Medeshi
How to help failed states?
Written by Marko Kananen
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Somalia has been in a state of chaos and anarchy since the fall of dictator Said Barre in 1991. The war situation has thus continued, with short exceptions, for 18 years. Due to the humanitarian, political and economic disaster, caused by two decades of war, Somalia is generally described as a failed state. But what do we mean by this concept, and more importantly, what can we do to help Somalia and all the other failed states?
Somalia has been in a state of chaos and anarchy since the fall of dictator Said Barre in 1991. The war situation has thus continued, with short exceptions, for 18 years. Due to the humanitarian, political and economic disaster, caused by two decades of war, Somalia is generally described as a failed state[1]. But what do we mean by this concept, and more importantly, what can we do to help Somalia and all the other failed states?
Although there are lot of differences between various failing states, there are also certain similarities between them. According to João Marques de Almeida, adviser to the President of the European Commission, failed states share four characteristics. Firstly, in a failed state the central government has lost its control and authority over its territory and is thus unable to safeguard peace, law and order. Secondly, failed states are characterised by “warlord politics”: violence is needed to control the distribution of wealth and the building of political alliances. This makes it hard to distinguish between rebel groups and government forces. Thirdly, in failed states humanitarian tragedies, caused by extreme poverty, hunger and deceases are widespread. Also human rights and democratic norms are commonly subverted. Fourthly, conflicting parties are financed, for a large part, by money coming from kidnapping, trafficking, prostitution, and smuggling. Hence, the state of anarchy serves as a façade for organised crime.
Failed states pose a severe challenge for the EU’s traditional methods of foreign policy. First of all, most of the instruments available to the EU depend on the diplomatic channels and existence of an effective and recognised state. However, this is not, per definition, the case in the context of failed states. In many conflict areas it is hard to find political leaders who are in a position to, first of all, negotiate and cooperate with the international community and secondly, to have enough influence to truly change the situation. For example, in Somalia there have already been 14 attempts to create a central government – so far they have all failed. The country is divided into multitude of clans and sub-clans, not to mention that the northwestern part of the country – Somaliland – has unilaterally claimed independence. Therefore it is not a surprise that the diplomatic channels have remained mostly mute.
But what is the alternative to diplomacy? Military interventions can make the matters even worse. The UN Mission in Somalia (1992-1995) led to significant casualties and failed to restore order. Hence, as the example of Somalia shows, even a benign intervention, such as protection of food delivery, can become violent and turn the intervener into a party to the conflict. In addition to being risky, dangerous and possible ineffective, military interventions are also domestically highly unpopular. Therefore the European Union has rejected calls from the African Union and Somalia's neighbours to deploy peace-keeping forces in the country.
In addition to diplomacy and military intervention, humanitarian aid is one of the standard methods in crisis situations. This has been the case also in Somalia. However, already since the 90’s there has been a growing awareness of the problematic effects caused by the international aid. In Somalia, aid materials have become a main target for the various militia and bandits and they are used to financing the war activities. This does not mean that humanitarian aid to Somalia could or should be stopped. On the contrary, according to the UN analysis more than three million people in Somalia – a third of the total population – is dependent on humanitarian assistance. But aid alone can not solve the problems of a failed state.
In Somalia all the standard prescriptions for troubled countries – diplomacy, peacekeeping and humanitarian aid – have thus proven to be unable to change the situation. Therefore, there is clearly a need for alternative ways of helping failed states. Lately, various books and reports have been conducted to highlight these new ways of crisis management. The thing that most of the experts seem to be emphasising is flexibility. For example, Ashraf Ghani and Clare Lockhart[2] have criticised the western world for its outmoded vision of a sovereign state, which in many parts does exist anymore. Today, identities and loyalties do not necessarily correspond to traditional nation-states, and nations are not as unified and autonomous as it is often expected. Therefore, the authors are encouraging the international community to create and to foster more bonds with different actors of civil societies and markets.
Also João Marques de Almeida is supporting this kind of perception. In stead of emphasising the fixed idea of sovereign statehood under central government and democratic principle, more flexible solutions, such as trusteeships, shared sovereignties or federal structures, should be employed to deal with the complex situation. In Somalia this has been partly done in case of Somaliland. The international community has not recognised Somaliland’s independence, but it has still cooperated with the government in Hargeisa. Although independent Somaliland does not fit into the image of a unified Somalia, held by the international community, from a humanitarian perspective relatively peaceful and well functioning Somaliland is a big step forward.
In addition to flexibility we need pragmatism and concrete solutions on the level of individuals. As Paul Collier writes in “The Bottom Billion[3]. “, the reasons for Africa’s history of repeated coups d'etat and civil wars are not caused merely by a fractious populace or especially bad politics, but mostly by poverty. In an environment of hopeless poverty, joining a rebel army offers a small chance of riches. Therefore, a citizen-based approach, emphasising the basic wellbeing of the people is crucially important in stabilising societies and preventing the circle of violence.
What Collier, Ghani and Lockhart all emphasise, is the importance of engaging the local people in tackling their problems. They have to be allowed to and empowered to promote and manage local projects. For example, food aid is far less helpful than giving people the chance to earn money to buy their own, by providing them with work. This means that the international community has to take a bottom-up approach, supporting, encouraging and enabling the local people to take the matters in to their own hands. A good starting point is the creation and gradual expansion of networks of local actors.
Bottom-up approach also means that the international community has to strive for to cooperate with all the parties connected to the conflict. The international community has to make clear that it supports the general principles of reconciliation and consensus-building, and not a certain political leader or a party. As put by Ghani and Lockhart, foreign-backed leader, taking decisions from the top down, is far less likely to be seen as legitimate by citizens, or to inspire their loyalty.
To conclude, failed states need careful handling. In a situation of complex power structures and vulnerable institutions, the role of the international community is important. However, it has to remain in a background and let the local people take the lead.
[1]Since 2005 the American think-tank Fund for Peace and the magazine Foreign Policy have been publishing an annual failed state’s index, listing the most vulnerable states facing the risk of a major collapse. In the last year’s index Somalia took the unwanted first position.
[2] Ghani & Lockhart (2008): Fixing Failed States: A Framework for Rebuilding a Fractured World. OxfordUniversity Press.
[3] Collier (2008): The Bottom Billion. Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can Be Done About It. Oxford University Press.
Tender Affection for khat ..-- is it more coffee or cocaine?
Medeshi March 12, 2009
Tender affection for khat -- is it more coffee or cocaine?
The narcotic leaf is a time-honore
d tradition in Africa but illegal in the U.S., where demand is growing.
By Cynthia Dizikes
Reporting from Washington -- In the heart of the Ethiopian community here, a group of friends gathered after work in an office to chew on dried khat leaves before going home to their wives and children.
(FLOWER OF PARADISE’: In East African countries like Somalia, khat leaves have been used as a stimulant and social tonic. But in the U.S. khat is illegal, and increased demand is leading to clashes between narcotics officers and immigrants.)
Sweet tea and sodas stood on a circular wooden table between green mounds of the plant, a mild narcotic grown in the Horn of Africa.
Tender affection for khat -- is it more coffee or cocaine?
The narcotic leaf is a time-honore
d tradition in Africa but illegal in the U.S., where demand is growing.By Cynthia Dizikes
Reporting from Washington -- In the heart of the Ethiopian community here, a group of friends gathered after work in an office to chew on dried khat leaves before going home to their wives and children.
(FLOWER OF PARADISE’: In East African countries like Somalia, khat leaves have been used as a stimulant and social tonic. But in the U.S. khat is illegal, and increased demand is leading to clashes between narcotics officers and immigrants.)
Sweet tea and sodas stood on a circular wooden table between green mounds of the plant, a mild narcotic grown in the Horn of Africa.
(Photo: The Big Daddy . This is where the major league plays ball...)
As the sky grew darker the conversation became increasingly heated, flipping from religion to jobs to local politics. Suddenly, one of the men paused and turned in his chair. "See, it is the green leaf," he said, explaining the unusually animated discussion as he pinched a few more leaves together and tossed them into his mouth.
For centuries the "flower of paradise" has been used legally in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula as a stimulant and social tonic.
But in the United States khat is illegal, and an increased demand for the plant in cities such as Washington and San Diego is leading to stepped up law enforcement efforts and escalating clashes between narcotics officers and immigrants who defend their use of khat as a time-honored tradition.
In the last few years, San Diego, which has a large Somali population, has seen an almost eight-fold increase in khat seizures. Nationally, the amount of khat seized annually at the country's ports of entry has grown from 14 metric tons to 55 in about the last decade.
Most recently, California joined 27 other states and the federal government in banning the most potent substance in khat, and the District of Columbia is proposing to do the same.
"It is a very touchy subject. Some people see it like a drug; some people see it like coffee," said Abdulaziz Kamus, president of the African Resource Center in Washington, D.C. "You have to understand our background and understand the significance of it in our community."
Increased immigration from countries such as Ethiopia, Yemen and Somalia has fueled the demand in this country and led to a cultural conflict.
"We grew up this way, you can't j
ust cut it off," said a 35-year-old Ethiopian medical technician between mouthfuls of khat as he sat with his friends in the office.
In the Horn of Africa and parts of the Middle East, khat is a regular part of life, often consumed at social gatherings or in the morning before work and by students studying for exams. Users chew the plant like tobacco or brew it as a tea. It produces feelings of euphoria and alertness that can verge on mania and hyperactivity depending on the variety and freshness of the plant.
But some experts are not convinced that its health and social effects are so benign. A World Health Organization report found that consumption can lead to increased blood pressure, insomnia, anorexia, constipation and general malaise. The report also said that khat can be addictive and lead to psychological and social problems.
As the sky grew darker the conversation became increasingly heated, flipping from religion to jobs to local politics. Suddenly, one of the men paused and turned in his chair. "See, it is the green leaf," he said, explaining the unusually animated discussion as he pinched a few more leaves together and tossed them into his mouth.
For centuries the "flower of paradise" has been used legally in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula as a stimulant and social tonic.
But in the United States khat is illegal, and an increased demand for the plant in cities such as Washington and San Diego is leading to stepped up law enforcement efforts and escalating clashes between narcotics officers and immigrants who defend their use of khat as a time-honored tradition.
In the last few years, San Diego, which has a large Somali population, has seen an almost eight-fold increase in khat seizures. Nationally, the amount of khat seized annually at the country's ports of entry has grown from 14 metric tons to 55 in about the last decade.
Most recently, California joined 27 other states and the federal government in banning the most potent substance in khat, and the District of Columbia is proposing to do the same.
"It is a very touchy subject. Some people see it like a drug; some people see it like coffee," said Abdulaziz Kamus, president of the African Resource Center in Washington, D.C. "You have to understand our background and understand the significance of it in our community."
Increased immigration from countries such as Ethiopia, Yemen and Somalia has fueled the demand in this country and led to a cultural conflict.
"We grew up this way, you can't j
ust cut it off," said a 35-year-old Ethiopian medical technician between mouthfuls of khat as he sat with his friends in the office.In the Horn of Africa and parts of the Middle East, khat is a regular part of life, often consumed at social gatherings or in the morning before work and by students studying for exams. Users chew the plant like tobacco or brew it as a tea. It produces feelings of euphoria and alertness that can verge on mania and hyperactivity depending on the variety and freshness of the plant.
But some experts are not convinced that its health and social effects are so benign. A World Health Organization report found that consumption can lead to increased blood pressure, insomnia, anorexia, constipation and general malaise. The report also said that khat can be addictive and lead to psychological and social problems.
(Photo: A khat seller, Hargeisa)
"It is not coffee. It is definitely not like coffee," said Garrison Courtney, spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration. "It is the same drug used by young kids who go out and shoot people in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. It is something that gives you a heightened sense of invincibility, and when you look at those effects, you could take out the word 'khat' and put in 'heroin' or 'cocaine'."
