AMISOM Magazine - Issue 21 - English

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Issue 21 | April – June 2017

STRONG PARTNERSHIPS AMISOM MAGAZINE

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Message

From the SRCC Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC), Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira

AMISOM can now sit in satisfaction, knowing that its presence has been greatly impactful, having moved the ‘needle’ of stabilization to enviable levels.”

—Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira

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omalia is reaping huge benefits from the ongoing security operations in Mogadishu led by the local forces for the first time - in over two decades. This success is a manifestation of the capability of the Somali security forces to take full charge of security matters in the capital and progressively, in the rest of the country.

Immediate benefits of the security operations in the capital was a peaceful Ramadan, with Muslim faithfuls going about their business uninterrupted. I congratulate the Somali security forces for the excellent job they are doing and commend the Somali public for cooperating with the security forces by among other things sharing vital information that has led to the destruction of terrorist cells in most parts of the city.

Somalia’s visibly upward trajectory, is one of the most satisfying developments in the AU’s ten year mission in the country.

AMISOM can now sit in satisfaction knowing that its presence has been impactful, having moved the ‘needle’ of stabilization to enviable levels.

In the post-election era, we are shifting focus to solidify the Somali National Security Forces, to ensure they are adequately prepared to take over the management of the country’s national security.

But even as we ready ourselves to relinquish our role and hand over the security responsibility to the Somali National Army, we will do so cognizant of the realities on the ground.

In May, African Union and United Nations joint review assessment team concluded meetings on a transition plan for AMISOM, following the planned drawdown of our troops.

The aim of the joint review was to develop a workable framework that guarantees a seamless transition of security responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali National Army.

This is informed by the need to rapidly build the country’s national security forces and security institutions, both at the federal level and at the federal member states level as stipulated in the National Security Architecture, a political agreement between the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Members States reached in April 2017. The agreement is central to achieving sustainable security reform and a transition of primary responsibility of security from AMISOM to Somali security forces.

We believe that long term peace and stability in Somalia can only be ensured by homegrown solutions. AMISOM welcomes this process as it provides a clear roadmap for the troops’ exit, with a drawdown set to begin in October 2018.

We look forward to our new mandate, which will be made known in due course, and which will define our new role in Somalia as local forces embark on a Somali-led process.

Enjoy your reading!

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Table of

CONTENTS

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Message from the SRCC

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In The News

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The Transition

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London Conference on Somalia

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AMISOM Engages London Diaspora

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Stoic Optimism in the Wake Devastating Drought

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Kicking Measles out of Somalia

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Unified Exams Sending Thousands to Universities

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EU’s Transformative Education Aid Package for Somalia

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The Fourth Pillar of Islam

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Somali Youth Embrace Peacebuilding Initiatives

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AMISOM Trains Jubbaland Regional Assembly on Parliamentary Practice

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A Helping Hand to Local Communities

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A Shot in the Arm for SNA

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Africa Day 2017

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Inside EU’s Flagship ESPS Galicia

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Office of the Registrar of Political Parties

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New Battle Groups Deploy in Somalia

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Policing with a Cause

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AMISOM in Pictures (Pictorial)

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Somali Yellow Pages

The AU Commission Chairperson H.E Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat and UN SecretaryGeneral H.E Antonio Guterres meet on the sidelines of the London Conference for Somalia at Lancaster House in London, on 11 May 2017.

Photo: GOV.UK.

Design & Layout: Noel Lumbama Photography: AU-UN IST Newsroom | thenewsroom@auunist.org Email: au-amisomhom@africa-union.org P.O. Box 20182 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Phone: +254 202 713 755 /56 /58 Fax: +254 202 713 766 Publisher: AMISOM Public Information Unit

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IN THE

NEWS

2017

MARCH

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ogadishu holds its first ever international marathon in over three decades. The marathon was held in memory of Somali athlete Samia Yusuf Omar, who died while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Europe, also assisted in raising funds for drought victims. Over 200 athletes from different nations participated in the marathon, including 30 Somali runners, among them some of the Somali Olympians who competed in 2016 in Rio Olympics.

2017

APRIL

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omali National Army (SNA) marked its 57th anniversary with celebrations held in Mogadishu and officiated by Somali President H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Farmajo’. The president warned militants to take advantage of an amnesty issued earlier and down their weapons or face the full force of the government.

“We will look nowhere. We will use the same tactics that we used in the past and we will liberate the country with the capability of our troops,” the president said.

2017

APRIL

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MISOM Police extends the training programme on the use of biometric registration system to the South West state. The training will lead to the registration of the 500-plus South West police officers and is expected to guide human resource management decisions mainly identity verification, promotion and personnel transfer among others.

AMISOM Police Commissioner, Anand Pillay, said the collection of data will greatly impact the management of the Somali Police personnel both at federal level and regional states.

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APRIL

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enior AMISOM officials hold a meeting with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) representatives and senior commanders of the Somali National Army (SNA) to discuss modalities of opening and securing main supply routes to help facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid to drought imparted communities in the country. The closeddoor meeting, held in the Somali Capital, Mogadishu, was attended by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira; the FGS Minister of Defence, Rashid Abdullahi Mohamed; African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh and the SNA Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (DCDF), Maj. Gen. Ali Bashi Mohamed, among others.

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APRIL

APRIL

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omali President H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Farmajo’ visited Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West state to assess the effects of drought on the state which has been hardest hit by the natural calamity.

two-day conference for Somalia women Members of Parliament was held in Mogadishu with a call to the legislators to unite to push their agenda in all spheres of life. The Minister for Women and Human Rights, Deeqa Yasin Yusuf, while opening the conference that brought together women from state and federal parliaments, asked the legislators to embrace each other and learn to work together.

“I know if we get united, the women MPs in regional states and federal parliament, the ministers and members of the civil society working on women issues, our voice will be heard and we can attain our goals,” she noted.

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APRIL

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ore than 200 Jubbaland Police recruits graduate after completing a three-month training programme conducted by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The 201 policemen and women are the third batch of recruits to graduate in Jubbaland, bringing the total number of officers trained in the state to 600. The increase in number of trained officers is in line with

the New Policing Model (NPM), endorsed in June 2016, which

calls for the establishment of both state and federal police forces.

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IN THE

NEWS

2017 MAY

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ermany announces a 70 million euros ($76 million) donation to Somalia and plans to at least double that amount of assistance to help scale up humanitarian response to the ongoing drought in Somalia.

The announcement was made by the German Foreign Affairs Minister, Sigmar Gabriel during a one-day visit to Somalia to assess the humanitarian situation in the country.

2017 MAY

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conference is held in Mogadishu to collect views from key Somali stakeholders on issues ranging from security and politics to socio-economic development pre the London Conference on Somalia held on May 11 2017.

2017 MAY

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he Somali community living in London held a highly constructive dialogue with the AU Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira on the progress made in the security front in Somalia and the role of the AU Mission in the Horn of Africa. The meeting attended by Somali Federal Defence Minister Hon. Abdirashid Abdullahi, was held a day after the successful London Conference on Somalia, where global leaders pledged increased support to Somalia National Army, ahead of an envisaged drawdown of AU troops from the country.

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“As leaders in the London Somali diaspora, your ability to mobilize, motivate and accurately inform your compatriots will ensure that your

collective sacrifices serve to benefit the nation of Somalia,” Amb. Madeira told the well attended forum.

