AMISOM Magazine - Issue 20 | Somalia Heralds a New Dawn

www.amisom-au.org |

Issue 20 | September, 2016–March 2017

SOMALIA Heralds a New Dawn 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

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omalia has made big strides with the recently concluded successful elections, despite enormous and multiple challenges.

Somalis defied the odds and delivered the elections, after a highly engaging electoral process.

Although a one-person one-vote election was not attained this year, the foundation stone has been laid and Somalia is now on the path towards achieving universal suffrage by 2020. As Head of AMISOM, I congratulate the President and the people of Somalia for this feat. I thank the country’s leadership for staying the course.

The successful conclusion of the presidential election heralds a new dawn for a country that, for too long, has been plagued by years of instability, devastating internal strife, cyclical drought, insurgency, violent extremism and terrorism.

Having worked side by side with the Somali National Security Forces to secure the electoral process, AMISOM takes pride in this collaboration and the successes it has been able to achieve.

The road ahead is bumpy, and arduous is the task at hand, but the confidence and determination of the people of Somalia and their leaders to make true the pledges of the electoral period is great. I have no doubt in my mind that Somalia will prevail and victory is assured.

The opportunity presents itself for leaders to continue to work together in the building of a strong partnership between the people and their government.

AMISOM remains committed to a sound and focused collaboration with

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the country and the people of Somalia in their quest for a lasting peace and full stability.

As AMISOM marks 10 years in Somalia this year, the positive developments compared to a decade ago when the AU mission first deployed in Mogadishu are there for all to see.

Statebuilding, Businesses, health, construction and education sectors are some of the registered successes.

Despite the skepticism from naysayers, the ordinary Somali is reaping huge benefits from the levels of stability that have so far been achieved, thanks to the joint effort of AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces.

The militants may not have been totally vanquished, but they have been significantly degraded and their operations remarkably curtailed. With a new government in place, one of our key priorities with the Somali National Security Forces is to intensify our offensive against the terrorists, especially in vast swatchs of inhabited areas, where the terrorists have sought refuge.

We have a watertight plan. We will work side by side with the Somali national security forces and will not relent until terrorists are significantly disrupted, degraded and the war against violent extremism and terrorism in Somalia is won.

The African Union is profoundly convinced that, no matter how effective AMISOM may be, there can be no lasting and sustainable peace, security and stability in Somalia, unless and until capable, minimally equipped and empowered Somali national security forces are up and running.

We will, therefore, continue to push for adequate support to the Somali National Security Forces, not only for the current and future joint operations with AMISOM, but also in the context of the overall comprehensive effort to build a capable Somali security apparatus.

To this effect, we will continue to insist on the need for a better coordinated, complementary and mutually reinforcing partner intervention in the security sector in Somalia.

In line with the envisaged drawdown of AMISOM military in 2018, AMISOM Police has been instrumental in the strengthening of police structures throughout the country and is actively engaged in the police training and mentoring for the keeping of law and order.

We will continue to work closely with the national authorities and international partners in the promotion of a comprehensive approach to Security which should be anchored on the concurrence of mutually reinforcing factors, such as, presence and adequate territorial expansion of government authority, capable state institutions and administration, democratic governance, distribution of humanitarian assistance and other essential requirements to the population and provision of services such as health, education, road construction and jobs, justice, law and order; and preventing and addressing the conditions conducive to violent extremism and radicalization that lead to terrorism.

I wish the Somali people a very successful 2017 - 2020 governance circle.

Happy reading!

Contents

Newly elected President of Somalia H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo (centre), makes an acceptance speech, after being sworn into office, in the capital Mogadishu on February 8, 2017. The presidential election drew down the curtains on the electoral exercise that began in October 2016.

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Message from The SRCC

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In The News

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A New Dawn for Somalia

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Somalia Election Pictorials

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Reflections on Somalia’s Elections – Amb. Francisco Madeira

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President Farmajo Commits to Work with AMISOM in Fighting Terrorism

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AU Commission Chairperson Pays First Official Visit to Somalia

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AU Peace and Security Council Delegation Fact Finding Mission in Somalia

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We’ll Support Somalia – Donors

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The European Union Scales Up Support to Somalia

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Q&A with H.E Veronique Lorenzo, EU Ambassador to Somalia

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Somali Army Troops Learn Combat Skills for Built Up Areas

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AMISOM in Brief

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River Shabelle’s Mixed Fortunes

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Averting Famine in Somalia

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Honouring Female Peacekeepers

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Putting Law and Order First

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AMISOM’s Peace Programme on Negotiated Settlements

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Restoring Smiles to Victims of Cleft Lip and Palate

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Youth Social Entrepreneur with a Heart for the Disabled

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Signals Academy Trains Women Peacekeepers in ICT

Photo IIyas Ahmed

Design & Layout: Noel Lumbama Photography: AU-UN IST Newsroom | thenewsroom@auunist.org Email: amisommediacentre@gmail.com 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

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January 2017:

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January 2017:

Students to fishmongers, Somalis ushered in the new year full of hope, of a more peaceful and economically robust country. The horn of Africa country may not have celebrated with fireworks as in other parts of the globe, but the year 2017 came with promises of new prosperity for ordinary Somalis, who have survived years of destruction and insecurity, brought about by over two decades of civil war and terrorism.

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January 2017:

The incumbent Speaker of the federal parliament’s House of the People, Prof. Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, was re-elected to another four-year term. Prof. Jawari received 141 votes to defeat three other candidates for the key legislative post.

In his victory speech, Mr. Jawari appealed to his fellow members of parliament (MPs) to put aside their political differences for the sake of their constituents.

“Today there is no winner or loser. It is the Somali people who have won,” he said.

A delegation of senior officials from the African Union, United Nations, the European Union and the United Kingdom held a meeting with Speaker of the House of the People, Prof. Mohamed Osman Jawari, at his office in Villa Hargeisa, in the Somali capital Mogadishu. The delegation congratulated Prof. Jawari on his re-election and promised continued support to Somalia.

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Members of Somalia’s Upper House elected Hon. Abdi Hashi Abdullahi as their new speaker during a voting exercise held in the Somali capital.

“I pray to God as I assume the responsibility of being the speaker of the Upper House that he

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January 2017: ushers in his blessings and saves our country and the Somali people from the severe drought that hit our country hard. I also ask God to bestow peace and prosperity to the Somali people,” the newly elected Speaker of the Upper House said in his victory speech.

January 2017:

AMISOM Force Commander Lt. General Osman Noor Soubagleh has said effective planning of military operations is critical to the Mission’s success. He was officially closing a two-week Planning course for AMISOM Force Headquarters’ staff. The training was organized by the mission in conjunction with the UK Mission Support Team (UK MST) and is aimed at enhancing planning skills of mission personnel.

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January 2017:

The third phase of training for 201 Jubbaland State Police recruits commenced in the port city of Kismayo. The three-month training was conducted by the Police Component of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali Police.

The first and second phases of the training programme were concluded in 2016. The AMISOM Police team Leader for Training

and Development, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Emmanuel Ogom Nwaeyizie said 400 police officers graduated in the first two phases and were deployed

to various stations in Jubbaland.

“The 201 recruits will be going through the recruitment course that is commencing today and will last three months. We had very successful training in the first and second phases. I believe by the time this group passes out, we will have a professional and well-trained Somali Police Force that will take charge of the region,” DSP Nwaeyizie said.

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February 2017:

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo was inaugurated as the ninth President of Somalia in a grand ceremony attended by more than 1,200 guests including two heads of state, a prime minister and representatives of the international community.

In his 25-minute speech, flanked by two former presidents, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, Farmaajo promised to make Somalia great again. He cited strengthening security and tackling the current drought as his immediate priorities and urged the public to support him in his mission.

“As the president of Somalia, I will strive to restore the image of the country and make Somalia great again, but we face a number of challenges; insecurity and a severe humanitarian crisis. I will foster reconciliation, uphold the rule of law, strengthen the judiciary, restore confidence of the people in the government and tackle poverty,” President Farmaajo said at the inauguration ceremony held in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.

February 2017:

The top leadership of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) met in the Kenyan capital Nairobi to plan its activities and draw up an austere budget that will guide the operations of the Mission this year.

The five-day conference, hinged on the theme “Doing Much With Less”, drew participants from the African Union (AU), whose flagship Mission is AMISOM. The conference came up with a detailed plan and budget that will guide AMISOM’s activities and operations this year.

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March 2017:

Somali President H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo declared the current drought devastating Somalia a national disaster and appealed to the international community to urgently respond to the United Nations appeal for $825 million made early this year. Addressing a high-level roundtable meeting on the drought response in Mogadishu, President Farmaajo described the drought as a greater threat, noting that it had depleted livestock, which is the main asset of the Somali community.

“There is no greater threat than famine; the worst weapon of mass destruction as we have seen recently in 2012.

Therefore, preventing famine should be our top priority,” the

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President told a roundtable that brought together members of the diplomatic community, regional bodies, local and international NGOs and Presidents of Somalia’s Federal States.

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March 2017:

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March 2017:

Somalia today joined the rest of the world in taking stock of women’s achievements during celebrations to commemorate International Women’s Day. The celebrations were held in the capital Mogadishu and across the federal states, where Somalia’s international partners lauded the country for the important strides it has made towards empowering women.

