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Kenya:Kenyatta at the ICC: Is Justice Deferred, Justice Denied?

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I am getting a little jittery over the repeated delays, postponements and all the backpedalling talk about “false evidence” and “lying witnesses”  in the Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta International Criminal court trial. I don’t want to say I smell a rat but I feel like I am getting a whiff. Is the stage being set to let Kenyatta off the ICC hook?

There has been feverish efforts to defer, delay and dismiss Kenyatta’s prosecution as a sitting head of state since  January 2012 when the International Criminal Court’s  (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber confirmed charges against him.  In May 2013, Kenya’s Ambassador to the U.N. Macharia Kamau filed a 13-page “Confidential” letter with the President of the UN Security Council seeking to take the Kenyatta case out of ICC hands and directing it to relinquish  jurisdiction to Kenyan courts. In the same month, Hailemariam Desalegn, the ceremonial prime minister of Ethiopia and rotational chairman of the African Union, went on the warpath accusing the ICC of going on an African safari “race hunting” black African leaders.  In June 2013, the ICC delayed Kenyatta’s trial until November 12 having determined Kenyatta’s defense team needs adequate time to prepare for trial. In September 2013, Hailemariam formally demanded that the ICC drop charges against both Kenyatta and Ruto. At the 68th UN General Assembly, Hailemariam hectored  that the ICC is undermining the “ability of the Kenyan leaders in discharging their constitutional responsibilities” and that  dropping the charges “is very critical to support the peace building and national reconciliation processes in [Kenya].”

In October 2013, the African Union (AU) held a special summit to discuss the Kenyata/Ruto ICC trial and to demand that the ICC relinquish jurisdiction to Kenyan courts. In the alternative, they vowed to stage a mass walk out of African countries from the Rome Statute. They gathered in Addis Ababa in a pathetic spectacle like panicked prey fleeing a stalking predator (race hunter) seeking safety in numbers. They huffed and puffed, ranted and raved against the ICC, but the threatened “mass treaty-cide” flopped . The Sturm und Drang of a mass walkout on the Rome Statute proved to be nothing more than a tempest in a teapot.  The AU subsequently filed a request with the Security Council to delay Kenyatta’s trial by one year. In mid-November 2013, the Security Council rejected a resolution to delay the trial. Ambassador Kamau declared, “The deferral has not been granted.  Reason and the law have been thrown out the window, fear and distrust have been allowed to prevail.” Surprisingly, the U.S. did the right thing. U.S. UN Ambassador Samantha Power affirmed, “The families of the victims of the 2008 post-election violence in Kenya have already waited more than five years for a judicial weighing of the evidence to commence. We believe that justice for the victims of that violence is critical to the country’s long-term peace and security. It is incumbent on us all to support accountability for those responsible for crimes against humanity.” Last week, it was announced that Kenyatta’s trial set to begin on February 5, 2014  has been postponed once more for three months to give the Prosecutor time to reassess evidence against Kenyatta after  “a witness withdrew and another admitted giving false evidence.”

False evidence and lying witnesses?

For the past month, there has been disturbing talk of “false evidence” and “lying witnesses” in the office of the ICC Prosecutor. On December 19, 2013, ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said, “On December 4, a key second witness in the case confessed to giving false evidence regarding a critical event in the Prosecution’s case. This witness has now been withdrawn from the Prosecution witness list… Having carefully considered my evidence and the impact of the two withdrawals, I have come to the conclusion that currently the case against Mr Kenyatta does not satisfy the high evidentiary standards required at trial… I therefore need time to complete efforts to obtain additional evidence and to consider whether such evidence will enable my office to fully meet the evidentiary threshold required at trial.” In March 2013, when the ICC prosecutor dismissed its case against former Kenya head of Civil Service and co-defendant Francis Muthaura, Bensouda said his dismissal has no impact on her case against President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta. “Logic dictates that the withdrawal of charges against one indirect co-perpetrator does not have an automatic knock-on effect with the respect to the charges against another alleged indirect co-perpetrator. The fact that multiple individuals are charged in the same Document Containing Charges under the same mode of liability does not require lock-step decisions to be taken with respect to each co-accused… Whereas Kenyatta was allegedly in charge of the provision of financial and logistical support to the direct perpetrators, Muthaura allegedly secured the support of the Mungiki and directed the latter to commit the crimes in Nakuru and Naivasha (and) provided institutional support for the execution of the crimes on behalf of the PNU Coalition.”

Arguments to let Kenyatta and Ruto off the ICC hook

Various legal, political and policy arguments have been advanced to get Kenyatta and Ruto off the ICC hook either by “delaying” their trial until they leave office, granting one-year “deferrals” and postponing the trial indefinitely or dismissing the ICC charges and returning the matter to the jurisdiction of Kenyan courts. Among the major arguments include the following: Prosecuting Kenyatta and Ruto violates Kenyan sovereignty. Kenyatta and Ruto are entitled to immunity from prosecution because they were found “innocent” in the March 2013 election. The evidence against Kenyatta and Ruto is “false and manufactured”. The Office of the ICC Prosecutor is unfair and has engaged in a pattern and practice of abuse of prosecutorial powers resulting in a denial of due process to Kenyatta and Ruto. The ICC and the Prosecutor have unchecked powers and are accountable to no one. By prosecuting Kenyatta and Ruto, the ICC has usurped the powers of the U.N. Security Council. The Rome Statute violates the U.N. Charter and its prosecution of Kenyatta and Ruto is illegal and beyond its legal authority (ultra vires). Kenya is ready, willing and able to prosecute violators of crimes under the Rome Statute in its own courts. The ICC prosecution of Kenyatta and Ruto is pointless.

After the dust settles, what African dictators really want is a double standard of justice. They want the ICC to allow them to be prosecuted and adjudicated by their own hand-picked prosecutors and judges at the time of their own choosing.

Handwriting on the wall: “Double standard of justice for African ‘leaders’ accused of crimes against humanity”

Are all the delays, postponements and deferrals gentle hints and winks that some kind of a political “deal” has been cut between the ICC, Kenyatta, the African Union and the UN Security Council to eventually let Kenyatta off the hook?  Is all of the talk about recanting and lying witnesses a trial balloon (a way of testing public opinion and gauging potential public reaction) and part of the political theatre to prepare international public opinion for the inevitable dismissal of charges against Kenyatta for lack of evidence? Is there some sort of orchestration (I did not say conspiracy) between the ICC, the African Union, Kenyatta and the U.N. Security Council to let Kenyatta off on a legal technicality? Don’t read me wrong. I am just reading the handwriting on the wall and asking questions. That’s all.

 Will Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta in 2014 walk out of the International Criminal Court “for lack of evidence” and declare to the world, “I told you I was innocent. The ICC’s accusations against me were nothing more than race hunting and legal lynching . The ICC is out to get black African leaders… One last thing, Omar al-Bashir of Sudan is also falsely accused. Dismiss the charges against him too…”

Call me suspicious if you like. It is a professional trait; defense lawyers are notoriously suspicious and have  hypersensitive olfactory senses to smell rats (I said I just feel like I am getting a whiff).  While I am talking about lawyers, let me say that the mantra of the criminal defense lawyer is “deny, delay and defend the case”. I am beginning to wonder in the Kenyatta trial if the ICC is getting cold feet and trying to extricate itself from a highly controversial case by adopting a new mantra: “Defer, delay and dismiss the case”.  I am just thinking out loud.  To me, justice deferred, delayed and dismissed is justice denied.