2017 MAY

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frica Day celebrations in Somalia was marked in the capital Mogadishu in pomp and colour. The day focused on the youth as a dynamic force with potential to transform the continent, riding on the theme, “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth.”

2017 MAY

2017

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he European Union, in partnership with the United Nations and the Benadir Regional Administration, launched a 12 million ($13.4 million) project to protect and support the reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benadir region.

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JUNE

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JUNE

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he Federal Government of Somalia reiterated its commitment to unify the country to achieve lasting peace and stability during the National Reconciliation Conference held in Mogadishu.

Deputy Prime Minister Mahdi Ahmed Guled said Somalia needs political and religious reconciliation, which has remained elusive because of conflict.

The project, called “REINTEG,” aims at improving the living conditions of IDPs and returnees through the establishment of governance systems that will ensure they get their rights to housing, land and property, as well as social and political inclusion.

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omalia joins the rest of the continent in marking the Day of the African Child with an appeal to wellwishers to help address the plight of street children in the country.

“Let us come together for the sake of these children.

We can do this in two ways. One is that a family can take in one of these children and raise the child as their own or we can pool resources (money) and establish an institution to cater for them so that they have a home and get an education,” Mohamed Abdikadir Noor, the Director General in the Ministry of Education said at an event organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

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TheTransition

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frican Union - United Nations joint assessment team concluded meetings on a transition plan for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), in May following a planned drawdown of its troops.

The joint team reviewed Somalia’s current security situation against the recently developed National Security Architecture; and recommended steps to a handover of the security responsibility, to the Somali National Security Forces (SNSF).

The assessment team comprising of officials from the African Union Peace and Security Division, the United Nations Headquarters, the United Nations Office to the African Union, other key donors and stakeholders were tasked to develop a workable framework that guarantees a seamless transition of security Hussein Moalim Mohamud Sheikh Ali, the National Security Advisor to the President of the Federal Government of Somalia speaks during a meeting of the African Union-United Nations, Federal Government of Somalia joint assessment mission in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 21, 2017.

Walid Musa Abdelkarim, the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations Team Leader speaks during a meeting of the African Union-United Nations Federal Government of Somalia joint assessment mission.

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responsibilities from AMISOM to the Somali National Army.

“We have a major task, which is to help Somalia to build rapidly and I emphasize rapidly, its national security forces and security institution, based on the National Security Architecture, both at the federal level and at the federal member states level,” noted the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (DSRSG) for Somalia, Mr. Raisedon Zenenga told the joint review team.

“That is a major task for all of us, which we have to accomplish in less than four years beginning now.”

The review team was also mandated to identify immediate needs that will hasten the transfer of the country’s

national defence to the national security agencies.

“There is urgency for the Somali National Security Forces to take over. We have to start with what is realistically possible to do; and in how much time can that be done,” emphasized SRCC Madeira.

He added that, “The National Security Architecture is a very important document, we want it to work. We don’t want it to remain on paper, good ideas; good intentions. It is no longer about intentions, it is about results.”

Mr. Hussein Moalim Mohamud Sheikh Ali, the Federal Government of Somalia’s National Security Advisor is leading the government delegation to the meeting.

Officials of the United Nations and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) attend a meeting of the African Union-United Nations, Federal Government of Somalia joint assessment mission in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 21, 2017.

Officials of the United Nations and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) attend a meeting of the African Union-United Nations, Federal Government of Somalia joint assessment mission in Mogadishu.

“On behalf of the FGS, I thank our brothers in AMISOM who have been fighting alongside our forces over the past 10 years,” he told the meeting. He also expressed the need for AMISOM’s continued stay in Somalia until the national forces are certified as capable of managing the country’s security on their own.

“We see that these 10 years of AMISOM in Somalia not as you overstaying,” he noted.

“But that you have invested so much, you have sacrificed so much, and the need that you came for in Somalia is still there. Today, the discussion is starting on how to remove that need,” he reiterated.

The recommendations by the joint review team, which include a timetable guiding the troops’ drawdown and an increase in AU police presence, will now be presented to the United Nations Security Council for approval.

The drawdown of the African Union forces will take place over a period of four years, in an exercise expected to end after the 2021 elections.

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The President of Somalia H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo arrives at Lancaster House in London, the venue of the London Conference on Somalia, on 11 May 2017.

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London Conference on Somalia O

n May 11, 2017 the United Kingdom hosted a major international conference on Somalia in London. At least forty-two friends and partners of Somalia including Heads of State and Governments from East Africa attended the oneday conference which sought to accelerate progress on security sector reform as well as build on the international response to the ongoing drought and humanitarian crisis. The conference also aimed to have partners agree on a new international partnership needed to keep Somalia on a steady path to peace and prosperity.

The UK government, the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations and the African Union co-chaired the London Conference on Somalia.

The communique from the London conference focused on Humanitarian assistance to address the prevailing drought; Strengthening National Security; more inclusive stable politics that will see a settlement on outstanding constitutional issues including completing the constitution review process.

Below is a summary of the security highlights as read out in the communique: Strengthening National Security  The conference noted that to defeat terrorist organizations, Somalia’s security forces need to train under a common doctrine, be better equipped, better housed and better coordinated, with regular pay and clear status and responsibilities.  They welcomed the historic political agreement Somalia’s leaders reached on 16 April 2017, to integrate regional and federal forces into a coherent National Security Architecture capable of gradually taking on lead responsibility of providing security, and the swift establishment of the National Security Council and National Security Office; taking forward the political agreement on the roles and responsibilities set out for the Federal Government of Somalia and federal member states, affordability of forces and the timelines in the Architecture.  The conference agreed to put the Somali led and owned political agreement at the heart of a comprehensive Security Pact between Somalia and the international community.  Through the past, Somali leaders commit to taking a lead on providing security in Somalia, including securing recovered areas, Main Supply Routes and security for the 2021 elections.  Partners also committed to continuing to support Somalia’s ongoing efforts to build stronger weapons management and control capacities.

 That achieving peace and stability in Somalia will require a new Comprehensive Approach to Security (CAS) through coordinated action across traditional boundaries – to strengthen Somali security forces, to achieve an effective transitional role for the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), to extend and improve early recovery and stabilization efforts, and to prevent and counter violent extremism and terrorism.  Recognizing the need for non-military approaches as part of this coordinated comprehensive approach, the conference endorsed Somalia’s National Strategy and Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, launched on 12 September 2016.

 They commended AMISOM’s vital work in enabling security and stability to allow Somalia to establish political institutions and extend state authority, both key to laying the foundations for a staged transfer of security responsibility to Somali institutions and forces. Recognized that AMISOM’s effort comes at great sacrifice to the troop contributing countries (TCCs) themselves, and commended the bravery and commitment of their troops, as well as Somali forces, in fighting Al Shabaab.  The conference also recognized the ongoing commitment of AMISOM TCCs and police contributing countries to support stabilization in Somalia and acknowledge the need for sustainable and predictable funding for AMISOM and the provision of necessary force enablers and multipliers to meet its obligations.  All partners recognized the critical funding provided by the EU since 2007 and the need to take collective responsibility for sustainable funding for AMISOM beyond 2018 while working together with the UN and other international partners to meet AMISOM and Somali security forces’ requirements in order to address Somalia’s current and short term security challenges.  The partners expressed support for a conditions based transition from AMISOM to Somali security forces, starting in late 2018 and with clear target dates linked to the security sector reform milestones set out in the Security Pact. The UNAU review of AMISOM beginning in May 2017 in close cooperation with the Federal Government of Somalia would set out recommendations to all partners of AMISOM’s role, based on Somalia’s needs, pending approval of the AU Peace and Security Council and UN Security Council ahead of AMISOM’s mandate renewal in July 2017.