AMISOM is seeking a new approach to bringing peace and stability to Somalia. The AU Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira told a high-level meeting of AU officials, donors and other stakeholders, that the current arrangement that relies on military onslaught against the Al Shabaab militants may not achieve its desired goals, of delivering sustainable stability in the Horn of Africa country. The meeting took place in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, to take stock of AMISOM’s ten years in Somalia. The meeting was also addressed by

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Colonel Richard Leakey, the Commander of the British Peace Support Team in Eastern African, (BPST-EA).

“It is also clear that as the mission moves into the next challenging phase of security transition, it should engage with the diverse range of distinguished experts as represented here to ensure the best practice is understood and a clear way forward identified,” Col. Leakey said

March 2017:

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat visited Somalia in March, on his first field visit since assuming office in the same month. Accompanied by the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Amb. Smail Chergui and other senior AU officials, H.E Mahamat held a meeting with the President of the Federal Government

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of Somalia H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo, at the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu, where he stressed the commitment of the African Union to efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability in Somalia. On the drought situation, H.E Mahamat said the African Union will “stand with Somalia during this difficult time”.

“I had the privilege of being received by the Prime Minister and President of the Federal Republic and I expressed our support and solidarity to Somalia,” he told journalists.

March 2017:

A specialized course on Information and Communications Technology aimed at equipping women in the military and Police with ICT skills took place at the United Nations Signals Academy (UNSA), located inside the UN Regional

Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) in Uganda. The two-week course, the

second in a series of outreach training programmes for women in disciplined forces, aimed at enabling them operate effectively in peacekeeping operations. The inaugural course was held in November 2016. Thirty-nine (39) female military and signals personnel from 17 countries including four from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) attended the course.

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Guests at the inauguration ceremony of the Somalia’s newly elected President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo in Mogadishu on February 22, 2017.

A New Dawn for

F

ebruary 8, 2017 was a defining moment for Somalia, as the country’s lawmakers elected the country’s ninth President in democratic elections held in the capital Mogadishu.

“This is the beginning of the unity of the Somali people. It marks the beginning of a secure and stable Somalia as a country and it is the beginning of democracy in Somalia and the fight against corruption. I promise not to abuse your trust, to work justly and to support the poor,” said the newly elected President, during his victory speech.

President Farmaajo was inaugurated in a colourful ceremony attended by over 1,200 people including two

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Somalia

The President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, shakes hands with Somali government officials during the inauguration ceremony of Somalia’s newly elected President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo in Mogadishu on February 22, 2017

The President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh shakes hands with Somali government officials during the inauguration ceremony of Somalia’s newly elected President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo in Mogadishu on February 22, 2017.

Former Presidents of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (left) and Sharif Sheikh Ahmed (right) stand side by side with the new president of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo at the inauguration ceremony in Mogadishu on February 22, 2017.

Federal members of parliament and observers wait for the announcement of the winner of the presidential election at the Mogadishu Airport hangar on February 8, 2017.

Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo was declared the winner.

neighbouring presidents, a and members of the House of Kismaayo without any security a goodwill message from prime minister and more the People. incidents that could be the UN Secretary-General, than 100 diplomats.

The Special Representative attributed to these insurgents.”

Antonio Guterres.

He promised to restore of the Chairperson of the “The peaceful handover The ceremony was Somalia’s dignity and bring African Union Commission, of power is a milestone and a also addressed by Kenyan peace and reconciliation to Ambassador Francisco major step in strengthening president Uhuru Kenyatta, the country.

Madeira, said Somalia had Somalia as a federal and Djiboutian President, In a speech punctuated by made strides in achieving inclusive state and towards Omar Guelleh; Ethiopian cheers and clapping, the new peace, adding that AMISOM the goal of achieving onePrime Minister, Desalegn president also promised to had deterred Al-Shabaab person one-vote elections in Hailemariam; the Sudan tackle widespread insecurity, “and allowed for the electoral 2020,” Michael Keating, the Assistant President, Ibrahim corruption, poverty and process to successfully Special Representative of the Hamed and the outgoing the looming humanitarian take place in Mogadishu, United Nations Secretary President Hassan Sheikh crisis that is devastating the Baidoa, Cadaado, Jowhar and General said as he delivered Mohamud. country.

The new leader outlined his agenda for the next four years, in which he will give priority to reconciliation and restoring institutions to give hope to the citizens.

Farmajo said during his four-year tenure he would try “to accomplish reconciliation among various Somali communities, uphold the rule of law, strengthen the judiciary, restore people’s confidence in government and tackle poverty.”

His election presided over by Speaker of the Federal Parliament’s House of the People, Prof. Mohamed Osman Jawari, brought to an end, an electoral process that commenced in October 2016, with the election Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo listens keenly as members of the Presidential Elections Committee count ballots of members of the federal cast during the presidential election at the Mogadishu Airport hangar on February 8, 2017. Farmajo was declared the president of Somalia after incumbent Hasan Sheikh Mohamud conceded defeat. parliament’s Upper House AMISOM MAGAZINE

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Somalia Electi ons

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Pictorial

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Somalia Elections Pictorial

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Reflections on Somalia’s Electoral Process

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The people of Somalia have made history and set a great example to countries in conflict and countries emerging out conflict in the continent and elsewhere. This is a clear indication that none other than Somalis can decide on their fate.”

—Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E Delasegn Hailemariam

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I wish to reaffirm the commitment of my administration to continue building on the sound bilateral relations that exist between our two nations.”

—President of Kenya, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta

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I urge you to support the new government fully in the execution of its duties so that they accomplish the tasks at hand. It is clear that as a country we are on the right track to achieve the kind of Somalia that we want; one that is peaceful and has no place for intrigue. I urge you to support, advise and pray for the new leadership.”

— Former President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud

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We have been here before but we want to extend a brotherly and friendly gesture and are willing to make both human and financial sacrifices. We love it when Somalis agree amongst themselves and resolve their own problems. We want Somalia to play its role in the region as it used to in the past and we want to see Somalia living in harmony with the rest of the world.”

—President of Djbouti, H.E Omar Guelleh

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The peaceful handover of power is a milestone in that effort and is a major step in strengthening Somalia as a federal and inclusive state and towards the goal of achieving one-person one-vote elections in 2020.”

— Michael Keating, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG)

“I must say that the collaboration between AMISOM Police, AMISOM military component, Somali National Army and Somali Police Force was extra-ordinary. They complemented each other; they shared information like never before; they faced the enemy together; undertook cordon and search operations; mop-up operations; deactivated explosive devices from Al-Shabaab. They escorted the population, the elders from certain places to the voting areas. They secured the voting centers and thanks to God and thanks to their work, it all went well” —Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira

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President Farmajo Commits to Work with AMISOM in Fighting Terrorism

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hortly after his election, Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo met with the senior leadership of AMISOM, where he pledged to work closely with the AU Mission to eliminate terrorist group Al-Shabaab, which poses the biggest threat to peace and security in the country.

“My vision is to defeat Al-Shabaab in the next two years,” President Farmajo

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said, while outlining his vision for a secure Somalia.

“Hopefully if we work very closely together, we will be able to defeat the Al-Shabaab. That is the vision I would like to see happen in the next two years to bring peace and stability to Somalia,” he told AMISOM’s leadership, and Ambassadors of Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), accredited to Somalia.

“The president has set up his priorities. He wants AlShabaab defeated as quickly as possible. We assured the President that we are with him in that endeavour and we are going to see how we can strengthen each other, cooperate with one another and harmonize our efforts to do exactly that (defeat Al-Shabaab),” Head of AMISOM Ambassador Madeira said after the meeting.

Newly elected President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo in a meeting with ambassadors from Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) led by the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira at Villa Somalia on February 18, 2017.

AU Commission Chairperson Pays First Official Visit to Somalia

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he Chairperson of The African Union Mission the African Union in Somalia (AMISOM) jointly Commission, with the Somali Security H.E Moussa Faki Forces played a critical role Mahamat visited Somalia on in ensuring a secure and March 18, on his first field visit, conducive environment, for the barely a week after assuming electoral process to take place. office.

On the current drought Accompanied by the situation, H.E Mahamat AU Commissioner for Peace commiserated with the and Security Amb. Smail Chergui and other senior AU officials, H.E Mahamat held a meeting with the President of the Federal Government of Somalia H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo, at the presidential palace in the capital Mogadishu, where he reiterated the commitment of the African Union at ensuring there lasting peace and stability in Somalia.

The AU Commission Chairperson congratulated the President and the Prime Minister on their election The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Moussa Faki to office; and for the orderly Mahamat, addresses African Union and peaceful manner in staff in Mogadishu during his first visit which the electoral process to Somalia on March 18, 2017, as Chairperson of AU. was held.

people of Somalia, saying the African Union will “stand with Somalia during this difficult time”. Somalia is experiencing biting drought, as a result of failed rains. Thousands are on the brink of starvation as well wishers rally support for humanitarian supplies to save populations faced with hunger.

“I had the privilege of being received by the Prime Minister and President of the Federal Republic and I expressed our support and solidarity to Somalia,” H.E Mahamat told journalists shortly after their meeting at the presidential palace.