Khat comes from the leaves and stems of a shrub and must be shipped in overnight containers to preserve its potency. It contains the alkaloid cathinone, similar in chemical structure to amphetamine but about half as potent, according to Nasir Warfa, a researcher in cross cultural studies at Queen Mary University of London.The United Kingdom determined last year that evidence does not warrant restriction of khat. In the United States, the substance has been illegal under federal law since 1993.
But the world supply of khat is exploding. Countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya now rely on it as a major cash crop to bolster their economies. Khat is Ethiopia's second largest export behind coffee.
Khat usage has grown so much in San Di
ego that Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-San Diego) wrote a 2008 bill that added cathinone and its derivative cathine to California's list of Schedule II drugs along with raw opium, morphine and coca leaves.
As of Thursday, Anderson's bill made possession of khat a misdemeanor in California, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. Possession of the leaf with intent to sell is a felony that carries a three-year maximum sentence in state prison.
In some cases, khat seizures have resulted in warnings and probation. In other instances, like New York City's "Operation Somali Express" bust in 2006, which led to the seizure of 25 tons of khat worth an estimated $10 million, the perpetrators were sent to jail for up to 10 years.
"It is not coffee. It is definitely not like coffee," said Garrison Courtney, spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration. "It is the same drug used by young kids who go out and shoot people in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. It is something that gives you a heightened sense of invincibility, and when you look at those effects, you could take out the word 'khat' and put in 'heroin' or 'cocaine'."
Khat comes from the leaves and stems of a shrub and must be shipped in overnight containers to preserve its potency. It contains the alkaloid cathinone, similar in chemical structure to amphetamine but about half as potent, according to Nasir Warfa, a researcher in cross cultural studies at Queen Mary University of London.The United Kingdom determined last year that evidence does not warrant restriction of khat. In the United States, the substance has been illegal under federal law since 1993.
But the world supply of khat is exploding. Countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya now rely on it as a major cash crop to bolster their economies. Khat is Ethiopia's second largest export behind coffee.
Khat usage has grown so much in San Di
ego that Assemblyman Joel Anderson (R-San Diego) wrote a 2008 bill that added cathinone and its derivative cathine to California's list of Schedule II drugs along with raw opium, morphine and coca leaves.As of Thursday, Anderson's bill made possession of khat a misdemeanor in California, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. Possession of the leaf with intent to sell is a felony that carries a three-year maximum sentence in state prison.
In some cases, khat seizures have resulted in warnings and probation. In other instances, like New York City's "Operation Somali Express" bust in 2006, which led to the seizure of 25 tons of khat worth an estimated $10 million, the perpetrators were sent to jail for up to 10 years.
(Photo: khat Congregation
A small group of Khat consumers, kicking it in the late afternoon of Hargeisa.)
"In my mind, [such arrests are] wrong," said an Ethiopian-born cabdriver who was arrested in November in a Washington, D.C., khat bust and spoke on condition of anonymity. "They act like they know more about khat than I know."
Khat leaves are sold attached to thick stalks or dried like tea leaves. A bundle of 40 leafed twigs costs about $28 to $50.
The plant's cost has been linked to family problems, including domestic abuse, said Starlin Mohamud, a Somali immigrant who is completing a dissertation on khat at San Diego State University.
In fact, within the East African community in the U.S., there are many who welcome the khat restrictions.
"I have seen what it does," Mohamud said. "Families who are trying to make ends meet on a daily basis cannot afford it. It just creates so many problems between a husband and wife to the point where a broken famil
y is going to be the result."Not all lawmakers, however, support the increased efforts to prosecute khat sellers and users. California state Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) called khat use "a minor problem that may be nonexistent and little understood" and voted against Anderson's bill.
"The Legislature cannot continue to add on penalties and punishments filling up critically overcrowded prison system without weighing the consequences on how this will affect California," she said.
Even though khat smuggling continues to grow in the United States, the level is nowhere near that of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroine and methamphetamine. Still, law enforcement officials worry that in a refined, stronger and more portable form, khat could spread outside the immigrant communities.
"In my mind, [such arrests are] wrong," said an Ethiopian-born cabdriver who was arrested in November in a Washington, D.C., khat bust and spoke on condition of anonymity. "They act like they know more about khat than I know."
Khat leaves are sold attached to thick stalks or dried like tea leaves. A bundle of 40 leafed twigs costs about $28 to $50.
The plant's cost has been linked to family problems, including domestic abuse, said Starlin Mohamud, a Somali immigrant who is completing a dissertation on khat at San Diego State University.
In fact, within the East African community in the U.S., there are many who welcome the khat restrictions.
"I have seen what it does," Mohamud said. "Families who are trying to make ends meet on a daily basis cannot afford it. It just creates so many problems between a husband and wife to the point where a broken famil
y is going to be the result."Not all lawmakers, however, support the increased efforts to prosecute khat sellers and users. California state Sen. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) called khat use "a minor problem that may be nonexistent and little understood" and voted against Anderson's bill."The Legislature cannot continue to add on penalties and punishments filling up critically overcrowded prison system without weighing the consequences on how this will affect California," she said.
Even though khat smuggling continues to grow in the United States, the level is nowhere near that of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroine and methamphetamine. Still, law enforcement officials worry that in a refined, stronger and more portable form, khat could spread outside the immigrant communities.
(Photo: Smalltime Money Changer
The really good guys have that box full of cash, and some overflowing on the top, sometimes topped off with a blank Somali passport for sale. They quoted the price at $50.)
In Israel, a pill known as hagigat (essentially Hebrew for "party khat"), has emerged on the club scene.
"I don't think we are going to see American teenagers chewing the plant," said Phil Garn, a U.S. postal inspector in San Diego. "But based on what I saw with meth and how it spread across the country, I can absolutely see how khat in a refined form could be a major problem."
In Israel, a pill known as hagigat (essentially Hebrew for "party khat"), has emerged on the club scene.
"I don't think we are going to see American teenagers chewing the plant," said Phil Garn, a U.S. postal inspector in San Diego. "But based on what I saw with meth and how it spread across the country, I can absolutely see how khat in a refined form could be a major problem."
TGS Announces the Availability of Seismic and Aeromagnetic Data in Somaliland
Medeshi March 12, 2009
TGS Announces the Availability of Seismic and Aeromagnetic Data in Somaliland
Multi-Client Data Ready for Somaliland’s First Petroleum Licensing Round
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) announced today that it has completed processing and interpretation of two new multi-client programs in Somaliland. Acquired in partnership with the Somaliland Ministry of Water and Mineral Resources (Ministry), the programs include 5,300 kilometers of marine 2D seismic, gravity, and magnetic data, plus approximately 34,000 kilometers of high resolution aeromagnetic data covering onshore areas.
Designed to define the principle structural elements of the area and allow for the development of leads, plays, and structural highs for further investigation, this new data is released to coincide with Somaliland’s first petroleum licensing round, which opened in February. The bid round includes eight concession blocks comprised of more than 89,624 square kilometers of onshore and offshore areas. Somaliland is geologically analogous to nearby Yemen, where several oil fields have been discovered to date.
TGS is the first company to gather new geophysical data in the Republic of Somaliland in almost thirty years. Through an agreement with the Ministry, TGS will exclusively market the seismic and aeromagnetic data on behalf of Somaliland.
TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) is a principal resource for global geoscientific data products and services in the E&P industry. TGS specializes in the design, acquisition and processing of multi-client seismic surveys worldwide and delivers advanced high performance seismic imaging and software solutions. The Company also provides the world's largest online well-log database, well data management services, multi-client interpretive products and subsurface consulting services to industry. The suite of integrated exploration data products available from TGS is distinctive and unmatched. The Company philosophy is to create unique high-quality data collected in the right place at the right time.
All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include TGS' reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers, TGS' ability to continue to expand markets for licensing of data, and TGS' ability to acquire and process data product at costs commensurate with profitability. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.
TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSLO:TGS).
Multi-Client Data Ready for Somaliland’s First Petroleum Licensing Round
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) announced today that it has completed processing and interpretation of two new multi-client programs in Somaliland. Acquired in partnership with the Somaliland Ministry of Water and Mineral Resources (Ministry), the programs include 5,300 kilometers of marine 2D seismic, gravity, and magnetic data, plus approximately 34,000 kilometers of high resolution aeromagnetic data covering onshore areas.
Designed to define the principle structural elements of the area and allow for the development of leads, plays, and structural highs for further investigation, this new data is released to coincide with Somaliland’s first petroleum licensing round, which opened in February. The bid round includes eight concession blocks comprised of more than 89,624 square kilometers of onshore and offshore areas. Somaliland is geologically analogous to nearby Yemen, where several oil fields have been discovered to date.
TGS is the first company to gather new geophysical data in the Republic of Somaliland in almost thirty years. Through an agreement with the Ministry, TGS will exclusively market the seismic and aeromagnetic data on behalf of Somaliland.
TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) is a principal resource for global geoscientific data products and services in the E&P industry. TGS specializes in the design, acquisition and processing of multi-client seismic surveys worldwide and delivers advanced high performance seismic imaging and software solutions. The Company also provides the world's largest online well-log database, well data management services, multi-client interpretive products and subsurface consulting services to industry. The suite of integrated exploration data products available from TGS is distinctive and unmatched. The Company philosophy is to create unique high-quality data collected in the right place at the right time.
All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include TGS' reliance on a cyclical industry and principal customers, TGS' ability to continue to expand markets for licensing of data, and TGS' ability to acquire and process data product at costs commensurate with profitability. Actual results may differ materially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. TGS undertakes no responsibility or obligation to update or alter forward-looking statements for any reason.
TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company ASA is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSLO:TGS).
AU Security Body Asks UN to Lift Somalia Arms Embargo
Medeshi
AU Security Body Asks UN to Lift Somalia Arms Embargo
By Peter Heinlein Addis Ababa
11 March 2009
Africa's highest security body asked the United Nations on Wednesday to lift an arms embargo on Somalia's government to allow it to equip defense forces facing well-armed Islamist radicals who control large parts of the country. U.N. officials are speaking cautiously of the first signs of hope as Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed's administration extends its rule in the capital, Mogadishu.
The African Union Peace and Security Council, or PSC, approved a three month extension of the A.U. peacekeeping mission in Somalia, known as AMISOM. Benin's A.U. Ambassador, Edouard Aho-Giele, who holds the rotating council presidency, said three months was needed because the U.N. Security Council is expected to replace AMISOM with a blue-helmeted U.N. force in June.
A.U. Commission Chairman Jean Ping's report to the PSC described security in Somalia as "very volatile". In calling for an end to the U.N. arms embargo on government forces, he noted that the radical al-Shabab group had claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack that killed 11 Burundian AMISOM peacekeepers last month.
Ping's six page report said the foreign-funded al-Shabab had refused to heed calls for an end to hostilities, despite considerable pressure, and that it had stepped up its media propaganda campaign against AMISOM.
Despite the security troubles, Ping reported "significant progress" in the political process in Somalia in the weeks since President Sheikh Sharif took power. Officials noted that the government is operating in Mogadishu for the first time in a month, and that there is a relative calm in the capital despite a bomb incident that killed a security official this week.
Parliament is meeting in Mogadishu for the first time since the transitional government was formed in 2004. Last Monday, a U.N. team made a brief visit to the city for a security assessment. One member of that team, Deputy U.N. envoy to Somalia Charles Petrie, said it is too early to speak of optimism. But he said the changing political dynamic has created opportunities that have not existed in Somalia for years.
"What's clear over the last few weeks is that the security situation has stabilized and it's to a large part to the credit of the government and the leadership of the government, who are reaching out to different groups -- even groups that are potentially hostile to them. So within the U.N. and the special representative, we feel there are opportunities that can be seized. There's a new political dynamic that creates opportunities, and the question of supporting the opportunities and translating them into some form of positive traction," he said.