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AMISOM Engages London Diaspora

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day after the hugely successful London Conference, the Somali community living in London held a highly constructive dialogue with the AU Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira on the progress made in the security front in Somalia and the role of the AU Mission in the Horn of Africa.

The dialogue, attended by the Minister of Defence in the Federal Government of Somalia Hon. Abdirashid Abdullahi, also discussed ways in which Somalis in the diaspora can enlist their support.

“As leaders in the London Somali diaspora, your ability to mobilize, motivate and accurately inform your compatriots

Members of Somali community living in London attend a dialogue with Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia on May 12, 2017.

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia (middle) addresses members of Somali community living in London during a dialogue on May 12, 2017.

will ensure that your collective sacrifices serve to benefit the nation of

Somalia,” Amb. Madeira told the well attended forum in Central London.

Members of Somali community living in London attend a dialogue with Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia.

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The state of the Somali National Security Institutions was a focus at the London Conference on Somalia. There was a unanimous agreement that radical measures need be taken to strengthen the national army, to empower Somalis to take control of their own security.

“I am very positive that we will succeed. The London Conference just clearly indicated that we are now in a position to take this process to another level,” Amb. Madeira said.

The meeting familiarized London residing Somalis with the positive developments taking place in their home country as a result of the country’s return to relative peace.

“What we need is the international community’s support - the British Government or the European Union or United Nations - to build the Somali forces to battle against Al-Shabaab and to defeat them,” a participant at the dialogue said.

Sayid Ali, a community worker in London added, “I think Somalia is a very rich country and everybody knows that. Everything will improve and hopefully peace and security in Somalia will be in the interest of Africa and the rest of the world.”

Stoic Optimism in the wake of Drought

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tatistics from the UN Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicate that more than 6.2 million people – half the total population in Somalia – are in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Almost three million are facing crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity.

The biting drought situation has forced thousands of families out of their homes, into internally displaced people’s camps (IDPs) in the town centres, where relief supplies are easily accessible.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has been instrumental in alleviating the suffering of

thousands of drought stricken families through the opening of Main Supply Routes to allow passage of relief food and free movement of people.

“We haven’t received any assistance except for intervention from AMISOM troops who put up toilets and distributed blankets and plastic sheets for 90 households among the most desperate during floods”, Ms. Magalo Mohamed Hussein, a manager in one of the three IDP camps in Belet Weyne said.

To survive the harsh climatic conditions, some drought victims have adopted survival tactics to beat the drought considered one of the worst in the last five years to

A long queue of donkey carts with empty large water containers at Isha stream in Baidoa on 5th April 2017. The stream is the only source of water for the IDPs in camps in the town.

supplement relief assistance received from aid agencies.

In Baidoa town, the administrative capital of South West state and the biggest recipient of internally displaced persons, drought victims have started income generating activities to supplement the relief supplies they receive from well wishers.

“We left Shabellow due to hunger and thirst. We travelled a long distance carrying our babies. We sustain our lives by collecting firewood and washing clothes for people,” Habibo Aden, a mother of five said.

Habiba Ibrahim has beaten the odds and managed to open a small shop in her camp.

Proceeds from her shops feeds her family of seventeen.

IDPs setting up makeshift shelter in a new IDP Camp in the outskirts of Baidoa town after fleeing their homes in regions ravaged by drought, on 4th April 2017.

“We fled Bardale and joined Kormari IDP camp. We then started a small business which is now flourishing. Most of the IDPs are our customers and buy things from our shop” a jovial Habiba says.

Khadija Ibrahim Abdirahman, another internally displaced person, who lives in the same camp as Habiba, sells ballast at various construction sites to eke a living and feed her family of seven.

“I ran from my home (Gaal Looge) due to hunger and lack of water. I earn my living from making ballast,” she narrates.

In Kismayo, Sa’adia Aden Mursal, a lactating mother fends for her family collecting and selling firewood.

“I moved from Sakow immediately after giving birth.

We travelled for three days to reach here,” Sa’adia explains.

“I have seven children. I sometimes go out (of camp) with other women to collect firewood to sell so as to buy food and water,” she says The United Nations and the Federal Government of Somalia made an appeal for $863m earlier in the year, to mitigate the effects of drought.

The pledges continue to trickle in, even as the UN and the federal government urges urgent disbursement of funds to alleviate suffering.

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Somalia Drought Response Situation

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Women carrying their belongings on their backs and sticks for constructing a shelter arrive at an IDP camp after fleeing from drought affected areas on 4th April 2017.

he FAOmanaged Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Units (FSNAU) warns of an elevated risk of famine (IPC Phase 5) due to severe food consumption gaps, high acute malnutrition, high disease burden and a reliance on food aid. Approximately 2,510,000 people were expected to be in Crisis and 700,000 in Emergency levels of food insecurity by June, 2017.

Women with water jericans at an IDP camp outside Baidoa town after fleeing from drought affected areas on 4th April 2017.

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Kicking Measles Out of Somalia S omalia launched a massive measles immunization campaign in April, seeking to vaccinate 110,000 children under the age of five in the southern and central regions of the country.

The campaign is being carried out by the federal ministry of health with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other humanitarian partners. The campaign is also providing vitamin A supplements and de-worming tablets to children who have been adversely affected by Somalia’s devastating drought.

The campaign was launched at Beerta Muuri camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West State, where more than 100,000 people in need of humanitarian assistance are

Mothers and their children in a queue waiting to receive measles vaccinations at the Beerta Muuri camp for internally displaced persons during the launch of a UNICEF-supported immunization campaign in Baidoa, Somalia on April 24, 2017.

Mothers and their children in a queue waiting to receive measles vaccinations at the Beerta Muuri camp for internally displaced persons in Baidoa, Somalia.

A child receives measles vaccine at the launch of an immunization campaign at the Beerta Muuri camp for internally displaced persons in Baidoa, Somalia.

living. The target was to vaccinate at least 30,000 children per week.

“This campaign is urgent. Among all vaccine preventable diseases, none is more deadly than measles,” explained UNICEF Programme Manager Jayne Mbakaya.

Ms. Mbakaya said at least 16 suspected cases of measles were suspected in Baidoa.

There have been at least 5,700 cases of suspected measles reported countrywide since the beginning of 2017, a figure which surpasses the 2016 caseload. The disease has been exacerbated by the widespread drought.

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Unified Exams Sending

Thousands to Universities

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t least twenty-three thousand students from 77 schools across Somalia sat for the unified national examinations for secondary schools in May 2017. The number is double the students examined in 2016, according to the federal Minister of Education, Culture and Higher Education Mr. Abdirahman Dahir.

The number of students examined in the unified national examinations has grown steadily in the last three years, from 3,500 students in 2015 to 23,000 in 2017.

The examinations held for the third consecutive year in Banadir, Jubbaland, Southwest, Galmudug and Hirshabelle regions, are presided over by the federal ministry of education.

In Bakool, Bay and Lower Shabelle regions, 1117 students sat the examinations in different centers.

“Generally, the examinations are going on well,” Education Minister in the Interim South West Administration, Mr. Sadat Ali Ibrahim stated, during the course of the examinations.