The evidence against Kenyatta

Just as “one swallow does not a summer make”, one or two witnesses do not a criminal case make. Kenyatta is charged in a five count indictment under article 25(3)(a) of the Rome Statute for the crimes against humanity including murder (article 7(l)(a), deportation or forcible transfer (article 7(l)(d), rape (article 7(l)(g), persecution (article 7(l)(h), and other inhumane acts (article 7(l)(k). The allegation are based on evidence shocking to the conscience anddetailed in a 155-page document based on the testimony of hundreds of  witnesses. When the Pre-Trial Chamber confirmed the allegations against Kenyatta, it wrote, “the Prosecutor has provided sufficient evidence to establish substantial grounds to believe that the contextual elements common to all crimes against humanity are fulfilled…”

Much of the testimonial evidence against Kenyatta is independently corroborated and documented.  For instance, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber  determined “there are substantial grounds to believe that on 3 January 2008 at the Nairobi Club… Mr. Kenyatta met with Mungiki members [sometimes referred to as the “Kenyan mafia”] and directed them to commit the crimes charged.” There is substantial evidence to show Kenyatta and others “agreed to pursue an organizational policy to keep the PNU [former president Kibaki’s Party of National Unity] in power through every means necessary, including orchestrating a police failure to prevent the commission of crimes”. There is substantial evidence to show Kenyatta and Co., “devised a common plan to commit widespread and systematic attacks against perceived ODM supporters by: (i) penalizing them through retaliatory attacks; and (ii) deliberately failing to take action to prevent or stop the retaliatory attacks”.

There is substantial evidence to show Kenyatta “taking the role of mediator between the PNU and the Mungiki criminal organization, facilitated a series of meetings from November 2007” in which “senior PNU government officials, politicians, businessmen and Mungiki leaders solicit[ed] the assistance of the Mungiki in supporting the government in the December 2007 elections”. There is substantial evidence to show that in the post-election period, Kenyatta and others “facilitated the meetings with the Mungiki with a view to organizing retaliatory attacks against perceived ODM [Orange Democratic Movement] supporters in the Rift Valley [and]  strengthen the PNU’s  hold on power after the swearing in of the President”. There is substantial evidence to show  Kenyatta and others “contributed to the implementation of the common plan, by securing the non-intervention of the Kenya Police and by failing to punish the main perpetrators of the attacks.”

It seems the ICC Prosecutor’s position is that the alleged false testimony of two witnesses completely undermines the Prosecution’s case. It is not at all clear why the two witnesses gave false testimony in the first place and how the ICC Prosecutor’s office failed to further corroborate their testimony before filing charges. It is, however, a fact that witnesses against Kenyatta have been threatened and bribed. In February 2013, Prosecutor Bensouda claimed Kenyatta bribed a witness to withdraw his testimony and not to testify in the case. Bensouda stated,  “Witness 4 revealed in May 2012 interview that he had been offered, and accepted, money from individuals holding themselves out as representatives of the accused to withdraw his testimony against Uhuru… The witness provided emails and bank records that confirmed the bribery scheme. In light of these cumulative revelations, the prosecution considers it is not useful to call him as a witness.”  Kenyatta’s defense team has also demanded the ICC turn over to Kenyan authorities the evidence given by the “self confessed criminals so they can face the full force of the law.” Prosecutor Bensouda had asked the Court to grant the witnesses courtroom protective measures, including voice and image distortion, use of pseudonyms and in camera sessions for identifying evidence. Should it come as a surprise to anyone that witnesses who face massive retaliatory actions by the Kenyan Government suddenly declare they have given false testimony to save their lives?

I believe the whole “lying witnesses” “false evidence” talk is disingenuous. The case against Kenyatta is not based on the testimony of a couple of witnesses. There are hundreds of witnesses who gave evidence. There is “substantial evidence” to bring Kenyatta to trial and let the Court determine whether that evidence points to Kenyatta’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It is incomprehensible that ICC Prosecutor should hinge her entire case on the veracity or recantation of one or two witnesses. There is a mountain of circumstantial evidence against him. There is no reason not to proceed with the trial.

Time for an ICC Witness Protection Program?

Witness intimidation, paying off witnesses, subornation of perjury and witnesses changing stories are nothing new particularly in high profile criminal trials. It is not uncommon for witnesses to recant (take back) testimony before or after trial. It is not uncommon for intimidated witnesses not to cooperate with prosecutors or make themselves intentionally unavailable as witnesses at trial. For instance, witnesses (“snitches”) in the criminal trials of Mafia bosses and other underworld figures have been known to recant or withdraw their testimonies because of intimidation and threats to themselves and family members.  Jurors have been bribed by criminal bosses to return not guilty verdicts. In fairness, witnesses are also pressured by prosecutors who offer “cooperating” witnesses secret deals in the form of reduced charges and sentences and other benefits to give testimony. The recantation of the Kenyatta witnesses raises unsettling and puzzling questions. It seems they are withdrawing their testimonies not because they actually gave “false testimony” but because they fear certain retaliation if they appear at trial and testify. Their recantations should not be taken as genuine but as the product of fear of persecution and prosecution.

I believe there is a reasonable solution to the problem of recanting witnesses in the Kenyatta trial: Create an “International Criminal Court Witness Protection Program” for deserving witnesses. In the U.S., the Federal Witness Protection Program provides protection to threatened witnesses before, during, and after a trial. In the program, witnesses and their family are provided new identities and documentation and relocated. Since the program was launched in 1971, nearly ten thousand witnesses and family members have been placed in the witness protection program. Incredibly, “95% of the witnesses in the program are criminals.”

I believe the ICC should launch its own “Witness Protection Program” for witnesses coming forward to testify against suspects charged with crimes against humanity, genocide and other infamous crimes.  The numerous Munguki (“Kenya’s mafia”)  Mafia) face real (not imagined) threats of persecution and prosecution not only from the Government of Kenya but also the wrath of their  own organization for attracting such unwelcome attention of the government. The Munguki witnesses should be presented the option of testifying the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth at the trial of Kenyatta and being placed in a witness protection program outside of Kenya. Without an ICC witness protection program, it would nearly impossible to get cooperating witnesses with credible evidence to come forward. Few would be brave enough to pay the cost in their lives to bring the truth to light. Without a witness protection program, I believe many African criminals against humanity in power today would feel assured that they will laugh their way out of the International Criminal Court certain in the k nowledge that no one in their countries would dare testify against them and expect to live. The ICC should learn this fundamental lesson from the Kenyatta case.

Could the ICC let Kenyatta off the hook?

