Somaliland: SLNEC representatives meet with EU and UNDP Officials
By Goth Mohamed Goth
The Somaliland Electoral Commission representatives today held a meeting with officials from the European Union (EU) and the UNDP.
The commissioners during the meeting briefed the two parties on the preparations for the upcoming Presidential and Political organizations elections.
They also discussed the security forces training plan in terms of law and election regulations, how to improve the knowledge of the security forces that will participate in the electrol process.
Central Bank Launches Implementation of Crucial Regulations for the Country’s Financial System
By M.A. Egge
The Central Bank of Somaliland has launched the implementation of direly needed regulations that govern various major and crucial transactions of financial instruments.
In an event held at Hargeisa, the Central Bank chief Dr. Ali Abdillahi Dahir underscored the importance of implementing and adherence to the regulations that would guide the methods of payments and those of operators’ payment methods.
Precisely, the announcements are the regulation of payment methods and operators of payment methods Regulation No. 1/2023, regulation of the exchange room (stock) of financial instruments, Regulation No. 2/2023, regulation of foreign currency exchange pegs Regulation No. 3/2024 and the regulation of the service telecommunications interconnection charges and tariffs Regulation 4/2024.
Financial instruments are assets that can be traded or exchanged. Some examples of financial instruments include stock shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), bonds,certificates of deposit (CDs), mutual funds,loans and derivative contracts hence providing smooth and efficient flow and transfer.
This would in essence pave the way for introduction of bourses and better regulation of such services as the telecommunications interconnection charges and tariffs regulations.
On the occasion of the inauguration of the Central Bank regulator, officials of the central bank, members of the cabinet, officials from the country’s financial institutions and other dignitaries and guests attended.
The event was graced by several cabinet ministers, the sector’s stakeholders, academics and invited personalities.
The Central Bank governor underpinned the importance of the implementation of the rules, which has some of them still undergoing perusal in the parliament, to the development of the nation and its people.
He said, “Some of these laws are before the parliament, and we are ready to enforce them. Soon, we will share their plans, implementation and training with you”.
The Minister of Communications and Technology of Somaliland Hon. Ahmed Yusuf Idiris, said that they are planning to unify the processes of government institutions where they work.
He said. “We are currently working as a ministry on a plan to connect government systems”.
Minister of Finance Development of Somaliland Dr. Saad Ali Shire, said that it was a collective responsibility hence “not only the central bank can enforce the rules and regulations of the central bank, but it is necessary for everyone who is concerned to take responsibility for the implementation”.
On its imperativeness he pointed out that, “There is a need for rules and regulations to be in place, there is a need for procedures, there is a need for policies, issues which are what we are unveiling here today”.
Of note he quipped, “The law can be made but its value can be found only when it is implemented and collective responsibilities in enforcing them are a requisite”.
Somaliland is a Nation that has Re-asserted its Sovereignty
BRIEF HISTORY OF SOMALILAND
Somaliland has one of the longest histories in the Horn of Africa. In the early 1880s, the Great Britain and Somaliland clans reached and concluded treaties that formed the Somaliland British Protectorate that was proclaimed in 1887.
In accordance with international boundaries, the British Protectorate marked the Somaliland boundaries by treaties with Côte française des Somalis (the Anglo-French treaty in September 1888) to the west, Somalia Italian (a series of treaties known as the British-Italian treaty in March 1894) to the east, and the Kingdom of Ethiopia (the Anglo-Ethiopian treaty in May 1897) to the south.
After long and remarkable struggles, Somaliland became sovereign and an independent state on June 26, 1960, from the British Protectorate.
More than 35 countries, including the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, sent Somaliland State congratulatory telegrams that recognized the new independent state.
On July 1st, 1960, after five days of independence, Somaliland voluntarily united with Somalia in order to create a greater Somalia (Somali Republic), or one Somali country. That was an idea to bring together all Somali ethnic groups in Horn Africa into one country, including British Somaliland, which is today the Republic of Somaliland; Italian Somalia, which is today the Federal Government of Somalia; French Somaliland, which is today the Republic of Djibouti; North Eastern Province (NFD) Kenya, which is today one of the provinces of the Republic of Kenya; and Hawd and Researve Area, which is today one of the federal members of the States of Ethiopia.