“The examinations were well organized this year. I can say they are the best out of the other years. We are

hoping for good results,” said Ibrahim Ali Ahmed, the principal of Model School in Baidoa, the administrative capital of the South West state.

In Beletweyne, Hiiraan region, sixteen schools participated in the exercise, that saw 1354 students examined.

“The Ministry of Education organized invigilators in every center to oversee the examinations,” explained Mr. Ahmed Abdi Ali, the Hirshabelle Assistant Minister of Education.

Ten subjects including Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, English, Somali, History and Geography were examined, in an exercise undertaken under tight security to deter cheating, and also to guard against disruption by insurgents.

Farhan Abdulle Adow, 18, a candidate from Mujama’a secondary school in Beletweyne district was hopeful of getting good results. “I thought that the national exams conducted by the federal government would be difficult, but I am happy with the way things have gone,” he said.

In Kismayo, the administrative capital of Jubbaland state, there was heavy

Students sit for their final term exam at Mujama Secondary School in Beledweyne, Somalia, on May 22, 2017.

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security presence at the examination centers. Many of the candidates sitting the exams were optimistic of joining institutions of higher learning.

“We are excited. This is the climax for any student who has been through primary and secondary education for the last twelve years, and is now completing that phase of education. All of us expect to join our universities of choice,” said 19-year old Abdijabar Siraj.

Somalia’s Prime Minister H.E Hasan Ali Khayre, presided over the launch of the centralized national examinations on 20 May. The successful conclusion of the examinations, demonstrated the return to relative peace and stability in many parts of Somalia.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), supports efforts to provide learning opportunities to the youth and is working with Somalia security forces to ensure uninterrupted education.

The federal government of Somalia has made tremendous progress in reforming the education system, which came to a halt, with the collapse of central government in 1991.

Students revise their lessons before they sit for their final term exam at Mujama Secondary School in Beledweyne, Somalia.

EU’s Transformative Education Aid Package for SOMALIA

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he European Union through the EU Ambassador to Somalia H.E Veronique Lorenzo announced Euro 49 million funding to boost Somalia’s education sector during celebrations to mark European Union’s 60th anniversary.

The signing of the new education package, took place in the capital Mogadishu, between the EU ambassador and the Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic promotion of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Jamal Mohamed Hassan, during celebrations to mark Europe Day. “The program will consolidate some of our achievements and expand equitable and inclusive quality education”, Ms. Lorenzo said.

EU’s support to Somalia since 2008 surpasses Euro 2.5 billion, in development, humanitarian aid and stabilization thus making it the biggest development partner.

“In Somalia, we stand for the promotion of the rule of law. We want to see strong institutions. We want to

Officials from Somali Federal Government led by the Speaker of the Federal Parliament Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari attend a ceremony to mark Europe Day in Mogadishu on May 09, 2017.

see the laws of the country respected. We want to work with you towards the revised constitution that reflects the aspirations and the needs of the country and its citizens”, Ms. Lorenzo told a delegation of senior federal government officials at the signing ceremony.

The signing of the education package also marked EU’s 30 th anniversary celebrations of the ERASMUS

Jamal Mohamed Hassan, Minister of Planning, investment and economic promotion of the Federal Government of Somalia (center) and Veronique Lorenzo, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Somalia, sign Agreement during celebrations to mark Europe Day in Mogadishu.

Mundus education program considered the most successful EU project which has seen 10 Somali students receive scholarships, to pursue post-graduate education in European universities.

“It is a beginning of new series of projects with a total value of millions of Euros”, Minister Jamal Mohamed said flanked by his counterpart in the Federal education

ministry, State Minister Abdirahman Mohamed Abdulle.

Speaker of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari was the chief guest at the Europe Day celebrations.

“I must appeal to the European Union and our partnership with European countries, to help us promote economic development and drive our country out of hunger that we face, in a sustainable manner,” Prof.

Jawari urged.

Ms. Lorenzo expressed Europe’s solidarity with Somalia, in the wake of the devastating drought that has caused untold suffering and death.

“Our hearts and sympathies go to millions of Somalis that have been affected by the drought or are suffering as a consequence of violence and insecurity,” she said.

“As European Union, we stand by you.”

The EU has spent Euro 450 million in humanitarian support to Somalia to date.

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The Fourth Pillar of Islam

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uslim faithful in Somalia joined the rest of the world in observing the holy month of Ramadan with stoic optimism.

The holy month was marked against a backdrop of a devastating drought that has cost the country hundreds of lives and left thousands displaced.

“As one of the internally displaced persons, I can say that we need humanitarian agencies to come to our aid with emergency relief,” Habibo Mohamud Abdi, an internally displaced mother said. She feared that life would get harder for people living in the camps for internally displaced persons.

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, during which Muslims who are physically able, are required to fast from dawn to sunset. It is the fourth pillar of the five pillars of Muslim religious obligations “If we fast the month of Ramadan as it is prescribed, we will get solutions to all our problems including (solutions to) security,” an optimistic Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, the

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chairman of Somalia’s Union of Islamic Scholars said in an interview.

“Having suffered from drought, we have many people in need of help, be they internally displaced, or those who have been badly impacted by the difficult economic circumstances,” Sheikh Bashir observed, as he appealed for compassion and assistance to the less fortunate.

Ms. Ifrah Mohamed, an employee of City Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed 'Farmajo' with other faithful University in central praying at a Mosque in Mogadishu during Ramadan.

Mogadishu, urged fellow started, so that I prepare for In its latest drought Somalis to embrace the my end of semester exams,” situation overview for spirit of forgiveness.

Somalia, the Food and “We should strive to develop Bashir said. “I plan to do a lot Agriculture Organization’s and move our country forward,” of reading with the holy Quran being top of my list”.

(FAO) managed Food Security she said.

Others like Omar Hassan and Nutrition Analysis Units For, Bashir Sheikh Mohamed, a Tuk Tuk driver (FSNAU) warns of an elevated Abdullahi Abdi, a fourth in Mogadishu, registered brisk risk of famine due to severe year student of Civil and business, which he attributed food consumption gaps, high Infrastructure Engineering, to the improving security in the acute malnutrition, high at City University, Ramadan capital. disease burden and a reliance meant that he has to plan “I thank God our country on food aid. well for his time, as the end is now stable and we are not Approximately 2.5 million of semester examinations missing much. My business is people were expected to be in approached. doing well, as we have had a lot crisis and 700,000 in Emergency “Personally I made of people making trips to the levels of food security by June Ramadan schedule 3 days markets,” he said.

2017, according to SNAU. before the actual Ramadan

Somali Youth Embracing Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Initiatives

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ouths drawn from Mogadishu’s seventeen districts have made a resolution to embrace non-violent ways in resolving conflicts, following a peacebuilding workshop, in the capital Mogadishu, early May. At least 70 youth participated in the two-day workshop, aimed at enhancing their peacebuilding skills and building their capacity in conflict resolution and problem solving.

The workshop was organized by the Benadir Regional Administration inconjunction with Ifrah Foundation, with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

“I encourage them to build partnerships among themselves, rather than stay on the sidelines and wait for the government or elders to give them their place,” Dr. Walters Samah, AMISOM’s Senior Political Affairs Officer said.

He challenged the youth, who make the biggest percentage of the population in Somalia, to use their numerical strength to promote democratic practices.

“They just have to take it. But to do so, they have to build partnerships amongst themselves.”

Mr. Thabit Abdi Mohamed, the Governor of Banaadir Regional Administration, who is also the Mayor of Mogadishu, challenged the youth to promote peaceful co-existence in communities and neighborhoods where they live.