I want to make it absolutely crystal clear that I have no evidence or objective basis to believe or suspect the ICC will let Kenyatta off the hook for political or other reasons. I need to state no reasons in defense of my faith in the integrity of the institution as I have volunteered myself to be a “Witness for the ICC.”  I will readily accept any criticism suggesting that my anxiety about the ICC letting Kenyatta off the hook is a figment of an overactive and suspicious legal imagination. I much prefer to think that it is a product of a “thought experiment”, an exploration of hypothetical counterfactual propositions and imaginary situations to think through possible consequences and outcomes of real problems. This commentary is my “thought experiment” about thinking the unthinkable, the unimaginable: 1) “The ICC has dismissed the charges  against Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta for lack of substantial evidence.”

I agree fully with the observations of  U.S. UN Ambassador Samantha Power: “The families of the victims of the 2008 post-election violence in Kenya have already waited more than five years for a judicial weighing of the evidence to commence. We believe that justice for the victims of that violence is critical to the country’s long-term peace and security. It is incumbent on us all to support accountability for those responsible for crimes against humanity.”  In other words, justice deferred, delayed and dismissed is justice denied!

Professor Alemayehu G. Mariam teaches political science at California State University, San Bernardino and is a practicing defense lawyer.

Previous commentaries by the author are available at:

http://open.salon.com/blog/almariam/

www.huffingtonpost.com/alemayehu-g-mariam/

Amharic translations of recent commentaries by the author may be found at:

http://www.ecadforum.com/Amharic/archives/category/al-mariam-amharic

http://ethioforum.org/?cat=24

Somaliland:Hargeisa Water Supply Ageny Needs a Total Management Overhauling

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Hargeisa water supply is marred by both poor management and a lack of a clear strategic vision of viable development policy on Hargeisa water, an investigation by an independent consortium of intellectuals (ICI) in Hargeisa reveals.

Over the past 18 years the population in Hargeisa was experiencing increased demand of water as the population was exponentially exploding.  Currently, 70 percent of the estimated one million people in the city relies on water trucking from Hargeisa vicinity for their daily water consumption which costs them a large proportion of their income.

This unremitting water problem and the unconcerned feeling of Hargeisa Water Agency towards those affected as well as the lack of the Central Government intervention in this matter has frustrated many people, particularly the poorer families.

However, the recent strike by water tankers held in a bid to defy the newly legislated exorbitant levies on transport, has further exasperated the existing frustration and resulted in the launching of the mass demonstration that left with some serious causalities in late December 2013.

 Those compounded distresses have prompted some independent intellectuals in Hargeisa to conduct a research which has exposed in-depth information of the outcry and the root causes of the water shortage: lack of viable development policy and management flaws on the agency.

The research has revealed a significant economic disparity among the Hargeisa residents as a result of the water authority’s preference of certain areas, leading to a flaw in the management over the available amount of water.

 In early 1990s, the city has a system of allocation on the water usage to serve all parts of Hargeisa where the mains are connected but now only 26 June and Koodbour sectors receive or  utilize over 69% of the current water supply from the main source – Geeddeeble.

However, the other sectors of the city (Ahmed dhagax, Mohamoud Haybe, Ga’an Libah) receive only 21% of the water from the mains run by the agency, even though they account to more than 60% of the overall population of Hargeisa. The residents in 31 May, Mohamed Moge and M.Harun are totally dependent on water trucking as they are outside the limits of the water supply network.

The investigation also explored the socio-economic aspect of the water issue in Hargeisa and revealed that there is a significant amount of money saved by those people who have an access to Hargeisa water supply in contrast to those who have not.

As the report finding showed, there is a great variance over household expenditure on water between the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of Hargeisa water supply. In comparison, the poorer families who depend on water trucks spend around $160 per annum on water while their counterparts who use water from mains spend only $34 instead.

Similarly the more economically better families who also depend on water trucking spend $672 a year while those their homes connected to water mains pay $150 per annum. That means a well-off family who is connected to the mains pays $10 less per year than a poorer family that lives in an area without water supply line and at the same time, the wealthy -family uses 6200 litres equivalent to 31 barrels of water annually more than that disadvantaged family.

The ICI report highlighted also a number imperfections related to the planning and implementation stages of the new water expansion project under the control or the management of Hargeisa Water Agency (HWA).

The new projects are intended to alleviate problems of the water shortage in the city by supplying enough clean water to all the sectors of the town including to those without the water connections now. The two projects in question are Hargeisa Urban Water Supply Upgrading Project (HUWSUP) and Haraf water project.

 The Hargeisa Urban Water Supply Upgrading Project is a 42 month scheme of construction and capacity building costing EUR-16.5-million which is jointly funded by the European Union (EUR-15.5-million) and the UN-Habitat (EUR-1million) in 2012 in achieving the recommendations of the EU funded study in 2008.

The project is implemented by UN-Habitat in partnership with the Hargeisa Water Agency and the Somaliland Ministry of Water Resources.

The independent consortium of intellectuals (ICI) further blamed the manager of Hargeisa Water Agency, Mr Ibrahim Siad Yonis to have changed the original scope of the project initially set out in the recommendations of EU funded study after UN-Habitat has consulted with him on the utilization of donated funds for the project.

Mr Yonis has submitted his master plan to UN-Habitat during the consultation in which he outlined to replace the existing two parallel transmission pipes of 12 inch diameter each from Geed Deeble with a new single 24 inch diameter pipe, to repair existing Water Tank at Biyo Khadar and to restore some of the existing wells at the source as well as carrying out a capacity building activity for the agency. The UN-habitat is acting upon this master plan now for the implementation of this crucial project and partially shelved the projected objective of the unabridged funded project.

A senior water Engineer, Mr Ali Haibe Mohamed, who involved in the inception of Hargeisa Water supply in 1970s  as well as the later restoration of the system in 1991 and late 1990s has also voiced concern over this plan in February 2013 according to local media outlets (Somaliland press and Somaliland sun).

The ICI report asserts that the original aim of the project was to alleviate the water scarcity in the city by finding additional water sources to increase the present water output of the Agency in order to reach those sectors without the clean water but not only to restore the existing network without increasing output which means, despite spending all that money, the same beneficiaries of the old system are still being served in this master plan without offering a drop to the other proposed beneficiaries of the project.

In addition, the report disclosed that the second water project at Haraf (a mini system), is ended up with disappointment after the system has been completed without enough yield from the newly constructed dam at Haraf. As per the revelations, the project was started in hast by Hargeisa Water Agency without proper feasibility study so in a sense this was merely a layman’s project which was uncritically funded.

The project funds were jointly contributed by UNICEF, UNDP, Hargeisa local Government and Hargeisa Water agency. This unsuccessful project cost to the contributors accounts to US$1,000,0000:  A waste of resources.

This project was intended to provide enough clean water to displaced families relocated from Sha’ab area and settled in Abdi Iidan 1&2 and sheikh Omer as well as previous families in the south-west outer edge of the city – a waterless area.

However, the situation of the families in those quarters are almost remains the same as understood in the investigation.

As the report mentioned, the third water project, Humbo weine, a two phase project wholly sponsored by the United Arab Emeritus Government and contracted out by Al-Khalifa foundation for its implementation is the only project that the Hargeisa water Agency was not consulted with and it is the only successful project so far as the first phase has successfully finalized and the second one to start if not impeded by the Manager of Hargeisa water agency and the Minister of water.