Among the hopeful signs is a bill being sent to parliament that would establish a cabinet-level committee to examine how to bring the country's constitution into line with Islamic law, or Sharia. Several insurgent groups that control parts of Mogadishu and outlying regions have indicated they would lay down their arms if Sharia were introduced.
The hardline al-Shabab has rejected President Sheikh Sharif's peace overtures and has vowed to continue its armed struggle. But diplomatic sources in Addis Ababa say al-Shabab has been weakened by a recent loss of funding from Arab states in the region and by the recent withdrawal of Ethiopian troops whose two-year occupation in support of the previous transitional government outraged many Somalis.
AU Security Body Asks UN to Lift Somalia Arms Embargo
By Peter Heinlein Addis Ababa
11 March 2009
Africa's highest security body asked the United Nations on Wednesday to lift an arms embargo on Somalia's government to allow it to equip defense forces facing well-armed Islamist radicals who control large parts of the country. U.N. officials are speaking cautiously of the first signs of hope as Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed's administration extends its rule in the capital, Mogadishu.
The African Union Peace and Security Council, or PSC, approved a three month extension of the A.U. peacekeeping mission in Somalia, known as AMISOM. Benin's A.U. Ambassador, Edouard Aho-Giele, who holds the rotating council presidency, said three months was needed because the U.N. Security Council is expected to replace AMISOM with a blue-helmeted U.N. force in June.
A.U. Commission Chairman Jean Ping's report to the PSC described security in Somalia as "very volatile". In calling for an end to the U.N. arms embargo on government forces, he noted that the radical al-Shabab group had claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack that killed 11 Burundian AMISOM peacekeepers last month.
Ping's six page report said the foreign-funded al-Shabab had refused to heed calls for an end to hostilities, despite considerable pressure, and that it had stepped up its media propaganda campaign against AMISOM.
Despite the security troubles, Ping reported "significant progress" in the political process in Somalia in the weeks since President Sheikh Sharif took power. Officials noted that the government is operating in Mogadishu for the first time in a month, and that there is a relative calm in the capital despite a bomb incident that killed a security official this week.
Parliament is meeting in Mogadishu for the first time since the transitional government was formed in 2004. Last Monday, a U.N. team made a brief visit to the city for a security assessment. One member of that team, Deputy U.N. envoy to Somalia Charles Petrie, said it is too early to speak of optimism. But he said the changing political dynamic has created opportunities that have not existed in Somalia for years.
"What's clear over the last few weeks is that the security situation has stabilized and it's to a large part to the credit of the government and the leadership of the government, who are reaching out to different groups -- even groups that are potentially hostile to them. So within the U.N. and the special representative, we feel there are opportunities that can be seized. There's a new political dynamic that creates opportunities, and the question of supporting the opportunities and translating them into some form of positive traction," he said.
Among the hopeful signs is a bill being sent to parliament that would establish a cabinet-level committee to examine how to bring the country's constitution into line with Islamic law, or Sharia. Several insurgent groups that control parts of Mogadishu and outlying regions have indicated they would lay down their arms if Sharia were introduced.
The hardline al-Shabab has rejected President Sheikh Sharif's peace overtures and has vowed to continue its armed struggle. But diplomatic sources in Addis Ababa say al-Shabab has been weakened by a recent loss of funding from Arab states in the region and by the recent withdrawal of Ethiopian troops whose two-year occupation in support of the previous transitional government outraged many Somalis.
Law enforcement worried about Somalis
Medeshi
Law enforcement worried about Somalis
Foon Rhee,
deputy national political editor
March 11, 2009 08:31 PM
By Bryan Bender and Shelley Murphy, Globe Staff
WASHINGTON -- A Somali-American community leader warned a US Senate panel today that Boston may be among a half a dozen cities where youths are being recruited to travel to Somalia to fight alongside a radical Islamic group with links to Al Qaeda.
Top US law enforcement and intelligence officials told the Senate Committee on Homeland Security that a "small but significant" number of Somali-Americans from several US cities have traveled to Somalia since 2006 to join Al -Shabaab, which was designated a terrorist organization by the State Department last year.
But the officials did not specifically mention Boston, and the head of the Boston FBI office and officials with the Boston-based Somali Development Center said today they have not heard of any local recruitment efforts.
"We are not aware of anyone in the Boston area involved in any recruitment activities to send someone to Al-Shabaab," said Warren T. Bamford, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston office.
Community activists in Boston said that most Somalis condemn Al-Shabaab because it is trying to undermine the struggling nation’s prospects for peace.
At the Senate hearing, the law enforcement officials said they believe the initial motivation of youths who returned to Somalia was to defend their native land from an invasion by neighboring Ethiopia two years ago, but that they could be indoctrinated and trained to return the United States to mount terrorist attacks.
The officials pointed to signs that some Somali community leaders and radical websites have relied on religious appeals -- including a proclamation last month by Al Qaeda's second-in-command that Al-Shabaab's gains were "a step on the path of victory of Islam" -- while preying on a sense of isolation among some Somalis in the United States.
"They've become pawns in game larger than themselves," said the Senate committee chairman, Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut independent.
National law enforcement officials first became alarmed when a 27-year-old Somali-American college student from Minneapolis blew himself up in a suicide attack in Somalia last October.
Officials said they now believe "tens" of others have recently traveled to Somalia to take up arms with the group, which controls a large swath of the country's south and has introduced suicide attacks, roadside bombs, and other tactics to undermine the Somali government and attack Ethiopian targets. The group has been linked to Al Qaeda operatives responsible for bombing US embassies in Africa during the 1990s as well as terrorist leaders hiding in Pakistan, the panel was told.
"We are concerned that if Somali-American youth can be motivated to engage in such activities overseas ...fellow travelers could return to the US and engage in terrorist activities here," Andrew Liepman, the deputy director of intelligence at the National Counterterrorism Center, told the panel.
Osman Ahmed, a Somali-American community leader who was invited by the committee to testify, said that special attention should be given to Minneapolis, Seattle, Boston, and Columbus, Ohio, and he called for task forces to reach out to the Somalis. "There are youth programs that in some cases have hidden agendas," he testified.
Ahmed is president of a tenants group in Minneapolis, home to the largest Somali community in the United States and home to as many as 20 youths the FBI believes have left for Somalia. He has been sounding warnings on the issue since a nephew went to Somalia last fall.
Ahmed said in a later interview that he believes that at least two Somali youngsters from the Boston area traveled to Somalia last summer and may have been recruited by Al-Shabaab.
However, staff members at Somali Development Center's offices in Jamaica Plain, Chelsea, and Springfield said today they were unaware of any local recruiting efforts or of any youths or young men returning to their homeland.
Bamford of the FBI also said he has no confirmation of any youngsters going to Somalia from Boston to fight. He said agents have spoken to local Somalis about the recruitment of Somali youths in Minneapolis and urged them to come forward if they see similar efforts in New England, he said.
"Some young men have gone over to Somalia so we have to be aware of that," Bamford said in a telephone interview. "We can't just sit back and hope it doesn't happen. We have to go out and make the community aware of the concern and make parents aware of what happened elsewhere. They need to be good parents and watch out for their kids."
Boston has a small, tight-knit Somali-American community of about 5,000, who have arrived since 1992, following the US intervention in the country's humanitarian crisis, according to the Somali Development Center. Several thousand more live elsewhere in New England, including Portland, Maine, according to the center, which was established in 1996 to provide social services.
Nationwide there are an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Somali-Americans. Youths are considered particularly vulnerable to religious or other community leaders who might sympathize with Al-Shabaab, which means "youth" in Arabic.
Law enforcement worried about Somalis
Foon Rhee,
deputy national political editor
March 11, 2009 08:31 PM
By Bryan Bender and Shelley Murphy, Globe Staff
WASHINGTON -- A Somali-American community leader warned a US Senate panel today that Boston may be among a half a dozen cities where youths are being recruited to travel to Somalia to fight alongside a radical Islamic group with links to Al Qaeda.
Top US law enforcement and intelligence officials told the Senate Committee on Homeland Security that a "small but significant" number of Somali-Americans from several US cities have traveled to Somalia since 2006 to join Al -Shabaab, which was designated a terrorist organization by the State Department last year.
But the officials did not specifically mention Boston, and the head of the Boston FBI office and officials with the Boston-based Somali Development Center said today they have not heard of any local recruitment efforts.
"We are not aware of anyone in the Boston area involved in any recruitment activities to send someone to Al-Shabaab," said Warren T. Bamford, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Boston office.
Community activists in Boston said that most Somalis condemn Al-Shabaab because it is trying to undermine the struggling nation’s prospects for peace.
At the Senate hearing, the law enforcement officials said they believe the initial motivation of youths who returned to Somalia was to defend their native land from an invasion by neighboring Ethiopia two years ago, but that they could be indoctrinated and trained to return the United States to mount terrorist attacks.
The officials pointed to signs that some Somali community leaders and radical websites have relied on religious appeals -- including a proclamation last month by Al Qaeda's second-in-command that Al-Shabaab's gains were "a step on the path of victory of Islam" -- while preying on a sense of isolation among some Somalis in the United States.
"They've become pawns in game larger than themselves," said the Senate committee chairman, Joe Lieberman, a Connecticut independent.
National law enforcement officials first became alarmed when a 27-year-old Somali-American college student from Minneapolis blew himself up in a suicide attack in Somalia last October.
Officials said they now believe "tens" of others have recently traveled to Somalia to take up arms with the group, which controls a large swath of the country's south and has introduced suicide attacks, roadside bombs, and other tactics to undermine the Somali government and attack Ethiopian targets. The group has been linked to Al Qaeda operatives responsible for bombing US embassies in Africa during the 1990s as well as terrorist leaders hiding in Pakistan, the panel was told.
"We are concerned that if Somali-American youth can be motivated to engage in such activities overseas ...fellow travelers could return to the US and engage in terrorist activities here," Andrew Liepman, the deputy director of intelligence at the National Counterterrorism Center, told the panel.
Osman Ahmed, a Somali-American community leader who was invited by the committee to testify, said that special attention should be given to Minneapolis, Seattle, Boston, and Columbus, Ohio, and he called for task forces to reach out to the Somalis. "There are youth programs that in some cases have hidden agendas," he testified.
Ahmed is president of a tenants group in Minneapolis, home to the largest Somali community in the United States and home to as many as 20 youths the FBI believes have left for Somalia. He has been sounding warnings on the issue since a nephew went to Somalia last fall.
Ahmed said in a later interview that he believes that at least two Somali youngsters from the Boston area traveled to Somalia last summer and may have been recruited by Al-Shabaab.
However, staff members at Somali Development Center's offices in Jamaica Plain, Chelsea, and Springfield said today they were unaware of any local recruiting efforts or of any youths or young men returning to their homeland.
Bamford of the FBI also said he has no confirmation of any youngsters going to Somalia from Boston to fight. He said agents have spoken to local Somalis about the recruitment of Somali youths in Minneapolis and urged them to come forward if they see similar efforts in New England, he said.
"Some young men have gone over to Somalia so we have to be aware of that," Bamford said in a telephone interview. "We can't just sit back and hope it doesn't happen. We have to go out and make the community aware of the concern and make parents aware of what happened elsewhere. They need to be good parents and watch out for their kids."
Boston has a small, tight-knit Somali-American community of about 5,000, who have arrived since 1992, following the US intervention in the country's humanitarian crisis, according to the Somali Development Center. Several thousand more live elsewhere in New England, including Portland, Maine, according to the center, which was established in 1996 to provide social services.
Nationwide there are an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Somali-Americans. Youths are considered particularly vulnerable to religious or other community leaders who might sympathize with Al-Shabaab, which means "youth" in Arabic.