The AU Commission Chairperson also addressed AMISOM staff based in Mogadishu. He commended the Mission’s personnel for the sacrifices they have made over the last 10 years to restore peace in Somalia.

“To the officers in uniform and the civilians, Africa is grateful to you all. We admire your sense of courage, your determination and your

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, is received at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport by the Prime Minister of Somalia, Hassan Ali Kheyre, in Mogadishu, Somalia, on March 18, 2017.

commitment, for sacrificing yourselves for the sake of peace in Somalia,” he said.

“You have also demonstrated that Africa is capable of ensuring its own security. We have come to meet you to express our appreciation to you for serving Africa,” he added.

“Africa is grateful to her sons and daughters who are making such sacrifices for the sake of peace.”

H.E Mahamat honoured Somali and AU troops who have lost their lives in pursuit of peace in Somalia, at a wreath laying ceremony, where he also unveiled a remembrance plaque mounted in honour of the fallen heroes.

AMISOM is African Union’s flagship peacekeeping operation in the continent.

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AU Peace and Security Council’s Fact Finding Mission in Somalia

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n 23rd March 2016, a twenty-four member delegation of the African Union Peace and Security Council visited Somalia to assess the level of progress made in the defence and security institutions, especially efforts to build a formidable national army, capable of securing the whole country.

Ambassador Ntshinga Ndumiso, the Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council who led the delegation said their consultations would focus on “efforts to build national defence and security institutions”, which he explained would ultimately have the primary responsibility of maintaining peace and security in Somalia.”

Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Kheyre, speaks during a meeting with AU delegation led by the Chairperson of the African Union Peace and Security Council, Ambassador Ndumiso Ntshinga. The delegation is on a day working visit in Mogadishu, Somalia, on March 23, 2017.

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Amb, Ndumiso said the consultations with various stakeholders would be extensive and would be able to guide African Union’s future activities in Somalia.

“The area we are interested in is the transparency, coordination and complementary efforts among all partners who are providing capacity building support to the Somali National Army,” he told Somalia Prime Minister H.E Hassan Ali Kheyre and other senior federal government leaders, during a meeting held at Villa Somalia the presidential palace.

“The need for state authority and control in all areas liberated by Al Shabaab, the challenges facing the AU Mission in Somalia and the next steps required to defeat Al Shabaab and bring about security,” was critical for Somalia, he added.

The Prime Minister concurred that the national army needed strengthening, for it to satisfactorily provide peace and security in the country.

He said the new government had set itself a target of twoyears to achieve its priority goals, of which security takes precedence.

“We are in a path where this nation finds itself with an immense opportunity to move forward. We are in situation

The Chairperson of the African Union Peace and Security Council, Ambassador Ndumiso Ntshinga (middle) greets senior officials of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This was upon arrival of a 24 person delegation from the AU Peace and Security Council for a three-day working visit in Mogadishu, Somalia on March 23, 2017.

where our youth, women, religious leaders are active in politics once again. So despite all the challenges you will see, or you have already seen, there is a sense of optimism in this nation,” Prime Minister Kheyre noted.

He acknowledged the critical support provided to the country, by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

“Without AMISOM, we wouldn’t be sitting here today,” he said.

“We will forever be grateful,” he added The Prime Minister also highlighted challenges Somalia faced as a result of the devastating drought. He noted that lasting peace and security

The Chairperson of the African Union Peace and Security Council, Ambassador Ndumiso Ntshinga, speaks during a meeting with Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Kheyre, at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu, Somalia, on March 23, 2017.

would guarantee access to populations most affected by drought and called for support from the AMISOM, to mitigate the effects of the biting drought.

“We have a major challenge in terms of drought and we would want all the necessary support that you can provide at this critical juncture but we also want long term solutions to this recurring problem. So we would want to teach our people how to fish instead of giving them fish and that is the support we need from you.

That is what we would want you to focus on,” he said.

Ambassador Ndumiso later laid a wreath at AMISOM Force Headquarters in Halane base, in the capital Mogadishu, in honour of AU fallen troops.

“To a very large extent the backbone of Al Shabaab has been broken and of course there are a number of things that we need to be looking at. Now that we are nearing exterminating Al Shabaab, if you will, what next is for Somalia to see to it, that it does not slide back,” Amb Ndumiso stated.

“There is some Al Shabaab to clean and we still have a lot of work, in preparation for the exit of AMISOM,” he concluded.

We’ll Support Somalia

–Donors

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MISOM held its 2018 Budget Meeting, where donors invited to the meeting pledged to continue supporting the AU Mission achieve its key mandate of stabilizing Somalia.

Representatives of the European Union, United Nations, United Kingdom, the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) committed to assist Africa’s flagship peace and security mission pull Somalia out of its quagmire.

The pledge was made on March 3, 2017 at a fiveday meeting organized by AMISOM in Nairobi, and attended by donors. The meeting aimed to draw up a list of activities and budget, which will guide the Mission through its exit strategy, in the second half of 2018.

Albrecht Braun, a representative of the EU-ACP (European Union – Africa, Caribbean Pacific) praised AMISOM for the role it has played in pacifying the country, emerging from decades of war and anarchy.

“The EU overall will remain engaged in Somalia to contribute to this process of stabilization and the delivery of tangible peace dividends,” Mr. Braun stated.

The EU representative noted that AMISOM had played a tremendous role in transforming Somalia after many years of war.

“It is obviously clear to everybody that without

AMISOM, Somalia wouldn’t be where it is today. A lot has been achieved, thanks to AMISOM, which has provided the space for the political process to progress,” Mr. Braun observed.

He noted that over the last 10 years, EU-ACP has contributed more than 1.3 billion Euros (US$1.68) to AMISOM and had committed about two billion euros in between 2004 and 2017, in the field of peace and security, through the African Peace Facility - with the bulk of the money channelled to AMISOM. Another 180 million euros (US$189.5), Mr. Braun noted, has been earmarked for the period April – December 2017.

“So I do think, that clearly demonstrates our continued commitment to AMISOM,” Mr. Braun told the meeting.

He however urged AMISOM to consider looking into the issue of alternative sources of funding to bridge gaps.

“It is also important to mobilize additional financial support from other donors and specifically from African governments and other partners. Peace and stability is a collective effort,” the envoy said.

Hubert Price, the Head of United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), observed that the Nairobi meeting presented a key opportunity for AMISOM and UNSOS to interact, so as to get a deeper understanding of the magnitude of work that needs to be done vis-a-vis resources available.

Albrecht Braun, Representative of European Union - Africa, Carribean, Pacific, speaks during the AMISOM 2018 Budget workshop held in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 2, 2017.

“We have to strike that balance of reality between what we need and what we can actually get and the budget business is one that never ends,” Mr. Price observed.

“This is a key opportunity to better understand how both UNSOS and AMISOM are able to engage on the critical areas of support and resource management, which at the end of the day, are key to everything that we do. If you do not have the resources you cannot meet your mandate objectives,” the Head of UNSOS said.

UNSOS, he noted, has provided, among others, support base, logistical hubs, air and surface travel, stipends and training for troops and police, capacity building, rations and general supply.

Participants follow proceedings during the AMISOM 2018 budget workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, on March 2, 2017.

“We look forward to continuing and developing a very close relationship with the African Union and with AMISOM in particular in Mogadishu,” said another partner and from the British Embassy in Somalia Mr. James Haggerty.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, divulged that the Mission had failed to deliver on some of its objectives due to funding constraints, prompting the officials to seek alternative means.

“Inadequate funding has been a major challenge to the implementation of the 2016 budget. Resources were not available to fund our projects and in fact no resources were available,” the SRCC stated.

AU representatives at the meeting, Francis Kankya, (Advisor to Deputy Chair, AU Commission), and Assietou Diouf (Director, Programming, Budgeting, Finance and Accounting) lauded AMISOM’s role in Somalia and asked the Mission to be effective in operations and financial management, create synergies with donor partners, and be dynamic in budgeting.

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EU Scales Up Support to Somalia, Launches RE-INTEG Project

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he European Union (EU) has launched a three-year project to support the reintegration of returnees and internally displaced persons into communities in Somalia.

The €33 million project will support the implementation of sustainable and durable solutions on reintegration in the federal states among them Jubbaland, South West, Banaadir, Galmudug and Puntland.

Somaliland will also be a beneficiary of the project.

The project dubbed “RE-INTEG” will be jointly implemented by other partner agencies, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, UN Habitat, Concern Worldwide, CARE and World Vision.

RE-INTEG will comprise five projects and will, among others, support the restoration of housing, land and property rights, primary education, water and sanitation, vocational skills and livelihood training; with the aim of strengthening local governance structures, creating jobs for the youth and providing access to healthcare.

The EU Ambassador to Somalia, Ms. Veronique Lorenzo, said the project will be critical in urban centres such as Mogadishu, Baidoa

The European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Veronique Lorenzo, speaks during the launch of the EU RE-INTEG Project, aimed at supporting the reintegration of returnees and internally displaced persons in Somalia. The launch took place in Mogadishu, Somalia on April 5, 2017.

and Kismaayo, which are hosting a large number of returnees and internally displaced persons.