“It is necessary to create a network between the youth and the Benadir administration in order to make peacebuilding an easy process,” Mayor Thabit said.

“If we work on peacebuilding and conflict resolution, the youth will be the first beneficiaries,” he reiterated.

The Federal Minister for Youth and Sports, Khadija Mohamed Dirie, addresses participants during a workshop on peace building and conflict resolution mechanisms for Benadir Youth in Mogadishu, Somalia.

The Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Ms. Khadija Mohamed Dirie, emphasized the critical role the youth in Somalia play, in shaping the future of their country.

A participant, Abdikafi Mohamud Makaran, who is the chairperson of the Banaadir Youth within the Banaadir administration, emphasized the need for greater awareness on peacebuilding efforts, to encourage youth to take part in the processes.

“The youth have all along been used as tools for destruction. But the awareness that has been imparted today indicates that youth can contribute in many positive ways, by utilizing their energy and creating job opportunities; keep them engaged, in order to stop thinking negatively,” Abdikafi stated.

The AU mission has been in the forefront of promoting non-violent ways in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The workshop falls under the framework of AMISOM’s Training A group picture of participants and senior officials of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) during for Peace (TfP) initiatives, led by its Political Affairs Department. the workshop on peace building and conflict resolution mechanisms for local communities.

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AMISOM trains Jubbaland Regional Assembly on Mediation and Reconciliation

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embers of Somalia’s Jubbaland regional assembly toured Kenya in March to draw examples, on parliamentary practice, from their counterparts in Kenya, to enhance their parliamentary capacity as Somalia enhances peace and reconciliation efforts.

Apart from intensive trainings and lectures facilitated by prominent legislative and political experts, the 30 leaders of 13 parliamentary committees, also visited the Nairobi City County Assembly to witness county assembly proceedings.

The Danish government through its support to AMISOM’s Stabilization and Early Recovery Programme funded the one-week capacity building workshop that helped enlighten the leaders on issues revolving around separation of powers, role of parliament in a democracy, conflict resolution, effective parliamentary

Members of the Jubbaland Assembly attend a capacity building workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 11, 2017. The workshop was supported by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

committees, and the AMISOM mandate and role, among other topics.

Dr. Opiyo Ododa, speaks at the capacity building workshop for members of the Jubbaland Assembly.

The capacity building was part of AMISOM’s quest to develop the technical capacity for various Somali stakeholders, so that they can reconcile and bring peace to their country

Dr. Mumo Nzau, (left), and Dr. Walters Samah, Political Affairs Officer, at the capacity building workshop for members of the Jubbaland Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 11, 2017. The workshop was supported by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

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“It’s a milestone in the continuous cooperation between AMISOM and regional governments,” The Special Representative to the AU Commission Chairperson and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Madeira said in his address to the assembly members, in the Kenyan capital.

He said it is only after such training that legislators can “express correctly real problems facing their people, if they want to find solutions”.

Dr. Opiyo Ododa, AMISOM’s head of Stabilization and Early Recovery programme, provided a background to the formation of Jubbaland regional assembly, which was inaugurated in April 2015, with 75 members, four of them female.

Dr. Opiyo noted that the assembly had passed a number of legislative bills, which he added were “very important for running the State.”

Abdi Mohamed Abdulrahman, Speaker of the Jubbaland Regional Assembly commended the efforts made

by AMISOM to bring peace to Somalia.

“If you die in another country for their people, it’s really a sacrifice,” he said in apparent reference to the Mission’s troops who have died in line of duty.

Abbas Ali Ebrahim, the vicechair of the Ethics Committee of Jubbaland regional assembly, said he was satisfied with the capacity building trip and urged AMISOM to hold more workshops of a similar nature. “Help us, support us as a child who is growing up until they mature. We are like a child, nurture us,” he emphasized.

A Helping Hand to Local Communities

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he local community living near the African Union base camp in the Somali capital Mogadishu, are now enjoying uninterrupted supply of clean water.

A water point constructed by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) was handed over to the community on May 23.

“Efforts to bring peace to Somalia is not only through bullets, but also about making the people happy and satisfied; having water is a basic human right,” the AU Special

Representative for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira said while handing over the water project.

The project was prioritized by the community as critical for their survival and well being.

“We thank you for providing us with security; we are thankful to AMISOM because you give us food, and sometimes the soldiers share their rations with us,” Abdi Ibrahim Yasin, a leader in the community stated, as he expressed gratitude for the water supply.

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia poses for a photo with local community leaders during the handover ceremony of the water facility.

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia inspects a water point at a handover ceremony for a water facility donated by the African Union Mission in Somalia to a local community in the country’s capital of Mogadishu on May 23, 2017.

The project implemented by indigenous contractors and completed within two months of inception, has six distribution points, and will benefit 76 households; approximately 250 people who live in close proximity to the camp.

“We believe that community engagement is an essential part of supporting the mandate of AMISOM, in order to achieve our objectives here,” said Dr. Opiyo Ododa, the AMISOM Senior Civil Affairs Officer and Head of Stabilization and Early Recovery.

The community consists of former Internally Displaced

Persons (IDPs), who settled near the AMISOM base camp.

Previously, they received water from AMISOM through water boozers, after every three days; but are now assured of constant flow of water close to their residential homes.

The water project was funded by United Kingdom, through the African Union Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development, at a cost of over USD34,000. The community has previously benefitted from an electricity project from AMISOM and as a result, their homes are fully lit.

Local community benefits from refurbished school

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li Haji Primary School in Mogadishu caters for an estimated 500 pupils from internally displaced camps within the capital’s Wadajir district. The school was built with support from AMISOM. The school is one among the many projects initiated by AMISOM with a wide range of Quick Impact Projects in different regions of Somalia, Young girls stand in front of their class during the AU Peace and Security Council delegation’s visit to their school built with the support of the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM), in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district.

including the South West, Hiiraan and Jubbaland states, as well as the towns of Barawe and Dhobley. The projects include schools rehabilitation, construction of hospitals and police stations.

“AMISOM is a mission with a comprehensive mandate. We do military, we do police, we do ideological narrative, we do education, we capacitate administrations,” SRCC Madeira, who is also

The school built with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), in Mogadishu’s Wadajir district.

the Head of AMISOM stated during a visit to Ali Haji Primary School in March.

He said AMISOM was looking to implement similar projects in coordination with the UN, “because that will be a multiplier of capacities and potential”. He was accompanied to the school by a visiting delegation from the AU Peace and Security Council.

“We felt that the (AU) Peace and Security Council should come and see this other side of our effort, not just

the war effort,” Ambassador Madeira said, while appealing for more AU funding for Quick Impact Projects, in areas liberated from Al Shabaab.

“The projects improve the lives of those who are affected by the war in the hope that these (projects) will move quickly to cause reconciliation and stabilization of populations,” Amb. Madeira noted.

The visiting AU delegation also toured the Mogadishu Airport Police station built with support from AMISOM. AMISOM MAGAZINE

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A Shot in the Arm for SNA

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he African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), on May 25 handed over an assortment of items to the Somali National Army (SNA), to support its security operations.

The equipment included three mobile kitchen units with a combined capacity to cook for 600 soldiers. Other items include sleeping bags, mosquito nets, non-metallic bullet-proof helmets and tents; and will be particularly useful to SNA troops in the Forward Operating Bases.

