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Somaliland: Africa Utopia is Back First Names Announced for 2014 Festival

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southbankFollowing 2012’s sensational first edition, Africa Utopia is back in 2014 to look at what can be learnt and celebrated from Africa and the African Diaspora. Taking place from September 11 – 13, the weekend long festival  looks at how African art and ideas can change the world for the better and how Africa can lead the way in thinking about culture, community, technology, fashion, sustainability and ethical wealth creation.

Festival highlights include:

  •        A one off gig from Mulatu Astake – the father of ethio-jazz – at the Royal Festival Hall.
  •        World premiere of dance solo work by Qudus Onikeku with spoken word by Zena Edwards –  My Exile is in My Head.
  •        An insight into North Africa break dancing culture – banned during the Ben Ali regime in Tunisia – from Say it through Breakdance, a project artistically driven by Hakeem Onibudo of Impact Dance.
  •        Talks including those from Edna Adan Ismail, former Somaliland Foreign Minister who set up the first maternity and teaching hospital in Somaliland, Dr. Ola Orekunrin who founded the first ever Nigerian Flying Doctors after a personal tragedy inspired her, Mariemme Janne, technologist and founder of Africa Gathering, and Nimco Ali, anti-FGM campaigner.
  •         Multi-award winning USA based comedian Gina Yashere returns to her hometown with her latest show.
  •        A fashion show of designers who originate or are inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Africa presented in collaboration with Creative Director Ola Shobowale.
  •        Africa 39 – of Hay Festival –  will relocate to Southbank Centre for a special one off event and celebrates 39 of the best African, south of the Sahara, writers under the age of 40.
  •       New work by contemporary artists and designers will be presented across the site, including video, wall works, photography, performance art, and design collaborations including life size craft paper figures by Mary Evans and a textile and sound installation by Yemi Awosile.
  •       The  L’Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste –an orchestra and choir from the Demographic Republic of Congo – visit London for the first time. Based in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the group is Central Africa’s only symphony orchestra.

Jude Kelly, Artistic Director, Southbank Centre, said,  Africa Utopia highlights the many ways that the continent could lead the way in thinking about culture, community, sustainability and ethical wealth creation. The festival uses all forms of art and culture to showcase the great voices of Africa and their contribution to the world. We are proud to announce our programme of inspiring speakers who will be considering and debating what can be learnt from a continent which has given a boundless contribution to the world around us.”

Contemporary Music:

We welcome Mulatu Astake – the father of Ethio-jazz –  to the Royal Festival Hall for the first time.The music that became known as Ethio-jazz is a compelling fusion of traditional styles with funk, jazz and soul. Its creator, Mulatu Astatke trained at Trinity College London and Berklee College of Music in Boston and he has contributed music to the film work of Jim Jarmush, been sampled by the biggest names in hip-hop and played to audiences of thousands at festivals around Europe. Meanwhile, Simply Soweto Encha will celebrate South African oral and dance traditions mixing Zulu, Xhosa and Tswana songs, full of rhythm and harmonies, gospel, soul, jazz, doo-wop and R n’B. Discovered in Johannesburg, they have been touring internationally since 2008. Homage to Magool, a touring concert to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of Magool, Somalia’s most popular singer,  will bring together some of the UK’s leading contemporary Somali singers to celebrate her legacy. The show features the well known Somali singer Farxiya Fiska, the first Somali artist to have YouTube hits exceeding 1 million.  She will be joined by Birmingham-based Nimco Degan, who is considered one of the most authentic voices of Somali music.

Talks and debates:

The Africa Utopia weekend includes panels, talks and workshops looking at how business, trade and education is shaping the continent and how Africa can help solve the world’s problems. Topics under discussion include the African technology revolution, women and agribusiness, the African finance revolution, the African art market, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, disruptive innovation, education, why China loves Africa, sustainable Africa, Nollywood, how to do business in Africa and what really happens when the Diaspora go back. Guest speakers will include Edna Adan Ismail, former Somaliland Foreign Minister who set up the first maternity and teaching hospital in Somaliland, Dr. Ola Orekunrin who founded the first ever Nigerian Flying Doctors after a personal tragedy inspired her, award winning novelist and one of Granta’s ‘Best Young British Novelists’, Bola Agbaje, Hannah Pool, journalist, author and curator, Ella Allfrey,  literary critic, former deputy editor Granta and editor of Africa39, Armand Diangienda, founder of the Kinshasha Symphony Orchestra, Mulatu Astatke, musician, Qudus Onikeku, dancer & choreographer, Mariéme Jamme, technologist, social entrepreneur and founder of Africa Gathering, Ikenna Azuike,  founder of What’s Up Africa, Gillian Slovo, award winning novelist, Nimco Ali, anti-FGM campaigner and co-founder Daughter’s of Eve, Christine Eyene, curator, and  Anver Versi, editor of African Business and African Banker.