That union was not ratified because the treaty of union was not completed in the legal process format in the Somalia legislature. The Somaliland legislature was passed as a law of union, but the Somali Republic legislature was not passed.
Also, the people of Somaliland had totally refused and said no to the voting of the new Somali republic constitution on June 20, 1961. The result of the referendum on the new constitution showed that all districts of Somaliland clearly rejected it. So, in a legal sense, the union was not completed.
Since that union (1960–1991), the Somaliland people have faced all forms of genocide from the governments of the Somali Republic, particularly the government led by the military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, who came to power through a military coup in October 1969.
After the dictator Mohamed Said Barre increased and accused human rights abuses against Somaliland people, the officials from Somaliland announced and founded the Somali National Movement (SNM) in London, UK, on April 6, 1981. The aim of SNM was to relieve or burden off pressure on the people of Somaliland through military power.
Since the establishment of SNM, the Somaliland liberation war has begun, and SNM has become the first and most organized anti-Siyad Barre regime armed movement.
After nearly a decade of non-stop genocide against the people of Somaliland that cost 100,000 up to 200,000 civilian deaths, more than half a million people were displaced and became refugees in camps in Ethiopia, and they also destroyed the towns in the northern regions of the Somali Republic, which is Somaliland today, as the International Human Rights Organizations reported and registered. The SNM troops had successfully defeated Siyad Barre’s troops, which were the second-largest power in Africa in 1991.
Author: Adnan Isaq Ali, a diplomat in Johannesburg, South Africa.
First secretary of the Somaliland Diplomatic Mission in South Africa
UCID chair calls for patriotism as he visits the military at Oog
The chairman of the UCID political party Mr. Faysal Ali Hussein and a delegation he led has called for patriotism as visits the National Army headquarters at the Oog area where the armed forces of Somaliland are stationed.
The UCID presidential aspirant and political leader was received at the Eastern Command of the National Army by the top brass who included the military spokesperson Brigadier General Ali Abdillahi amongst others.
The armed forces spokesman briefed the UCID leader about the situation of the servicemen and thanked him for the constant encouragement and morale boosting that he, Feisal, always gave the army.
He described Faisal as a citizen who loves the country and its people and exuded patriotism.
On his part, Faisal Ali Hussein hailed all the National Army for their readiness to defend their country and their people. He noted that since the forces were stationed in the area the residents had warmed up to them and felt more secure.
Mr. Feisal spoke at length on the imperativeness of being patriotic and standing together side by side both as a people and as a nation.
It is worth noting that this is the third time the UCID chair has visited the army stationed in the area.
Ethiopia grants 200 scholarships to Somaliland, students asked to apply
By M.A. Egge
The Higher Education Commission of Somaliland has announced 200 scholarships that the Ethiopian government has extended to Somaliland, especially to benefit the students of the country.
The scholarship was given to two hundred students and consists of different levels of education such as 100 students for basic degrees, 92 for the masters and 8 for PHD levels.
Required criteria set for those eligible are that the students should have the national ID cards, school leaving certificates and those of the corresponding specific degrees. Of note is the fact that they must have finished schooling within the past three years.
The requirement for a student who wants to be among the candidates for the Masters scholarship is that the student must have a university degree, and have a minimum GPA of 3.00 and above; the student must also have a high school diploma.
The requirement set by the Higher Education Board of Somaliland for the student who wants to be among the candidates for the third level scholarship (PHD) is that the student must have a first and second level university degree, and must also have a GPA of 3.50 and above in the current examinations.
Further, they must have in the last five years been operating in higher education, hence must have published a journal and be ready to undertake examinations.