The Humbo Weine project is expected to provide enough clean water to the eastern and southern parts of Hargeisa that have an acute water shortage. The people in Hargeisa are generally looking forward to seeing the commencement of the second phase of this project and their hope was finally realized when a visiting representative from the Al-Khalifa Foundation arrived this week in Hargeisa to have the endorsement and blessing of the project from the Presidential office which have finally been given on January 16th, 2 014.

 It seems that all doubts surrounding this phase of the project is now being eliminated (at least by inking the endorsement now), though the people in Hargeisa were not happy on how the visiting members of the Foundation were treated by some individuals with authority who had initially with some unclear agenda up their sleeve.

The people are grateful to both UAE and Al-Khalifa Foundation for this valuable project and also happy to see the blessing of the project by the Presidential Office.

Finally, the report makes a set of recommendations that the writers deemed necessary to attain better operating Water supply agency for the benefit of Hargeisa Community.

These recommendations are mainly addressed to the President who nominates the manager of the Agency by decree and are:

1.      To review the Hargeisa water supply development policy and the current master plan by considering  the actual demand of the City now and in the future, as an inclusive and community owned initiative that can attract new investors in the water sector.

2.      To encourage the implementation of Humbo Weine water supply project, as it is the light in the tunnel for Hargeisa community by providing an additional source of clean water to major parts of Hargeisa and alleviates the water scarcity in those areas.

3.      To completely review the Hargeisa Urban Water Supply Upgrading Project before it is commenced by UN-Habitat to meet the initial funded objective of the project.

4.      To establish additional water reservoirs to cover the whole city.

5.       To appoint  a board of directors representing the community and other stakeholders to help the proper management of Hargeisa Water Supply by ensuring the sustainability of the system and the equal distribution of water to all parts of the city.

 

Somaliland:The Lost Nomad

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“Hearing stories about the lost nomad with a flash light trying to find his home in the middle of the night at first might strikes as funny, but when you hear about men kidnapping animals from their own heard to sell at the market for a bundle of khat, you realize that this is a serious issue.

khat does a bustling trade esti­mated at well over $50 million annually. Doctors warn, how­ever, that the drug is not only a drain on limited Somali resources but is also destroying lives.

According to a report by Tristan McCon­nelly of the Global Post/Pulitzer Center “It is not unusual for men to spend $5, or $10 a day on Khat making the habit a huge drain on a very limited resource, the Government’s entire annual bud­get is les then $50 Million, around $14 a head for each of Somaliland’s 3.5 million citizens”. It is apparent when looking at the numbers mentioned above that it all does not add up. Yet again we all are aware of the fact that remittance sent by most Somalis living abroad makes up for that difference.

This money sent by hardworking fam­ily members to most Somalilanders: who do not appreciate the value of a hard earned dollar, or euro. This easily obtained money is the source of all evil, namely the evil of the ever flourishing trade of Khat that is bound to lead to the decay of a proud nomadic culture.

Living in Hargiesa for the last three years I have noticed the changes in how Khat was used in the past as a social ac­tivity: an event set aside for weekends after a long work week, where men sat for a chewing session with their peers or other family members to talk about politics or other society related issues.

This session mostly would take place at home where (foh) traditional in­cense would burn and sweet tea would be drunk with khat. Whereas now all you see are men walking around at all hours, with their bundle of Khat under their armpit chewing while walked with a single bottle of water in their hand. Other times you see them Chewing while working and mostly just sitting in one of those dirty little chewing rooms provided by the Khat ladies at every cor­ner in the city.

Recently I made the trip to Haji-Salah where my mother’s family leave. The land is breathtaking, the grass is green and the sand is an unusual red color. A land where all you see is animals of all kind grazing happily, Camels, goats, sheep, and even the donkeys happily grazing along with all the other animals. Our trip was relaxing and fun, my friend, my daughter and I enjoyed the fresh air, where my mother fed us real tasty fresh meat and a lot of milk. Inspite of all this I could not help but come back from this visit with the uneasy feeling that the Khat trade does not only affect the city folk but extends to a rural areas as well. While in Haji-Salah, we indulged in some evening story telling under the stars while we sat around the matt after dinner. There is one story that my moth­er told us that inspired me to write this article. As my mother heard it from her neighbor and its goes like this:

“There was this family from Burao who came to Haji-Salah to get away from the city and enjoy the country side for a few weeks, this family set up a camp outside in the wood away from the village. One evening when getting ready for sleep they heard what they thought was an attack on their camp. They said all of a sudden the woods lit up all around them, kids, and women in the camp where scampering, and screaming “We are be­ing attacked” “We are being attacked”, scared out of their minds. While all the men in the family where by then ready to fight whatever was attacking them. Things calmed down, when neighbor who run in to see what the commotion was about told them not to worry it was just some animal herders equipped with a flash lights trying to find their way home after a chewing session in the vil­lage.

” My mother also explained the interest­ing phenomena witnessed by her every afternoon when the two heads of the nomadic family are seen walking by on their way to the center of the village, led by the man who is on his way to a chew­ing session, followed by the female who is on her way to sit with other women in the area for a bit of gossip.

On the morning of our return back to Hargiesa we left early, I can hear my mother telling my cousin who was driv­ing us to take the safer road .I did not pay attention why she was so worried at the time but as we were on the road I asked him what the issue with the road was. At first he ignored my ques­tion, and then I asked again, the answer was not comforting. It turns out that my driver needed his morning fix of khat so against my mother’s wishes he took the dangerous road that all the khat driv­ers take early morning to bring Khat to rural villages in that part of Somaliland. I was not happy with him, but the only way we can get off this road was to get to the next town and then catch a safer one.

As we drive on I noticed that the road we were on was rough and windy with real dense trees, so it would be really hard to see incoming traffic, and since there was only one lane a fast coming car would have caused a head on collusion in the event of an accident. We were not driving for more than ten minutes when I see a cloud of dust heading our way, I immediately told our driver to sound his horn and to slow down. As turned out the driver did not hear our horn, and at the last minute got out of our way as he comes to a Halt. Our driver steps out, starts chatting with the occupants of the landcruser, after a while he came back with a smile on his face holding his bundle of Khat.

The driver who looked fatigued with blood shot eyes told us it is best we got of this road as soon as possible. He explained that they were not the only khat truck on the road that Morning. At the end of this journey I came to the conclusion that the trade of khat, and it’s consumption by most Somali’s is a serious problem, a problem that not only affects the folks in the cit­ies, but extends to the nomadic families living in rural areas of Somaliland.

Hearing stories about the lost nomad with a flash light trying to find his home in the middle of the night at first might strikes as funny, but when you hear about men kidnapping animals from their own heard to sell at the market for a bundle of khat, you realize that this is a serious issue. Also the dangers present­ed by Khat drivers on our roads driving tired while under the influence of khat and God knows what else, is not one to take lightly.

Is our nomadic existence in jeopardy? Is it time to address this subject seri­ously? These are questions I would like our conscious readers to answer. Let us keep in mind that this green leafy prob­lem is a plant that we import from an­other country, one that does not grow in abundance here in our own country.