Dance and performance:

Southbank Centre welcomes a performance and workshops from Say it through Breakdance, a British Council initiative aimed at transcending the breakdancing art-form beyond the battle spirit. The project is artistically driven by Hakeem Onibudo of Impact Dance, who has been working with 10 B-Boys from North Africa, namely Morocco, Libya and Tunisia. The aim is to empower the dancers to tell their own stories including their hopes and challenges as citizens coming from a region undergoing major social, political and economic change. The project pursues the goal of showing a positive image of this region and combats the stereotypes portrayed. There will also be workshops where anyone can also learn to breakdance. Southbank Centre is also very proud to host the World Premiere of a solo work by Qudus Onikeku, with spoken word by Zena Edwards. My Exile is in My Head is Qudus Onikeku’s first solo work, inspired by the prison writings of Nigerian Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. Dance, theatre, spoken word and song also comes from Alesandra Seutin. This is not Black is the journey of a mixed-raced woman down memory lane, a winding road between Europe and Africa. As perceptions of her change from place to place, she plays with masks, roles and attitudes, highlighting the idea that what you see is not always what you get.  The History of African Dance will be demonstrated and discussed by Funmi Adewole, who will look at the variety of dances across Africa through performance, percussion and film.

 

Comedy:

Multi-award winning Gina Yashere returns to her hometown one night only with her latest show. A former lift engineer, born in Bethnal Green, Gina made her comedy debut at the Edinburgh Festival in 1996 and went on to sell out shows across the world. She has since gone on to appear on various American shows such as The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, Def Comedy Jam, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, as well as The Lenny Henry Show to Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo.

 

Classical Music:

For the first time, L’Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste (OSK) and choir will visit London from Kinchasa. This will be as part of a UK tour and a nationwide partnership, made possible with special support from an Exceptional Award from Arts Council England. OSK, the world’s first all-black symphony orchestra, was founded in December 1994 by the group’s conductor and former airline pilot, Armand Diangienda. Based in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the group is Central Africa’s only symphony orchestra. The orchestra’s members are dedicated, talented musicians who are mostly self-taught and often play on home-made instruments. Their work, which includes performing music from the core classical repertoire such as Beethoven’s Symphony No.9, promotes peace and hope in a country torn apart by war and poverty. Diangienda recently received honorary membership from the Royal Philharmonic Society, which is awarded in recognition of services to music. Previous recipients of the award include Felix Mendelssohn, Igor Stravinsky and, more recently, Sir Mark Elder.  The concerts given by the OSK will also feature players from Southbank Centre’s Resident Orchestras.

 

Visual Arts, Crafts and Fashion:

A fashion element will return to Africa Utopia for 2014, and in collaboration with Creative Director Ola Shobowale, Southbank Centre presents a selection of exciting fashion designers who originate or are inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Africa.  There will also be a selection of new work by contemporary visual artists and designers presented across the site, including works in video, wall works, photography, performance art, and design collaborations encompassing a range of practices from craft to digital. New work by contemporary artists and designers will be presented across the site, including video, wall works, photography, performance art, and design collaborations including life size craft paper figures by Mary Evans and a textile and sound installation by Yemi Awosile. Visitors can also explore Recrafted: a pop-up market stall featuring the work of young designers from Johanna Primary School in Lambeth.  The students have been working with artists Kathy Shenoy and Rebecca Moore from ethical design brand Shake the Dust to explore product development, design, sustainability and enterprise inspired by the imagination and ingenuity of African craftsmanship. There will also be a ‘Film Africa’ screening room presented by the Royal African Society during the weekend.

 

Join in:

There are some great opportunities to join in and perform with L’Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste Join Southbank Centre’s Voicelab and the choir of orchestra and chorus for a Big Sing to learn a selection of traditional Congolese songs ahead of their Royal Festival Hall concert the following evening.  All ages are welcome and to find out more visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk   Those with a Grade 4+ in music can also join Southbank Centre’s scratch orchestra to try out some of the pieces The Kimbanguiste Orchestra will perform in their concert. Email onegiantorchestra@southbankcentre.co.uk with your name, instrument and ability level to sign up for the project and for more information.

 

MORE NAMES TO BE ANNOUNCED THIS SUMMER. 

 

For Africa Utopia press information please contact:

Nicola Jeffs, Press Manager

Nicola.Jeffs@southbankcentre.co.uk / 020 7921 0676

 

Hugo Mintz (from August 6th 2014), Press Officer

Hugo.mintz@southbankcentre.co.uk / 020 7921 0917

 

For  L’Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste at Southbank Centre press information please contact:

Libby.binks@southbankcentre.co.uk / 0207 921 0824 or simin.elden@southbankcentre.co.uk/

02079210888

 

Southbank Centre Ticket Officewww.southbankcentre.co.uk / 0844 847 9910

 

Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts centre, occupying a 21-acre site that sits in the midst of London’s most vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames. The site has an extraordinary creative and architectural history stretching back to the 1951 Festival of Britain. Southbank Centre is home to the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and the Hayward Gallery as well as The Saison Poetry Library and the Arts Council Collection. For further information please visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk

 

Africa Utopia TV media partners for 2014 are the Africa Channel.  The Africa Channel broadcasts award winning television inspired by Africa, available on Sky 209 and Virginmedia 828.