Plane crashes carrying supplies for peacekeepers in Somalia
Medeshi
Uganda Plane crash : Carrying supplies for peacekeepers in Somalia
African Union peacekeepers are among 11 people feared dead after a cargo plane carrying supplies to Somalia crashed in Uganda's Lake Victoria.
Ugandan officials said the Soviet-era jet caught fire shortly after taking off from the country's main Entebbe airport before coming down in Lake Victoria near Bugunga island. A search and rescue effort is underway but officials say there is little hope of finding any survivors. Three senior Burundian army officers were on board.
Rodney Muhumuza & Martin Ssebuyira
Kampala/Entebbe
Rescue workers yesterday widened the exploration area as the search for victims of the Monday plane crash into Lake Victoria entered its third day without success.
Mr Ignie Igunduura, the public affairs manager at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said no bodies had been recovered, but by press time there were unconfirmed reports that body parts had been found floating near some fish landing sites.
A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said polythene bags containing body parts had been taken to a military base in Entebbe.
CAA officials could not confirm this information, insisting the search was still unsuccessful.
Transport Minister John Nasasira said the plane’s fuselage, in which the bodies could be trapped, may have “travelled very far” across the lake.
“That plane could have been travelling at 300 km per hour [before it went down in flames]”, Mr Nasasira said yesterday, adding, “We could do with help in the search.”
Some 10 people, including two American experts, were taking turns diving under selected spots on Lake Victoria, but bad weather was slowing their efforts, according to Mr Nasasira. The victims include two Ugandans, a South African, an Indian, three Burundians, two Ukrainians and two Russians.
“It could take much longer, perhaps weeks, to locate and retrieve the fuselage, with strong lake currents impairing visibility,” Mr Nasasira said.
The tail end of the plane, a Somalia-bound Illyushin-76 carrying 11 people and cargo for African Union peace keepers in Somalia, was on Monday discovered by fishermen at a beach 27 km away from the crash site.
Mr Igunduura said the search was getting more complicated. “Of course we have a centre, but we keep going to different areas. The radius keeps growing,” he said.
Although the official investigation begins today, Mr Nasasira, citing the accounts of officials at the airport’s control tower, told a committee of Parliament on Tuesday that engine failure was the most probable cause of the crash.
Uganda Plane crash : Carrying supplies for peacekeepers in Somalia
African Union peacekeepers are among 11 people feared dead after a cargo plane carrying supplies to Somalia crashed in Uganda's Lake Victoria.
Ugandan officials said the Soviet-era jet caught fire shortly after taking off from the country's main Entebbe airport before coming down in Lake Victoria near Bugunga island. A search and rescue effort is underway but officials say there is little hope of finding any survivors. Three senior Burundian army officers were on board.
Rodney Muhumuza & Martin Ssebuyira
Kampala/Entebbe
Rescue workers yesterday widened the exploration area as the search for victims of the Monday plane crash into Lake Victoria entered its third day without success.
Mr Ignie Igunduura, the public affairs manager at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said no bodies had been recovered, but by press time there were unconfirmed reports that body parts had been found floating near some fish landing sites.
A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said polythene bags containing body parts had been taken to a military base in Entebbe.
CAA officials could not confirm this information, insisting the search was still unsuccessful.
Transport Minister John Nasasira said the plane’s fuselage, in which the bodies could be trapped, may have “travelled very far” across the lake.
“That plane could have been travelling at 300 km per hour [before it went down in flames]”, Mr Nasasira said yesterday, adding, “We could do with help in the search.”
Some 10 people, including two American experts, were taking turns diving under selected spots on Lake Victoria, but bad weather was slowing their efforts, according to Mr Nasasira. The victims include two Ugandans, a South African, an Indian, three Burundians, two Ukrainians and two Russians.
“It could take much longer, perhaps weeks, to locate and retrieve the fuselage, with strong lake currents impairing visibility,” Mr Nasasira said.
The tail end of the plane, a Somalia-bound Illyushin-76 carrying 11 people and cargo for African Union peace keepers in Somalia, was on Monday discovered by fishermen at a beach 27 km away from the crash site.
Mr Igunduura said the search was getting more complicated. “Of course we have a centre, but we keep going to different areas. The radius keeps growing,” he said.
Although the official investigation begins today, Mr Nasasira, citing the accounts of officials at the airport’s control tower, told a committee of Parliament on Tuesday that engine failure was the most probable cause of the crash.
Roadside blast kills four in Somalia
Medeshi
Roadside blast kills four in Somalia
Wed Mar 11, 2009
MOGADISHU, March 11 (Reuters) - Insurgents detonated a remote-controlled roadside bomb in Mogadishu on Wednesday killing a senior Somali security official and three other people, witnesses and officials said.
Al Shaabab, a movement of Islamist militants fighting the government and the African Union peacekeepers helping it, claimed responsibility and promised more attacks.
The blast killed former prime minister Ali Mohamed Gedi's security chief -- who is also working for the new government -- as well as his brother and two bodyguards as they were driving in the north of the coastal capital, police said.
"The officer and several of his body guards perished on the spot in the blessed explosion. His car was ruined there and then," Shabaab said in its website, www.kataaib.info.
"Al shabaab makes clear again that our Mujahideens (fighters) will continue operations against foreign troops, government officers and their soldiers. Wherever they pass, we shall keep our eyes on them," it said.
The failed Horn of Africa state has suffered civil conflict for nearly two decades, and Western security services fear it could be a base al Qaeda-linked militants.
In a separate development, al Shabaab rejected as hypocritical a vote in favour of implementing Islamic sharia law passed this week by President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed's cabinet.
"It's the plot of infidels," said Sheikh Hassan Yaqub, spokesman for al Shabaab in the southern port of Kismayu.
The group says Ahmed, a moderate Islamist who once led a sharia courts movement, is now in league with foreign powers and has ulterior motives for introducing Islamic law. Al Shabaab imposes a strict form of sharia in areas it controls.
Analysts say Ahmed's move is part of his strategy to neutralise the threat from armed opponents and pacify Somalia. (Reporting by Abdi Guled, Ibrahim Mohamed and Abdi Sheikh; Editing by Katie Nguyen)
Roadside blast kills four in Somalia
Wed Mar 11, 2009
MOGADISHU, March 11 (Reuters) - Insurgents detonated a remote-controlled roadside bomb in Mogadishu on Wednesday killing a senior Somali security official and three other people, witnesses and officials said.
Al Shaabab, a movement of Islamist militants fighting the government and the African Union peacekeepers helping it, claimed responsibility and promised more attacks.
The blast killed former prime minister Ali Mohamed Gedi's security chief -- who is also working for the new government -- as well as his brother and two bodyguards as they were driving in the north of the coastal capital, police said.
"The officer and several of his body guards perished on the spot in the blessed explosion. His car was ruined there and then," Shabaab said in its website, www.kataaib.info.
"Al shabaab makes clear again that our Mujahideens (fighters) will continue operations against foreign troops, government officers and their soldiers. Wherever they pass, we shall keep our eyes on them," it said.
The failed Horn of Africa state has suffered civil conflict for nearly two decades, and Western security services fear it could be a base al Qaeda-linked militants.
In a separate development, al Shabaab rejected as hypocritical a vote in favour of implementing Islamic sharia law passed this week by President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed's cabinet.
"It's the plot of infidels," said Sheikh Hassan Yaqub, spokesman for al Shabaab in the southern port of Kismayu.
The group says Ahmed, a moderate Islamist who once led a sharia courts movement, is now in league with foreign powers and has ulterior motives for introducing Islamic law. Al Shabaab imposes a strict form of sharia in areas it controls.
Analysts say Ahmed's move is part of his strategy to neutralise the threat from armed opponents and pacify Somalia. (Reporting by Abdi Guled, Ibrahim Mohamed and Abdi Sheikh; Editing by Katie Nguyen)
Obama: Managing Expectations and Understanding the Economic Crisis
Medeshi March 11, 2009
Obama: Managing Expectations and Understanding the Economic Crisis
Rarely has the expectation game been as complicated as it is for President Obama. Presidents are, still, to a substantial extent, judged by the performance of the economy during their term in office; and Obama is unlikely to be an exception. It would seem, therefore, that Obama has every reason to reduce hopes for an economic recovery in the immediate future because this would make it possible for voters to reward any economic recovery by supporting the Democrats in congress in 2010 and Obama himself during his 2012 reelection bid. The expectations calculation is not so simple for Obama because the tone coming from the White House is viewed as having an effect on the country's economic performance.
Towering dust clouds engulf the capital of Saudi Arabia
Medeshi March 11, 2009
Towering dust clouds engulf the capital of Saudi Arabia
THESE scenes were captured as a whole capital city was swallowed up in a huge sandstorm yesterday.
Dust clouds blew across from the desert at noon, engulfing the whole Saudi Arabian city of Riyadh, in ten minutes.
Activity in the capital ground to a halt as reduced visibility of a few metres caused travel chaos on the roads.Riyadh’s four million residents were forced to seek refuge from the grit as the storm raged for hours.
Although sand storms are common in the area, these towering dust clouds have been described as the worst in decades.
Hard times lead 21 Somali couples to share wedding
Medeshi
Hard times lead 21 Somali couples to share wedding
Wed Mar 11, 2009
HARGEISA, Somalia (Reuters) - Twenty-one couples have shared a joint wedding in Somalia, where the traditional lavish celebrations are increasingly unaffordable at a time of economic slump.
The function was held on Tuesday at a hotel in Hargeisa, capital of Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland, and was arranged by Telsom, a telecoms company that employs all the bridegrooms.
The Horn of Africa region is staunchly Muslim, so the men and women celebrated separately.
The expense of a traditional wedding, especially when economic times are hard, is driving some young Somalis to leave their homeland.
"One of the reasons why the youth migrate is weddings are expensive, and I appeal to the community to simplify marriage by reducing the cost," Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Omar Dirir, one of the area's most prominent religious leaders, told guests.
(Reporting by Husein Ali Nur; Writing by Daniel Wallis; Editing by Phakamisa Ndzamela)
Hard times lead 21 Somali couples to share wedding
Wed Mar 11, 2009
HARGEISA, Somalia (Reuters) - Twenty-one couples have shared a joint wedding in Somalia, where the traditional lavish celebrations are increasingly unaffordable at a time of economic slump.
The function was held on Tuesday at a hotel in Hargeisa, capital of Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland, and was arranged by Telsom, a telecoms company that employs all the bridegrooms.
The Horn of Africa region is staunchly Muslim, so the men and women celebrated separately.
The expense of a traditional wedding, especially when economic times are hard, is driving some young Somalis to leave their homeland.
"One of the reasons why the youth migrate is weddings are expensive, and I appeal to the community to simplify marriage by reducing the cost," Sheikh Mohamed Sheikh Omar Dirir, one of the area's most prominent religious leaders, told guests.
(Reporting by Husein Ali Nur; Writing by Daniel Wallis; Editing by Phakamisa Ndzamela)
What to do with a captured pirate
Medeshi March 10 , 2009 What to do with a captured pirate
By Oliver Hawkins Reporter, Law in Action, BBC Radio 4
When pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia surged last year, the world sent its navies to tackle the problem. But now that we are taking the pirates on, does anyone know what to do when we catch them?
The Roman law-maker Cicero once dubbed them "enemies of all mankind". And certainly pirates have long posed a major legal problem.
It has become even more acute in recent months, following the audacious attack last November on the world's largest supertanker, the Sirius Star, off the coast of Somalia.
It is not just a question of headline-grabbing attacks on prestige ships. Vessels from states across the developed and developing world face the threat of piracy from a new generation of pirates, often from failed or failing states.
Jurisdiction
Piracy is what is known as a universal crime. That means that because the pirates commit their crimes on the high seas, beyond any one country's jurisdiction, they are treated as a threat to every country.