By Nuura

Euronews to launch Africanews, 1st Pan-African multilingual news channel, in Congo Brazzaville

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Euronews will bring to Africa its unique know-how as a multi-lingual and multi-cultural news channel, broadcasting around the clock

LYON, France, January 27, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ In 18 months time, Euronews (http://www.euronews.com) will have a sister channel in Africa. In partnership with the national television channel of the Republic of the Congo, Euronews will bring to Africa its unique know-how as a multi-lingual and multi-cultural news channel, broadcasting around the clock. Starting with English and French, and then adding other languages widely-spoken on the continent, Africanews aims to become the first Pan-African rolling news channel. The headquarters will be in Brazzaville and regional offices will be set up across the continent. Africanews will adhere to the same editorial charter as Euronews, guaranteeing its independence. The two networks will share their news, creating a synergy that will give Africa its rightful place in the world of news and give the world the latest news from the continent.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/euronews.jpg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=797
(Michael Peters, CEO of Euronews, and Jean Obambi, Managing Director of Télé Congo, signing on Saturday 25 January in Congo Brazzaville the cooperation agreement)

Photo 2: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=799 (Michael PETERS, CEO – Euronews)

Photo 3: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&id=798 (Stephen Smith)

Michael Peters, CEO of Euronews S.A., and Jean Obambi, Managing Director of Télé Congo, signed on Saturday 25 January in Congo Brazzaville a cooperation agreement for the launch of a Pan-African news channel to be known as Africanews. Under the auspices of the President of the Republic of the Congo, Mr. Denis Sassou Nguesso, they formalised the partnership that will lead to the launch in the summer of 2015 of a bilingual news channel in French and English, to be followed by other major languages of the continent (Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, etc.). The headquarters will be in Brazzaville and regional offices will be set up across the continent.

Euronews, the top news channel in Europe, has developed a unique know-how in broadcasting. The channel produces 13 different language versions, 24/7. Its programmes are created by a newsroom of more than 400 journalists of 30 nationalities, and reach 400 million households in 155 countries.

At the signing of the agreement for Africanews, Michael Peters stated:

“Twenty 20 years after the launch of Euronews, we are breaking new ground in the world of news. Since 1993, Euronews has covered global news from a European perspective, speaking to viewers in their language. The company’s multinational shareholder base gives the channel the independence and the means to inform viewers without promoting any particular viewpoint. Its global success in terms of viewer numbers is proof of the channel’s professionalism and its ability to integrate diversity.

Euronews has the experience, the reputation and the resources necessary to convey this model which respects the values and value of different cultures. It is precisely this model of tolerance in a world of diversity that we hope to share with Africa, via Africanews, the first independent and multilingual news channel on the continent.

Africanews is different from existing channels because it aims to give Africa its rightful place in the world of news and to give the world the latest news from the continent which is itself a news market, in the same way and at the same level as other regions of the world.

Our strategic and highly ambitious project will not be a mere African “window” made by Euronews, as most international news channels do, but rather a full-fledged Pan-African network, with editorial choices made by Africans for an African audience.

To develop this project, we were lucky to have the help of Stephen Smith, a recognized specialist on Africa (see below: Stephen Smith and Africanews). Stephen, former Africa Editor for two French daily newspapers Libération then Le Monde, is providing advice and recommendations for the editorial and strategic aspects of Africanews.

The public television channel Télé Congo decided to join us in this adventure. Our teams will now begin the preliminary studies and organisational work to be ready to launch Africanews in 2015.

We take great pride in announcing this emblematic cooperation project and we are eager to launch this new player on the world media scene,” he added.

What will Africanews be like?

Africanews will produce news content focused on Pan-African news, for its television channel and related products, both linear and non linear (see below: Africanews in other media formats).

Africanews will have a team of 40 professional journalists and technicians based in Brazzaville, covering sub-Saharan news thanks to its regional offices and a vast pool of correspondents around the continent.

As soon as the channel begins broadcasting, flagship programmes and special reports will help give Africanews its truly African identity.

Africanews will freely choose, use and adapt the international news content produced by Euronews to create programmes for its own viewers. In the same way, Euronews will be able to pick up productions from its sister channel in Africa to round out the programmes it broadcasts around the world. Thanks to this synergy, Africa will benefit from wider international exposure as it becomes a key feature in the Euronews editorial line-up.

In keeping with the Euronews model, Africanews will be available from the start in both French and English. The goal is to then expand to include the other widely-spoken languages in Africa (Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, etc.), making it accessible to the largest number of African viewers.

The news teams at Africanews and at Euronews in Europe will adhere to the same editorial charter.

For all of its news teams, Euronews is the absolute guarantor of editorial independence and is responsible for the hiring of journalists; it continually monitors full compliance with the editorial charter.

Will Africanews be available in other media formats?

The content of Africanews will benefit from the extensive know-how of Euronews, making it as widely and easily accessible as possible for all types of users.

Starting with linear formats, offering TV broadcasts 24/7, live streaming of the channel on the internet, and then with live mobile applications and perhaps digital radio programmes.

The non-linear formats will start right away with the website and then gradually move into specific mobile applications, following the latest trends in media consumption on the continent.

For example, Euronews, at the cutting edge of mobile applications, has been selected by Nokia to be included in its new operating system, S40, soon to be released in Africa, one of the most dynamic markets for mobile phones.

Africanews will be accessible to a large number of people on the continent thanks to rebroadcasts by local partners and operators, with the support and expertise of Euronews’ international teams.

What is the business model for Africanews?

Africanews will be based on a model financed by advertising. It will then be able to develop by adding new public and private partners, in particular for the set-up of its regional offices around Africa and for adding new languages.

Advertising opportunities on Africanews will enable African and international advertisers to reach the African audience via a complete communication package: advertisements spread across the 24-hour schedule will cover all time zones and all formats including Africanews.com and then mobile applications, along with opportunities for sponsorship of TV and key online programmes (business, special reports, weather…) or linked to business and cultural events covered by the Africanews team of journalists.

Stephen Smith and the Africanews project

Recognised around the world for his expertise in African affairs, Stephen Smith supported Euronews from the very beginning of this ground-breaking project to develop an African media network. He worked with the Euronews management team in all phases of building the project. His advice and recommendations range from editorial aspects to strategy for Africanews. In close coordination with the Euronews teams, Stephen Smith will participate in creating the channel and ensuring its future development.

Stephen Smith, an American journalist, is most noted for his work as Africa Editor for Libération (1988-2000) and then for Le Monde (2000-2005), having earlier served as African correspondent for Reuters and RFI. He has written some 15 books and academic publications on the subject of Africa and, since 2007, has taught African Studies at Duke University in the United States.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Euronews S.A.

For further information, please contact:

Grégoire Olivero de Rubiana

Director of External Relations

tel. +33 (0)6 60 69 30 34

gregoire.derubiana@euronews.com

Lydie Bonvallet

Head of Press and Public Relations

tel. +33 (0)4 72 18 80 56

lydie.bonvallet@euronews.com

About Euronews

Europe’s most-watched news channel, Euronews (http://www.euronews.com) provides rolling coverage of world news. Thanks to its 400 journalists from over 30 countries, the channel is available 24 hours a day in 13 language services (Arabic, English, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Ukrainian). An independent media hub, Euronews offers a unique perspective on, and factual analysis of, current events. Founded in 1993 in Lyon, France, the channel can be watched in 400 million homes in 155 countries, and delivers a complete range of products (websites, mobile applications, smart TV, radio, etc.).