Somalia:Somali delegation completes course on election management

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Mogadishu 12 July 2014- A delegation from Somalia Federal Government, Civil Society and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), alongside other African and US participants completed two-week course in Ghana on election management.
The course, which covered the entire electoral cycle, was held at Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in the Ghana capital, Accra. It covered both theory, lesson-sharing and exchange of experiences from Ghana, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sierra Leon, Liberia, Gambia, South Africa, Somalia, Uganda and US.
In addition, the course covered the expected international norms and standards in an election cycle particularly the legal framework, nature of election management body, electoral activities, election funding and election observation in stable and post-conflict environments, in promoting democracy especially in Africa.
As part of field work, the participants interacted with the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), a local Non-Governmental Organization that has contributed in successful election observation in Ghana and Africa at large. Ghana, as a role model in Africa held a successful election in 2012, a peaceful dispute resolution in courts of laws and is at advanced stage of preparing Biometric Voters Registration.
Deputy Minister of Information in the Federal Government of Somalia, Hon Abdullahi Olad Roble, said that the course met the delegation’s expectations especially at a time when Somalia is working on the legal framework in preparation for free and fair 2016 election.
On behalf of the government, Hon Abdullahi expressed gratitude to AMISOM for organizing the course on building capacity in Somalia and appealed for more capacity building for Somalis in this area as Somalia looks ahead of 2016 electoral process.