The equipment donated

Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia (in blue suit) and Maj. Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Jimaale (middle), the Chief of Somalia Defence Forces during a ceremony in Mogadishu, Somalia to hand over equipment to the Somalia National Army on May 25, 2017.

by the Chinese government was handed over to the Somali Chief of Defence Forces, Maj. Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Jimaale by Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, in Mogadishu.

“We believe that this is a symbolic gift from our partners the Chinese, which will go along way in alleviating

One of the mobile kitchen units donated the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to the Somalia National Army in Mogadishu, Somalia.

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the conditions of work, the conditions of operations of our Somali soldiers,” Ambassador Madeira noted.

Maj. Gen. Jimaale said the equipment would improve the living conditions of the SNA soldiers, in their bases.

“This is very good equipment for the Somali National Army. We were in dire need of such equipment,” the SNA Chief of Defence Forces said.

Maj. Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Jimaale, the Chief of Somalia Defence Forces speaks at a ceremony that saw the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) handed over equipment to the Somalia National Army in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Ambassador Francisco Madeira (right), the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia shakes hands with, Maj. Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Jimaale (left), the Chief of Somalia Defence Forces during the hand over ceremony.

Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira, Somalia’s Minister of Information, Abdirahman Omar Osman, and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Somalia, Michael Keating, pose with other dignataries for a group photograph during celebrations to mark Africa Day held at the AMISOM headquarters in Mogadishu.

AFRICA DAY 2017 A band belonging to the Somali National Army performs during celebrations to mark Africa Day held at the AMISOM headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia.

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frica Day celebrations in Somalia was marked in the capital Mogadishu in pomp and colour.

The day riding on the theme, “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth”, focused on the youth as a dynamic force, with potential to transform the continent.

“We do recognize that successes on the security front in Somalia cannot be realized without a youth inclusive agenda,” the AU Special Representative for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco

Caetano Madeira told guests at the Africa Day celebrations.

Youth aged between 10 35 years, comprise 51-percent of the country’s population, while 60-percent of Africa’s population is currently aged 24 years and below, according to latest statistics. The African Union Mission in Somalia is at the forefront of engaging the youth to help them lead more purposeful lives.

“Most of those who are fighting are young Somalis, we need to empower those young Somalis and rescue those who have fallen into the hands of violent extremism,” SRCC Madeira noted.

A group of Nigerian peacekeepers take part in a dance during celebrations to mark Africa Day held at the AMISOM headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia, on May 25, 2017.

The chief guest at the celebrations, the Federal

“We are very proud to be here today, to see African

African Union soldiers mount a Guard of Honor during celebrations to mark Africa Day held at the AMISOM headquarters in Mogadishu.

A group of female peacekeepers take part in a dance during celebrations to mark Africa Day held at the AMISOM headquarters in Mogadishu.

Minister of Information, Mr. Abdirahman Omar Osman, lauded the AU Mission for its unwavering support to Somalia.

“Somalia used to be one of the best and greatest nations in Africa that supported the struggle for independence in other African nations,” the minister said.

He expressed gratitude at the resolve by African countries to keep their troops in Somalia.

troops help and support us; so that Somalia can become the nation that everybody used to know,” he stated.

The AU Mission is marking ten years since it first deployed troops in Somalia.

Africa Day is celebrated every year on May 25, to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity, the precursor to the African Union was founded, on 25 May 1963.

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Inside EU’s Flagship

ESPS Galicia

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n 9 May, the European Union (EU) Naval Force hosted the Prime Minister of Somalia, H.E Hassan Ali Khayre, aboard the flagship ESPS Galicia. The aim was to discuss the cooperation existing between EU and the Federal Government of Somalia, in policing Somalia waters.

The EU Naval Force is presently working under the codename “Operation Atalanta,” which is a counterpiracy military operation off the coast of Somalia. The forces protect Somalia bound ships, belonging to the UN World Food Programme and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Discussions between the Prime Minister and the EU officials focused on the counter-piracy operations, recent piracy incidents on the Indian Ocean; and how the EU can best support the Federal Government of Somalia, to take full control of its maritime security, which is essential for long-term stability of the country.

The EU delegation was led by H.E Veronique Lorenzo, the EU Ambassador

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but also for the commercial shipping industry; and in general for the private sector, who wish to have some degree

Hassan Ali Khayre, the Prime Minister of Somalia addresses journalists during a press conference aboard the EU Naval Force flagship ESPS Galicia off the coast of Somalia.

Maj. Gen. Robert Magowan, the European Union (EU) Naval Force Operation Commander addresses journalists during a press conference aboard the EU Naval Force flagship ESPS Galicia.

with wealth of prospects,” she added.

Prime Minister Khayre was also led on a guided tour aboard the ESPS Galicia, to Somalia, Major General which is used in anti-piracy Rob Magowan CBE, the operations.

Operation Commander for Prime Minister Khayre EU NAVFOR, and Brig. requested the EU Naval Gen. Maurizio Morena, Force to intensify counterthe EU Training Mission piracy military operations, (EUTM) Commander in by deploying more ships in Somalia. the waters; and increasing air “We have been a patrols, in light of the recent supporter of the security piracy incidents. sector in Somalia and “We have also raised the maritime security is a central Veronique Lorenzo, the European Union issue of joint collaboration in pillar often overlooked,” order to devise ways to end the Ambassador Lorenzo said in (EU) Ambassador to Somalia addresses journalists during a press conference aboard illegal fishing in Somali waters her remarks. the EU Naval Force flagship ESPS Galicia, by foreign vessels. So, we have “The protection of the off the coast of Somalia. agreed to continue discussions Somali coast and over 3,300 on how we can protect the kilometers of it, is central not of stability, of security, to be Somali natural resources,” only for the fisheries sector able to invest in such a sector Prime Minister Khayre stated.

A soldier serving under the European Union (EU) Naval Force keeps According to Maj. Gen. guard aboard the flagship ESPS Galicia on the Indian Ocean off the Robert Magowan, the EU coast of Somalia on May 8, 2017. The EU Naval Force is engaged in Naval Force Operations counter-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean.

Commander, Operation Atalanta which started in June 2016 has a mandate running until December 2018.

In the course of fulfilling its mandate, Maj. Gen. Magowan said, they have thwarted attempted pirate attacks.

He added to say that they would continue to sustain the momentum of the operation, in order to deter and suppress piracy on the high seas. The Key Leaders Engagement onboard the Spanish Flagship was organized as part of Europe Day 2017 activities, to raise awareness of EU support to Somalia.

Office of Registrar of Political Parties Set Up

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he Office of the Registrar of Political Parties came into operation in May, with a mandate to oversee the process of registration of political parties in Somalia, according to Article 47 of the Federal Provisional Constitution.

The establishment of the Office marks a departure from the election of representatives through the clan system, to a more inclusive system of political parties. The system guarantees participation of every individual who subscribes to a political party.

“The office that is going to make our dream come true, is the office of the registration of political parties,” Ms. Halima Ibrahim, the Chairperson of the National Independent Electoral

Mohamed Omar Mohamud, Registrar of Political Parties, speaks with members of the National Independent Electoral Commision during an event to officially open the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties at Villa Somalia in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Commission (NIEC) remarked during the inauguration ceremony.

The Registrar of Political Parties Mr. Mohamed Omar Mohamud, appointed by the NIEC on 21 May 2017 promised to do his best to meet set expectations.

“It is a huge responsibility and the only way we can fulfil it is by working together,” said the Registrar of Political Parties.