In turn, each country may arrest pirates at sea and prosecute them at home.
At least that is how it is supposed to work. In practice, whether a country can prosecute arrested pirates depends on its own laws.
It is a problem the Danish Navy came up against last September when the flagship Absalon detained 10 suspected armed pirates in the seas off Somalia after they had allegedly been attacking merchant ships.
"We were stuck with them," says Thomas Winkler, a legal expert at the Danish Foreign Ministry.
"We only have national criminal jurisdiction if the pirates are attacking a Danish ship or Danish citizens. So we couldn't bring them to Denmark for prosecution.
"We looked to other states, but the evidence we had was not sufficient for these states. We had to set them free and land them in a safe place on the shore of Somalia."
Labyrinth
The Danes are not alone.
SOMALIA PIRACY
More than 100 attacks in 2008
42 successful hijackings in 2008
815 crew held hostage in 2008
6 ships currently held Source: International Maritime Bureau, 2009
The German authorities had to release suspected pirates just before Christmas.
BBC Radio 4's Law in Action has discovered that on two occasions last year, the Royal Navy also released pirate suspects after confiscating their equipment.
Some other navies are reluctant to detain the pirates they catch for fear of becoming legally responsible for them.
The problem is particularly acute with Somalia because it lacks an effective criminal justice system.
According to Rear Admiral Philip Jones, who heads the European Union's piracy task force Operation Atalanta, when a navy intervenes to stop a pirate attack, they often do not know whether the pirates they catch can be prosecuted.
"That depends on where we find them, on the nationality of the ship that arrests them, on the nationality of the pirates themselves and the circumstances in which they are arrested.
"There is a different response available in almost every case."
Impunity?
The consequences of this legal labyrinth can be seen in official figures released by the US Navy at the beginning of March.
“ They either walk out or someone pays a bribe for them to be released ” Roger Middleton, Chatham House
Out of the 238 suspected pirates investigated by navies operating off Somalia, barely half were sent for prosecution. Most of them were released.
Even these figures overstate the number of pirates that actually face trial because they include those handed over to the authorities in Puntland, the semi-autonomous region in the north-east of Somalia from which most pirates come.
According to Roger Middleton, in-house expert on Somali piracy at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, it is often unclear how long the pirates will stay in prison.
"Often not for very long," he says. "They either walk out or someone pays a bribe for them to be released."
Of the 57 pirates caught by the French Navy so far, 45 have been handed over to the Puntland authorities. The US Navy sent nine more pirates to Puntland at the beginning of March.
That means Puntland accounts for roughly half of the pirates reported to be facing prosecution.
Deal
In a bid to tackle the apparent impunity with which pirates can operate, the US and the EU have both concluded deals with Somalia's neighbour Kenya to send pirates for prosecution there.
Britain sent eight suspected pirates to Kenya last November. The US is in the process of sending another seven.
But is using Kenya as the first choice jurisdiction for prosecuting Somali pirates a viable long-term solution?
The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula has insisted that Kenya will not become a dumping ground for every Somali pirate captured on the high seas, despite the agreements.
And human rights groups have raised concerns about the standard of justice that pirate suspects will face there. Ben Rawlence of Human Rights Watch says there are significant problems with Kenya's justice system.
"People are routinely beaten in jail. Trials are rarely free and fair. Judges are highly susceptible to corruption," he claims.
However, the British government insists that the pirate suspects which it sends to Kenya will be treated in accordance with the UK's human rights obligations.
Everybody agrees that the long-term solution to piracy off Somalia is an effective government in Somalia with a well-resourced coast guard and a functional justice system.
Until that happens - and with civil strife in Somalia still acute - countries trying to combat piracy face huge problems in bringing pirates to justice.
Story from BBC NEWS:
By Oliver Hawkins Reporter, Law in Action, BBC Radio 4
When pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia surged last year, the world sent its navies to tackle the problem. But now that we are taking the pirates on, does anyone know what to do when we catch them?
The Roman law-maker Cicero once dubbed them "enemies of all mankind". And certainly pirates have long posed a major legal problem.
It has become even more acute in recent months, following the audacious attack last November on the world's largest supertanker, the Sirius Star, off the coast of Somalia.
It is not just a question of headline-grabbing attacks on prestige ships. Vessels from states across the developed and developing world face the threat of piracy from a new generation of pirates, often from failed or failing states.
Jurisdiction
Piracy is what is known as a universal crime. That means that because the pirates commit their crimes on the high seas, beyond any one country's jurisdiction, they are treated as a threat to every country.
In turn, each country may arrest pirates at sea and prosecute them at home.
At least that is how it is supposed to work. In practice, whether a country can prosecute arrested pirates depends on its own laws.
It is a problem the Danish Navy came up against last September when the flagship Absalon detained 10 suspected armed pirates in the seas off Somalia after they had allegedly been attacking merchant ships.
"We were stuck with them," says Thomas Winkler, a legal expert at the Danish Foreign Ministry.
"We only have national criminal jurisdiction if the pirates are attacking a Danish ship or Danish citizens. So we couldn't bring them to Denmark for prosecution.
"We looked to other states, but the evidence we had was not sufficient for these states. We had to set them free and land them in a safe place on the shore of Somalia."
Labyrinth
The Danes are not alone.
SOMALIA PIRACY
More than 100 attacks in 2008
42 successful hijackings in 2008
815 crew held hostage in 2008
6 ships currently held Source: International Maritime Bureau, 2009
The German authorities had to release suspected pirates just before Christmas.
BBC Radio 4's Law in Action has discovered that on two occasions last year, the Royal Navy also released pirate suspects after confiscating their equipment.
Some other navies are reluctant to detain the pirates they catch for fear of becoming legally responsible for them.
The problem is particularly acute with Somalia because it lacks an effective criminal justice system.
According to Rear Admiral Philip Jones, who heads the European Union's piracy task force Operation Atalanta, when a navy intervenes to stop a pirate attack, they often do not know whether the pirates they catch can be prosecuted.
"That depends on where we find them, on the nationality of the ship that arrests them, on the nationality of the pirates themselves and the circumstances in which they are arrested.
"There is a different response available in almost every case."
Impunity?
The consequences of this legal labyrinth can be seen in official figures released by the US Navy at the beginning of March.
“ They either walk out or someone pays a bribe for them to be released ” Roger Middleton, Chatham House
Out of the 238 suspected pirates investigated by navies operating off Somalia, barely half were sent for prosecution. Most of them were released.
Even these figures overstate the number of pirates that actually face trial because they include those handed over to the authorities in Puntland, the semi-autonomous region in the north-east of Somalia from which most pirates come.
According to Roger Middleton, in-house expert on Somali piracy at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, it is often unclear how long the pirates will stay in prison.
"Often not for very long," he says. "They either walk out or someone pays a bribe for them to be released."
Of the 57 pirates caught by the French Navy so far, 45 have been handed over to the Puntland authorities. The US Navy sent nine more pirates to Puntland at the beginning of March.
That means Puntland accounts for roughly half of the pirates reported to be facing prosecution.
Deal
In a bid to tackle the apparent impunity with which pirates can operate, the US and the EU have both concluded deals with Somalia's neighbour Kenya to send pirates for prosecution there.
Britain sent eight suspected pirates to Kenya last November. The US is in the process of sending another seven.
But is using Kenya as the first choice jurisdiction for prosecuting Somali pirates a viable long-term solution?
The Kenyan Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula has insisted that Kenya will not become a dumping ground for every Somali pirate captured on the high seas, despite the agreements.
And human rights groups have raised concerns about the standard of justice that pirate suspects will face there. Ben Rawlence of Human Rights Watch says there are significant problems with Kenya's justice system.
"People are routinely beaten in jail. Trials are rarely free and fair. Judges are highly susceptible to corruption," he claims.
However, the British government insists that the pirate suspects which it sends to Kenya will be treated in accordance with the UK's human rights obligations.
Everybody agrees that the long-term solution to piracy off Somalia is an effective government in Somalia with a well-resourced coast guard and a functional justice system.
Until that happens - and with civil strife in Somalia still acute - countries trying to combat piracy face huge problems in bringing pirates to justice.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Ethiopia ONLF rebels 'seize town'
Medeshi March 10, 2009
Ethiopia ONLF rebels 'seize town'
Rebels in Ethiopia fighting for the independence of the Somali-speaking Ogaden region say they have captured a town in the east of the country.
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) said it had seized Mustahil and was also fighting for the towns of Wardheer and Khalavo.
It said at least 80 Ethiopian soldiers had been killed.
An Ethiopian government spokesman told the BBC the reports were absolutely false and the ONLF was on the run.
On Saturday, the Ogaden rebels said they had killed more than 20 Ethiopian troops in recent fighting, a report also denied by the authorities in Addis Ababa.
The ONLF, founded in 1984, says the Somali-speaking population in Ethiopia's oil-rich Ogaden region has been marginalised by Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia's military launched an offensive against the ONLF after its fighters attacked a Chinese-run oil venture in Ogaden in 2007, killing dozens of people, including nine Chinese nationals.
The Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) said it had seized Mustahil and was also fighting for the towns of Wardheer and Khalavo.
It said at least 80 Ethiopian soldiers had been killed.
An Ethiopian government spokesman told the BBC the reports were absolutely false and the ONLF was on the run.
On Saturday, the Ogaden rebels said they had killed more than 20 Ethiopian troops in recent fighting, a report also denied by the authorities in Addis Ababa.
The ONLF, founded in 1984, says the Somali-speaking population in Ethiopia's oil-rich Ogaden region has been marginalised by Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia's military launched an offensive against the ONLF after its fighters attacked a Chinese-run oil venture in Ogaden in 2007, killing dozens of people, including nine Chinese nationals.
Once the camels start dying, people are not far behind
Medeshi
SOMALIA: “Once the camels start dying, people are not far behind”
NAIROBI, 10 March 2009 (IRIN) - Hundreds of people are at risk in Somalia's central region of Mudug, where a severe drought has caused an acute shortage of water, with local leaders appealing for urgent help.
"Some 42,940 sheep and goats have already died and many families have moved to urban areas in search of help," Mursal Hashi Shirwa, commissioner for social affairs of Gal-Mudug state, a self-declared autonomous region, said.
He said people would soon die if help did not arrive on time as hundreds of families were facing a bleak future after losing their livestock.
Shirwa visited the worst-affected areas from 2-6 March and told IRIN 5,500 families (33,000 people) in 40 villages north-east of the regional capital Galkayo needed immediate assistance.
He said about 100 nomadic families (6,000 people), who lost all their livestock, had moved to Bud Bud town, 175km north-east of Galkayo.
"They have nothing and nowhere to go, so they go to the closest town," he said, adding that in Qeydare, another town he visited, more people were arriving.
Livestock deaths
Yassin Mohamed Ganni, a senior elder from the area, said the situation was so bad that camels had started dying in some villages.
"Camels are the last animals to die and once they start dying, it is only a matter of time before people start dying," Ganni said.
He said urgent aid was needed to help stave off more animal deaths as livestock-keeping was the economic mainstay of the population.
"Our life depends en
tirely on livestock and if we lose it, then we have lost everything," Ganni said, adding that in certain cases people had lost all or two-thirds of their livestock.
Like most of central Somalia, the area has had no rain in the past two years and water points and boreholes have either dried up or are in disrepair, said Ibrahim Ilmi Ahmed, of the Somali Community Development Organization (SCDO), a local NGO that has organised water-trucks for the affected populations.
"We have been trucking water from long distances but the scale of the need and what we can deliver is not even close," Ahmed said.
He said the local business community and the administration, helped by the diaspora, had helped to bring water to some areas.
There were, however, areas "we have not been able to access largely due to distance and lack of funds", he added.