Somalia: Beleaguered President sought relief in divisive clan federalism

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hassan sheik mahmoudMight explain the different July 11, 2014
In violation of the Provisional Constitution, the law on establishing local administrations (districts and regions before federal states), the recommendations of the “Vision 2016 Conference” held in Mogadishu in September 2-6 2013, the mandates of the Ministry of Interior and Federalism, the purpose of Boundaries and Federation Commission, and the impartial mediation between two rival groups, on June 23, 2014, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided a ceremony at Villa Somalia in which he declared the formation of Southwest Federal Member State composed of three regions (SW3)-Bay, Bakol, and Lower Shabelle and rejected the rival one of six regions (SW6) which included Jubbaland State regions- Lower Jubba, Middle Jubba, and Gedo. The ceremony was held to disclose a “fraudulent document” signed on June 22, 2013 between Mohamed Haji Abdinur (Madder), President of SW3 and Abdifatah Mohamed Ibrahim Geesey, former Minister of SW6 sacked by President Madobe Mohamed Nuunow days before he signed the document.
For political reasons, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Religious Affairs Ridwan Hersi Mohamed signed the document on behalf of the federal government as guarantor. The Representatives of the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), signed it as witnesses and their organizations plus the United States released instantaneous press statements as preemption for anticipated objection of SW3. This replicates the show of the Interim Jubba Agreement signed between Raskamboni Militia Leader Ahmed Madobe and Minister Farah Sh. Abdulkadir in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 27, 2013. In practice, IGAD (Ethiopia and Kenya) leads both processes.
The significance of the two documents which created two disputed regional states is to transfer the ownership of the political power in the regions to a clan. Thus, both documents disenfranchised large segment of Somali citizens in each area and compromised the Somali reconciliation, governance, and security situations. As Jubbaland State (Ogaden-Darod), the SW3 represents Digil and Mirifle (DM) State where other clans are considered migrants.
The next political turmoil to watch for will be the formation of Benadir State, Middle Shabelle and Hiiran State, Galgudud and Mudug State which will incorporate the districts- Galkaio, Galdogob, and Jarriban now claimed by Puntland, the re-demarcation of Puntland State composed of Bari and Nugal regions, and the fates of Khatumo and Maakhir States comprising Sool and Sanaag regions. In addition, the outcomes of three matters will also be game changers: the dialogue between Somaliland State and the Federal Government, the regional State planned for the minority 0.5 (Others), and the delimitation of the side for the federal government’s Headquarter.
Not surprisingly, the decision of President Hassan has angered the majority of DM leaders, people, and Diaspora who passionately supported SW6 and opposed SW3 and Jubbaland State. Large demonstrations took place in Baidoa. President Hassan chose not to adhere to the course of actions outlined in the Provisional Constitution for the resolution of the disputed concept of federalism (decentralization) in Somalia and embarked on the creation of federal states without legal foundations. Thus, the unconstitutional decision intensified the public contempt for the federal government and the international community for their policies of deepening Somalia’s fragmentation.
Majority of the Somali people believe that the fraudulent document was prompted by the desire of foreign officials in charge of Somalia to present the establishment of non-functional federal states as a success story to the upcoming international conference on Somalia in Denmark. On their part, the Somali leaders are eager to compete for complying with the desire of their foreign handlers for legitimacy and financial support because Somali public opinion has no influence on their actions. There are reports of use of corruption, intimidations, and divisive tactics to gain support for SW3. These tactics would produce dangerous consequences.
The SW3 document written in English was most probably drafted by the United Nations Office headed by Ambassador Nicholas Kay. In full knowledge of the unpopularity of IGAD-UN-EU imposed clan federalism, the drafters inserted in the document words of punishment and intimidation against legitimate opponents. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sh. Ahmed issued press statement hailing the document and scoffing its opponents. Ironically, talking to the Governor and district commissioners of Benadir region claimed by Hawiye clan, he asked the officials to make Benadir region a place where all residents will have equal rights, protections, and opportunities in variation to other regions.
The Minister of Interior and federalism Abdullahi Godah, responsible for the policy and administration of federal matters has been excluded from the decision to side with SW3. Instead, Dr. Khalid Omar Ali, Minister of Sports and Youth has been appointed as the liaison of the federal government with SW3. The act was in general a breach of government regulation and in particular an affront to the leadership and responsibility of Minister Abdullahi Godah who rightly described the document as unconstitutional, premature, and politically unwise. Precedents predict that IGAD will label and pressure the dismissal of the Minister who got special vote of confidence from the federal parliament.
Geeska Africa website published a news item under the title “Somalia: Abdi Afey call Godah Barre will be considered Al-shabab Sympathizer.” It says, “According to the sources close to IGAD: the special representative of IGAD to Somalia Mohamed Abdi Afey announced that any Somali cabinet or official within the federal Somali Government who disagrees with the three states deal will be considered as Al-Shabab sympathizer in Somalia and the region.” President Hassan echoed similar threat in his speech during the ceremony. This is an insult to the dignity and sovereignty of the Somali people and leaders.
Details of the SW3 document
The SW3 document consists of a preamble and 11 articles. The preamble asserts that the presidents of SW6 and SW3 after face to face meeting facilitated by the federal government in Mogadishu agreed on the formation of SW3. This assertion has been categorically refuted by the President of SW6, Madobe Nunow and supporters. Therefore, the document is fraudulent and cannot be called an agreement because of the false assertion and the illegal signature.
In an interview with Sahabi (Washington, D.C.), President Nunow insisted that before achieving compromise (agreement), there was a need to talk on how to identify and protect the rights of the people of the same ancestry living in the six regions and how they will be able to participate in their local government politics. The SW6 position agrees with the provisional constitution overlooked by the federal government. Beleaguered President Hassan decided to seek relief in divisive foreign driven clan federalism.
Articles 2 and 3 stipulate that regional partners [Ethiopia and Kenya] and the international community will arbitrate the inclusion of constituencies in the Interim Jubba and Southwest Administrations. Article 4 establishes that the Federal Government will facilitate consultations between Jubba and Southwest Administrations whenever appropriate. Article 10 calls the international Partners to take appropriate measures against any group or individual who actively oppose the two administrations for their unconstitutionality.
The SW3 document is not vetted in accordance with government practices. It defies the social contract between the federal government and the Somali citizens, reaffirms the illegitimacy of Jubbaland formation, obliges the federal government to trample the rights of other Somali citizens, misrepresents the position of SW6 supporters, foments internal conflicts, overrides the purpose and work of the Boundaries and Federation Commission, and empowers clients of Ethiopia and Kenya.
In an interview with Sahabi, Mohamed Abdullahi Mursal, Minister of Planning and Coordination of SW3 has summed up the significance of SW3 absolute victory when he said that “SW3 officials will hold talks with all relevant clans and will give everyone from the region an opportunity to take part in the administration.” In the Somali context, many expressions have special connotations. Therefore, Somalis interpret the messages of Minister Mursal in different light.
“Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” President Henry S. Truman
In addition to the provisional constitution, many foreign organizations and experts have lately issued warning reports expressing serious concerns about setbacks to statebuilding in Somalia. In Policy Briefing of June 26, 2014 the International Crisis Group (ICG) has put forward four recommendations that could reverse the deteriorating situation of Somalia. Among them are: (1) the federal government should establish local and regional administrations that privilege neither the federal government appointees nor the clients of the neighboring countries; and (2) the federal government should make the Somali political grievances the paramount focus, not regional or wider international priorities.
Furthermore, in an article published by the European Union Institute for Security Studies in June 2014, titled “Somalia’s federal Agenda: from fragility to Fragmentation,” Dr. Dominik Balthasar argued for an urgent unification of Somali people and the strengthening of the central administration vis-à-vis the federal member states. He urged the international community to adhere to the principles of the Somali Compact and to support national institutions and political parties that span regional and clan divides.
Leaders of the federal government must read honestly the reality, aspirations, and interests of their country and people better than and prior to foreign researchers, observers, analysts, and international community. Political deception, empty words, and spins do not bring about positive changes. The divergent Somali public opinions and grievances should matter seriously and guide the decisions of national leaders.
(*) The author, analyst Mr. Mohamud M Uluso, can be reached directly via: mohamuduluso[AT]gmail.com
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ECOTERRA Intl.
SURVIVAL & FREEDOM for PEOPLE & NATURE

Statement by the European Union Special Envoy, Michele Cervone d’Urso on attack targeted at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu, Somalia

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EU FLAG

10/07/2014

European Union Special Envoy, Michele Cervone d’Urso, condemned last night’s terrorist attack on Villa Somalia and expressed his sympathy with the victims and their families. The Somali security forces and AMISOM forces responded swiftly and courageously.