“The fact that we have RE-INTEG, that we have a package of five projects we are launching today ready to go, is an opportunity,” she emphasized.

“Let’s make the most of these projects that seek to address to change the lives of up to 300,000 people with the provision of basic services, health, education, water and sanitation. All those basic livelihood elements.”

Once completed, it is expected that the project will help close gaps in the management of returnees and enhance the rule of law through the improvement and implementation of policies and legal framework for displaced persons.

It is also envisaged that the project will help strengthen cross-border cooperation in handling migration issues, improve security, increase access to basic services and create livelihood opportunities in areas hosting refugees and internally displaced persons.

Somalia deputy Minister of Interior, Federalism and Reconciliation Mr. Ali Sheikh Mohamed Nur said the project would complement the stabilization efforts of his ministry.

“We welcome this great initiative which remarkably points to the confidence in the country’s future. I hope the holistic well-thought out approach will lessen the challenges that will be faced by the returnees and the internally displaced people and facilitate their smooth resettlement,” the deputy Minister said.

A section stakeholders attending the launch of the European Union RE-INTEG Project, aimed at supporting the reintegration of returnees and internally displaced persons in Somalia. The launch took place in Mogadishu, Somalia on April 5, 2017.

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Q&A with H.E Veronique Lorenzo, EU Ambassador to Somalia Q: The European Union has been very committed and strategic in its support to Somalia. What are the focal areas and intended results of the Re-integration project (RE-INTEG)?

A The Re-integ programme was designed sometime ago to address one of the big issues that has always and has for many years, plagued Somalia - the issue of displacement. Already a year ago, we had over a million displaced people within Somalia and also over a million in the Horn of Africa. So, the intention with the focus, with Re-integ was to provide basic services - durable solutions for the long term - for these displaced people, and also, support the nascent state of Somalia and administration to take care of themselves, of the major problems. The fact that we are now in the middle of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis means that the Reinteg programme is a lot more relevant and important and opportune. It comes at the right time to address an increase in 50 per cent of internal displacement.

Between November (2016) and March (2017), we have now half a million people additional that have been displaced. So, these resources are badly needed.

Q: With the humanitarian crisis in Somalia - we do know that the EU in some of its projects plays a major role in enhancing the lives of ordinary Somalis. How are you responding to the humanitarian situation currently facing Somalia?

A I cannot emphasize enough the gravity of the humanitarian situation. The drought is bad; but the implications on the people, has been absolutely dramatic. We have realised that a few months ago already.

We have tried three things. You know there is no silver bullet. So, we need a combination of strategies. The first thing is of course humanitarian assistance through ECHO (European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations), which is our humanitarian office; we address the most pressing, urgent needs. And then in our development, but it’s not enough. You know, humanitarian short-term assistance is not sufficient. So, we have also tried to mobilise our development funds. We have done it in two different ways. One, is to see with implementing partners that are already on the ground, how they could re-orient, re-configure their programmes

to address these pressing needs. And of course we have a lot of new funding, new development programmes that will invest in resilience, that will invest in water catchment areas, that will invest in water supply, water management, livestock management, things that will prevent the recurrence of this crisis.

So, in total we have about €78 million in the humanitarians here and about the same amount, €78 million from the development funds.

Q: It is 10 years since AMISOM deployed in Somalia - as the AU Mission’s biggest funder, what is your assessment of the performance of the mission so far? What has worked and what can be improved upon?

A I think we are all collectively and certainly as the European Union, very grateful for the work AMISOM has done over the past 10 years, for the lives of the soldiers that have been sacrificed in order to provide security for Somalia.

So, in that sense we have been extremely fortunate to be able to rely on the Troop Contributing Countries to help on the security. Now, I think we all know that Somalia cannot rely, in the long term, on other countries providing for its security.

It does not work that way. They need to be able to provide their own security.

And so, what has worked less well is the issue of sustainability. We need a Somali National Army. We need Somali security forces, a combination of them, a whole architecture that will be enabled and capable to provide long-term security to the country. And this is where our focus will be under this new government how with AMISOM, can we allow these security forces to develop and to take over from AMISOM. Q: AMISOM post-10 years, what do you see and what kind of support will continue from the EU to AMISOM? A What we have is the funding of AMISOM secured until 2018 and there is our window to plan for the post-2018. I think collectively, the Troop Contributing Countries, the African Union, will realise that we need to move beyond what AMISOM is doing now. There has to be a drawdown in the forces after 2018 and this is why the next few months of the next year will be crucial in defining - exactly how does drawdown happen - because it

cannot happen in a vacuum. It needs to be accompanied or replaced by the Somali Security Forces.

Q: Rebuilding a strong national army in Somalia still remains a challenge due to several factors. What are your views on the SNA, especially in view of the fact that AMISOM troops begin drawdown in 2018?

A I think the first thing, a well-trained soldier is important. We have done this for a number of years. But a trained soldier cannot do much in a vacuum. And it’s all the other things that lack at the moment. And so, to have a structure - a security forces structure that works, that will deliver security for the citizens - it has to start with a political agreement at the federal level and the nascent federal member states, who is responsive to whom? Who commands, who controls, how many? All the management structure needs to be worked out first. This needs to be in place to allow soldiers - existing soldiers - and they are out there; they exist and many of them fight, to be inserted in a framework that can also include mentoring from AMISOM, how to behave as a group - some training. And only in that training framework where the pieces make sense and amount to a Somali National Army, to a Somali Police Force; because the police force will also be an integral and very important part of ensuring security and being close to citizens. It is this whole (picture) that we are lacking now, that is fundamental to ensure security.

Q: Your parting shot?

A My final message would be one; that despite the difficulties and despite the huge humanitarian crisis we are going through, I think there is a great positive energy from the international community.

A few months ago, nobody thought we would get to the point we are at; with elections, somewhat troubled, we have had in the end a Parliament, President, Prime Minister, a Cabinet - I am very impressed with the quality of some of the ministers I have met - very professional, very diligent, very committed. My message is one of optimism. We have got a lot of elements to go forward and we need it because the challenges ahead are huge. But we are in the best possible situation for many years to address them.

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Somali Army Troops Learn Combat Skills for Built up Areas

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t least 100 soldiers from the Somali National Army have graduated in January from an infantry course on combat skills, at General Dhegabadan Training (Jazeera) Camp, in Mogadishu.

Trained by the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) in Somalia, the troops learnt combat engineering, light infantry and the use Information Communication Technologies.

“We are going to train 300 soldiers in four months to provide another additional capability to SNA,” Brig.

Gen. Maurizio Morena, the Commander of EUTM in Somalia said.

EUTM will conduct the next phase of training jointly with the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). “ Together with the (AMISOM) Force Commander, we have decided to share the same training programme, the same schedule; and our trainers are also speaking with AMISOM trainers to get the same view on the training,” explained Brig. Gen Morena Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh, the AMISOM Force Commander announced that the trainees would be colocated with AMISOM troops, for continuous training and mentoring.

Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers demonstrate field military tactics during a pass-out ceremony to mark the end of training conducted by the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM) at the General Dhegabadan Training Camp (Jazeera) in Mogadishu, Somalia on January 14, 2017.

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Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers demonstrate field military tactics during a pass-out ceremony to mark the end of training conducted by the European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM) at the General Dhegabadan Training Camp (Jazeera) in Mogadishu, Somalia on January 14, 2017.

“This is the beginning of the integration of the Guulwade Plan. We will take this as an example and we will replicate it. AMISOM is also going to train 150 in light infantry which will (be in line with) Guulwade Plan,” Lt. Gen. Soubagleh noted.

Maj. Gen. Ali Bashi Mohamed, the former SNA Deputy Chief of Defence Forces hailed the European Union (EU), for the support it has accorded the Somali army over the years.

“My message to the SNA soldiers that have completed

training today is that you are not returning to your former places of work. I expect you to also forget about your clan and religious allegiances. You are the best soldiers that SNA has today,” Maj. Gen. Bashi told the graduands.

Senior military officers from the SNA, AMISOM and EUTM, attended the passing out parade.

During the ceremony, the trainees demonstrated their combat skills in fighting in built-up areas, clearance of roadside mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM) Commander, Brig. Gen. Maurizio Morena, hands over a certificate to a Somali National Army (SNA) soldier during a pass-out ceremony to mark the end of a military training course conducted by EUTM at the General Dhegabadan Training Camp (Jazeera) in Mogadishu, Somalia.

AMISOM in Brief AMISOM and SNA Senior Commanders plans for joint operations

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enior military officers of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali National Army last year agreed to undertake major military operations to liberate areas still under Al-Shabaab control.

Senior officers from the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), attend a joint SNA and AMISOM coordination conference in Mogadishu on November 23, 2016.

The plans for the offensive against the militants were firmed up during a three-day meeting in Mogadishu, chaired

by AMISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh.

In attendance was the former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces of the Somali National Army (SNA) Maj. Gen. Ali Bashi Mohamed.

“We are going to plan and come up with a common operation, fighting side by side against Al-Shabaab,” Lt. Gen. Soubagleh said.

The former SNA Deputy Chief of Defence Forces said the meeting had further strengthened cooperation between the joint forces, in countering militant insurgency.

