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Remittances offer Somali lifeline

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HARGEISA, 22 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) — Somalia’s two decades-old civil war has left most of the Horn of Africa in shambles, but there are pockets of relative calm.

One such area is Somaliland, which has effectively become a separate state from the rest of Somalia although it is not officially recognised.

Somaliland is made up of almost 3.5 million people and its economy is dependent on agriculture, livestock and remittances from the many thousands who live abroad.

It is estimated that the region receives at least $700m in remittances a year.

Mohammed Adow reports from Hargeysa [Hargeisa] on the money transfers that have become big business.

Source: Aljazeera [English]

Press Release: Minister of Justice on 2oth Anniversary of CRC in Somaliland

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Hargeisa, 22 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) – The government of Somaliland is committed and initiated national activities for the promotion and ensuring the rights of children, through the ministry of justice as the leading state agency for all child rights related issues.

The coordination and Monitoring of the children rights and child development responsive issues including the ratification and implementation of CRC in Somaliland will be the major part in the midst of the priority areas for its longer and short term strategies and action programs .

The ministry will work for the formulation of child specific development policies, guidelines, advocacy tools strategies and plans for implementation in district, regional and national levels, with its best expectation of , or with the help and assistance from the other government line ministries and related state agencies, district councils, regional authorities, Private Sector, NGOs, civil Society Groups, and other Development partners for the protection of our children against violations, abuses, negligence and other harmful traditional practices

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The Government of Somaliland is recognizing that children are vulnerable and require special protection, appropriate to the age, level of maturity and individual needs, thus, the ministry of justice have the responsibilities of over seeing to the general welfare and development of children and co-ordinate all essential services for children in the country,

So , have already started the process of ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in Somaliland and established national task force of CRC, that will focus to the work by government and civil society organizations to enable progress for children in their survival, protection, participation and development.

With the view to promoting the rights of the children, the government of Somaliland is geared up and after the ratification of the CRC, the ministry will develop policies and programme backed by legislative frameworks that offer strategies for the protection, survival and development of our children

There are lot of Government line Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Non Governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations, Religious Organizations and many others who are ready and willing to help to the child rights promotion and protection initiatives, so, the government of Somaliland with its strong believe of supporting the development of children on who the future of this nation depends. Thus will continue to work hard for the ratification of CRC and implementation of programs in collaboration with stakeholders, which directly address the children rights and their development

Thanks

Somaliland Minister Of Justice
AHMED HASSAN ALI (CASOOWE)

Ineptitude is Costing Somalia

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MOGADISHU, 22 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) – The issue is not about writing the countless problems and crises the Transitional Government is facing in Somalia. Nor is it the responsibility of the International Community to solve them. It is for a competent and honest government to sort them out. For that reason, a society in tatters would need not the least competent but the most able government to rebuild its nation. Nevertheless, ruined Somalia does not have the gift of an effective government.

If you thought the infamous ‘memorandum of misunderstanding’ has gone away think again. Even though there has never been a sea-shelf conflict between Somalia and Kenya until now, the Kibaki Government of Kenya is pursuing the matter through the auspices of the UN. The worry is the bumbling Transitional Government itself and what could be on the application it had submitted to the UN. The biggest concern is, on its application, the TG may acknowledge the existence of a problem where there has never been one.

It would be to the advantage of the Kibaki government if the Transitional Government acknowledges the existence of a sea-shelf dispute between the two nations. This would give ammunition to our neighbour who would use it to call for mediation. This is obviously the tactic of the Kibaki Government.

Kenya has been after the sea-shelf issue since 2004 after it had helped the establishment of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) on its soil. However, the TFG leader Abdullahi Yusuf sensing foul did not encourage Kenya to pursue the matter further. It is lamentable if Kenya sensing the ineptitude of the Transitional Government is now pushing this issue through.

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Kenya is our neighbour and we seek harmonious relations with our neighbours. Since 1991, for many Somalis fleeing conflict, Kenya has been a first stop destination and a holding centre for our refugees. However, the Kibaki government in Kenya should not take advantage of the statelessness of Somalia and the ineptness of the Transitional Government.

Every functioning nation needs a competent government to run its affairs. A nation in ruins may need a government twice competent. Somalia’s countless problems and crises will not address by itself. They await effective and honest government. For instance, when such a competent and honest government takes office in Somalia it will not hide from its public funds it had received on their behalf from other nations. It will announce every time funds are donated to the Somali people. It would also publish where and how every cent was spent. This happens when there is a leadership which cares about its nation and its legacy.

