PRESS RELEASE

Mogadishu 09th June 2014: AU Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif expresses concern as tension continue to mount between warring clan militia fighting in Lower Shabelle and called on the parties to immediately desist from any form of violence.

“I call for calm and reconciliation. The situation will not be resolved by violence. All parties must refrain from violent actions, and make immediate efforts to de-escalate the situation and resolve their differences through peaceful dialogue and compromise,” said Ambassador Annadif adding that fighting only serves to discredit and disrupt the process of gains achieved in stabilizing Somalia.

Reports indicate that local civilians have begun fleeing the town and surrounding areas for fear of the escalating clashes and over 250 people have been internally displaced. The displaced are currently taking refuge at the AMISOM bases in Ell Jaale and Marka.

Ambassador Annadif reiterated AMISOM’s commitment in working with the Federal Government of Somalia and its Security Forces in securing and stabilizing Somalia.

“AMISOM in consultation with the international community is available to assist all parties in finding a common understanding as part of its overall efforts to promote peace, security and stability in Somalia” he concluded.

Mogadishu, June 6, 2014:  The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in partnership with UNSOM Human Rights and UNSOM Police yesterday concluded a joint five day training of trainers (ToT) training of Somali Police Force (SPF) officers on human rights principles pertaining to the police Force.

The training, which started on 1st June 2014, was aimed at integrating and strengthening the Somali Police Force’s understanding of international human rights in the application to their profession. During the training the participants were taken through critical aspects of international human rights such as Protection of Internally Displaced Persons, Protection of Children in Armed Conflict, Human Rights in Police Search and Seizure, Human Rights in Pre-trial Detention, among others.

The closing ceremony was attended by AMISOM Deputy Police Commissioner Benson Oyo-Nyeko, representative of the Director of UNSOM Human Rights Nicholas Vyshy, representative of the Ministry of National Security Director of Human Rights Department Sarha Mohamed Ali as well SPF Director of Training and Planning, General Garad C. Nuur.

UNSOM’s Director of Human Rights Section Nicholas Vyshy applauded the graduates for their commitment in ensuring that human rights principles are integrated into their work and encouraged the officers to apply what they learnt in their daily work.

The training benefitted 27 Somali Police Officers, 13 of which were female officers.

The Somali Police Force Director of Training and Planning, General, Grad C. Nuur, thanked AMISOM and UNSOM for their unwavering support and urged the graduates to use their newly acquired knowledge to improve and rebuild Somalia.

“You are the pillars of tomorrow and in charge of ensuring that the human rights of the people are adhered to,” said General Grad C. Nuur.

Dr. Benjamin Agordzo, the AMISOM Police Training Coordinator reiterated AMISOM and international partner’s commitment to enhance the capacity of the Somali Police Force.

“No single stakeholder can accomplish the task at hand alone and we must therefore pull our resources together to achieve our aim to build the capacity of our brothers and sisters from the Somali Police Force.”

The Director of the Human Rights Department in the Ministry of National Security Sahra Ahmed Mohamed closed the workshop on behalf of the Minister of National Security and thanked the organizers and graduates for their commitment to addressing human rights issues. She said the responsibility of upholding human rights is dependent on the Police Force as the institution charged with ensuring that the rule of law and order is observed.

The training is part of efforts to build the capacity of Somalia’s Public Service in line with the peace building and stabilisation process.

Mogadishu, 6th June 2013: Djiboutian forces serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) today joined their counterparts back home in commemorating the 37th anniversary of the establishment of the Djiboutian Armed Forces.

The celebration in Beledweyne and Bulo Burde was marked by a military parade in honor of this important event in the army‘s history which was established on the 6th of June 1977,  the forces all dressed in AMISOM fatigues were  in jovial mood as celebrations filled the air in the region.

In his message to the forces, the AMISOM Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif praised the work done so far in the Hiraan region by the Djiboutian forces, adding that, “I salute all of you for doing a commendable job for the Somali people in the region not only in providing security but also providing humanitarian assistance and reconciliation efforts for the community and local administration”

The event was attended by counterparts from Ethiopia National Defence Forces and the administration of Hiraan. Speaking at the function, Major Ali Dheere, Acting Contingent Commander said “we are gathered here today to mark the 37th anniversary of our army’s existence, the army is the country’s strength and vital to our national security, so we have to soldier on and defend our country, even when we are hundreds of miles away”.

The Governor of Hiraan, Abdifatah Hassan Farah took to the podium and rained praises on the Djiboutian contingent. “We are gathered here today to celebrate with our brothers as Hiraan and Somalia have benefited the most from the existence of the Djiboutian army since the liberation from the Al Shabaab terrorist.”