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SOURCE

Euronews S.A

Somalia&Somaliland- blind to the Past and Future

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By Mohamed Ahmed

     To those of us who came of age after the collapse of Somali government in 1991, the need for something a kin to lucid and thoughtful conversation about how the Somali Union was formed is demanding. So much would seem, upon reflection obvious. But beyond the catchy phrases (Muqadas), the misleading crass, and dishonest language a serious historical look into the issue of the union is required. To Some history is boring stuff. They can forget about it and it doesn’t matter anymore, but if you are a Somali person history is your friend. It is your guide through the contours of Somali politics.

        Somaliland rights to secede can’t be overcome by verbal magic, but by historical facts. Let us consider the Unionist agenda of One Somalia more carefully from historical perspective. If, as appears likely, Unionist wants to ignore history, then their point collapses upon slightest scrutiny.  When a shared premise of understanding history is lacking there is the untoward consequence of big misunderstanding!

       We all know the State of Somalia came about into existence in 1960, resulting from merger of Southern Somalia, an Italian trust territory and Northern Somaliland, a British protectorate. In the words of the eminent Somali scholar Professor Ahmed Samatar these were the two original “lands” . It is indeed true all these other mini-states utterly baffles the mind.

          The 1950’s was a very noble and elevated period for Somalis. According to historians this was also the time the 1954 Anglo-Ethiopian treaty, which permitted the British to cede part of Somalia to Ethiopia was signed. This treaty motivated the North to rally behind a campaign for unification and independence. The Somali nationalism (Somalinimo) during these period obscured the historical and political differences that existed between the British-Somaliland and Italian ruled South Somalia. During the same period, it was a time where many African countries wanted to overcame colonial domination and exploitation.

             The eighty year British rule came to end on 26 June 1960 when Somaliland gained independence. Five days later, South Somalia gained independence From Italy. In a hasty decision driven by Somalinimo a Union was declared with South Somalia. This shows British- Somaliland was actually a separate independent State for five days before joining the Italian Somalia. This brief period of independence coupled with territorial integrity serves today as the principal legal justification of Somaliland right to secede. The state of Somaliland and its people indeed existed as a sovereign person!

         The Somaliland legislature passed the union of Somalia and Somaliland law on 27 June1960.But Somalia refused to sign it, instead Mogadishu based national assembly, which didn’t have jurisdiction over Somaliland, repealed the treaty and instead drew up their own Act of Union on June 30 1960, which they called Atto di Unione. In retaliation also Somaliland refused to sign their act. On June 30th at midnight the Italian trusteeship expired and president of legislative declared independence of Somalia

      Despite the lack of valid act of Union signed by both parties a United Somalia was announced. This was strange way of forming a union between two different countries. A proposed unitary constitution was adopted without the blessing of British Somaliland. In fact some reports indicated   the voters turn up in the North for the referendum constitution of June 1961 was very low. Nevertheless the new constitution was adopted without the blessing of British Somaliland citizens.

          Somaliland gullible elites were to blame for accepting a non-existent union that no one consented. According to Some observers these elites were seduced by Mogadishu power .In fact one can argue the same problem exist today with  woolly-minded elite from Somaliland( individuals like Fowzia Yusuf Haji and Buuba)  abandoning Somaliland and taking up positions in quick-get-rich scheme in Mogadishu. Seasoned politicians like the founder of Somaliland Egal was given position of Prime minister by Abdirashid Sharmake government. This government didn’t last long. It was over thrown by Siyad Barre on October 1969. General  Barre seized power and assumed leadership. He declared the country a Socialist one, and instead  got a state where opposition to his regime grew.

            Barre Regime which was brutal continued to marginalize the Somaliland citizens. The north demands for fair distribution of the wealth of the country was met with mass killing and aerial bombardment of major northern cities like Hargeisa. Africa watch, the human rights watchdog group documented- in the early and late 1980’s- the grisly killing, detention, torture, rape and the psychological intimidation of the Somaliland citizens. The Somali National Movement (SNM) which was created in London in 1981 with the declared aim of overthrowing the Barre regime responded in guerrilla tactics to defend the Somaliland public. The Barre regime was later defeated in the North by the SNM and in the South by the combined effort of USC& SSDF. It is unfortunate that after the  dictator has fallen Somalia never found peace with itself!

            In May 1991 a meeting was held in Burao and it was there that Somaliland self-determination was born. There is some who argue that the SNM leadership was against secession and favored alliance with the South, but some say the commanders’ wing of SNM supported independence. A provisional government emerged from this meeting. On 18th May 1991,  the 1960 union with South Somalia was dissolved by the northerners for the first time.

            Today Somaliland is on its fourth president with elected members of parliament and territorial integrity protected by its army. Today Somaliland has a national flag, currency, political parties and all the features associated with a recognized state! Unlike in South Somalia where political participation withered for so long, efforts at democracy and political participation flourished in the North. Somaliland was spared the anarchy that begun in South Somalia in 1991. This anarchy   spewed forth clan warlords and long odious political disagreement.

        Somaliland today is turning away from South Somalia politics, or to put it a little differently, it is moving beyond clan politics into a stronger democracy! Even those who do not make these crude differences agree that there is a profound differences in how government is run between the South and North. Many have doubted the secession of Somaliland only to have their lingering mirage of Somali unity to fade.

             Somalinimo pretension proved to be unfounded. Oh what seductive illusion it was! Even before the disintegration of Somali state the argument for Somalinimo rang a bit hollow. Somaliland citizens always lived under the threat of Somalis and not any other outside force. Somaliland citizens have demanded, reasonably enough, to be accepted as an independent state. They have moved forward and are at a point where they are behemoth with conscious to rule their land.

           When optimism and enthusiasm withers, I believe Somaliland citizens shouldn’t lose sight of the main reason they formed this country!It is the responsibility of the current leaders and the opposition parties to work towards a unified country! Somaliland evolution to its present state occurred under the mantle of visionary leader like the late president Egal, and couldn’t have happened without his leadership! This abounds irony since he was part of the gullible elites that made the previous mistake. The sooner Somalia comes to term with the unalterable reality of Somaliland independence, the better It will be for all those rallying cry for Somalinimo.                 

Reference

 Case for the Independent Statehood of Somaliland, The Carroll, Anthony J.; Rajagopal, B.

Somaliland  elusive independence New African Jan2006

Somaliland: Ports: the key to rapid economic growth?

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SEF  London – Somalia is strategically based in the Horn of Africa and benefits from direct access to both the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. This has led economists to contemplate in what capacity Somali ports could become dynamic and competitive regional hubs. However, for this to happen it is paramount that infrastructural development takes place and that Somali ports are able to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This will enable Somalia’s ports to make the transformative shift from underdeveloped & underutilised ports to dynamic, regional port hubs in East Africa and the Middle East. This is a feasible, long term aim as Somali ports benefit from their geographically advantageous position whereby the share a close proximity to African economies aswell as markets in the Middle East.