To build a system which stands the test of time can only come from leading by example. Until such time when the wind of fortune changes for Somalia from successive transitional administrations which squander opportunities to the establishment of a responsible government, let us not expect other nations will come to the rescue of Somalia or inept Transitional Government would step up to the plate and do the task. The Somali people should look out for Somalia and engage in the affairs of the nation!

Written by:
Abdullahi Dool
Hornheritage@aol.com

_____________________________________________________________________________________
Views expressed in the opinion articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the editorial

Somalia: Counterfeit Money Aiding Terrorists Seized

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MOGADISHU, 22 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) — Agents with Somalia’s customs have seized more than $1-million worth of fake US notes in Mogadishu’s Adan Adde International airport, authorities told local reporters on Saturday.

During a press conference held at the airport, Somalia’s Treasury Minister, Mr Abdulrahman Omar Osman said the fake money was to be smuggled into Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, where it was to be used to carry out terrorism attacks.

Somalia’s police spokesman, Mr Dhexe Abdullahi Hassan said Al Qaeda was the prime suspect and decided to smuggle counterfeit notes after international financial institutions starved the terrorist group of all money supplies.

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He said they will destroy the contraband money.

No one has been reportedly arrested and the authorities did not disqualify where the money was originally printed.

Even though, Somaliland is relatively peaceful, terrorist groups in Somalia carried out successful attacks in Hargeisa in October last year killing 24 persons and wounding more than 30 others. Just two weeks ago, Somaliland security forces thwarted a plot to attack a peace conference in Hargeisa, organized by the Finnish Lutheran Church’s foreign aid branch, Finn Church Aid.

[vsw id=”o6YxIyN-iKE” source=”youtube” width=”340″ height=”284″ autoplay=”no”]

Source: Somalilandpress
[Photo: Somali authorities showcase fake dollars in Mogadishu 21 November 2009. Salad Iidow Hassan/Hiiraan Online]

Somalia pirates: kidnapped couple's family urge release

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HARARDHEERE, 21 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) — The family of a British couple kidnapped by pirates have made another appeal for their release after seeing footage of them surrounded by gunmen.

In a video obtained by Channel 4 News, Paul and Rachel Chandler, aged 59 and 55 and from Kent, are seen surrounded by Somali gunmen.

Mr Chandler pleads for their lives, saying they fear they may be killed within a week.

The pirates have demanded a ransom of $7m (£4.3m) in a phone call to the BBC.

This is nearly double the highest ever payout to Somali pirates.

With a gun pointing at her head, Mrs Cahndler said: “Our captors are very impatient now that nobody has been in touch to enter into negotiations.

Paul Chandler

“So we ask the government and the people of Britain and our family, to do whatever they can to enter into negotiations with these people to buy back our lives.”

BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner said the family were believed to be bearing up well.

“Although it came as a relief to see their loved ones alive and unharmed, it was distressing to see them surrounded by Somali gunmen,” he said.

And a statement released by the family said: “We miss them deeply and urge their release.” [ad#Google Adsense (336×280)]

After the footage was aired, the Foreign Office issued a statement expressing sympathy for the victims’ families, but reiterating its position.

A spokesman said: “The UK government position is clear: we do not make substantive concessions to hostage takers, including ransoms.”

Instead they are using all their connections in east Africa to try to shift “perception away from cash machines” and to try to persuade the pirates to do the “humanitarian thing and let them go”, said Mr Gardner.

He added that although Somali pirates were very good at putting psychological pressure on, they had never killed anyone themselves.

There are fears that the pirates could sell the couple on to Al-Shabaab, an Islamist group in Somalia, if their demands are not met.

Mrs Chandler said: “We are told that there is a terrorist cell, or a fanatic cell, searching for us and we are also feeling very much under threat now that these people themselves won’t hesitate to take our lives.”

The Chandlers, of Tunbridge Wells, were taken hostage on October 23 as they sailed their yacht in the Indian Ocean.

Sources: BBC and Channel 4 news (video)

Abusive Behavior in Puntland – Congressman Donald Payne

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United States Congress (Washington, DC)
Somalia: Abusive Behavior in Puntland
Congressman Donald Payne

Press Release

WASHINGTON, 21 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) — In late October, the Puntland government arrested five men of Ogadeni origin. These men came to Puntland using Somali travel documents provided by Somali authorities in Yemen.

Puntland and Ethiopian security personnel, invited by Puntland authorities, interrogated the prisoners. One of the prisoners, Abdi Mohamed Hassan also known as “Abdi Teerso” was handed over to Ethiopian security. Another prisoner died while in custody. An elderly man from Puntland was arrested by Puntland authorities after he publicly criticized the government.

This is not the first time Puntland authorities have harassed, tortured, killed, and handed over men of Ogadeni origin to Ethiopian security. Over a year ago, two senior members of the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) were handed over to Ethiopian security by a Puntland minister. They came, with the permission of Puntland authorities, to discuss the murder of an elder.