“We agreed to work closely to flash out the enemy from the country. There has never been a better time for SNA and AMISOM to come together like now,” General Ali Bashi noted.

AMISOM to help construct military training facility for SNA

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n February 19, the AMISOM Force Commander Lt. General Osman Noor Soubagleh led a delegation of senior military officials to South West State to identify a suitable location for constructing a training facility for the Somali National Army.

The delegation which included AMISOM Deputy Force Commander for Planning and Operations, Major General Abreha Tesfay, held discussions with Sector 3 Somali National Army (SNA) Commander, Gen. Ibrahim Yarow and AMISOM Sector 3 Deputy Contingent Commander, Col. Wanyo Abate.

“My trip to Baidoa was about identifying a location, which will be used to train new Somali National Army recruits, which will be built and funded by the UK government,” Lt. General Soubagleh said.

“The facility will be used to train new recruits for Somali National Army, to build their capacity and skills in order for them to take over the security of the country in the next one and a half years,” he explained.

The construction of the training facility will be a major boost to Somalia, which still needs more soldiers to strengthen and transform SNA into a formidable unit capable of taking charge of the country’s security after AMISOM troops exit.

A highly trained Somali National Army is critical in securing the government, the populations and the country’s infrastructure.

AU seeks speedy determination of compensation cases from Troop contributing countries

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he African Union (AU) Peace and Security Department and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) held a meeting in December to seek ways of enhancing management of compensation of personnel from Troop and Police Contributing countries to AMISOM.

Participants attend a workshop on Financial Management for the AMISOM Troop and Police Contributing Countries in Nairobi, Kenya on December 05, 2016.

The four-day meeting, to review the AU’s memorandum of understanding with countries contributing military and police personnel to AMISOM, discussed bottlenecks hindering timely compensation for death and disability.

Mr. Selidji Gbaguidi, the Head of the Peace Support Fund at the African Union Commission, emphasized the need for effective internal control systems that will guarantee reliable data for personnel serving under the AU mission in Somalia.

“It will help to have the accurate data and reliable data from our side and the TCC side to compensate those beneficiaries on time. We should also put in place really a sustainable system to avoid in future, the backlog,” Mr. Gbaguidi said.

He recommended the strengthening of the Board of Inquiry (BoI), which evaluates casualty cases for compensation in the event of death or injury.

Mr. Adebayo Kareem, the AMISOM Acting Chief of Staff, noted that AMISOM had ensured financial diligence and transparency in its operations. He attributed the efficiency to judicious input of the AU Peace Support Division (PSD).

“And I am happy to note that over the last few years, the finance office at the PSD and AMISOM have been able to ensure that even if you have issues with the European Union, management of the finances is not one of those critical issues,” he explained.

“We have handled the financial element of the funds they give us, in a very transparent manner.”

Col. Mor Mbow from the African Union Commission highlighted achievements realised, such as the drawing of the Memorandum of Understanding and Standard Operating Procedures between AMISOM, Troop and Police Contributing Countries, performing death and disability assessments and clearance of claims.

Col. Mbow said the African Union was in the process of improving patient care and management of troops in referral hospitals. He however noted that there is need to improve the management of compensation of personnel on death and disability.

Mr. Anthony Okara, also from the African Union Commission disclosed that the African Union was in the process of devising new ways of funding African peacekeeping missions to reduce dependence on foreign donor funding.

“AMISOM remains on course despite the limited resources given the gigantic task which has to be undertaken,” Okara said.

AMISOM to Hand Over University to the Somali Federal Government

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MISOM will soon hand over Somali National University, to the Federal Government of Somalia.

The university was used by AMISOM troops for half a decade.

The Burundian contingent of AMISOM, used the university as its command headquarters until 2016 when a decision was reached to relocate the troops to Jowhar, the administrative capital of HirShabelle state.

The educational institution was rehabilitated by AMISOM after its troops vacated the premises, pending official handover by the head of AMISOM. At a pre-planning meeting, held on 20th December 2016, the Rector of Somali AMISOM MAGAZINE

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National University (SNU), Mohamed Ahmed Jimale, welcomed the decision to handover the institution, saying it will be used to impart knowledge and expand education opportunities to Somali youths.

AMISOM and Somali Government Join Hands to Tackle Use of Child Soldiers in conflicts

The African Union Mission in Somalia and the Federal Government of Somalia are working together to tackle the use of child soldiers in the country. The decision follows concerns about the increased use of child soldiers by militia and terrorist groups in the country.

achieving peace through various initiatives such as capacity building of its officials.

AMISOM’s Child Protection Advisor, Musa Gbow, called for a multi-approach involving various players to effectively tackle the problem. Mr. Gbow noted that AMISOM forces would not work with any group that uses children as soldiers, adding that exploitation of minors is a violation of human rights.

He cited Somalia’s vast and rugged terrain as one of the challenges AMISOM had encountered in trying to liberate children in armed groups.

The African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child prohibits the recruitment of children as soldiers.

Available statistics indicate there could be as high as 5,000 child soldiers in Somalia as Al-Shabaab continues its recruiting campaigns.

AMISOM lauds contribution by Burundi towards restoration of peace in Somalia

Participants receive certificates after an AMISOM Workshop for the Protection of Child Soldiers in Nairobi, Kenya, on December 7, 2016.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, said armed groups in Somalia had many child soldiers within their ranks, hence the need for a unified approach against the vice.

“The continued recruitment and use of child soldiers by certain elements is a contributing factor to the protracted nature of the conflict in Somalia. Children are fighting wars created by adults”, said Ambassador Madeira.

Madeira spoke in Nairobi, on 7th December when he presided over the opening ceremony of a threeday workshop on the prevention of recruitment of child soldiers.

Participants were drawn from AMISOM, Somali National Army (SNA) and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).

“If we manage to make the extremist ideology unattractive, and if we manage to tackle the problem of child soldiers, Al-Shabaab will be wiped out because they will have nowhere to recruit soldiers.

The guns will then go silent,” Ambassador Madeira noted.

Militant groups such as Al-Shabaab have for long exploited the high poverty rates in Somalia to recruit vulnerable children by hoodwinking them with false promises of a better life.

Amb. Madeira said that the African Union was committed to working with the Federal Government of Somalia to 22

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he leadership of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) lauded the role played by Burundi in the restoration of peace in Somalia. Speaking during a meeting with the Burundian Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Prime Niyongabo, the former Deputy AU Special Representative for Somalia Hon. Lydia Wanyoto said the impact that Burundi is making alongside other Troop Contributing Countries has been central to the progress notable in Somalia.

Lt. Gen. Prime Niyongabo visited Somalia in January, during which he interacted with troops at the Forward Operating Bases. He also held meetings with the AMISOM Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh and other senior AMISOM officials.

“They oversaw the formation of HirShabelle state, they secured it and made it possible to form a state. The second one was the whole entire process of electing the regional leaders to form a state and also the current elections for the federal

government. They have overseen elections, even beyond the sector. This is how much value Burundi and their contribution to the mission is visible and they have our full support,” Hon.Wanyoto stated.

Lt. Gen. Niyongabo affirmed the commitment of the Burundian contingent to the Mission’s mandate and pledged to work alongside their counterparts from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, in support of restoration efforts ongoing Somalia. Burundi has the second largest contingent of troops under AMISOM with 5,432 soldiers.

Djibouti contingent donate medical supplies to needy residents

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n January 11, AMISOM troops under the Djiboutian contingent donated assorted medicines to populations affected by cholera and drought in Belet Weyne following an outbreak of cholera reported in 25 districts across Somalia late last year. Hiiraan region, especially the administrative capital Belet Weyne and surrounding areas bore the brunt of the disease. The region has also been hit hard by drought, with thousands staring hunger in the face.

Col. Hassan Jama Farah, the Djiboutian contingent commander said the donations would go a long way in alleviating hunger and treating common ailments.

“We have gone through several villages including El-gal Ba’aad, Kala Bayr, Jawiil, we are now with the people of Ditors. We carried some medical supplies to help the people affected by cholera, which we have handed over to the Jawiil deputy District Commissioner,” Col. Farah said.

Jawiil deputy District Commissioner, Abdisalan Hassan Mursal, thanked AMISOM for the timely assistance.

Col. Farah said the troops had held meetings with elders and the district leadership on ways of boosting security in the area.

AMISOM Ethiopian Contingent Donate Foodstuff to Needy Families in Baidoa

E The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Lydia Wanyoto, hands over a gift symbolic of appreciation to the Burundian Chief of Defence Forces Lt. General Prime Niyongabo, in Mogadishu, Somalia, on January 29, 2017.

thiopian troops serving under AMISOM distributed foodstuff to needy families affected by drought in the South West State.

The families received dry food rations, including sugar, spaghetti, rice, flour, salt, cooking oil, tea and canned beans.

AMISOM Sector 3 contingent Commander Brigadier General Gabremeskel Gebrezigabe said the troops shared part of their food rations in solidarity with the families during the dry spell.

“We have decided to share with you the little that we have. We are with

you at this trying time. But there are brighter days ahead,” Brigadier General Gabremeskel said.

but a routine visit by Kenya’s Chief of the Defence Forces.

