed in fighting between the two countries.

Both agreed to accept the outcome of the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission established as part of the peace agreement as “final and binding.” However, then Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zanawi backtracked, leaving the countries on a war footing.

The commission ruled in 2002 that the disputed town of Badme should be returned to Eritrea, but Ethiopia refused to withdraw its troops from contested areas, leading to accusations they were illegally occupying Eritrean territory.

Ethiopia’s new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed promised he would make peace with Eritrea which had refused to negotiate with Addis Ababa until it agreed to the border findings “unconditionally.”

“The Eritrean government should take the same stand without any prerequisite and accept our call to bring back the long-lost peace of the two-brother nations as it was before,” an EPRDF government statement said.

In another development the government announced It was opening up the state-run telecoms monopoly and Ethiopian airlines to the private sector in a bid to attract foreign investment.

The ruling coalition said state-run companies, including “railways, sugar, industry, hotels and various manufacturing firms,” would be fully or partially privatised.

Morning Star

HARGEISA– The president of Puntland Mr.Abdiweli Gaas has called on the international community to intervene and ask Somaliland to return some military armor and prisoners of war captured from the Puntland administration during last week Tukaraq war.   A letter written to foreign diplomats based in Nairobi suggested that the Tukaraq war will only stop if Somaliland accomplishes two demands the first being that Somaliland should return the spoils of war from the Tukaraq war between Somaliland army and Puntland militia. Somaliland repossessed many military hardware from the ragtag militia of Somalia they consist of armored mounted vehicles,rocket propelled grenades, a tank and many small arms. Also many prisoners were captured from the Somalia funded Puntland militia.

Another point in the letter was that Somaliland army should leave Tukaraq. According to information the Horn Newspaper obtained from Garowe confirmed that president Abdiweli Gaas is fight tooth and nail to save his skin following mounting public pressure following the heavy losses he incurred at the hands of Somaliland army.

Our sources confirmed many military officers from the elite Puntland army died in the war amongst them was the well known presidential palace commandant Mr.Hussein Tooray.

All in all the people of Puntland have called on Mr.Abdiweli Gaas to stop the senseless war he is initiating against the Republic of Somaliland.  However the Puntland president has other thing in mind he wants to benefit from the political opportunity created by the Tukaraq war to continue clinging to power.

Horn

Canada is providing clean water and sanitation support to residents in Somaliland after an entire year’s worth of rain fell in just one day. Tropical storm Sagar drenched the country with 300 mm of rain per hour and pounded the coastline with winds reaching up to 120km/h. At least 25 people died and close to 700,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

“The storm affected already vulnerable populations displaced by drought and insecurity,” said Rachel Logel Carmichael from Save the Children, which, as a member of the Humanitarian Coalition, is responding thanks to funding from the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund. “These funds allow us to respond quickly to the needs of these crisis-affected people and ensure we can provide life-saving aid immediately.”

The drought only exacerbated the situation, as the arid, dry terrain was unable to absorb the large amounts of water. Instead, the ground acted like a concrete floor, allowing water to accumulate above ground and causing flash floods throughout the area.

Thousands of homes have been destroyed, while health facilities, schools, water sources and other public properties were damaged. In addition, estimates show 80% of livestock in the affected areas were lost.

Save the Children Canada will help survivors recover and prevent the spread of disease. With $278,340, Save the Children will rebuild and rehabilitate water and sanitation facilities and provide clean water to the most vulnerable people, particularly women and children. Staff will also distribute household and personal hygiene items.

The current situation in the country often means men migrate from rural areas to main towns to seek employment. This results in a massive increase in the number of female-headed households. As a result, Save the Children is making particular effort to target female-headed households with its response.

The Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund is a joint mechanism financed by Global Affairs Canada, the Humanitarian Coalition and its member agencies.

RW

DOHA: Qatar Charity (QC) distributed food baskets to 500 families affected by the Cyclone Sagar, which hit the coasts of northern Somalia. The food aid was provided immediately after the disaster occurred. The charity is also preparing to distribute more food baskets soon.

Director of the QC office in Somalia, Abdel Nour Mirsal said Qatar Charity was the first organization to respond to the relief appeal made by local authorities in Somaliland. Food baskets were distributed in the village of Bakki and surrounding villages in northern Somalia on May 26, 2018, targeting families who lost their homes, livestock and property due to the Cyclone Sagar, Mirsal said in a statement.

He noted that the food baskets included basic food items such as rice, wheat, sugar, dates and dried milk to be used by affected families in the holy month of Ramadan, which coincided with the cyclone. Mirsal pointed out that Qatar Charity intends to distribute 1,150 additional food baskets to the victims of Cyclone Sagar in the coming week. The basket will be sufficient for a family for a month. Within three months, three artesian wells as well as a number of surface wells will be drilled, Mirsal added.