His immediate task will be to activate the Political Parties Act passed in June 2016, and embark on activities that include overseeing the registration of political parties. The process requires political parties to submit required documentation for scrutiny by the Office Halima Ibrahim, Chairperson of the NIEC, speaks with members of the National Independent Electoral Commision during an event to officially open the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties at Villa Somalia in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Kamal Gutale, Chairperson of Wadajir Party, speaks with members of the National Independent Electoral Commision during an event to officially open the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties at Villa Somalia in Mogadishu, Somalia.

of the Registrar of Political Parties, before they are registered. The NIEC will work with the Registrar’s Office to manage the process.

The creation of the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties by the NIEC, the national institution constitutionally mandated to conduct elections, is a key step forward for future universal elections in Somalia, a key process supported by both the AU and UN missions in Somalia.

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New Battle Groups Deploy in Somalia

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he Ugandan contingent serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has deployed a new battle group to support ongoing peace and security operations in the country.

The newly deployed troops under Battle Group XXI, replaces Battle Group XVIII which has completed the mandatory one-year tour of duty.

The group will secure key installations in Somalia which include the Mogadishu Sea Port, the Federal Parliament, Presidential Palace, Mogadishu Airport, and the AMISOM Base camp in Halane. The new battle group will also occupy and secure AMISOM Forward Operation Bases in the liberated areas of Leego, Arbiska, Afgoye as well as

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he Burundi National Defence Forces (BNDF) has deployed a new battle group to serve under the African Union Mission in Somalia. Their arrival on June 5, completes the deployment of battalion 43, headed by Maj. Chartier Nyandwi, which takes over from battalion 37 that completed its tour of duty.

“The battalion that is rotating out has executed its mandate very well. The troops

Jazeera, all located in the Lower Shabelle region.

Uganda is one of the Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) in

AMISOM, with over 6,000 officers serving alongside other troops from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya.

have exhibited discipline and always observed the rules of engagement. They have done very well and I take this opportunity to congratulate them. I hope that they will continue with the same spirit back home,” Brig. Gen. Venuste Nduwayo, the Sector Five Commander of the BNDF said.

The Sector Five Commander added that the outgoing battalion had been instrumental in implementing

Newly deployed soldiers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) on arrival at Aden Abdulle International Airport on April 7, 2017. The troops are to serve under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

Operation Antelope, whose objective is to open up and secure main supply routes, particularly in the resourcerich HirShabelle state.

Maj. Nyandwi, the Commander of the incoming battalion was enthusiastic and expressed optimism his team will deliver and help the Mission achieve its mandate of stabilizing Somalia.

“We have come to ensure continuity with the AMISOM

Freshly deployed Burundian troops arrive in Mogadishu to serve under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

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mission and help our Somali brothers attain peace, just like other battalions have done. We will work with our Somali brothers, and with the training that we have got, I am sure we will deliver and that Somalia will attain peace,” Maj. Nyandwi stated.

The BNDF is in charge of Sector Five which is headquartered in Jowhar, the administrative capital of HirShabelle state.

Policing with a Cause Sexual violence sensitization campaigns in internally displaced camps

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olice from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and their counterparts from the Somali Police Force (SPF) have started an awareness campaign on sexual and gender-based violence in the internally displaced people’s (IDP) camps in Baidoa, the administrative capital of the South West State, following rising cases of women and girls in the camps.

The officers drawn from the gender and protection units started the sensitization meetings in the camps based in the regional capital, in June.

South West state hosts one of the highest number of IDPs, who have deserted their homes in search of food and water, as a result of the prevailing drought.

“We face challenges when female victims of torture and rape come to us,” Farhiyo Ahmed Mohamed, a Gender Officer with the Somali Police Force said, expressing concern about traditional beliefs that jeopardize efforts to find

Officers from the Somali Police Force and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) attend a sensitisation meeting to discuss Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at an Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camp in Baidoa, Somalia on May 31, 2017.

justice for victims of sexual violence.

“The elders want to resolve the cases traditionally.

Yet we want to take cases to court so that victims can get legal redress,” Farhiyo explained.

The team noted that other than sexual violence the girls and women lived in appalling conditions.

“We visited different places in order to get information on the protection of women and girls,” Ms. Gloria Jaase, the

Officers from the Somali Police Force and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) meet Internally Displaced People (IDPs) to sensitise them about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence at an IDP camp in Baidoa, Somalia.

AMISOM Protection Officer said. She singled out shelter, water and sanitation, as the biggest concern.

In the first phase of the sensitization campaign, the delegation from AMISOM and Somali Police Force met with different partners to find ways of resolving the challenges facing women and girls in the camps.

CSP Pat Adegoke, AMISOM Police Gender Coordinator, urged victims of sexual violence to utilize the gender desks set up at the police stations, to report cases of rape and other forms of violence.

“We have gender desks now and there is an officer in Baidoa that they can report to. That is why we are here,” Adegoke stressed.

The Bay Regional Hospital administrator Mr. Abdullahi Yusuf encouraged victims of sexual violence to seek medical assistance.

AMISOM police is working with their counterparts in the Somali Police Force to stem the rising cases.

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Zambia joins Police Contributing Countries to AMISOM

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contingent of four senior Zambian police officers are part of a team of twenty-two newly deployed Individual Police Officers (IPOs) to the AU Mission in Somalia, who will train and

mentor Somali police officers on security matters at federal and regional levels.

Zambia has deployed to the police component of the AU Mission for the first time, although they have had military presence in

Somalia. The officers will offer specialized skills to the local police force as it takes on bigger responsibilities of maintaining law and order.

“I can see hope that there is something going on, which we can build on and it is from

Individual Police Officers (IPOs) from Zambia, Kenya, Sierra Leone and Uganda pose for a group photograph with AMISOM Police Chief of Staff, Rex Dundun, and other AMISOM Police officials after the completion of the eight-day Individual Police Officers induction training in Mogadishu, Somalia on 18th May 2017.

there where we are emphasizing that we are going to help our brothers in Somalia, so that they come up with a proper police force,” the Zambian police contingent commander, Kasale Tresphord said.

Together with Individual Police Officers from Kenya, Uganda and Sierra Leone, the Zambian police officers completed an intensive inMission induction course in May, in Mogadishu.

“Put in your best; we are here to assist the Somalis get back on their feet after two decades of civil unrest, in their nation,” ACP Rex Dundun, challenged the new officers, at the end of their induction course.

“In the process of assisting the Somalis, let us just take discipline as our watchword.

In any police force over the world, discipline should be the bedrock of the police organization,” ACP Dundun emphasized.

Standardized Somali police recruit curriculum is endorsed by police chiefs

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omali police chiefs from the Federal and federal member states have approved a new police recruit curriculum.

The standardized curriculum will be used in

training courses throughout the country to improve professionalism levels in law enforcement agencies.

The police chiefs signed an agreement that formally endorsed the curriculum

during a meeting of the Police Working Group in the capital Mogadishu on 11 May 2017.

The meeting was attended by senior Somali Police Force officers, senior

police representatives from Galmudug, Hirshebelle, Puntland and South West State, United Nations agencies, European Union Capacity Building Mission (EUCAP) in Somalia, representatives

Gen. Bashir Abdi Mohamed, the federal Deputy Somali Police Commissioner (middle), signs documents in Mogadishu to endorse a new basic recruitment curriculum for new police personnel in Somalia on May 11, 2017.

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of AMISOM and the international community.