AMISOM launches Operation Antelope in HirShabelle state

T Troops from the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) contingent under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), distribute food relief to families in Baidoa, Somalia on January 07, 2017.

The Minister of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of the Interim South West Administration, Mr. Hassan Hussein Mohamed, thanked the troops for their generosity and support to the community.

“We are very grateful for AMISOM’s continued support and timely donations of food supplies to needy families in Baidoa. AMISOM ENDF has always been supporting us and going that extra mile,” the minister noted.

he African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), last year, jointly embarked on an operation to open up key supply routes in HirShabelle region.

The two organizations intend to open the roads in the region to support the local population as well as assist the military get access to Forward Operating Bases (FOB) in the sector that is under the Burundi contingent.

Major Raymond Kemei from the Mission Enabling Unit said the rehabilitation and opening up of the roads in the operation codenamed ‘Antelope’ would help the local population move their crops from farms to the markets; and allow security agencies will be able to respond to emergencies much faster.

Ugandan AMISOM contingent holds free medical camp in Mogadishu

Kenyan President Visits Troops in the Frontline in Somalia

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n March 18, President Uhuru Kenyatta made a surprise visit to AMISOM troops from Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at Dhobley Military Camp.

Dressed in military fatigue, President Kenyatta expressed gratitude to the troops for their sacrifices and service to their motherland.

It was President Kenyatta’s first visit to the troops in Somalia.

“Your being here in Somalia has saved many lives, and for that Kenyans will forever be indebted to you. Your presence here has at least freed people of the fear of Al Shabaab,” President Kenyatta told the troops.

He added: “We have revived our tourism sector thanks to you for securing our country.”

The Head of State assured the KDF that Government will always support and stand with them.

“We are talking to the new Somali Government to emphasize to them the importance of building their military so that you can go back home. That is our exit strategy,” he added to say.

On December 24, 2006 the Cabinet Secretary of Defence Ms. Raychelle Omamo and Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe paid a surprise visit to troops in Kismaayo It was the first visit by the Defence Cabinet Secretary to troops in Somalia

by contingent commander Brigadier General Gabremeskel Gebrezigabe, representatives of the local administration and community leaders.

“With the dry season biting hard, the rehabilitation of the well could not have come at better time for the people of Baidoa,” Minister Fiqi said.

AMISOM Sector 3 Commander Brigadier General Gabremeskel Gebrezigabe said AMISOM planned to drill 15 wells in Bay region to alleviate the suffering of populations living there.

“I wish to thank all those who took part in the rehabilitation and maintenance of the well,” he stated.

“This well will cater for 50% of the demand. Although this is commendable, we are still far from achieving our goal, which is to meet the demand for water for our troops as well as for the neighboring communities,” Brigadier General Gabremeskel noted.

The well, drilled in 2013 broke down due to technical challenges. AMISOM rehabilitated the well, with support from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and handed it over to the local authorities.

Sector 5 Commander, Brigadier General Venuste Nduwayo during the launch of Operation Antelope, which aims to make the roads in HirShabelle state more accessible.

Major Kemei also noted that humanitarian agencies would also get access to populations in areas that have been cut off from the road infrastructure.

The Sector 5 Commander, BrigadierGeneral Venuste Nduwayo, said the operation would see more than 150 kilometres of roads rehabilitated in the agricultural rich region of Somalia.

The roads earmarked for rehabilitated included Jowhar Airfield to Jowhar Town, Biyo-Adde to Jowhar Town, Mahadaay to Elbaraf, Biyo-Adde to Raga-elle and Ragaelle to Mogadishu among others.

Baidoa residents to benefit from a well rehabilitated

by AMISOM troops

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MISOM troops from the Ethiopian National Defence Forces inaugurated a rehabilitated well, that will supply clean water to communities living in close proximity with the troops in Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West state.

The inauguration ceremony presided over by the South West state Minister of Agriculture Mr. Mohamed Hassan Fiqi, was attended by military officials from AMISOM Sector 3, led

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he Ugandan military contingent serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) held a free medical camp at Medina Hospital in Mogadishu, on February 6, 2017 as part of activities to mark the Ugandan Army Week.

Residents suffering from various ailments received free check-up and drugs from military doctors who worked together with staff of Medina Hospital to attend to a large number of patients.

Also known as ‘Tarehe Sita,’ February

A Ugandan army medic serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), checks a patient’s eyes at Madina Hospital in Mogadishu on February 05, 2017.

6 is significant for Uganda as it is the day President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launched the armed struggle, in 1981, that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government to power.

The day is preceded by a week of activities referred to as the ‘Army Week,’ during which the Ugandan military carries out charity work in communities.

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River Shabelle’s Mixed Fortunes “Hiiraan receives an annual rainfall of between 350-400ml, which is barely enough for farming. Therefore Shabelle River comes to the rescue of Hiiraan residents in so many ways, as it feeds the region with water. Shabelle River originates from the Ethiopian Highlands and quickly turns southwest and enters Somalia’s territory through the Hiiraan region. However, there are water flashes and floods, which pose both health and economic risks. These risks are mostly felt first hand by the riverine communities, before the river flows to other communities living in outlying areas. It is, nevertheless, interesting to note that there has been increase in flooding. This frequency of floods is attributed to changing patterns in global weather” —Dr. Bashiir Hussein Dhore, Founder Hiiraan Civil Society

“When the Shabelle river breaks it’s banks people’s hearts get filled with fear and somehow they know the gods of water are angry and came knocking on their doors.

In those circumstances we perform a ritual known as Bahar (Baxar), which is a sacrifice to the gods of water.

Members of the community raise funds to buy a goat and call someone with the title of the gods known as Bahar himself to deliver the offering. The Bahar then slaughters the goat and throws the bleeding animal into the river” —Osman Aden Arress, a businessman

During the dry spells, Shabelle river poses a risk to both the riverine and outlying communities. There are crocodiles, monkeys, hyenas and at times hippos that attack Belet Weyne residents. These are animals follow the river course, not necessarily as human predators, but in search of water. And since they don’t usually co-exist with humans, they feel threatened when they come in contact with people and that is why they attack” —Maryan Ali Abdi, a housewife and resident of Belet Weyne

There is a common practice by the residents of Belet Weyne regarding the use of iron rich water with red hue when the river is full to the brim. Communities from this region believe it is okay to use the iron rich water, than the more clearer sedentary water. People believe the surging flood waters come with health benefits and that the sedentary water is full of disease causing parasites and germs” —Abdiweli Hassan Jimale, a journalist 24

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Averting Famine in Somalia O

n February 28, Somalia President H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo described the drought facing more than six million Somalis as a “national disaster” and appealed to the international community to help raise $825 million to prevent the crisis from deteriorating into a famine.

His appeal reinforced an earlier appeal by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) for a US$864 million humanitarian response plan for 2017, targeting an estimated 3.9 million Somalis in need of emergency food assistance.

The humanitarian response plan seeks to provide life-saving assistance to vulnerable groups, reduce acute malnutrition, reinforce the protection of displaced persons and promote the restoration of livelihoods.

Addressing a high-level roundtable meeting on the drought response in Somalia, President Farmajo said the drought had depleted livestock, which represent the only asset many Somalis depend on.

“Those of us gathered here today can neither make the rain come nor provide

adequate water to keep livestock alive. But we can respond more effectively and we must do so now simply because the Somali nation is threatened with famine,” President Farmaajo told stakeholders, which included officials from the United Nations, the African Union, diplomats, federal government cabinet ministers, regional state presidents and representatives of civil society, communities of faith and the private sector.

Children line up at a feeding centre in Mogadishu, Somalia, on March 9, 2017. Somalia is currently experiencing a severe drought, and may be on the brink of famine unless urgent humanitarian action is taken soon.

The government estimates that at least 60-percent of livestock in the country had been wiped out by drought.

“We need to act decisively.

We need to act massively, and we need to act now if we are to prevent a repeat of the awful scenes of 2011 and 2012 when more than a quarter of a million people died”, Somalia’s former Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed Omar Arteh said.

More than $400 million has been pledged by donors to support an escalation of the

A severely malnourished child sits on the laps of his father at Banaadir Hospital in Mogadishu on 9 March 2017, as he awaits treatment. Children have borne the brunt of drought in Somalia with many dying from drought related ailments.

drought response. However the pledges have been trickling in.

According to the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit and the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, managed by the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, the number of Somalis in need of assistance has risen sharply in recent months, from an estimated 5 million in September 2016 to over 6.2 million today. The figure represents more than half of Somalia’s entire population.

The number of Somalis facing “crisis” and “emergency” conditions of food insecurity has also risen from 1.1 million six months ago to a projected 3 million this year.

The humanitarian response plan was launched against the backdrop of a persistent drought that has hit northern and south central parts of Somalia, exacerbating an already precarious food insecurity situation. Sparse rainfall has significantly reduced crop harvests and livestock herds, putting millions of lives at risk.

AMISOM is working with the Somalia Security Forces to open up and secure Main Supply Routes (MSRs), to allow relief supplies reach the most needy in remote areas in South Central Somalia.

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Honouring Female Peacekeepers

Female soldiers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) march to celebrate the role of female peacekeepers in Mogadishu, Somalia on March 7, 2017.