Mirsal also said the Ramadan food aid distributed by QC office during the second half of Ramadan included those previously affected by floods and drought. He noted that the office will distribute 2000 food baskets to 2000 families affected by flood in the Hirshabelle State and to people displaced due to drought in Baidoa in addition to the families of orphans and poor families. A total of 3,650 food basket will be distributed the holy month of Ramadan.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said 669,000 people had been affected by the cyclone in Somaliland, with numbers likely to rise as information arrives from areas that are now inaccessible. “80 per cent of livestock in affected areas were killed. Reports indicate that some 700 farms have been destroyed in Somaliland,” UNOCHA said.

Peninsular

The president of Somaliland H.E Musa Bihi Abdi last night hosted a Ramadan dinner for religious leaders from all regions of the country. The (Iftar) dinner was held at the presidential palace in Hargeisa. Present at the function was the second and the fourth vice presidents of Somaliland Mr.Abdirahman Aw Ali Farah and Mr.Ahmed Yusuf Yassin respectively. Also occasioning the event was opposition chief Mr.Faisal Ali Warabe and government ministers. This information was disseminated by Somaliland News Agency (Solnanews.com).

The president held this dinner so that he could get to know the religious leaders and see the best way they could work together to further develop righteousness in Somaliland.

Some renowned names in Somaliland religious circles such the former minister of religious endowment Sheikh Mohammud Suufi Muhumed, Sheikh Ali Jowhar and Sheikh Abdirizak Albani congratulated the president for continuing the tradition of having a good rapport with the religious establishment.

Former vice president Abdirahman Aw Ali Farah stated the link between the president and the religious leaders should be strong. He warned about the civil war in El-Afweine could steer uncertainty into the future and all and sundry should work together to put out the fire.

The opposition boss Mr.Faisal Ali Warabe encouraged the good relations between the religious leaders and the president. He called on the mullah to work to eradicate immoral behaviors within the populace.

The minister of religious endowment Sheikh Khalil stated that this meeting would help to bring consultations and networking between the head of state and the religious leaders

The president asked the religious leaders to help put out the El-Afwein conflict by preaching sense into the warring functions. “Allah willing get ready after the holy month of Ramadan, I want you to engage with the El-Afwein people to find a lasting solution to this recurring conflict.” The president said.

SOLNA

HARGEISA– Somalia’s World Bank Representative, Hon. Hugh Riddell called on Mr. Sharmarke Ahmed Muhumed Gelle, chairman of Somaliland’s Civil Service Commission at the Civil Service Institute yesterday.

Hon. Hugh Riddell is leading a a delegation from the World Bank and the mission of his visit to Hargeisa is to inspect the ongoing projects funded by the WB. The current Civil Service Commission Chairman breifed the visting delegation on the areas that the World Bank and CSC cooperate.

It is obvious that a program aimed at getting rid of ghost workers was luanched under the auspaces of World Bank and the CSC. The CSC chairman said that Hon. Hugh Riddell commended the efforts embarked by the CSC to reform govt employees so that they will be productive.

Welcoming security, economic and political reforms in Somalia — including the peaceful election of a new Speaker of the House of People and resumed Parliament activity — the Security Council today noted with concern recent fighting in the northern Sool region, urging parties to cease hostilities, pull back their forces and engage in dialogue.

In presidential statement S/PRST/2018/13 read out by Dmitry A. Polyanskiy (Russian Federation), Council President for June, the 15‑member organ called on all parties to allow and facilitate full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.

More broadly, the Council expressed serious concern over the threat posed by Al‑Shabaab, reaffirming its support for a comprehensive approach to security.  It also expressed concern about abduction and use of child soldiers, as well as sexual and gender‑based violence.

Against that backdrop, the Council welcomed progress on developing a conditions‑based transition plan with target dates for the transfer of security responsibilities from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to Somali security institutions.  To provide the basis for that transition, it recalled the critical importance of accelerating implementation of the national security architecture agreement, urging the federal Government and federal member states to prioritize those efforts.

The Council also looked forward to recommendations from the fourth African Union‑United Nations joint review of AMISOM on how the Mission should be configured to support the transition.  It expressed deep concern about the continued risk of famine and the impact of recent flooding, underlining the importance of continued international support to build long‑term resilience.

On the political front, the Council welcomed the resumption of high‑level dialogue between the federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states to make progress on the priorities of:  power- and resource‑sharing, the constitutional review, fiscal federalism, preparations for one‑person, one‑vote elections in 2020/2021, support for regional security forces and finalizing the justice and corrections federal model — all of which required political agreements that could form the basis for legislation in the federal Parliament.