Shirwa said the Gal-Mudug administration would issue an appeal to international aid agencies to "help mitigate this unfolding catastrophe".
He said water, food and shelter for the displaced were a priority, as was restocking some of the lost livestock.
"We are appealing for immediate assistance to avert a disaster," he said.
Theme(s): (IRIN) Environment, (IRIN) Food Security, (IRIN) Natural Disasters, (IRIN) Water & Sanitation [ENDS]
NAIROBI, 10 March 2009 (IRIN) - Hundreds of people are at risk in Somalia's central region of Mudug, where a severe drought has caused an acute shortage of water, with local leaders appealing for urgent help.
"Some 42,940 sheep and goats have already died and many families have moved to urban areas in search of help," Mursal Hashi Shirwa, commissioner for social affairs of Gal-Mudug state, a self-declared autonomous region, said.
He said people would soon die if help did not arrive on time as hundreds of families were facing a bleak future after losing their livestock.
Shirwa visited the worst-affected areas from 2-6 March and told IRIN 5,500 families (33,000 people) in 40 villages north-east of the regional capital Galkayo needed immediate assistance.
He said about 100 nomadic families (6,000 people), who lost all their livestock, had moved to Bud Bud town, 175km north-east of Galkayo.
"They have nothing and nowhere to go, so they go to the closest town," he said, adding that in Qeydare, another town he visited, more people were arriving.
Livestock deaths
Yassin Mohamed Ganni, a senior elder from the area, said the situation was so bad that camels had started dying in some villages.
"Camels are the last animals to die and once they start dying, it is only a matter of time before people start dying," Ganni said.
He said urgent aid was needed to help stave off more animal deaths as livestock-keeping was the economic mainstay of the population.
"Our life depends en
tirely on livestock and if we lose it, then we have lost everything," Ganni said, adding that in certain cases people had lost all or two-thirds of their livestock.Like most of central Somalia, the area has had no rain in the past two years and water points and boreholes have either dried up or are in disrepair, said Ibrahim Ilmi Ahmed, of the Somali Community Development Organization (SCDO), a local NGO that has organised water-trucks for the affected populations.
"We have been trucking water from long distances but the scale of the need and what we can deliver is not even close," Ahmed said.
He said the local business community and the administration, helped by the diaspora, had helped to bring water to some areas.
There were, however, areas "we have not been able to access largely due to distance and lack of funds", he added.
Shirwa said the Gal-Mudug administration would issue an appeal to international aid agencies to "help mitigate this unfolding catastrophe".
He said water, food and shelter for the displaced were a priority, as was restocking some of the lost livestock.
"We are appealing for immediate assistance to avert a disaster," he said.
Theme(s): (IRIN) Environment, (IRIN) Food Security, (IRIN) Natural Disasters, (IRIN) Water & Sanitation [ENDS]
Somaliland: Democracy in Action - VII
Medeshi
Somaliland: Democracy in Action - VII
Abdulazez Al-Motairi
March 09, 2009
The recent visit of Somaliland President Dahir Riyale Kahin was very important to strength the relation between the two countries - UK and Somaliland. UK government received Kahin with full diplomatic head of state reception, and he met number of MPs and UK Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Somaliland flag was flying high at the UK House of Commons, and large crowd of Somaliland community in UK welcomed the president and his delegate to London. UK Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the president officially to visit London, in an attempt to support the growing democracies in Africa.
The below is informative article about democracy in Somaliland by Somali intellectual.
The article highlights the terrorist attacks in Somaliland, in which terrorist planned to stop the democracy development in Somaliland on 29th Oct 2008.
Somaliland: War on Terror Threatens Democracy - November 07, 2008 - 00:32
Despite the fallacious war on terror, in fact terrorism spread beyond control. Places that suicide attacks were unknown before are now struggling to cope with the devastation caused by them. Evidently, in the wake of massive terrorist attacks in Somaliland—its nascent democracy faces uncertainty. Never before did Somaliland witness horrific crimes committed by terrorists in its soil.
But on the beautiful morning of October 29, 2008 everything changed. After living peacefully in their country for almost two decades and establishing a remarkable democratic state, Somalilanders—once again—witnessed bloody attacks in their capital, Hargaisa. (In late 80s, close to 60, 000 civilians were massacred in Somaliland by the former Somali Army led by the infamous Gen. Morgan—the butcher of Hargaisa.) And again, chaos and panic swept through the streets of Hargaisa as scores of innocent Somaliland citizens—over twenty two people— lost their lives due to the simultaneous suicide attacks detonated in the heart of the city. The targets included the presidential palace, the Ethiopian commercial office, and the UNDP headquarters. And although understandably emotions are running high and there are more finger-pointing and blame-placing accusations than answers, the most crucial question remains unanswered: why was Somaliland attacked?
Though overwhelmed and frightened, Somaliland citizens continue searching answers. Meanwhile, the Western Media, while—of course—speaking to its captive audience and offering not a single shred of evidence quickly blamed the usual suspects—the Southern Somali group Alshabaab (the youth) which resolutely opposes the occupation of its country by Ethiopia.
Somaliland adversaries: Alshabaab, TFG and pirates
The plausible reasons that Alshabaab would attack Somaliland are plenty and clear. After all, Alshabaab is not pleased with Somaliland´s ties with the West and Ethiopia. And naturally, Alshabaab strongly believes the reunification of Somalia—including Somaliland—so this group will do whatever it takes to achieve its goals.
On the other hand, despite the Transitional "Federal" Government TFG claims that it is the only authority in former Somalia which theoretically includes Somaliland, the TFG barely controls its seat in Baydhabo, a city in Southern Somalia, much less rule Somaliland. Even worse, both Ethiopia and Kenya are now declaring their client TFG—led by the notorious warlord Col. Abudullahi Yussuf—as a hopeless regime doomed to fail. Ethiopia and Kenya parachuted the TFG into power in October 2004. hiiran.com
However, currently, the TFG has three priorities in its agenda: taking attention away from its failure, convincing the International community the presences of Al-Qaeda in the region, and most important—stopping Somaliland independence. The TFG knows that the year 2009 will bring some wonders to the Somali world. While the upcoming Somaliland presidential election in March 2009 will inevitably lead to its recognition, the TFG will not only crumple but also its five-year mandate will end in October 2009. However, without a doubt, after a successful, fair and transparent presidential election in Somaliland, Hargaisa will be on the verge of gaining its independence. And for the TFG derailing Hargaisa´s quest for independence is far more important than stabilising Southern Somalia, therefore. The timing could not have been better for Somaliland enemies either. Whatever it takes the TFG to sabotage Somaliland vote registration which has kicked in recently may be the ultimate goal. So whether it is Alshabaab or an earthquake, a civil war or a tidal wave—whatever is needed to stop Somaliland recognition makes no difference to the Somali quisling leaders. But what do the TFG, Alshabaab, and Al-Qaeda have in common? In fact, if the TFG, Alshabaab, and so-called Al-Qaeda groups in Somalia could agree on one thing, it would be: sabotaging Somaliland´s efforts to stand as a sovereign state—at any cost.
The war on terror has had ugly twists and turns. For instance, despite Col. Yussuf´s crying wolf about terrorists in Somalia he is now using the heinous attacks against Somaliland to his advantage for two reasons: to show the world that terrorists are even attacking Somaliland—an oasis in Africa—and to hinder Somaliland´s efforts to gain its severity. Therefore, undoubtedly the TFG ruthless thugs led by the belligerent warlord Col. Abudullahi Yussuf—the butcher of Mogadishu—whish they could congratulate the culprits of Somaliland attacks.
Meanwhile on a smaller scale but equally dangerous, the TFG employed pirates are chocking Somaliland´s ability to export livestock to the Middle East. Surpassingly, these pirates are directly connected to the same TFG the makes loud shrills about the presence of piracy in Somalia´s waters. The head of the Kenya-based Seafarers' Assistance Program, Andrew Mwangura could not have said it better when he stated, "Most of [the pirates] are linked to warlords…And the warlords are linked to the [government], all the way to the top." time.com Read also about the danger that pirates pose to Somaliland: awdalnews
The proliferation of Alshabaab
Truly, the unabated Ethiopian onslaught against Southern Somalia, the merciless U.S. bombings against Somali villages, and the never-ending plight of the Somalis in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia have infuriated Somalis around the world. Even Kenyan soldiers are reported gang-raping Somali women in the Somali region of Kenya. reuters.comAs a result, Alshabaab groups are now recruiting sympathisers not only in Somaliland but also in Djibouti. Whether the world accepts or not.
Then, it is no surprise that some of the attackers in Hargaisa may be locals who have been enraged by the plight of fellow Somali ethnics throughout East Africa. And the longer the Ethiopian military adventure into Somalia continues, the more recruits for Alshabaab. Hence, Ethiopia and U.S. are in fact responsible for the proliferation of groups like as Alshabaab, introducing suicide attackers and roadside bombers. To make matters worse: Ethiopia isn´t safer than it was when it invaded Somalia in December 2006. Additionally, with the exception of few pockets in Mogadishu, and Baydhabo which is home to the foreign-imposed Somali regime, Alshabaab runs the show in the rest of Somalia. Possibly Ethiopia may exit Somalia by the end of December 2008. So in essence, Ethiopia´s invasion not only strengthened Alshabaab fighters but it will also bring them to power, just as the U.S. brought power to the Islamic Court Union I.C.U, after the U.S. supported brutal Somali warlords were defeated by the I.C.U. Ethiopia just reinvented the wheel, didn´t it?
The irony of Hargaisa attacks
Sadly, the terrorist attacks in Somaliland have an ironic twist. While the relatives of the victims mourn the loss of their loved ones, the government may find the attacks as a blessing in disguise. The government which received the fury of the attacks may in fact use the devastation in Hargaisa as yet another stale propaganda to demonize the opposition parties—namely KULMIYE—as Hargaisa has done in the past. Not so long ago, Somaliland Interior Minster, Abdullahi Irro accused KULMIYE party of committing terrorist acts against the country and having ties with Alshabaab group. tinyurl.com But in reality, Mr. Irro´s laughable smear campaign has less to do with terrorism and has more to do with the government´s deceptive efforts to either monopolies or chock the lifeline of Somaliland people—exporting livestock to the Middle East. So, at times of massive devastation in Hargaisa, Mr. Irro may make yet another vomit-worthy accusation against KULMIYE. Truly, Somaliland yearns for a half-decent Interior Minster, don´t you think so? Terrorism became a propaganda gimmick just as communism was during the cold war. (Next war will be against Chinism!)
Indeed, the terrorists may have shrewdly concluded since the authority was bound to blame KULMIYE for everything including terrorist attacks, (lack of rains…you name it), why not wreck havoc and watch as Somaliland engulfs itself in a violent firestorm. That is, the foolhardy policy of our government towards KULMIYE party possibly accelerated the attacks.
Next attack: Djibouti
The terrorists that attacked Hargaisa know that there is a bigger fish to fry across the border to Djibouti. Both U.S. and France have troops in Djibouti. Now, the perpetrators gained experience, and without a doubt they have sympathisers and perhaps fighters in Djibouti; then it will be a matter of time before U.S. and France send body bags home.
Given Somaliland´s limited resources, lack of high tech weapons and proper anti-terrorism trainings, it will impossible for the government to seal off its border with Djibouti. For instance, Somaliland doesn´t have single fighter jet, or a helicopter to patrol its borders, nor does it have the resources to fight off terrorists.
As long as Somaliland lacks technology and resources to rebuild its armed forces, to secure its borderers, and to uproot extremists groups from its soil, the American and the French troops in Djibouti will have to deal with the wrath of terrorists at the gates of their [American and French] bases rather than stop the attackers at Somaliland border.
Final thoughts
There is hardly a nation which terrorism has not affected. Just like uncontrollable diseases, terrorism spread like a wildfire. But while governments do at most to control epidemics, terrorism is—inadvertently and imprudently—spread by authorities.