 

The Envoy said: “I am appalled by this hideous attack which took place in the month of peace, the Holy Ramadan. I pay respect to those who lost their lives in protecting the Federal leadership and call for a thorough investigation of this attack.”

 

The EU continues its unstinting support to the people of Somalia in their efforts to recover from years of conflict and suffering. Such cowardly acts will not be tolerated and those responsible should be brought to justice. 

Somalia:Reflections on my fallen colleague: Yusuf Keynan

Yusuf Keynan talking to IDPs (Abdukhader Ahmed)cropped

 

Yusuf Keynan, who was killed by a car bomb in June, is seen here speaking to internally displaced persons. (Abdukhader Ahmed)

By Muhyadin Ahmed Roble/CPJ Guest Blogger

My mother once sarcastically told me she could allow for my death, but couldn’t live with seeing my leg or hand amputated or with a lost eye after reporting from a battlefield. It was when she first learned that I had been secretly studying journalism in May 2005. The news made her distraught. She wanted me to go to school for medicine upon completing high school and become a doctor; my father wanted me to be a sheikh–an Islamic scholar. I wanted to be a journalist, but didn’t dare tell them.

“Being a journalist is like being a soldier, and that is a bit like a dead man walking. I don’t want such a career for you,” she told me in a soft voice an hour after I survived a huge explosion 10 yards from the speaker’s podium at Mogadishu’s largest football stadium in 2005. The country’s transitional Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi, in his first trip to the capital since he had taken office in Nairobi, was speaking to large crowd of people there.

It was my first terrifying experience in the real world of journalism. More than 20 people died–most of them were standing around me just seconds earlier. Fire and smoke filled the stadium while blood and screams could be seen and heard all over the place. Panicked people were stepping over dead bodies and the injured, falling and pushing others out of the way to escape. Some were jumping over the walls. I was pushed over and stepped on several times, but managed to get up each time.

“Your mouth and your words are going to kill you. Drop it for good,” my mother told me. But I was just a fearless 17-year-old and an amateur journalist with big dreams of reaching the greatest of heights in global journalism. I couldn’t abandon such dreams easily.

Yet the death of a great Somali journalist and an award-winning Radio Ergo correspondent–and my friend–Yusuf Ahmed Abukar, better known as “Yusuf Keynan,” made me appreciate the warnings my mother gave me a decade ago. Keynan was also an editor of Mustaqbal Radio, one of the most influential stations in the capital. In the past four years, he was a roving correspondent based in Mogadishu for the humanitarian broadcaster Radio Ergo, where I work as a producer.

Just two days before he was killed, Keynan pitched to me an idea for a radio feature that investigated the root causes behind the country’s repeated droughts and famines. The feature reflected the fears voiced by aid agencies recently that Somalia is facing another catastrophic famine as witnessed in 2011. Nearly a quarter of a million pastoralists and farmers lost their lives in that famine. His pitch was interesting, so I approved the story. He was meant to brief me over his progress after the weekend.

“How is the city these days? Any new threats?” I asked him as we were about to end our conversation.

“[The people who threatened him] say they will come for me one day. I am still waiting for that day,” he replied.

That response didn’t shock me. Somalia is the most dangerous country in Africa to practice journalism and has one of the world’s worst impunity records in terms of journalist murders. Death threats, assassinations, and systemic violence are part of Somali journalists’ daily experience.

“Yes, we are all waiting that day,” I told him.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come anytime soon,” he said. We laughed and called it a day.

But the day came sooner than either of us expected. On Saturday, June 21, 2014, a bomb planted under his car killed Yusuf Keynan, 27, in Mogadishu’s Hamarweyne neighbourhood. His second born child was only 20 days old.

Keynan was one of the brightest and most talented humanitarian correspondents working in the country. Upon hearing of his death, I immediately remembered our last conversation as if he were talking to me now. He told me he was a dead man walking. He knew that he would be killed sooner or later for nothing else but his journalistic career. Every journalist working in Somalia shares similar thoughts–morbidly waiting for their day to come–as a routine part of life.

But such risks do not induce us to give up the profession. Even though Keynan’s murder represents a huge loss for the local press, my colleagues’ resilience to inform the people about the country’s political and socioeconomic challenges at this critical stage will only grow. Every time we have suffered such tragedies, Somali journalists only come back more determined. The fight for truth continues because that is what all journalists who died for reporting the truth want us to do.

[Reporting from Nairobi, Kenya]

Somalia:President Hassan Promise of “Break the Fast in Peace” fails to Materialize as Attacks on Mogadishu Surge

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terrorist bombingBy Goth Mohamed Goth

Pressure is mount on SFG President Hassan Sheik Mahmoud for  failing to keep his pledge increased security in Mogadishu during the holy month of Ramadan this after an upsurge of deadly terrorist attacks in the past few days.