The higher education board of Somaliland has informed all students who are interested in this scholarship that the filing of applications will start on 08/08/2024 and will end on 28/08/2024; the places to file applications are at their offices in the regions of the country.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Statement: Ethiopian Role in Combating Terrorism in the HoA Region: Somalia a Case in point
Ethiopia is tied by language, culture, ethnicity, and natural resources with all its neighboring countries. This reality has made Ethiopia adopt a foreign policy that prioritizes safeguarding peace and security in the region. Its efforts over the years in maintaining stability in the region have yielded positive outcomes.
One good example is its support to the brotherly people of Somalia in their struggle for Somalia’s sustainable peace and security. Assisting the establishment of a stable government was the priority, and this was successfully achieved with the involvement of other neighboring countries and the regional organization, IGAD. Yet, the challenge has persisted and required not only diplomatically but also militarily, which Ethiopia successfully delivered.
In 2006, based on the invitation from the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, Ethiopia was able to get in Somalia and succeed in ousting the radical Islamist movement, the Union of Islamic Courts, helping Somalia to restore relative peace and security. Again in 2012, when Al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgent group Al-Shabab was reinforced, Ethiopian forces, together with allies, have expelled Al-Shabab from South and Central Somalia. Its coordination and effort with other troop-contributing countries have helped the government of Somalia to enhance its capacity and weaken Al-Shabab.
For three decades, Ethiopia has always been a troop-contributing country bilaterally and within AMISOM and ATMIS, managing and responding to counterterrorism efforts. Similarly, Ethiopia advocated for Somalia at regional, continental, and international levels diplomatically in supporting predictable and sustainable financing for AMISOM and later for ATMIS operations, along with mobilizing assistance in the state-building process of the country.
Since 1991, Ethiopia has unequivocally operated a principled policy towards Somalia, which is creating a peaceful Somalia for the benefit of its own people, Ethiopia, and the region. This was also reflected recently when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the 36th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives last month.
The Prime Minister recalled the brotherly relations and cooperation with Somalia, indicating the sacrifices paid by Ethiopian soldiers in Somalia to ensure the peace and stability of the country, adding Ethiopia not only respects Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity but also strongly desires its peace. The Prime Minister concluded his remark by stressing that Ethiopia’s policy towards neighboring countries is based on collaboration and mutual development.
Ethiopia was shocked by the disturbing news of the heinous terrorist attack by al-Shabab on Lido Beach in Mogadishu on Friday (August 2). Prime Minister Abiy immediately expressed his solidarity with the people of Somalia, conveying deep sadness over the tragic loss of lives and the injuries sustained in the horrific attack. He extended thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, and the people of Somalia during this difficult time.
The recent attack by the terrorist group Al-Shabab once again highlights how deadly and dangerous the group is. The threat posed by Al-Shabab extends beyond Somalia’s borders, making it crucial for regional actors and international partners to coordinate efforts in countering their terrorist acts. Ethiopia remains committed to standing with the people of Somalia in their fight against terrorism, recognizing that the peace of Somalia is directly tied to the peace of Ethiopia
BBC Somali services once again maliciously distort information on Somaliland
By M.A. Egge
The BBC Somali service has yet again opted to tarnish the image of the Republic of Somaliland in its constant maliciously distortive ways of misinformation to misconstrue issues about Somaliland.
The Somali language branch of the BBC has been in the habit of spreading fake news about the Republic of Somaliland for a long time, despite having been always cautioned against such tendencies hence warned on different occasions to refrain from its propaganda against the Republic of Somaliland.
A statement published on the website of the Somaliland Ministry of Information said that it was surprising that the BBC Somali radio station on Thursday published an article on its Facebook page about the decline in monetary power and the economy of Somalia, especially in Mogadishu, while deliberately placing a photo of Somaliland national currency to vouch for the story instead of that of Somalia.
The picture used by the BBC for the said article is one of the money changers in the center of the Hargeisa market who are actively going about their money exchange duties.
Ironically, the photo of the Somaliland currency and the money changer was taken by the AFP news agency in the past when it reported on the safety of Somaliland and money in the market in Hargeisa.
As reported by the Somaliland news agency SOLNA, the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Somaliland will take action against the Somali language branch of the BBC that has committed media crimes against the nation repeatedly.