The meeting began at 10:06 a.m. and ended at 10:17 a.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of presidential statement S/PRST/2018/13 reads as follows:

“The Security Council welcomes the progress made to date by the federal Government of Somalia on security sector, economic and political reforms.  The Security Council welcomes the peaceful election of a new Speaker of the House of the People and the resumption of the federal Parliament’s activity.  The Security Council underscores the need for the federal Government of Somalia, the Somali federal Parliament and the federal member states to work together in the interests of all Somalis.

“The Security Council notes with concern recent fighting in the Sool region of northern Somalia.  The Security Council urges parties to implement, without delay, their commitment to international partners to an immediate cessation of hostilities, including refraining from statements or actions that may raise tensions, and further urges parties to pull back their forces and engage in dialogue.  The Security Council notes with concern that the fighting has exacerbated the humanitarian situation and calls on all parties to allow and facilitate full, safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.

“The Security Council welcomes the resumption of high‑level dialogue between the federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states to make further progress on key priorities.  These include power- and resource‑sharing, the constitutional review, fiscal federalism, preparations for one‑person, one‑vote elections in 2020/2021, support for regional security forces and finalizing the justice and corrections federal model, all of which require political agreements that can form the basis for legislation in the federal Parliament.

“The Security Council reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia.  The Security Council notes with concern that internal and external pressures risk undermining Somalia’s political unity.  The Security Council underscores the importance of working to prevent destabilizing effects of regional crises and disputes from spilling over into Somalia, and the need for all stakeholders including Somalia’s international partners to work constructively to support the federal system and its institutions and to respect Somalia’s peace- and State‑building process.

“The Security Council stresses the importance of the full, equal and effective participation of women in the political settlement process and in all efforts towards the maintenance and promotion of peace and security, and urges the federal Government of Somalia and the federal member states to continue to promote increased representation and participation of women at all decision‑making levels in Somali institutions.

“The Security Council expresses serious concern at the ongoing threat posed by Al‑Shabaab, and reaffirms its support for a comprehensive approach to security in Somalia, consistent with international humanitarian law and international human rights law as applicable and with full respect for the rule of law.  The Security Council welcomes recent progress on developing a conditions‑based transition plan with clear target dates for the progressive transfer of security responsibilities from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to the Somali security institutions, as endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council on 30 April 2018 and by international partners at the Somalia security high‑level meeting in Brussels on 2 May 2018.  The Security Council commends the federal Government of Somalia, together with the federal member states, AMISOM, the police- and troop‑contributing countries, and international partners, for their collaborative approach to developing this plan, and calls for its effective implementation, starting with Phase One, with full participation from all relevant stakeholders.  The Security Council underlines the need to ensure resourcing for the transition plan.

“The Security Council further recalls the critical importance of accelerating the implementation of the national security architecture agreement to provide the foundation for a successful transition.  The Security Council urges the federal Government and federal member states to prioritize efforts in this regard, including by integrating and providing federal support to regional forces, as agreed by Somalia’s National Security Council.  The Security Council calls on international partners to support the transition and the implementation of the architecture, and to coordinate security assistance in line with the existing Comprehensive Approach to Security structures.

“The Security Council notes that AMISOM’s role in enabling the transition to Somali‑led security will be critical.  The Security Council pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of AMISOM and its police- and troop‑contributing countries to advance peace and stability in Somalia, and looks forward to the recommendations of the fourth African Union‑United Nations joint review of AMISOM on how AMISOM should be configured to support the transition.

“The Security Council reiterates the need to enhance the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing for African Union‑led peace support operations authorized by the Security Council and under the Security Council’s authority consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter.  The Security Council further reiterates its call for new and existing donors to support AMISOM, and reiterates that regional organizations have the responsibility to secure human, financial, logistical and other resources for their organizations.  The Security Council welcomes the efforts of the African Union and the United Nations to explore options for AMISOM funding.

“The Security Council notes that accelerating Somalia’s economic recovery to support livelihoods and create jobs is an essential component of building peace and stability and supporting sustainable development.  The Security Council welcomes the commitment shown by the federal Government of Somalia to the current International Monetary Fund staff‑monitored programme, and welcomes the outcomes of the Somalia Round Table at the Spring Meetings on 19 April.  The Security Council urges Somalia to continue to demonstrate progress in order to build the fiscal and monetary track record needed to advance the process towards normalization with international financial institutions and debt relief.