Before the start of the holy month of Ramadan the government of President Hassan Sheik Mahmoud announced a new program called “Break the Fast in Peace” this after the formation of a special security unit which was tasked with deterring any attacks on the capital but the last two days we have seen a surge in the number attacks which has cost life’s of a prominent MP, police officers and many other people killed in deadly bombing.

Yesterday was the most recent day where a legislator of the Somali Federal Parliament was killed in the capital city Mogadishu.

With increased casualties in the number of traffic policemen killed in the attacks on the capital reaching 4 in just one week this after two more perished after an attack on the parliament yesterday.

Members of the Somali Federal Parliament claimed their safety is at jeopardy and President Hassan Sheik Mahmoud government had failed to secure the capital in a statement issued by the legislators yesterday.

The MPs led by the former speaker Mr. Mohamed Omar Dalha, a Member of the Somali Federal Parliament argued that there is no major guarantee from the Somali Federal Government that proves that their safety is being taken care of or that the government sheds responsibility to ensure that no further MPs are targeted.

Employees at Villa Somalia are provided with bulletproof personal vehicles and MPs own cars that are likelier to be targeted from quite a distance, as lawmaker Dalha said.

Another MP whose name is Mr. Dahir Amin Jeesow said, “The proposed President Hassan “Break the Fast in Peace” has turned to be ‘Break the Fast in Fear”.

Mr. Abdillahi Jama , a Member of the federal parliament expressed his frustration on the continued increase of attacks on the capital, what the people need is action not empty promises.

Although AMISOM forces have being successful gaining more territory in other regions of the country the government of President Hassanh Sheik Mahmoud has failed to deliver elusive peace to Mogadishu , capital of Somalia.

SomalilandPress.com

Somalia: International community should look beyond the verbiage.

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al shabaab22By Mohamed A. Hussein

One of the most known member of the parliament, Mohamed Mohamud Hayd was reported to be killed in the center of city Mogadishu while heading to the parliament building on Thursday morning, July 3, 2014. His body guard was also reported to be killed in that gunfire.

Immediately it was also reported that Alshabab took the responsibility of that execution and threaten to continue murdering in the month of Ramadan. Security officers are said to be in pursue of assailants. PM, Abdiwali Sheikh Ahmed and president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud both declared the killers would be brought to justice. Based on the past performance of security agents whose minister resigned few months ago soon after the parliament building was attacked, it is hard to expect this case to be concluded soon as predicted.

Parliament building, Villa Somalia and UN building were attacked recently. The government leaders gave the same speech. Condolence was sent to the families of diseased and promise to pursue killers until brought to justice was declared. None had happened afterward. As result, it is a reasonable in this case to also expect the government agents failing to find the killers.

Despite all those unsolved crimes in Mogadishu, surprisingly UN representative, Nicholas Kay has been and still reported as to have claim that Somalia is making progress in term of security as indicated on his recent report to security council few months ago, but his activities on the ground toward his own security tells different story.

Soon after UN building, one of the places used to consider safest place in Mogadishu was finally attacked by Alshabab, Mr. Kay immediately requested from Security Council to approve additional Ugandan troops trained specifically to guard the UN building in Mogadishu, which was later granted.

Now, it is no doubt that UN building is the safest place in Mogadishu because it is the only building being assigned over 700 special guards. Therefore, it is possible when Mr. Kay talks about the progressive safety of Mogadishu, he has in mind the UN building.

All the other areas are perceived for Alshabab to have free access, and the most of the political assassination is reportedly claimed by Alshabab. However, lately their claim is being questioned. Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta denied that the recent killing that took place in Lamu, Kenya in which Alshabab claimed its responsibility and instead accused local militias to be behind it. Other security analysts questioned in that case also if Alshabab was responsible why only certain tribes in Kenya were targeted.

Here in Mogadishu, the last attack in the parliament building where Alshabab is reported to take its responsibility was also questioned by security analysts as to why the attack in parliament happened the day after president’s supporters warned the members of the parliaments from talking part in debate over motion against president.

Now it should be considered any further claim by either president, prime Minster or for this matter Mr. Kay that Mogadishu is safe to be pure verbiage. Safety of the city cannot be accomplished without reconciliation among Somalia people. It is not enough for the President to just claim the safety of the city is his number one, two, and three priority. It is possible and probably the reason why there is a lack of progress so far is that the president Hassan thought since he was elected the first president after transition period,
no further reconciliation is needed and as result he should dictate from top down.

President forgets the mandate of his government was to continue reconciliation among others which is the foundation of safety of not only the capital, but the whole nation. He should also realize that international recognition without the approval of Somali people is why Somali people are still at square one. One clan militias turned to be police force for the nation will not secure the safety of the capital, not to mention other areas.

Mohamed A. Hussein
Political Analyst in the horn of Africa
Mohabdhus@aolcom

Heinous Murder of Somali MP

0

Senseless assassination of Hon. Mohamed Mohamud Hayd

Mogadishu, 3. July 2014 – One of the most experienced and steadfast Somali politicians of Somalia, Adm. (ret.) Mohamed Mohamud ‘Hayd’, a Member of the Somali Federal Parliament, was killed today,Thursday, morning in Hamarweyne district of Mogadishu, when alleged al Shabaab gunmen opened fire on a group of legislators.