Behind the façade of curbing terrorism, a new breed of extremist groups is about to hatch in East Africa. Thanks to the war on terror. Neither suicide attacks, nor roadside bombs were known in Somalia before the invasion of Ethiopia. But these desperate tactics are daily occurrences. Truly, terrorism is an act of desperation—when people are not give hope or a reason to live, they do whatever it takes to alleviate their pains. The myth that the terrorists envy the Western way of life and they want to impose their ideologies on the civilised world lost steam. It is an overused propaganda.
Additionally, the war on terror is now threatening one of the most democratic nations in Africa: Somaliland. Apart from economic and political isolations, among other problems, Somaliland struggles to cope with high seas pirates who threaten its only economic lifeline—the export of livestock to the Middle East—and terrorist attacks; the nation is stretched beyond its capacity to handle crisis. If the International community doesn´t act quickly—Somaliland could be the first nation succumbed to terrorist demands.
Doubtlessly, both Alshabaab and TFG factions are pleased with the terrorist attacks in Hargaisa, and the efforts of the perpetrators to derail the upcoming Somaliland election. Through the eyes of Alshabaab and TFG whatever it takes to stop Somaliland gaining its independence—including terrorist attacks is a fair game.
Also, evidently, the adventurous and reckless war on terror is in fact responsible for the proliferation of extremist groups in Africa and elsewhere. And as long as the plight of the Somali people remains ignored, Somalia´s neighbours won´t sleep comfortably.
It is about time to help Ethiopia evacuate its troops from Somalia. Understandably, Ethiopia has security concerns, but giving it the green light to invade its neighbour neither made Ethiopia more secure, nor curbed radical groups in Somalia. Ethiopia is the natural adversary of Somalia. And the idea of having the Ethiopian troops in Somalia as "peacekeepers" is ludicrous. Just as it is ridiculous to call the Israeli troops in Palestine peacekeepers, and so it is pathetic to camouflage the occupying Ethiopians in Somalia as "peacekeepers". Ethiopia needs peaceful neighbours, and the world could help Somalis choose their own government that approaches Ethiopia as a partner of peace and a good neighbour, rather than imposing a client Somali regime on the Somali people.
My assertions are not about accusing U.S.—Ethiopia coalition of creating mayhem in East Africa all alone, nor are they about defending Alshabaab´s possible crime committed in Somaliland—they are about looking into and beyond the thick smoke caused by Hargaisa terror attacks and how the war on terror would eventually undermine Somaliland democracy as well as its existence as a nation. Will the world rescue or watch as the nascent democracy of Somaliland surrenders to pirates and terrorists? Dalmar Kahin
Somaliland: Democracy in Action - VII
Abdulazez Al-Motairi
March 09, 2009
The recent visit of Somaliland President Dahir Riyale Kahin was very important to strength the relation between the two countries - UK and Somaliland. UK government received Kahin with full diplomatic head of state reception, and he met number of MPs and UK Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Somaliland flag was flying high at the UK House of Commons, and large crowd of Somaliland community in UK welcomed the president and his delegate to London. UK Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the president officially to visit London, in an attempt to support the growing democracies in Africa.
The below is informative article about democracy in Somaliland by Somali intellectual.
The article highlights the terrorist attacks in Somaliland, in which terrorist planned to stop the democracy development in Somaliland on 29th Oct 2008.
Somaliland: War on Terror Threatens Democracy - November 07, 2008 - 00:32
Despite the fallacious war on terror, in fact terrorism spread beyond control. Places that suicide attacks were unknown before are now struggling to cope with the devastation caused by them. Evidently, in the wake of massive terrorist attacks in Somaliland—its nascent democracy faces uncertainty. Never before did Somaliland witness horrific crimes committed by terrorists in its soil.
But on the beautiful morning of October 29, 2008 everything changed. After living peacefully in their country for almost two decades and establishing a remarkable democratic state, Somalilanders—once again—witnessed bloody attacks in their capital, Hargaisa. (In late 80s, close to 60, 000 civilians were massacred in Somaliland by the former Somali Army led by the infamous Gen. Morgan—the butcher of Hargaisa.) And again, chaos and panic swept through the streets of Hargaisa as scores of innocent Somaliland citizens—over twenty two people— lost their lives due to the simultaneous suicide attacks detonated in the heart of the city. The targets included the presidential palace, the Ethiopian commercial office, and the UNDP headquarters. And although understandably emotions are running high and there are more finger-pointing and blame-placing accusations than answers, the most crucial question remains unanswered: why was Somaliland attacked?
Though overwhelmed and frightened, Somaliland citizens continue searching answers. Meanwhile, the Western Media, while—of course—speaking to its captive audience and offering not a single shred of evidence quickly blamed the usual suspects—the Southern Somali group Alshabaab (the youth) which resolutely opposes the occupation of its country by Ethiopia.
Somaliland adversaries: Alshabaab, TFG and pirates
The plausible reasons that Alshabaab would attack Somaliland are plenty and clear. After all, Alshabaab is not pleased with Somaliland´s ties with the West and Ethiopia. And naturally, Alshabaab strongly believes the reunification of Somalia—including Somaliland—so this group will do whatever it takes to achieve its goals.
On the other hand, despite the Transitional "Federal" Government TFG claims that it is the only authority in former Somalia which theoretically includes Somaliland, the TFG barely controls its seat in Baydhabo, a city in Southern Somalia, much less rule Somaliland. Even worse, both Ethiopia and Kenya are now declaring their client TFG—led by the notorious warlord Col. Abudullahi Yussuf—as a hopeless regime doomed to fail. Ethiopia and Kenya parachuted the TFG into power in October 2004. hiiran.com
However, currently, the TFG has three priorities in its agenda: taking attention away from its failure, convincing the International community the presences of Al-Qaeda in the region, and most important—stopping Somaliland independence. The TFG knows that the year 2009 will bring some wonders to the Somali world. While the upcoming Somaliland presidential election in March 2009 will inevitably lead to its recognition, the TFG will not only crumple but also its five-year mandate will end in October 2009. However, without a doubt, after a successful, fair and transparent presidential election in Somaliland, Hargaisa will be on the verge of gaining its independence. And for the TFG derailing Hargaisa´s quest for independence is far more important than stabilising Southern Somalia, therefore. The timing could not have been better for Somaliland enemies either. Whatever it takes the TFG to sabotage Somaliland vote registration which has kicked in recently may be the ultimate goal. So whether it is Alshabaab or an earthquake, a civil war or a tidal wave—whatever is needed to stop Somaliland recognition makes no difference to the Somali quisling leaders. But what do the TFG, Alshabaab, and Al-Qaeda have in common? In fact, if the TFG, Alshabaab, and so-called Al-Qaeda groups in Somalia could agree on one thing, it would be: sabotaging Somaliland´s efforts to stand as a sovereign state—at any cost.
The war on terror has had ugly twists and turns. For instance, despite Col. Yussuf´s crying wolf about terrorists in Somalia he is now using the heinous attacks against Somaliland to his advantage for two reasons: to show the world that terrorists are even attacking Somaliland—an oasis in Africa—and to hinder Somaliland´s efforts to gain its severity. Therefore, undoubtedly the TFG ruthless thugs led by the belligerent warlord Col. Abudullahi Yussuf—the butcher of Mogadishu—whish they could congratulate the culprits of Somaliland attacks.
Meanwhile on a smaller scale but equally dangerous, the TFG employed pirates are chocking Somaliland´s ability to export livestock to the Middle East. Surpassingly, these pirates are directly connected to the same TFG the makes loud shrills about the presence of piracy in Somalia´s waters. The head of the Kenya-based Seafarers' Assistance Program, Andrew Mwangura could not have said it better when he stated, "Most of [the pirates] are linked to warlords…And the warlords are linked to the [government], all the way to the top." time.com Read also about the danger that pirates pose to Somaliland: awdalnews
The proliferation of Alshabaab
Truly, the unabated Ethiopian onslaught against Southern Somalia, the merciless U.S. bombings against Somali villages, and the never-ending plight of the Somalis in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia have infuriated Somalis around the world. Even Kenyan soldiers are reported gang-raping Somali women in the Somali region of Kenya. reuters.comAs a result, Alshabaab groups are now recruiting sympathisers not only in Somaliland but also in Djibouti. Whether the world accepts or not.
Then, it is no surprise that some of the attackers in Hargaisa may be locals who have been enraged by the plight of fellow Somali ethnics throughout East Africa. And the longer the Ethiopian military adventure into Somalia continues, the more recruits for Alshabaab. Hence, Ethiopia and U.S. are in fact responsible for the proliferation of groups like as Alshabaab, introducing suicide attackers and roadside bombers. To make matters worse: Ethiopia isn´t safer than it was when it invaded Somalia in December 2006. Additionally, with the exception of few pockets in Mogadishu, and Baydhabo which is home to the foreign-imposed Somali regime, Alshabaab runs the show in the rest of Somalia. Possibly Ethiopia may exit Somalia by the end of December 2008. So in essence, Ethiopia´s invasion not only strengthened Alshabaab fighters but it will also bring them to power, just as the U.S. brought power to the Islamic Court Union I.C.U, after the U.S. supported brutal Somali warlords were defeated by the I.C.U. Ethiopia just reinvented the wheel, didn´t it?
The irony of Hargaisa attacks
Sadly, the terrorist attacks in Somaliland have an ironic twist. While the relatives of the victims mourn the loss of their loved ones, the government may find the attacks as a blessing in disguise. The government which received the fury of the attacks may in fact use the devastation in Hargaisa as yet another stale propaganda to demonize the opposition parties—namely KULMIYE—as Hargaisa has done in the past. Not so long ago, Somaliland Interior Minster, Abdullahi Irro accused KULMIYE party of committing terrorist acts against the country and having ties with Alshabaab group. tinyurl.com But in reality, Mr. Irro´s laughable smear campaign has less to do with terrorism and has more to do with the government´s deceptive efforts to either monopolies or chock the lifeline of Somaliland people—exporting livestock to the Middle East. So, at times of massive devastation in Hargaisa, Mr. Irro may make yet another vomit-worthy accusation against KULMIYE. Truly, Somaliland yearns for a half-decent Interior Minster, don´t you think so? Terrorism became a propaganda gimmick just as communism was during the cold war. (Next war will be against Chinism!)
Indeed, the terrorists may have shrewdly concluded since the authority was bound to blame KULMIYE for everything including terrorist attacks, (lack of rains…you name it), why not wreck havoc and watch as Somaliland engulfs itself in a violent firestorm. That is, the foolhardy policy of our government towards KULMIYE party possibly accelerated the attacks.
Next attack: Djibouti
The terrorists that attacked Hargaisa know that there is a bigger fish to fry across the border to Djibouti. Both U.S. and France have troops in Djibouti. Now, the perpetrators gained experience, and without a doubt they have sympathisers and perhaps fighters in Djibouti; then it will be a matter of time before U.S. and France send body bags home.
Given Somaliland´s limited resources, lack of high tech weapons and proper anti-terrorism trainings, it will impossible for the government to seal off its border with Djibouti. For instance, Somaliland doesn´t have single fighter jet, or a helicopter to patrol its borders, nor does it have the resources to fight off terrorists.
As long as Somaliland lacks technology and resources to rebuild its armed forces, to secure its borderers, and to uproot extremists groups from its soil, the American and the French troops in Djibouti will have to deal with the wrath of terrorists at the gates of their [American and French] bases rather than stop the attackers at Somaliland border.
Final thoughts
There is hardly a nation which terrorism has not affected. Just like uncontrollable diseases, terrorism spread like a wildfire. But while governments do at most to control epidemics, terrorism is—inadvertently and imprudently—spread by authorities.