“The new police recruit training curriculum is highly beneficial to the police and everyone with an interest in law and order,” Col. Adan Ahmed Abdi ‘Bariyow’, the Police Training Chief for Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions in South West State said.

He explained that the new curriculum would help the

police to restore the rule of law in the Federal and state administrations.

The Police Professional Development Board developed the new curriculum through a joint effort of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States with support from the international community, including the United Nations Joint Rule of Law

Programme, EUCAP Somalia and AMISOM. The approval of the curriculum follows the 16 April 2017 political agreement on a National Security Architecture reached by Federal President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed ‘Farmaajo’ and the presidents of the federal member states.

Gen. Bashir Abdi Mohamed, the federal Deputy Police Commissioner,

appealed to Somalia’s development partners to give Somali Police the resources they need to carry out their duties. He also called for the rehabilitation of damaged police stations.

“Training and enhancing the capacity of someone does not mean that he will get the job done if he is not equipped. Training without equipment is worthless,” Gen. Bashir noted.

AMISOM hands over refurbished police station to Jubbaland police authorities

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newly refurbished police station was handed over to Jubbaland authorities in Kismaayo, the administrative capital of the Jubbaland state, on May 9, 2017 by the Police component of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), as part of the AU Mission’s support, to policing and maintenance of law and order in Somalia.

The fully equipped police station, handed over to the Jubbaland Police Commissioner Mr. Ahmed

Nasir Guleed, at a ceremony attended by senior AMISOM officials, will boost the rule of law in the state.

“AMISOM has done a lot to the Somali people and this is just one of the projects they have undertaken,” Mr. Ahmed Nasir Guleed, the Jubbaland Police Commissioner told guests at the handover ceremony.

“What you have done is tangible. We can confidently say that you have met your objectives and hope that you will continue to support us in the future,” he added.

“It is a clear indication that AMISOM police is committed to assisting the Jubbaland state of Somalia police forces, to enhance their capacity to be able to deliver policing services,” Francis Ayitey, the AMISOM Police Training and Development Coordinator said.

The completion of the project fulfils one of AMISOM’s key objectives, which is to provide the Somali Police with essential infrastructure, needed to enable its forces execute its duties professionally.

Mr. Adan Yussuf, the Director General of Jubbaland’s Ministry of Security, appealed to Jubbaland residents to collaborate with the administration, by pulling forces together, to rebuild the state’s facilities such as police stations.

“Our priority is to be self sustaining. Refurbish our police stations, enhance our security and rely on ourselves for security, because AMISOM will not be here forever,” Mr. Yussuf emphasized.

Dr. Opiyo Ododo (left), the head of stabilisation and early recovery of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Ahmed Nasir, the Jubbaland Police commissioner, and The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Police Training Coordinator, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Francis Ayitey Aryee, attend the handover of the newly renovated police station.

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AMISOM in Pictures

Somali women Parliamentarians at the first annual conference in Mogadishu on April 24, 2017. The Conference organized by the Federal Government of Somalia and supported by the UNDP was convened three months after the conclusion of the electoral process in Somalia, that saw the percentage of women in the federal parliament grow from 16 percent to 25 percent. AMISOM played a key role in securing the electoral process by providing security across the country including in all polling centers and worked with Somali security forces to maintain law and order.

Left: Brigadier Patrick Muta Nderitu, the Director of the International Peace and Security Training Centre (IPSTC) addresses participants during the closing ceremony. Centre: Participants attend the closing ceremony of the AMISOM Training of Trainers course on the prevention of the recruitment and use of children as weapons of war, for security sector actors at the International Peace and Security Training Centre, Nairobi, Kenya on May 19, 2017. Right: Darin Reeves, the Lead Facilitator of the Romeo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative, addresses participants.

The president of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo (center), the Prime Minister of Somalia, Hassan Ali Kheyre (right) and Minister of Defence, Abdirashid Abdullahi Mohamed receive a guard of honour during 57th Anniversary.

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Somali National Army soldiers march during the 57th Anniversary of the Somali National Army held at the Ministry of defence in Mogadishu on April 12, 2017.

The Speaker of the House of the People Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari gives a keynote speech at the first annual Somalia women parliamentarians in Mogadishu on April 24, 2017.

The Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia, Lt. General Osman Noor Soubagleh, pins a medal on an AMISOM military officer during a medal award ceremony in Mogadishu on April 03, 2017.

Police and military officers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) pose for a group photograph after the conclusion of a workshop on Civilian Casualty Tracking, Analysis and Response Cell (CCTARC) in Mogadishu, Somalia on May 2, 2017.

Group photo for participants and facilitators at the AU-UN Mandatory Media and Communication TOT for AMISOM in Kampala, Uganda, on March 30, 2017.

A Somali Police Officer poses for the camera during the Biometric Registration Exercise in Baidoa on April 10, 2017.

Somali Police Officers capture biometric data of a fellow policeman into a database during the Biometric Registration Exercise in Baidoa on April 10, 2017.

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Somali Yellow Pages

S

omali Yellow Pages’ is Somalia’s newest publication that has stirred the market. The 136-page glossy business directory was published out of a need to connect the business community with their customers.

Hussein Mohamed Qoje, the owner of the publication says he was driven to publish the book after establishing that a niche market for a one-stop reservoir of contacts of businesses and companies existed in Mogadishu.

Hussein then decided to negotiate for a franchise with the ‘Yellow Pages’ parent company based in the United States of America.

“I realized there was an information gap as people who were looking for hotels and other businesses could not contact each other,”

The proprietor of ‘Somali Yellow Pages’, Hussein Mohamed Koje speaks during an interview on his initiative and its impact on business in Mogadishu on April 15, 2017.

The proprietor of ‘Somali Yellow Pages’, Hussein Mohamed Koje distributes the publication to a customer in Mogadishu.

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A customer peruses through the ‘Somali Yellow Pages’ in Mogadishu.

explains Hussein. “Those in hotels could not reach those in travel agencies to be served.

Therefore, there was an existing need”.

His inaugural publication created an invaluable opportunity for businesses and customers to connect. It has listed businesses from at least 23 sectors ranging from banking, communication, the hospitality industry to hospitals and the construction industry. For a minimal fee, Hussein accepts advertising in the publication.

“I came to know about the ‘Somali Yellow Pages’ through their agents who came to collect data about our company. They interviewed me and collected details,” Mohamed Abdullahi Ali of Dharuuro Travel Agency who also advertised his travel agency in the inaugural publication.

A director in one of the leading shopping malls in the capital, Mohamed Hassan Ibrahim of Al-Kowthar,

A director of Al-kowthar Furniture and Shopping mall, Mohamed Hassan Ibrahim speaks during an interview on how ‘Somali Yellow Pages’ has impacted his business in Mogadishu.

enumerated the benefits of advertising in the publication.

“The ‘Somali Yellow Pages’ has helped us get new services and break ground on new frontiers, get new clients and reach to customers who did not know what we stock,” he explains. “This has helped us increase our sales. Now we get calls and deliver goods to new destinations that we did not have”.

Encouraged by the success of his publication, Hussein says he has his eyes set on listing companies and businesses countrywide.

“My long-term plan is to recruit more people as I have already hired 50 people to expand to the regions,” he stated.

The ‘Yellow Pages’ is a telephone directory of businesses based in a locality.

The directory was created in 1883 in the USA, although the first official ‘Yellow Pages’ was published by Reuben Donnelley in 1886.

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