Hon. Mohamud Hayd and a security officer were shot and killed on the spot. Another parliamentary official, Abdullahi Ahmed Onka, accompanying them was severely injured while another MP reportedly escaped unharmed.

The legislators were attacked as they exited Masjid Marwaaz, a mosque adjacent to the hotel they were staying at. The armed assailants allegedly shot at the MPs in a drive-by shooting before quickly fleeing in their vehicle. No arrests have been made so far.

Lawmaker Abdi Barre Yusuf confirmed to Radio Shabelle that the MPs were getting ready to come to today’s parliament session. Pro Al Shabaab radio Al Furqqaan immediately reported that the al Shabaab militia group claimed the responsibly for the attack.

A fellow legislator, lawmaker Dahir Amin Jesow, told Reuters, that this was the fifth such attack in as many days. “Hon. Hayd was a former admiral and a hardworking lawmaker who has been in parliament for over a decade. I understand the gunmen escaped – it is very unfortunate, he stated.”

Al Shabaab, who have since also claimed officially the responsibility for today’s assassination of the well liked parliamentarian and his bodyguard, had threatened to step up attacks during the Ramadan fasting month which began on Sunday.

Sheikh Abdiasis abu Musab, al Shabaab’s spokesman for military affairs, pledged to continue killing Somali legislators “one by one”, Reuters published.  “The so-called lawmakers are the ones who brought the enemy Christians into our country. We shall continue killing the legislators in bundles,” Musab reportedly told Reuters, a reference to the support Mogadishu receives from Western governments and African Union members who have sent in troops to battle the rebels.

The diplomatic relationship especially of Somalia and Kenya, have become strained since Kenya first invaded Southern Somalia and then became part of the AMISOM detail. It further deteriorated since Kenya recently started arresting also legally documented refugees and embarked on the deportation of many Somalis after an attack on a shopping mall in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, whose true masterminds have not been found out clearly, though Al-Shabab also for this case claimed responsibility.

They killed the wrong man

“They got the wrong man,” is the impression of many Somalis, who know that Hon. Hayd, who had studied in Russia, was one of those straight-forward Somali politicians, who always put the interests of the Somali people and their nation first.

The foreign backed Islamist militants were pushed out of the capital by military force with the assistance of AMISOM, the African Union lead peacekeeping forces, in 2011 but have since waged a bombing and assassination campaign to try to overthrow the government and impose their strict version of Sharia.

President Hassan Sheikh Mahamoud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed sent their deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Veteran MP Mohammed Mohamud Hayd, who under earlier Somali Governments had also served as Minister of Fisheries and Minister for Tourism and Environment.

“This criminal act only promotes violence, distress and grief in our community. Taking a human life is abhorrent and only affects an innocent family and strikes them with grief. This criminal act will be investigated and justice will be brought forth,” the Prime Minister said and added “Mohammed Mohamud Hayd was a man who served his country and his people. We condemn this and any other murders especially during the holy month of Ramadhan. Islam does not support the killing of innocents, brothers slaying brothers and criminal acts. Mohammed Mohamud Hayd will be remembered for his unwavering patriotism and devotion to the great nation of Somalia.”

The Acting Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Honorable Lydia Wanyoto Mutende, who in a media briefing had boasted: “We are confident in the ongoing political process. Our mandate is to ensure a safe and secure environment for the government and the people to conduct their business,” stated she learnt with sadness the assassination of Honourable Mohammed Mohamud Hayd who until his death was a well respected Member of the Federal Parliament. “At this time when Somalia is trying to lay the critical foundations of a stable and a democratic state, the assassination of legislators who represent the voices of the people remains an intolerable crime, ‘she said. The AU Special Representative offered her condolences to the Federal Parliament of Somalia, relatives and friends for the death of the Honourable Mohammed Mohamud Hayd. She also prayed for quick recovery of another parliamentarian, Honourable Abdullahi Ahmed Onka who was wounded in the same attack.

“I am appalled to learn of the murder of Mohamed Mohamud ‘Hayd’ and condemn his brutal murder in the strongest terms. Ramadan is a time for peace and reconciliation; to commit such callous crimes during the holy month demonstrates how little regard the perpetrators have for the Somali people,” UN-SRSG Nicolaus Kay said. “I call on the authorities to make every effort to bring the perpetrators to justice as quickly as possible. We remain resolute in our support for the Somali people and their representatives as they work to realise their hope for a peaceful and stable future.” he added.

A great Somali statesman, steadfast defender of Somali interests, the Somali people and their nation, a dedicated leader and a great friend and colleague fell to this senseless assassination carried out by heinous murderers.

Our deep thoughts are with the family and the many Somalis of all regions, who lost their caring and integrating father figure.