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he African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) honoured its female peacekeepers for their contribution to the restoration of peace and stability in Somalia.

The recognition of the female peacekeepers comes from the realization that they make huge sacrifices to be in the frontline.

“Like their male counterparts, they have fought at the frontline, they have operated big guns like artillery to fight the enemy, they are commanders of their troops and contingents, and they have gathered intelligence, enabling operations,” Christine Alalo, the AMISOM deputy Police Commissioner said.

“The women are building the capacity of the local security to enable them handle the security of their country.

Some are in administration and in the leadership of the mission to ensure that the mandate of the mission is achieved.”

A conference in recognition of female peacekeepers was held

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira (center) and other senior AMISOM officials attend a conference on AMISOM Female Peacekeepers in Mogadishu on December 12, 2016.

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The AMISOM Deputy Police commissioner, Christine Alalo speaks during AMISOM Female Peackeepers’ Conference.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Female Peackeepers attend a conference in Mogadishu on December 12, 2016.

in the capital Mogadishu on 12 December 2016. “ I salute you for your courageous decision and for the work you are doing in all the six sectors (of Somalia),” Ambassador Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia told the female peacekeepers.

“From what has been discussed with the female peacekeepers; they now feel recognized and appreciated in this mission,” Major Bupe Chanda, the AMISOM Military Gender Officer said as she summed up the activities of the conference.

AMISOM has a total of 657 women serving in various capacities in the Mission.

AMISOM leadership has been

rooting for the deployment of more female peacekeepers to Somalia.

On March 7, 2017 on the eve of International Women’s Day, female peacekeepers gathered for the second time in a span of three months, to take stock of their contribution to global peace and security.

The women from Troop and Police Contributing Countries to AMISOM and the Somali security institutions, started the day with a march, to demonstrate their solidarity with women all over the world; especially Somali women who have borne the brunt of insecurity in the Horn of Africa country.

The march culminated in a conference, which deliberated on the status of women peacekeepers in AMISOM.

Female soldiers from Somali security institutions and their counterparts in AMISOM belt out a song during the female peacekeepers conference, held in Mogadishu, Somalia

The Former Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Lydia Wanyoto, speaks during a ceremony to celebrate the role of female peacekeepers.

“We cannot do without women in peacekeeping situations because women are more approachable. Women will handle gender issues more.

Women have a secret eye to analyze things and are able to understand issues,” Judy Lamet, the Kenya Police Service Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) said in her keynote speech to the conference.

Discussions centered on the role of women leaders in peace building, community engagement and policing.

“Female peacekeepers in AMISOM currently account for only 357, that’s about 2.9 per cent out of the 22,000 troops we have in place, including the civilians,” Christine Alalo, AMISOM deputy Police Commissioner said, highlighting the need to

increase the numbers of female peacekeepers.

“Most of our Governments have committed and they have signed. And I am sure that all of you are aware that in your different countries, particularly my country (Uganda), we have a national Action Plan that talks about this resolution (1325) and how it is going to be implemented,” Col. Flavia Byekwaso said, in reference to the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, which empowers women to play an active role in peacekeeping missions.

Participating troops at the conference were drawn from Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda contingents and their female counterparts from the Somalia security institutions.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) female soldiers mount a Guard of Honour during AMISOM Female Peacekeepers’ Conference in Mogadishu on December 12, 2016.

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AMISOM Police – Third phase of police recruitment training in Jubbaland

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he third phase of training for 201 Jubbaland State Police recruits commenced at the end of January, in the port city of Kismaayo. The first and second phases of the training programme were concluded in 2016.

The AMISOM Police team Leader for Training and Development, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Emmanuel Ogom Nwaeyizie, said 400 police officers graduated in the first two phases and were

deployed to various stations in Jubbaland.

“The 201 recruits will be going through the recruitment course that is commencing today and will last three months. We had very successful training in the first and second phases. I believe by the time this group passes out, we will have a professional and well-trained Somali Police Force that will take charge of the region,” said DSP Nwaeyizie.

Colonel Hassan Gabose Affey, the Jubbaland Police

Potential recruits for the Jubbaland Police Force stand in a queue as they attend an opening ceremony of the phase three training in Kismaayo, Somalia, on January 30, 2017.

Training Commander, thanked AMISOM for its role in training police recruits in Jubbaland, saying the programme had played a major role in boosting security and enforcing law and order in Jubbaland.

The training focuses on both practical and theoretical aspects of policing, among them, combat, human rights and community policing.

The Department sponsors

the police recruitment programme, which aims to train a total of 600 police officers, for International Development.

Part of the AMISOM Police Component mandate is to train and mentor Somali Police officers to help build the capacity of the institution and enable it perform security functions according to international policing standards.

Somali Police Learn Tips on Sexual and Gender Based Violence

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he gender unit of the AMISOM police component rolled out a campaign to increase awareness on Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Somalia’s regional states. The campaign builds on an initiative launched in 2016, which saw Family Violence, Sexual Offences and Child Protection Desks, established at police stations in Mogadishu and some of the state capitals.

The initiative seeks to enhance the capacity of Somali police in handling cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

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Officers from AMISOM and the Baidoa Police Force pose for a group photograph during a campaign to stop Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), as well as enforce child protection, on January 17, 2017.

“AMISOM trained police officers on how to handle cases of gender and family violence. In relation to that, we established in a number of police stations, Family violence, Sexual Offences and child Protection desks,” Stella Maranga, the AMISOM Police Gender Officer said.

“This campaign is a follow-up with the same set of police officers, to help them understand better how to handle cases of gender and sexual-based violence, family violence and child protection,” she added.

Putting Law and Order First 15 police officers undertook the refresher training in Baidoa, the capital of the Interim South West Administration.

“The first aspect of the campaign is the role of the police. Each police station has a gender desk but all officers will at some point deal with SGBV. Secondly, we look at the rights of the victims and how police can help victims secure their rights. Thirdly, we talked about handling of child victims and lastly we rolled out a poster campaign, so members of the public can know where to go when they have come across cases of sexual violence”, Ms. Maranga explained.

Jubbaland Police officers attend a campaign on Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV), and Child protection in Kismaayo, Somalia, on January 16, 2017. the workshop was organized by AMISOMA Police Unit.

Noor Ahmed Mohamed, a police officer based at the Baidoa central police station, and one of the beneficiaries of the refresher training, said

Kenyan police officers awarded medals for distinguished service

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enyan police officers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) received commendation for outstanding service during their yearlong tour of duty, on December 28, 2016.

The contingent comprising six police officers, serving as Individual Police Officers (IPOs), were awarded medals and certificates.

AMISOM Police Commissioner, Anand Pillay, who presided over the function, said the group had done Kenya proud by making immense contribution to

the stabilization process of Somalia.

“You have done an excellent job here. You have made a great contribution to our mandate on this mission.

We have gone a step further with your assistance. We still have a lot to do and hopefully the team that is replacing you will continue with the good work that you have done on this mission,” Commissioner Pillay said.

IPOs train and mentor Somali Police officers on matters security in both federal and regional administrations.

the sessions had increased his understanding of matters related to sexual and gender based violence.

“The discussions have

New Kenyan Individual Police Officers deploy in Somalia

Newly deployed Kenyan Individual Police Officers (IPOs), to serve under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) attend a one-week induction course to educate them on the mandate of the mission, in Mogadishu, Somalia on January 7, 2017.

A The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Police Commissioner Anand Pillay, hands out a certificate to a Kenyan police officer rotating out of the AMISOM mission after one year of service in Mogadishu, Somalia, on December 28, 2016.

strengthened my understanding of child protection and the rights of women”, he said.

AMISOM Police gender coordinator Patience Adegoke said the campaign would continue in other parts of Somalia.

The team rolled out a similar awareness and sensitization campaigns with Jubbaland Police in Kismaayo, the administrative capital of Jubbaland state and Belet Weyne in Hiiraan region, as AMISOM and Somali Police seek to entrench a culture of responsiveness, to delicate matters involving sexual violence and child protection, in law enforcement.

new group of Kenyan Individual Police Officers (IPOs) deployed in Somalia in to serve under AMISOM. The group of six were taken through an intensive seven-day induction course, aimed at orienting them with the functions of the Mission.

“Induction training gives us the opportunity to furnish our new arrivals with vital

information that is mission specific that will help them not only to settle as quickly as possible into the mission, but also to prepare them to adequately and appropriately tackle their assignments and tasks,” ACP Francis Aryee said.

The new Kenyan police contingent replaced a group that left in December 2016 after completing a year’s tour of duty in Somalia.

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Nigeria deploys new contingent of police officers to Somalia

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new contingent of Nigeria police officers also underwent induction in January. In his address to the group, AMISOM Police Commissioner, Brig. Anand Pillay emphasized the importance of rebuilding of

the Somali Police Force (SPF), as a critical national security objective, in institution building in the Horn of Africa country.

“We all know that there is still a threat to security in this country and it’s our responsibility to support the

Somali security institutions in building the security apparatus to take care of the country’s security,” Pillay said.

The police officers are the sixth contingent from Nigeria to serve the Mission. They replace a similar contingent,

which left Somalia early January, on completion a of year’s tour of duty.