“The Security Council expresses deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Somalia, including the continued risk of famine and the impact of recent flooding.  The Security Council welcomes the establishment of a National Flood Committee by the Somali authorities to help coordinate the response.  The Security Council underlines the importance of continued international support to address humanitarian concerns and to build long‑term resilience.

“The Security Council expresses concern about all violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights in Somalia, including the continued abduction and use of child soldiers and sexual and gender‑based violence.  The Security Council stresses the importance of the protection of civilians, and calls on all parties to comply immediately with their obligations under international law, including under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

“The Security Council notes that the Somalia Partnership Forum will take place in Brussels on 25‑26 June 2018 and looks forward to further progress on political, security and economic reforms.  The Security Council further notes that the Forum will provide an opportunity to advance discussions on resilience and responses to the humanitarian situation.  The Security Council will continue to follow progress closely, and reaffirms its support for peace, stability and development in Somalia.”

*     The 8279th Meeting was closed.

SOURCE:UN

HARGEISA–The University Of Hargeisa constantly maintains cooperation and collaboration with regional, national and international universities and partners for the sake of advancing academia.

On the 12^th of May 2018 a team of delegates from Mekelle University paid the University Of Hargeisa an official visit. Mekelle University is the second biggest university in Ethiopia, the team of delegates from Mekelle University was headed by Prof.Kindeya Gebrehiwot the President of Mekelle University. The delegation was received by the University Of Hargeisa Administration.

The delegation spent five days in the Republic Of Somaliland in which time they’ve been a part of a series of meetings and togethers with the university of Hargeisa administration, both universities came to the understanding of Mekelle University to grant scholarships and various training regarding health and medicine, agriculture, veterinary and law to parties from the University Of Hargeisa.

The delegation also went on a field trip to the port of Berbera where they where given a tour of the port and the livestock conservatory, they’ve also spent time in Sheikh city where they visited the Veterinary School of Sheik.

HARGEISA— Somaliland Journalist Association (SOLJA) has sent stern warning to local reporters not to cover stories from individuals who are instigating the war between clans in Eil Afwein in Sanaag region. SOLJA sent a text message via local phones appealing practising journalists to do their utmost not to fuel the raging war between the brotherly clans that had skirmishes.

According to Puntland media outlets, both the Minister for Interior, Abdullahi Ali Hersi, and the official government Spokesperson, Abdullahi Quranjecel, today, ordered students and residents originally hailing from the Somalia Federal State but currently living in Somaliland to immediately go back to Puntland.

The Puntland officials, heating up an already simmering situation between the Somalia federal state and the Republic of Somaliland told their subjects that their lives was in danger – a fact that mosr Somalilanders were not aware of.

“Intelligence reaching us reveal that the Somaliland authorities planned retaliatory steps against Puntland-born residents and students,” Mr. Quranjecel asserted.

The call, it is said, follows a reference Somaliland opposition leader, Faisal Ali Warabe, made on the hundreds of students currently studying in Somaliland to highlight that ethnic affinities do not work in real life. The leader was criticizing Puntland leaders for basing their territorial claims on large regions of Somaliland on a purely ethnic affiliation basis.

The two sides engaged in military confrontation on several occasions in the Sool, Somaliland, area from January 2018 following a rumored visit of the Somalia Federal President, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, on Tukkaraq – some 70-plus kilometres on the Somaliland side of the borders both Somalia and Somaliland inherited from, respectively, the Italian and British colonial masters at time of independence in 1960.

The United Nations and the United States have, of recent, been on shuttle diplomacy in an attempt to douse down the escalating hostilities between the two sides.

The President of the Republic of Somaliland, Musa Bihi Abdi, has repeatedly called for  dialogue the absence of which he said Puntland leaves them no option but to defend Somaliland from what he called “naked, blind aggression”.

Women driving speaker-mounted vehicles have been openly driving around GRowe, the capital seat of Puntland, shouting war, drumming up ethnic-based support for what they called “colonized regions”.

In contrast, responding to the diplomatic shuttle of the UN and the US, Abdihakim Ammey, the Vice President of the Puntland State, vowed that neither he nor his troops will rest until they reached Oog district near Burao of Togdheer. His point was that he recognized only tribal boundaries and nothing more.

The VP was just back from a blitz tour he made to his clan areas inside Somaliland to exhort clansmen of fighters to bolster his militias and for vehicles and material support.

“Where is Sanaag? Where is Sool? Where is Las Anod?” They kept shouting from the blaring speakers.

On the contrary, Somaliland stands behind its state army and does not encourage the kind of clan-based hue and cry taking momentum in Puntland. Neither is there any animosity against non-Somalilanders in Somaliland cities.