Djibouti is the third country to contribute to AMISOM with a contingent in Hiraan Region. The troops supporting Somali National Army recently captured the strategic town of Buulo Burto which was the supply nerve centre and home to hundreds of the Al-Qaeda linked terrorists

LONDON, June 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —

The Federal Government of the Republic of Somalia (“the Federal Government”) is pleased to announce that Soma Oil & Gas Exploration Limited (“Soma”) has completed the offshore seismic acquisition programme across the Offshore Evaluation Area of 122,000 sq km as part of Soma’s commitment under the Seismic Option Agreement (“SOA”) agreed between the Federal Government and Soma on the 6^th August 2013.

The seismic acquisition programme carried out by Soma concluded in June 2014 with over 20,500 km lines of 2D seismic data. The processing of the seismic data is expected to be completed by the end of 2014. Under the terms of the SOA, this data will be gifted to the Ministry of Petroleum & Mineral Resources, Federal Government of Somalia (“the Ministry”) through the creation of a data room, along with processed and re-processed historic seismic data collected prior to 1991.

Through effective collaboration between the Federal Government and Soma, significant steps have been made in accelerating the pace of exploration and development activity in Somalia. Completion of the seismic acquisition programme on budget and on schedule, with no security or HSE incidents, also demonstrates that operational conditions exist in Somalia permitting international oil companies to conduct exploration work safely and efficiently.

The Ministry will be evaluating the results of the seismic acquisition programme and then develop a plan to initiate further exploration work in the evaluation area and elsewhere in Somalia.

H.E. Daud Mohamed Omar, Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources, said:

“This significant milestone not only demonstrates the Federal Government‘s commitment to re-opening Somalia‘s oil and gas industry which will see economic and social developments for the country and the people of Somalia, but further confirms that the historic security risks associated with Somalia are continuing to diminish. The Federal Government is looking forward to further developing the hydrocarbons industry and engaging with international oil companies to conduct exploration work in Somalia.”

Press Release

Mogadishu, June 5 2014: The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), through its Humanitarian Liaison Unit, today handed over four water wells to the Banadir Administration in Mogadishu. The four wells located in Hamarweyne, Dharkenly, Wadajir and Hamaarjajab, will benefit over 260,000 households.

The construction and rehabilitation of the wells was funded by the Swedish Government and supported by AMISOM and implemented by Hadaf Humanitarian Relief Organization (HADAF), a local Non-Government Organization.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on behalf of the African Union Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Mahamat Saleh Annadif, AMISOM Political Officer James Gadin said the donation would uplift the living standards of the people by providing basic social services in the areas that have been recovered.

“The wells will provide affordable and reliable clean water to the residents of the Mogadishu districts” he said adding that the Civilian Component of AMISOM is complementing military and Police  efforts on the ground by trying to improve the lives of the Somali people.

On his part Senior Humanitarian Liaison officer, Abdul Diagabate said that the project will greatly help improve individual as well as public health, and enable parents to spend more time working to provide for their families’ needs.

Acting Mogadishu Mayor Ismail Maalim Abdi thanked AMISOM and the Swedish Government for the continued support to the Somali people and its Government saying that the water wells will provide basic humanitarian assistance to the people of Somalia and alleviate suffering of the people.

The handover exercise was attended by Representatives from AMISOM, Acting Mayor of Mogadishu Ismail Maalim Abdi, District Commissioners from the four Districts and the representative from the local community.

Some months ago after having delivered a speech on the Horn of Africa I was asked what the staple food of the Somalis is, I replied (only partly in jest) – politics. Sit in any Somali cafe or restaurant and the place is certain to be filled with lively and often extremely animated discussion about the current machinations of various parties, factions or individuals. The Diaspora follow and debate the goings-on ‘back home’ with a fascination and passion that would make for a fascinating sociological study.  Here is a drama bursting with heroes and villains, yet one that most foreigners find near impenetrable due to the size of its cast, familial and clan connections and the accretions of slights, betrayals, injustices and occasional triumphs. Little wonder then that Somalis have such an oral tradition, where bards and poets are revered for their ability to memorise and convey that which others might have chosen to disregard or forget.  Whilst politics is the cause for disengagement and disinterest in much or the world, to many Somalis it is their meat and drink.

Recent events from across the region have certainly ensured that Somalis have had plenty to talk about. From the machinations in Mogadishu, to high drama in Hargeisa the quest for power has taken on Machiavellian proportions. Loyalty and disloyalty have abounded, as has the willingness to indulge in febrile speculation. All this and more has been played out interminably across the television screens, the radio and print media and of course increasingly the internet. All and sundry have been willing to venture opinions, whilst in truth objective analysis has been a rare as a mule giving birth to a foal. To the world beyond the shifting sands of Somali politics and political factions only goes to compound its fears and prejudices and thus the Horn is viewed as a veritable quagmire that is best avoided. Little wonder then that potential investors are sceptical and that foreign policy analysts invariably get things so badly wrong.