In recent years, there has been much activity in regards to FDI facilitation and the modernization of Somali ports.  A key example can be found in Berbera Port which contains a deep sea harbour and a 650-metre berth which is a remnant of Soviet and American investment in the 1970s and 1980s respectively. Crucially, Berbera Port is situated strategically at the mouth of the Red Sea which is a key artery in the multi-billion dollar oil transport and logistics route which passes through the Red Sea & the Suez Canal. According to the Financial Times; Bolloré Africa Logistics recently signed a deal with the Somaliland government to invest $677 million into Berbera Port and the accompanying “Berbera Corridor” which will ease access and trade with the landlocked economic powerhouse Ethiopia with its market of over 80 million inhabitants. The longer term aim of Bolloré Africa Logistics is to transform Berbera into a $2.5 billion logistics hub in East Africa. In addition, Mogadishu Port possesses the largest harbour in the country and it too has benefitted from a surge in infrastructure intensive FDI. Simatech through its subsidiary Mogadishu Port Container Terminal (MPCT) has proposed a $170 million container port expansion whereby it will modernize and significantly expand Mogadishu’s International Port. Importantly, this will prove to be a landmark deal as the Mogadishu Port accounts for the bulk of the Somali Federal Government’s revenue and it has the potential to be the engine of the country’s economic growth.

Other ports based in Somalia also require sustained infrastructural investment to enable them to reach their potential and expand their operations. A principal port is Bossaso Port which accounts for a major share of Puntland’s government revenue and it has an advantage over other ports due to its lack of bureaucracy and red tape. When Bossaso Port secures FDI for its port development it too can compete with other ports to become a regional port hub in East Africa. Indeed, if these ports are able to secure and finalize FDI then they will be able to compete economically with other established, East African, regional ports leaders such as; the Mombasa and Djibouti Ports.

The Somali Economic Forum (SEF) recently published the INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT 2014 which is a landmark, comprehensive report. The report focuses on infrastructure within Somalia and how it possesses great potential in regards to the state’s future rapid economic growth and development. It focuses on Somalia’s ports as SEF believes that they have the potential to become vibrant, regional hubs providing investment is obtained in this critical infrastructure. Thus the report touches on how modern ports can provide the state with economic dividends whilst increasing the frequency of international trade. Modern ports also provide major boosts in revenue generation aswell as creating a multiplier effect within the economy whereby economic growth and activity is filtered into various other sectors such as; banking & finance along with the oil and gas sectors. A crucial benefit of port development in Somalia is that it will enable job creation as these dynamic ports will be able to employ a substantial share of the population, thus alleviating labour market imbalances and chronic unemployment.  

Somalia’s infrastructure sector and particularly its principal ports require sustained FDI and SEF’s Infrastructure Report 2014 will act as an informative and detailed reference point for potential investors. Also, the Somali Economic Forum will be hosting its 2nd Somalia Investment Summit (SIS) on April 6th – 7th 2014 in Dubai, UAE. The SIS 2014 will bring together major investors, academics, policymakers and leading CEOs and executives in the infrastructure and port logistics sector throughout Africa and other continents.

 

Somali Economic Forum

Djibouti: Still getting abusive and arbitrary arrests

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Djibouti, January 26, 2014

The arrests follow a pace where it is very difficult to report on the real and objective situation of human rights abuses and the obstacles to freedom.   At the time of going to press this release and according to the information we have collected:

 

1.       Abdoulfatah Abdulaziz Issa and Sheikh Mohamoud, arrested Friday, January 24, 2014 at Ambouli, are still being held in the police of the 3rd district of the capital.

2.       Waberi Omar Hassan Abdi Boo Miguil Mahdi Ali Elmi Elmi Robleh Abdourazak Hamza Farah Boo, Boo Eleyeh Farah Yusuf Aden Omar, Kadar Ali Affasseh Yacin Hassan Farah, Aicha Dirir Bileh, Djama Aouled Saada, Aden Ali Gedi and Djima Hagah Guelleh, arrested this morning Sunday, January 26, 2014 by the police Balbala are currently in custody. They are all activists USN (opposition coalition).

3.       Maydaneh Abdallah Okieh journalist Voice of Djibouti and part of the USN, was arrested this Sunday, January 26, 2014 at noon by the gendarmerie. His equipment was confiscated and he is currently detained in North Brigade Djibouti in Section Research and Documentation (SRD). This is not the 1st time Maydaneh stopped. Moreover, he was detained on 2 occasions in the central prison Gabode during 2013

 

The ODDH calls for public authorities to release all political prisoners to find a way out to the post-election crisis.

 

The ODDH is deeply concerned about the increase in arbitrary arrests of citizens, opponents and human rights defenders.

 

The ODDH recommends to comply with the constitutional provisions on the protection of citizens, respect for fundamental freedoms, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as well as ‘the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

 

Act for democracy, dignity and justice.

The President of the ODDH

Farah Abdillahi Miguil

Somaliland:Remembering the late Jama Mahmoud Haid,Former Governor of Djibouti Central Bank

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A year and two weeks passed since we learned the shocking death of a reputable personality, a leader and shrewd economist. This makes me reflect what I have said then and there.  

It was a night, Friday was the day, 11th of January 2013, and I was alone in my room. I switched on my laptop to update my nightly information about the home country and its environs. I hit Gabiley.net and my eyes caught a dreadful news item that sent an electric shock to my heart. The death of great leader, gigantic personality and dear friend, Mr. Jama Mahamoud Haid is announced. I have no one to share with this calamity but my heart and mind. I recited 11 times the Ikhlas sura and prayed Allah with Fatah to safe-guide Jama’s soul to the heaven.

My sincere condolence to his family, other relatives, friends, the government and the people of Djibouti, headed by the President of Djibouti HE Ismail Omer Guelleh and first lady, the sister of the deceased Mrs. Khadra Mahamoud Haid.

It is like this time, we remember how vulnerable we are, how temporary our life is and how our days are counted. Each day gone reduces our life span and each night passed is another one less. Continuously we are stepping, however slow it may seem, towards our grave. We know not the moment we say goodbye to this world, but certainly we know we shall face that eventuality sooner or later. That is one of the few certainty shared by all humanity regardless of status, creed and colour.

Jama Mahamoud was a sagacious economist and shrewd financier. He governed Djibouti Central Bank for nearly two decades, a tenure second to none in length and quality. The economic growth, wealth creation and financial stability, Djibouti accomplished during his reign, tantamount to Jama’s success story.

 With his savoir faire and dedication, Djibouti attracted huge foreign investment from Arabia and afar. In a region of turbulent economy and quivering currency, he stabilized Djibouti Franc avoiding potential inflation. With its skimpy population Djibouti’s budget reached over one billion dollar annually, a figure relatively too lofty for the countries in the region.

Socially Jama was a man of society, with leadership that knew no national frontier. His death is felt throughout the region: Djibouti, Somaliland, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. He devoted to the wellbeing of all citizens in the region, sticking together with shared conviction to get a great leap forward for regional development. He was truly passionate for regional cooperation.