Behind the façade of curbing terrorism, a new breed of extremist groups is about to hatch in East Africa. Thanks to the war on terror. Neither suicide attacks, nor roadside bombs were known in Somalia before the invasion of Ethiopia. But these desperate tactics are daily occurrences. Truly, terrorism is an act of desperation—when people are not give hope or a reason to live, they do whatever it takes to alleviate their pains. The myth that the terrorists envy the Western way of life and they want to impose their ideologies on the civilised world lost steam. It is an overused propaganda.
Additionally, the war on terror is now threatening one of the most democratic nations in Africa: Somaliland. Apart from economic and political isolations, among other problems, Somaliland struggles to cope with high seas pirates who threaten its only economic lifeline—the export of livestock to the Middle East—and terrorist attacks; the nation is stretched beyond its capacity to handle crisis. If the International community doesn´t act quickly—Somaliland could be the first nation succumbed to terrorist demands.
Doubtlessly, both Alshabaab and TFG factions are pleased with the terrorist attacks in Hargaisa, and the efforts of the perpetrators to derail the upcoming Somaliland election. Through the eyes of Alshabaab and TFG whatever it takes to stop Somaliland gaining its independence—including terrorist attacks is a fair game.
Also, evidently, the adventurous and reckless war on terror is in fact responsible for the proliferation of extremist groups in Africa and elsewhere. And as long as the plight of the Somali people remains ignored, Somalia´s neighbours won´t sleep comfortably.
It is about time to help Ethiopia evacuate its troops from Somalia. Understandably, Ethiopia has security concerns, but giving it the green light to invade its neighbour neither made Ethiopia more secure, nor curbed radical groups in Somalia. Ethiopia is the natural adversary of Somalia. And the idea of having the Ethiopian troops in Somalia as "peacekeepers" is ludicrous. Just as it is ridiculous to call the Israeli troops in Palestine peacekeepers, and so it is pathetic to camouflage the occupying Ethiopians in Somalia as "peacekeepers". Ethiopia needs peaceful neighbours, and the world could help Somalis choose their own government that approaches Ethiopia as a partner of peace and a good neighbour, rather than imposing a client Somali regime on the Somali people.
My assertions are not about accusing U.S.—Ethiopia coalition of creating mayhem in East Africa all alone, nor are they about defending Alshabaab´s possible crime committed in Somaliland—they are about looking into and beyond the thick smoke caused by Hargaisa terror attacks and how the war on terror would eventually undermine Somaliland democracy as well as its existence as a nation. Will the world rescue or watch as the nascent democracy of Somaliland surrenders to pirates and terrorists? Dalmar Kahin
Somaliland Marines Tackle Treacherous Seas
Medeshi
Somaliland Marines Tackle Treacherous Seas
Abdulazez Al-Motairi
March 10, 2009
By Matt Brown
BERBERA, Somaliland, February 28, 2009 – Before setting out into the warm, azure waters of the Gulf of Aden, Ahmed Saleh, a colonel in the coastguard here, surveys his men. The 10 marines are well armed with AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and an imposing Russian-made anti-aircraft gun mounted on the bow of their speedboat.
These men carry a small arsenal for a reason. They are tasked with patrolling some of the most dangerous waters on Earth, the pirate-infested sea off the Somali coast.
"We do not fear because we have arms," Col Saleh said aboard his patrol boat in the open water of the Gulf of Aden. "The pirates have arms too, but still we do not fear. If we show fear, they can do whatever they want to us."
Indeed, the pirates are just as well armed and have terrorized international shipping vessels in one of the world´s busiest shipping lanes while outsmarting the most sophisticated navies on Earth. In the past year, Somali pirates have attacked more than 100 boats in the shipping route from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, according to the International Maritime Organization.
Experts believe that more than 1,000 pirates now operate off the Somali coast, taking advantage of the lawlessness stemming from the country´s 18-year civil war. Young fishermen are lured by the promise of huge ransoms in the millions of dollars. For example, the owners of the hijacked MV Faina, a Ukrainian ship carrying tanks and other weapons, recently paid a band of pirates US$3 million (Dh11m) for the release of the boat.
But piracy has its roots in illegal fishing and toxic waste dumping off the coast of Somalia, according to some of the pirates recently interviewed. Local fishermen began patrolling these waters demanding money for fishing rights from international ships. Once they realised they could make a profit, they began hijacking cargo vessels and extorting ransoms.
"Before we started the piracy, we appealed to the world to do something about the illegal fishing in our territorial waters," said Farah Ismail, a convicted pirate serving 15 years in a Somali prison. "They didn´t listen, so we turned to piracy."
In an interview from the prison in northern Somalia, Ismail described how his band of pirates captured large cargo ships using a six-meter skiff.
"The ships are very big and our boat is very small," he said. "Before he sees us, we can see him. Our boat is very speedy. By the time they see us, it is too late. We use ladders to climb on board. When we are on board, the first thing we do is cut their communication. Then, we use our guns and move the crew to one area."
Ismail, 38, is from Puntland, the anarchic Somali territory on the tip of the Horn of Africa. Most of the piracy takes place there and in southern Somalia. Pirates have largely avoided this north-western Somali territory known as Somaliland, which has a functioning government and security forces. Seeing a growth industry, Ismail and four other pirates moved to Somaliland to set up shop. The band of pirates was arrested last month, and they are all serving prison sentences.
window.google_render_ad();
Piracy is on the rise even here in Somaliland, where the coastguard has just three boats to patrol the entire 860-kilometre coastline. Ships from the US, European Union, Russia and a dozen other international navies stationed off the coast of Somalia, have concentrated their efforts on Puntland and the Indian Ocean coast, avoiding Somaliland.
"The local community is very aware and they alert us when they suspect pirates are operating in the area," said Admiral Osman Jibril Hagar, the head of the Somaliland coastguard. "In Somaliland, the people don´t like piracy. They say it is an evil business."
In the past two years, the coastguard has arrested about 50 pirates in Somaliland, according to Mr Hagar. Only one boat has been hijacked in Somaliland´s waters, a yacht sailed by a German couple that was taken in July on the border between Puntland and Somaliland.
Jurgen Kantner and his wife were sailing around the world on their yacht, the Rockall, when the pirates struck. The pirates took the couple to a hideout in the rugged mountains of Somalia´s interior, where they were held for 52 days.
"We slept in the bush, we had little water and sometimes we had no food for three days," said Mr Kantner, 62, who has returned to the Somali port town of Berbera to fix his boat. "I´ve lived 33 years on a boat, and it was the worst experience of my life."
The couple were subjected to mock executions. The pirates tied a rope around Mr. Kantner´s neck and threatened to hang him. Once they fired a gun, barely missing his head. At one point, he was separated from his wife when he heard a gunshot. The pirates told him that she had just been killed.
The couple was finally released after a $600,000 ransom was paid. Mr. Kantner said it was not clear if the German government or a private party paid the ransom.
Once his boat is seaworthy again, Mr. Kantner plans to continue his voyage to Asia, even though it means braving the pirate-infested waters a second time.
"Next time I will buy a gun," he said. "It is the only way. I will be ready. If they attack, I will fight back."
Somaliland Marines Tackle Treacherous Seas
Abdulazez Al-Motairi
March 10, 2009
By Matt Brown
BERBERA, Somaliland, February 28, 2009 – Before setting out into the warm, azure waters of the Gulf of Aden, Ahmed Saleh, a colonel in the coastguard here, surveys his men. The 10 marines are well armed with AK-47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers and an imposing Russian-made anti-aircraft gun mounted on the bow of their speedboat.
These men carry a small arsenal for a reason. They are tasked with patrolling some of the most dangerous waters on Earth, the pirate-infested sea off the Somali coast.
"We do not fear because we have arms," Col Saleh said aboard his patrol boat in the open water of the Gulf of Aden. "The pirates have arms too, but still we do not fear. If we show fear, they can do whatever they want to us."
Indeed, the pirates are just as well armed and have terrorized international shipping vessels in one of the world´s busiest shipping lanes while outsmarting the most sophisticated navies on Earth. In the past year, Somali pirates have attacked more than 100 boats in the shipping route from the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, according to the International Maritime Organization.
Experts believe that more than 1,000 pirates now operate off the Somali coast, taking advantage of the lawlessness stemming from the country´s 18-year civil war. Young fishermen are lured by the promise of huge ransoms in the millions of dollars. For example, the owners of the hijacked MV Faina, a Ukrainian ship carrying tanks and other weapons, recently paid a band of pirates US$3 million (Dh11m) for the release of the boat.
But piracy has its roots in illegal fishing and toxic waste dumping off the coast of Somalia, according to some of the pirates recently interviewed. Local fishermen began patrolling these waters demanding money for fishing rights from international ships. Once they realised they could make a profit, they began hijacking cargo vessels and extorting ransoms.
"Before we started the piracy, we appealed to the world to do something about the illegal fishing in our territorial waters," said Farah Ismail, a convicted pirate serving 15 years in a Somali prison. "They didn´t listen, so we turned to piracy."
In an interview from the prison in northern Somalia, Ismail described how his band of pirates captured large cargo ships using a six-meter skiff.
"The ships are very big and our boat is very small," he said. "Before he sees us, we can see him. Our boat is very speedy. By the time they see us, it is too late. We use ladders to climb on board. When we are on board, the first thing we do is cut their communication. Then, we use our guns and move the crew to one area."
Ismail, 38, is from Puntland, the anarchic Somali territory on the tip of the Horn of Africa. Most of the piracy takes place there and in southern Somalia. Pirates have largely avoided this north-western Somali territory known as Somaliland, which has a functioning government and security forces. Seeing a growth industry, Ismail and four other pirates moved to Somaliland to set up shop. The band of pirates was arrested last month, and they are all serving prison sentences.
window.google_render_ad();
Piracy is on the rise even here in Somaliland, where the coastguard has just three boats to patrol the entire 860-kilometre coastline. Ships from the US, European Union, Russia and a dozen other international navies stationed off the coast of Somalia, have concentrated their efforts on Puntland and the Indian Ocean coast, avoiding Somaliland.
"The local community is very aware and they alert us when they suspect pirates are operating in the area," said Admiral Osman Jibril Hagar, the head of the Somaliland coastguard. "In Somaliland, the people don´t like piracy. They say it is an evil business."
In the past two years, the coastguard has arrested about 50 pirates in Somaliland, according to Mr Hagar. Only one boat has been hijacked in Somaliland´s waters, a yacht sailed by a German couple that was taken in July on the border between Puntland and Somaliland.
Jurgen Kantner and his wife were sailing around the world on their yacht, the Rockall, when the pirates struck. The pirates took the couple to a hideout in the rugged mountains of Somalia´s interior, where they were held for 52 days.
"We slept in the bush, we had little water and sometimes we had no food for three days," said Mr Kantner, 62, who has returned to the Somali port town of Berbera to fix his boat. "I´ve lived 33 years on a boat, and it was the worst experience of my life."
The couple were subjected to mock executions. The pirates tied a rope around Mr. Kantner´s neck and threatened to hang him. Once they fired a gun, barely missing his head. At one point, he was separated from his wife when he heard a gunshot. The pirates told him that she had just been killed.
The couple was finally released after a $600,000 ransom was paid. Mr. Kantner said it was not clear if the German government or a private party paid the ransom.
Once his boat is seaworthy again, Mr. Kantner plans to continue his voyage to Asia, even though it means braving the pirate-infested waters a second time.
"Next time I will buy a gun," he said. "It is the only way. I will be ready. If they attack, I will fight back."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Qaar ka mid ah Ururada Bulshada Rayidka ah oo walaac ka muujiyay mudo dhaafka golayaasha deegaanada
Annaga oo ah Ururada Bulshada Rayidka ah ee Madaxa-banaan waxaanu si wayn uga walaacsanahay