If not checked, only more bloodshed and a protracted hostility between the de facto  Republic of Somaliland and Somalia cannot be ruled out.

Somtribune

MOGADISHU, June 9  — One U. S. special forces soldier was killed and five others, including one partner force member, were injured in an al-Shabab attack in southwest Somalia on Friday, the U.S. military said.

The U.S. Africa Command (Africom) said the incident took place during a joint operation in Jubaland in southern Somalia conducted by combined Somali National Security Forces (SNSF), Kenyan Defense Force (KDF) and the U.S. special forces.

“One of the wounded U.S. service members received sufficient medical care in the field. Three U.S. service members and the one partner force wounded were medically evacuated to receive additional treatment,” Africom said in a statement issued on Friday night.

Africom said a large force comprising of about 800 forces from Somali and allied forces came under mortar and small-arms fire while conducting a multi-day operation on Friday afternoon, about 350 kms southwest of Mogadishu.

“The mission’s objectives were to clear al-Shabab from contested areas, liberate villages from al-Shabab control, and establish a permanent combat outpost designed to increase the span of Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) security and governance,” said Africom.

The U.S. military said its special forces provided advice, assistance and aerial surveillance during the mission.

Washington has stepped up operations in the Horn of African nation in the past one year, killing a number of members of the militant group.

Xinhua

Lasanod – On 28 May 2018 a peaceful peace full  Village  in Sool region Somaliland turned into violence when Puntland and Somalia federal government authorities responded with the use of excessive force and live ammunition against the  unarmed civilian demonstrators.

Large crowds of villagers in the village of godqabobe in Sool  region Somaliland, come to gather to protest against the fighting and the occupation of Sool region by Puntland and Somalia federal government in Tukaraq town  which is 15 km away from the village of godqabobe. The demonstration has drawn several hundreds of villagers from local  people in Sool region Somaliland  who had suffered  years of oppression and persecution in the hands of Puntland and Somalia federal government authorities. They were demanding full withdrawal of  Puntland and Somalia federal government authorities from Sool region and buuhoodle district.

Eye witnesses in village of godqaboobe confirm that at least 11people were killed and 45 others were wounded in the attack. More than 110 people have been detained and transferred to prisons in Bosaso and Garowe in Puntland a region party of Somalia federal government. A large number of detainees were women and children. Some of the people that was killed in the attack  their names was Abdi aadan Jama, Hasan Farah Said, Hirsi salah Alow, Guled Dirir Herzi, Bashiir Ahmed Gowdhan, Libah Yare Ali Galaydh. There were well confirmed report that Mohamed abdulaahi farmaajo so called Somalia president  and the president of Puntland region of Somalia Abdiweli mohammed ali gaas has ordered the randomly  and cold blooded fire attack on the civilian  protestors.

Eyewitnesses, also confirmed that Puntland and Somalia federal government authorities had used thesuperior PS forces, supported financially and trained by the United States, to carry out this series attacks on the civilians in east Sool region of Somaliland and surrounding areas. This claim raises questions of whether  the United States government aware about the use of these forces which, if it is true, could involve the United States in Somalia’s tribal conflict and does not linked their participation in the international community’s efforts to find peaceful solution to Somalia aggression against Somaliland peace and stability.

It supposed that the UN Special Envoy to Somaliland and Somalia Michael Keating has not shown strong position in this conflict  to settle the dispute fairly and the report that he wrote to the United Nation of the Security Council, has failed to explain the Puntland and Somalia federal government  aggression against Somaliland  in Southern party of Sool Region (SOMALILAND)  was the primary  cause of this new armed clashes in the region.

Many people who live in this once Peacefull area of Somaliland are deeply concern about the deadly attacks on civilians in Southern party of Sool Region (SOMALILAND). They demand a rapid independent investigation into these barbaric attacks on peaceful civilians in Sool Region Somaliland and unashamedlyviolation of universal human rights of the people who live in Sool Region of  SOMALILAND.

Writen By Anwar Ahmed Dirir

A team of experts from the Somaliland Ministry of Agriculture and Development, led by Somaliland Minister of Agriculture and Development, Mr. Ahmed Mumin Seed, conducted an assessment to evaluate the loss of life and resources caused by Cyclonic Storm Sagar which was the strongest tropical cyclone to ever make landfall in the recorded history of Somaliland on 18-19 May – 2018, particularly in the area of irrigated farms of Awdal and Selel regions.

The main aim of the evaluation was to address the impact of the cyclone Sagar on the agricultural sector, particularly in the areas of irrigated farms of Awdal and Selel regions.

Download PDF Full File:  Agricultural Damage Assessment by Sagar Storm