In June 2009, I invited President Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud (Farole) of Puntland to testify before my Subcommittee on Somalia. After the hearing, I discussed a number of issues with him, including the targeting and the handing over of Ogadenis to Ethiopian authorities. I was assured then that this would not happen again and that the government would reach out to this community.
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In an effort to resolve the recent detention of the five men, I called the President of Puntland to discuss my concerns and strongly urged him to release them without delay. I even proposed that the men be sent to another country where they will be safe. A week passed and nothing happened.

In mid-November, I met again with the President of Puntland and his Interior Minister in Kenya to urge them to release the three men still in detention in Puntland. Again, he pledged to find ways to pardon the prisoners. In fact, Puntland authorities are now threatening non-Puntland Somalis to leave some areas within 48 hours.

I strongly condemn this abusive and dictatorial behavior and demand the immediate release of the prisoners. I also call for those responsible for the killing of the prisoner and intimidation of Ogadenis to be held accountable, including senior officials who authorized these measures. Failure to act quickly on this matter will have serious consequences.

Somaliland President sends condolences for the death of Water & Mineral minister

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HARGEISA, 21 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) — President Rayale has sent his condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Somaliland’s Water and Mineral Minister, Mr Qasim sh Ibrahim, who died on Friday in the Saudi city of Mecca [Makkah].
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The sixty one-year-old Osman Qasim sh Ibrahim is said to have suffered a heart-attack according to Somaliland Aviation minister, Mr Ali Mohamed, who was traveling with him. Mr Qasim was quickly rushed to a local hospital but could not be revived, he was buried in Mecca the next morning. Mr Osman was part of four-Somaliland ministers who had traveled to the holy city for the annual pilgrimage.

Mr Qasim leaves three children behind, two girls and a boy.

Source: Somalilandpress

Somaliland Minister Dies in Saudi Arabia

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HARGEISA, 20 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Somaliland’s Minister of Water and Mineral Resources, Mr. Qasim Sh. Yusuf died in Mekkah today. The minister was among hundreds of Somalilanders went to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Pilgrim or Hajj.

The Minister died of a heart attack as Government officials confirmed to Somalilandpress.

Mr. Qasim was one of the senior ministers in Somaliland who have been in the politics for such long time.

Nicolas Cage Met with Imprisoned Somalia Pirates

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NAIROBI, 20 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) – Nicolas Cage met with Somalia prisoners in order to learn about their circumstances and meet with UN councils.

Nicolas Cage traveled to Kenya to meet with the imprisoned Somali pirates, reported E! Online.

The U.N. Ambassador on Drugs and Crime, Cage, paid a visit to the Somali prisoners to find out why the attacks have been increasing recently. Cage said he walked away with more understanding of their dilemma from the prison.

After the meeting at the Shimo-la-Tewa prison facility, Cage felt he could now discuss the matter with different U.N. councils.

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Recently, Cage had been the center of much media criticism after telling reporters Australian doctors prescribe cocaine for sinuses, which is what a doctor gave him while he was preparing for his role in the upcoming movie, “Bad Lieutenant.”

Cage has also been dealing with money issues, and recently went through foreclosure for one of his houses. The actor admitted on television he was suffering money problems, which the media blame on his excessive spending and purchasing.


Source: The Celebrity Cafe

Africa: Obama's Lessons for Civil Society

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HARGEISA, 20 November 2009 (Somalilandpress) – All Africa reports, “The election of Barack Obama as 44th President of the United States is celebrated as a milestone in several, well known respects – not only will he assume office as the first president of color – but as an underdog who entered the race for the White House with a slim resume, an unfamiliar name pitted against an established political brand and a political novice whose prospects of raising enough money to meet up to the task were not extremely bright at the starting line.

The response to Obama’s conquest of these challenges across Africa has been, unsurprisingly, euphoric. Most obviously due to Obama’s Kenyan heritage – and as many have been quick to note, the almost involuntary inspiration that Obama’s mix of intellect and emotional intelligence often evokes.

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But apart from the goodwill that Obama’s election elicits – there are crucial lessons to be gleaned on the importance of active citizenship and of ordinary citizens taking full responsibility for the direction that their democracy takes. Several across the African continent would do well to emulate the example set by ordinary U.S. citizens who have, through the election of Obama, painted a vivid picture of a democracy that has indeed come of age.

However, it is Africa’s broad network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) seeking to change the continent that has a rich case study of an effective grassroots movement to glean lessons from – particularly given the spirit of volunteerism and civic participation that buoyed Obama’s bid for the presidency.”

Source: AfricanPath

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