The large number of patriotism depicted by the people in scoffing at the article on the page that it was published in deserves praise.
Somalia cabinet endorses one-person one-vote plan
Somalia has not had one-person, one-vote elections nationwide since 1969, when the dictator Siad Barre seized power. AFP
Somalia’s cabinet on Thursday endorsed legislation to allow a one-person-one-vote election system that was hailed as a “historic” step for the troubled Horn of Africa nation.
The law aims to replace a complex clan-based indirect voting system that has been in place since 1969, when the dictator Siad Barre seized power.
“The national elections law will direct the country to (hold) one-person-one vote elections,” Somali government spokesman Farhan Jimale told a media briefing.
Somalia is struggling to emerge from decades of conflict and chaos, battling a bloody Islamist insurgency and frequent natural disasters as well as internal political feuds.
The election plans were first unveiled in 2023 following a National Consultative Forum set up to discuss political reforms, with the system to be introduced with nationwide local ballots initially due to take place in June this year.
But the reforms ran into headwinds with leading Somali politicians saying they lacked the full support of all federal states, particularly the semi-autonomous state of Puntland which has long been at odds with the central government in Mogadishu.
Jimale said the cabinet of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre had unanimously approved the legislation, and another law governing which parties can take part in elections, describing it as “historic”.
“(It) will give every Somali citizen the constitutional right to vote for a leader of their choice,” he added.
However, the laws will have to go to parliament for approval before they can be officially signed into law by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Clan affiliations have been the organising principle of Somalia’s politics, with influential roles such as speaker, prime minister and president divided among the main groups.
State legislatures and clan delegates have also picked lawmakers for the national parliament, who in turn choose the president.
But clan rivalries have resulted in decades of strife and political wrangling, which in recent years have been exploited by the Al-Shabaab jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda.
Universal suffrage is already in place in the breakaway region of Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but has never been recognised internationally.
In May 2023, the semi-autonomous state of Puntland held local polls by direct ballot, but rolled back on plans to use the system again for local and regional elections in January this year.
And in March, it announced it would no longer recognise federal institutions after parliament backed the one-person, one-vote plan.
There has yet to be any reaction from the Puntland authorities to Thursday’s announcement.
Al-Shabaab, which has been fighting an insurgency against the fragile government, has sought to disrupt past elections with attacks.
The federal government in 2022 joined forces with local clan militias to fight the Islamists in an offensive supported by an African Union peacekeeping force and US air strikes.
The force is due to hand over security to the Somali army and police at the end of this year, and has been slowly drawing down its troops.
But the AU said this week said it had endorsed a new mission to be known as the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) with troop contributions from Egypt and Djibouti.
Egypt and Ethiopia discuss Post-ATMIS Somalia
Egypt’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mohamed Omar Gad, on Thursday met with Ethiopia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs – Taye Atske-Selassie.
According to a brief disclosure from the Ministry, bilateral, regional and multilateral “issues of concern” were discussed.
Sudan, “Al-Shabaab threat to Somalia” and the region as well as the Post-ATMIS situation in Somalia are among those that were discussed, according to an update from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.
It appears that Ethiopia has expressed “concern” about the situation in Somalia in the post-ATMOS circumstances.
The update from the ministry came at a time when news was emerging about Egypt and Djibouti expressing interest to send “troops” to Somalia.
There has been an activity on the part of Egypt to militarize the difference between Ethiopia and Somalia.
On August 8, 2024 – Somaliland issued a statement protesting Egyptian remarks during a joint presser with Turkey regarding the agreement with Ethiopia. “The statements made regarding the MoU between the Republic of Somaliland and Ethiopia are inaccurate, misleading, and disregard the sovereign rights of our people,” Somaliland said.
Dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia revolves around the latter’s deal with Somaliland to get an access to a 20 kilometers stretch of coastal area in exchange for recognition for Somaliland statehood. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on January 1, 2024.
But what appears to be an official hostile relation between Egypt and Ethiopia has now been over a decade. Egypt sees the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project a “national security threat” and has been attempting to destabilize Ethiopia. If true, Egypt’s deployment of troops to Somalia.