For all this fundamental challenges remain and there are serious questions that Somalis themselves need to ask about their leaders. Regardless of outside help or interference, far too little is being done locally to tackle the issues of squalor, want, ignorance, disease and idleness. From Djibouti to Puntland people are desperate to see improvements in health care, are concerned about unemployment and under-employment and are quite right to ask what is being done for them. Citizens see a proliferation in ministerial vehicles, yet the roads remain in a woeful condition. Government officials clog flights to Dubai, London, Istanbul and Beijing, whilst schools are in desperate need of rudimentary resources and properly qualified teachers. Land is grabbed and property speculators thrive whilst young mothers die in childbirth due to inadequately staffed and equipped hospitals and clinics. Flags and speeches are all very well, but they will not feed the poor, the undernourished and the destitute.

Somalis across the region wish to see a greater sense of purpose. They are desperate to see leaders who serve, rather than self-serve, they are tired of those politicians who constantly look backwards and yet do precious little to move matters forward. The desire for change is palpable, not necessarily a change in leadership, but a change of emphasis and tempo. Somalis wish to see far greater pragmatism and practical collaboration. Historic enmities and mistrust has been allowed to shackle their ambitions for too long, now is the time for greater positivity and purpose. Longstanding disputes need to be approached afresh, where possible sorted out locally, but if necessarily drawing on specialist assistance and binding arbitration from outside. Capacity building especially in regard to leadership and enterprise is vital, with targeted training developed and delivered to ministers and ministerial officials. Somalis are by their very nature inveterate traders and thus more support mechanisms should be put in place to assist those with ideas. Energy security could go a long way to stimulating further activity; in this regard it is heartening to see the Government of Somaliland and others recognising the need to prioritise this issue. Infrastructure projects, especially with regard to new high quality roads, bridges and affordable housing can contribute significantly to stimulating economic activity as well as helping communities feel that they have a stake in society. Somali ingenuity and resilience is all very well, but it is beholden on those elected or chosen to serve to demonstrate that they have a clear understanding that with privilege comes responsibility. Leaders are there to lead, to have aspiration and vision and to work tirelessly to bring that vision about. The greatest vision must surely be that of transforming lives and opportunities, not through hollow nationalism, but through education and development. No one should doubt that across the region progress has been made, but even die-hard party apparatchiks must admit that so much more remains to be done. All the Somali territories face multiple challenges from the cancer of nepotism and corruption to inefficiency and poor work ethic. The Horn remains an enigmatic place to outsiders and Somalis are still routinely labelled and misjudged. It is sad fact that even in respected foreign ministries the degree of preconceptions and misconceptions that shape prevailing policy is truly shocking. As for the shameful Somalophobia that has seemingly become state policy in Kenya this is typical of the worst excesses of those who wish to peddle a poisonous narrative either about Somalis or about mainstream Islam. In truth Somalis and true friends of the Somali peoples recognise that the sclerotic mindset of the wider world is unlikely to change dramatically any time soon.

History has taught Somalis that when they dig deep within themselves they are not only capable of surviving, but thriving often against the odds. It is imperative to hold fast to core values, whilst having the courage to embrace certain new approaches. It is quite right that Elders should be respected and listened to, but equally the young should be nurtured, promoted and provided with meaningful opportunities. Those who scrutinise, question and challenge test a society’s mettle and thus every effort should be made to ensure robust and responsible journalism, for evidence shows that it can prove to be a major bulwark against corruption. It is regrettable that of late we have witnessed a spate of internal political wrangling that has more to do with egos than it does with serving the nation. Party bickering and jockeying for position in the position in the run up to elections is all very well, but the simple fact is that such unseemly behaviour merely detracts from the job in hand and invariably saps important time and resources that are required elsewhere. It is to be expected that some individuals will seek to sow and exploit disharmony. Factions will emerge, others disappear, but the day to day challenges remain and leaders and politicians would do well to remember this.

When one examines Somali history it is clear that there is considerable reason for pride, but whilst we must all have a deep reverence for the past, we must work assiduously to ensure we do not become the slaves to it. Whilst history may have resulted in geographical fragmentation and physical separation, there is no reasons why Somalis where ever they may reside should not have a unity of purpose and resolve to demonstrate that they are one people of the heart and mind determined in their different ways to prove their critics wrong.

Mark T Jones

International Speaker & Leadership Specialist

http://www.marktjones.com

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 2, 2014

Under Secretary for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman will deliver remarks on the U.S. strategy in Somalia on Tuesday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m. at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP).  Her remarks will address the full range of the United States’ interests and efforts in Somalia, within the context of the administration’s partnership with Africa and U.S. leadership more generally.  After her speech, Under Secretary Sherman will answer questions from the audience.

To RSVP or watch a live stream of the event, please visit USIP’s website: http://www.usip.org/events/us-foreign-policy-in-somalia

http://www.state.gov