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EU Special Envoy to Somalia condemns the killing of Somali MP Mohammed Mohamud Hayd in Mogadishu

0

03/07/2014

The EU Special Envoy to Somalia, Michele Cervone d’Urso, condemns today’s brutal murder of the Somali Member of Federal Parliament, Honourable Mohammed Mohamud Hayd, in Mogadishu and extends his sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the Parliament. He calls on Somali authorities to bring to justice those responsible without delay.

This coward and senseless assassination is an attack against the nation,  against peace and reconciliation, against the Somali  people, stated the EU Special Envoy. Committing these atrocities during the holy month of Ramadan shows even more how little respect terrorists have for the people of Somalia. 

The European Union, together with the rest of the international community, continues to support Somalia, its leaders and its people on their course to peace and stability. A course that will not be deviated by such cowardly actions. (END)

               
ole0.bmp        Delegation of the European Union to Somalia

P.O. Box 45119 Nairobi | Insurance House, Ragati Road, Upper Hill 

Tel.: +254 (0)20 280 20 00

Email: SOMALIAMISSION@eeas.europa.eu

Website: http://www.eu-somalia.eu 

Twitter: @SomaliaEU | Flickr: EUSomalia | Youtube: EU SOMALIA

       

U.S. Military Presence in Somalia Disclosed

0

somalia

 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. military advisors have secretly operated in Somalia since around 2007 and Washington plans to deepen its security assistance to help the country fend off threats by Islamist militant group al Shabaab, U.S. officials said.
The comments are the first detailed public acknowledgement of a U.S. military presence in Somalia dating back since the U.S. administration of George W. Bush and add to other signs of a deepening U.S. commitment to Somalia’s government, which the Obama administration recognized last year.
The deployments, consisting of up to 120 troops on the ground, go beyond the Pentagon’s January announcement that it had sent a handful of advisors in October. That was seen at the time as the first assignment of U.S. troops to Somalia since 1993 when two U.S. helicopters were shot down and 18 American troops killed in the “Black Hawk Down” disaster.
The plans to further expand U.S. military assistance coincide with increasing efforts by the Somali government and African Union peacekeepers to counter a bloody seven-year insurgent campaign by the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab to impose strict Islamic law inside Somalia.
Those U.S. plans include greater military engagement and new funds for training and assistance for the Somali National Army (SNA), after years of working with the African Union Mission in Somalia, or AMISOM, which has about 22,000 troops in the country from Uganda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Djibouti and Ethiopia.
“What you’ll see with this upcoming fiscal year is the beginning of engagement with the SNA proper,” said a U.S. defense official, who declined to be identified. The next fiscal year starts in October.
An Obama administration official told Reuters there were currently up to 120 U.S. military personnel on the ground throughout Somalia and described them as trainers and advisors.
“They’re not involved in combat,” the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding that until last year, U.S. military advisors had been working with AMISOM troop contributors, as opposed to Somali forces.
President Barack Obama last year determined that Somalia could receive U.S. military assistance.
Another official said American forces over the years had provided advice and assistance in areas related to mission planning, small unit tactics, medical care, human rights and communications. The official said U.S. forces in Somalia have also facilitated coordination, planning and communication between AMISOM troop contributors and Somali security forces.
SPECIAL OPS
The comments expand upon a little noticed section of a speech given early in June by Wendy Sherman, under secretary of state for political affairs. She publicly acknowledged that a “small contingent of U.S. military personnel” including special operations forces had been present in parts of Somalia for several years.
Still, it was not immediately clear from her remarks the extent to which U.S. personnel had been operating.
U.S. special operations forces have staged high-profile raids in the past in Somalia, including an aborted attempt in October to capture an al Shabaab operative in the militant group’s stronghold of Barawe. U.S. officials have acknowledged Washington’s support for AMISOM and Somalia’s struggle against al Shabaab.
U.S. Central Intelligence Agency officials have been known to operate in the country.
U.S. troop numbers on the ground in Somalia vary over time, the officials told Reuters. Deployments are “staggered” and “short-term,” one official said. But the Obama administration official added that there was overlap in the deployments to allow for a persistent presence on the ground.
Asked about where U.S. forces were deployed, the administration official said they were “in locations throughout Somalia” but declined to elaborate further for security reasons.
The official declined to say precisely when the first U.S. military forces went back into Somalia, saying: “It was around 2007” and in support of AMISOM.
Asked about why Sherman chose to disclose the information, a State Department official told Reuters: “In the past, our assessment of the security situation in Somalia informed our decision to err on the side of force protection concerns and not divulge their presence.”
That’s changed, the official said. “We do not currently believe that acknowledging the U.S. presence will increase the already high threat to our personnel and citizens operating in Somalia.”
The announcement also reflects a deepening of the U.S.-Somali relationship and comes as the United States prepares to name its first ambassador for Somalia since 1993, who would initially be based out of the country due tosecurity concerns.
“Absolutely there’s been a shift” in the relationship, an Obama administration official said.
Military trainers from the European Union are already on the ground in Somalia training soldiers after shifting their operations at the end of last year to Mogadishu from Uganda, where troops were previously drilled.

Source: Reuters