Jama was a true son of two states but one nation: Djibouti and Somaliland. He spent great effort and time to maintain natural brotherhood between these two states. He never allowed any crack, tear and wear of the times to leave an open wound. This friendship is clearly manifested by the mourning of Somalilanders in every town and village. Planes started to come and go by the hour for two days, picking mourners to attend his interment.

I met men and women of all walks of life in mourning and they all agreed that Jama was a true son of both countries, a devoted Muslim and man of mercy and dignity. He was short in talk but long in deeds. He was selfless nationalist and helping hand to the needy and poor. His charity extended beyond Djibouti. It reached all Somali inhabited regions in the Horn of Africa.

Personally, it was few months ago when I phoned him asking about the Islamic Banking Conference that had been held in Djibouti. His voice was calm, calculated and precise. He gave all I need and invited me to visit Djibouti. Surprisingly he articulated in a friendly tone, that he never expected I would be out of his reach in this long since my appointment. We agreed to meet by the end of January. Alas it never happened. Truly, it is said man proposes and Allah disposes. To me his death is so painful and of great individual loss. I was looking forward to a new, refreshed cooperation between us and within our corresponding positions. I had a good working plan intact.  With the minutes I spent with him over the phone, I discerned how bright, sharp and open minded Jama was, and how he ponders for the benefit of Djibouti in every minute of his time. Equally he presumed as own duty to work-out for any project that lends a hand to both countries.

I hope his successor will fill his shoes fully and at ease. I anticipate our corresponding capacities will be shoved to the profit of both our countries, and I look forward to maintain our brotherly two states closer and closer, for we are one people.

Jama did the best he can, and left a history written in gold and diamond. Generations will remember him and his deeds will be reflected in perpetuity. His good performance will go with him to the grave and stay with him to serve as his witnesses in the Day of Judgment. That is engraved in our Islamic religion. Do good deeds and it will be with you forever.

Let us all, friends and relatives pray Allah to forgive Jama and bestow him the best of heavens: Jantul Fardaws, Ameen. And let us preserve all good deeds he initiated in eternity.

With heart full of sorrow, I share with Djibouti government and people, the loss of this great personality, a son of two states and one people: Djibouti and Somaliland.

Mr. Ahmed Hassan Arwo

Somaliland Presidential Economic Advisor.

Presidential Palace, Hargeysa

Somaliland

Tel: 002522 409 6421

Eci.advisor@gmail.com

 

samotalis@gmail.com

http://samotalis.blogspot.com/

Somaliland:What Exactly Did The Former Regime Do To US?

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I am not a lawyer by profession but I am a physician who worked in Somaliland from 1983 to the first 12 days of June 1988. I witnessed or have firsthand information of so many acts of brutality, victimization, indiscriminate shelling of civilian residencies and mass killing.

 The above question is debated nowadays in all over Somaliland. Have we been the victims of genocide, massacres or just an atrocity?  I think the answer is all of the above. The governments of Somaliland and Somalia recently agreed that atrocities did happen in all over former Somalia and in particular in Somaliland. I think this is a positive development.

It is our responsibility to prove that acts genocide and massacre were carried out against our people. There is a legal definition of both acts. There is a united nations convention against genocide and mass killing.

We do not need Somalia to agree or disagree and I don’t think they will ever agree. We just have to invite United Nations agencies for human rights and hire international lawyers. We have a plenty of evidence because the witnesses and families of people massacred in Jazeera, Burao, Sheikh, Gabiley and many other areas are still alive.

We have videos of the indiscriminate shelling of our cities. We have mass graves. It seems that we are wasting our time blaming or defending our government. The former supporters of Siad Barre are trying to equate our suffering to what happened in Somalia after the collapse of the regime even though they know the difference. Can we put local politics aside and start fighting for the denied rights of our people?

Aden Ismail, MD, FRCP

London, Ontario

Canada

Somaliland: Importance of educated Mother in child’s education

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 No one doubts the importance of the role of mothers in educates their children, affection and attention from a good mother has a huge effect on the child’s personality. Attention and affection will cause a feeling of thanks in children and raise self confidence in their growth periods. So great was the role of a mother in educating her children, it cannot be denied that the mother is the first school. The process of education provided by a mother had carried out since the baby still in the womb. What mother listen to or read to the baby in the womb, then it will be heard also by the baby. Emotional and character of the mothers had to be transmitted through the behavior of a mother during pregnancy and parenting.

Education also can be provided with eye contact that occurs between mother and child. At any time, wherever and whenever this education process can be done. A mother has a big responsibility in creating a young generation of creative, innovative, educative and productive. It is a dream comes true if it was not painted by the gentle hands of a mother. And to make it happen, the knowledgeable, intelligent and devoted to who can do it. Damage to the ethics of women is a contiguous chain with juvenile delinquency, the fragility of families and damage communities. If mother can understand and willing to perform duties and responsibilities in educating and directing children well, with all the guidance and example to children.  Willing, will be born a generation that devout, superior and qualified, able to be responsible for themselves and their lives later.

But in reality in Somaliland many mothers cannot perform its duties and responsibilities in education to their children properly. Maybe there are some who are too busy with unarranged domestic home, taking the role of bread winner of the family or low level of literacy until sometimes as handed major responsibility for education to the school or the children who spend more time with caregivers (old children or Maidservants) who may be “less qualified”. Or maybe there is a feeling surrender and despair in educating children because of lack of knowledge so confused does not understand what to do.

If this condition continues in our country where public institutions are not properly working due to many reasons, educational and mental development of children who lack good parenting from a mother will be neglected so that the child’s personality is either not achieved. Usually this child become bad behavior in both the family and society (way layers those who kill and take the property of others) and if you have this completely wrongs of course not the child.

The number of parents who always chewing and away for the Home in our country, will send a wrong message to the children indicating that children feel out of control and uncomfortable in his family environment, this condition is certainly not a situation conducive to providing good education for children because their parents could not even be a role model good for them.

So the first thing that must be created by the family, especially by a mother is to create conditions conducive so that the constraint in educating children, directing them to the teachings of religion, creating a devout personality will be easier, because there is mutual trust and a strong bond of affection between Mother and child, from all the family.

Mothers have the potential to play the most important role of educator in a child’s early life and as children get older they are still at the heart of their children’s education. If you apply this principle to Fathers, and other constant role models in the child’s home environment, most frequently it is the Mother who plays the main role. The home is the nest where the child rests, eats, sleeps, plays and is constantly learning. Children learn in a variety of ways during their waking hours at home, in school and at play. Leaning styles have been categorized by psychologists and you can be sure that the children in your life, at home or at school, each have their own learning style or a combination of a few of these. However even before considering learning styles, we should firstly be mindful of the mode that a child’s brain is in.

Education includes learning how to react in life, how to evaluate situations, how to treat other people and how to love oneself and others. Not only are Mothers the heart of their children’s scholarly education, but they are often the main teacher when it comes to the tools their children will carry through life with them.

These are valuable life tools of self-esteem, humility, compassion, love, enthusiasm, charity, kindness and so many more. In this sense Mothers are the roots that help younger children connect with the earth and society that we live in; the roots from which these young saplings will thrive and grow into fine noble trees.

 

Mohamoud Dahir   Omar

Education Analyst

Tell: 0634423327