The mandatory induction prepares police officers to better understand the Mission’s mandate and how it relates to their daily tasks in Somalia.

Newly deployed Nigerian Formed Police Unit officers to serve under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) attend an induction course on the mandate of the mission, in Mogadishu, Somalia on January 13, 2017.

Ghanaian Police Officers Feted for Distinguished Service

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n December 2016, a group of Ghanaian police officers who had been serving under AMISOM for two years left the Mission after being feted with medals and certificates for their diligence at work.

The six Individual Police Officers (IPOs) were awarded certificates and decorated with medals at a function presided over by the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Ghanian police officers clap during a ceremony in Mogadishu, Somalia, to Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, Francisco Madeira, mark their rotation out of the African Union Mission to Somalia and back to their home country of Ghana on December 11, 2016. and attended by senior force,” SRCC Madeira told Ambassador Madeira mission officials among the police officers. congratulated the officers for them AMISOM Police The police and military a job well done.

Commissioner, Anand officers usually serve on the “I am personally grateful Pillay, and deputy Police mission for a period of one to you for the good work you Commissioner Ms. Christine year and rotate out. However, have done here. You have Alalo. the one year tour of duty can helped our Somali brothers AU Special be extended due to a number establish a national police Representative for Somalia

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of factors, one of them being excellent service.

Citing the difficult and risky environment in which the police operate, Ambassador Madeira noted that the police officers had sacrificed a lot for a noble cause.

“You are heroes of our continent because you are fighting our cause in the most difficult front”. You left your families 24 months ago. You left your husbands and wives to come here and contribute to the cause of our continent. Your contribution is not in vain.

This contribution is central and pivotal,” Ambassador Madeira remarked.

Ghana has only IPOs serving in the Mission, who are involved in training and mentoring the Somali Police Force (SPF).

AMISOM’s Peace Programme on Negotiated Settlements

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s part of its Mission support to the Somali government and in it’s efforts to bring peace to Somalia, AMISOM has rolled out on a peace programme that seeks to build and strengthen the capacity of Somali stakeholders in conflict negotiation, resolution and management.

In March, AMISOM trained a core group of 21 Somali leaders representing the country’s diverse background on mediation and negotiated peace settlements. Among them were state ministers, former MPs, government officials, clan elders and representatives of the civil society.

“Mediation is a process.

It doesn’t end in a day.

It is continuous,” said a participant, who described the workshop as an “eye-opener”.

“If you listen to people they’ll listen to you; if you discuss with them, they will to discuss with you,” added another participant.

Participants attend a training on negotiation and mediation as a conflict resolution instrument at the KCB Leadership Centre in Nairobi, Kenya on March 6, 2017.

Ms Sadia Elmi, a Somali government official with the Ministry of Interior and Federal Affairs (MOIFA) in Mogadishu, said as a result of the training, participants had resorted to act at the grassroot level to help the country deal with the conflict, that has lasted over 26 years.

“Yes, the message is, think nationally and act locally,” she said.

The Clingedale Institute, an independent think-tank also known as Netherland’s Institute of International Relations, and the Dutch Government facilitated and provided funding for the training.

Participants were taught the process of mediation and negotiations, dialogue, creating inclusivity, root causes of conflicts, decision-making criteria, and strategies in handling conflicts; including simulation exercises that allowed participants to play

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, in a group photograph with participants during a training session on negotiation and mediation as a conflict resolution instrument at the KCB Leadership Centre in Nairobi, Kenya on March 6, 2017.

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The AMISOM Senior Political Affairs officer, Haji Ssebirumbi Kisinziggo and Ms. Qali Nur follow proceedings during a training on negotiation and mediation as a conflict resolution instrument at the KCB Leadership Centre in Nairobi, Kenya on March 6, 2017.

different roles as mediators and negotiators.

“I expect that with the newly acquired skills you will go back to Somalia to support negotiations, mediation and dialogue initiatives of your respective places of work and communities,” the AU Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira challenged participants at the workshop, held in the outskirts of Kenya’s capital Nairobi.

The three-day training was facilitated by three renowned conflict resolution experts Mr. Roelf Meyer, Ms. Judith van den Boogert and Dr. Walters Samah, under the auspices of

the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The experts urged Somalis to embrace peace mediation and negotiation as a key approach to ending conflict that has scoured the Horn of Africa country.

“In Al Shabaab there are people who come together for many reasons,” said Ms. Booget.

“Some (of the youths now with Al Shabaab) want to get back (to normal life).

We shouldn’t hesitate to bring them in, understand their problem and try to deradicalize them.”

One participant said the training was especially beneficial because it involved

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, speaks during a training on negotiation and mediation as a conflict resolution instrument at the KCB Leadership Centre in Nairobi, Kenya on March 6, 2017.

Somali negotiators, unlike in the past, when almost all mediators were foreigners or foreign-based.

“It is useful to have Somali mediators who have local knowledge, and who can feel

Ms. Muna Hassan Mohamed (2nd Left) recieves a certificate from Judith van den Boogert, Lead trainer and Clingendael Representative and Roelf Meyer Lead Facilitator and Walter Samah during the clossing ceremony of Amisom training on Negotiation and Mediation as a Conflict Resolution instrument at the KCB Leadership Centre in Karen on 8 March 2017.

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the pulse, of the country,” the participant said.

Mr. Abdukadir Nur Arale, the Minister for Reconciliation and Constitution Affairs, in the South West State of Somalia, said he was impressed with South Africa’s experience during the country’s volatile transition from minority to majority rule two decades ago.

“South Africa’s and Somalia’s conflicts are different. But solutions (to the conflicts) are similar. The tools and means are almost similar,” he said, alluding to conflict scenarios from other countries, discussed at the workshop.

Mr. Arale urged authorities in Somalia to seek dialogue and reconciliation with all groups, including those dissenting positions.

“Government has to enter into dialogue with everybody, even those groups and positions opposed to it regardless of whether they are political or resourcebased,” he said, describing the workshop as a “package of knowledge.”

Restoring Smiles to Victims of Cleft Lip and Palate

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or close to three decades, 29 yearold Sheikh Aweys Mohamed, a resident of Mogadishu lived with the cleft lip deformity, unaware that his condition can be rectified through surgery, until AMISOM doctors held the first ever cleft lip and palate corrective surgery clinics in Somalia.

Until his surgery, Sheikh Aweys, whose deformity had affected his speech, was just one among thousands living with similar deformities in Somalia.

“I heard from a friend that AMISOM hospital was conducting the operations.

He told me that opportunity knocks only once and that I had to take it seriously, and so I shared the news with my parents. They agreed and asked my uncle to escort me to the AMISOM hospital. He signed the consent forms for the surgery; and here I am waiting to be operated on,” Sheikh Aweys said.

After an examination, the doctors observed that Aweys

had one of the severest cases of cleft lip.

Also lined up for surgery was Khadija Hassan Noor’s six-month old daughter Safia.

The 33-year-old mother was hopeful that the surgery would enable her daughter lead a normal life.

“I would like my daughter to undergo the operation,” she said, although her daughter’s hospitalization was not her only predicament. She worried about Safia’s siblings whom she had left at home without a minder.

“My concern is that I may be required to stay with her here for some time and may be unable to provide for my family and children back home, as my husband does not have a job,” she said.

Also attending the clinic was nineteen-year-old Fatuma Osman Yusuf and her eightmonth-old son, Sayid.

“We heard about the cleft lip operations from a family member who brought us here today,” Fatuma said.

The African Union Mission in Somalia

(AMISOM) had mobilized a team of doctors from the AU Mission, charity organization ‘Smile Train’ and Bancroft Global Development, to offer free surgery to needy Somalis with cleft lip and palate deformities.

The surgical mission took place at the AMISOM Level ll Hospital in the capital Mogadishu and benefited children from various parts of Somalia.

It demonstrated the extent of AMISOM’s support to needy populations in Somalia. The free medical caravans filled a huge void, brought about as a result of a breakdown of institutions.

“Cleft lip and palate entails two or three operations. It includes also a speech therapist, psychologist and dentists and odontologist to correct the deformed teeth.

So you find that it adds up to something like $1,000.

That’s unaffordable to these patients,” Dr. Col. James Kiyengo noted.

As a country emerging from war, plastic surgeons

Dr. James Kiyengo and his team of surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses perform cleft lip and palate surgery at the AMISOM Level II Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, on November 1, 2016. Medical teams from AMISOM, and partners from the international cleft lip charity Smile Train and Bancroft Global Development, conducted the cleft lip and cleft palate surgery.

An AMISOM paramedic checks a 12-year-old boy after his surgery in Mogadishu, Somalia, on October 30, 2016. Children born with a cleft lip have a congenital defect that prevents them talking, eating and breathing properly.

are hard to come by in Somalia and so are fully equipped hospitals where such delicate surgeries can be conducted.

Cleft lip and palate is a condition that occurs when a baby’s lip or mouth does not form fully during pregnancy.

A cleft lip can either be a small or large opening that goes through the lip to the nose. A cleft palate occurs when the tissue that forms the roof of the mouth does not join together during pregnancy.

Although there is no definitive medical explanation for cleft lip and palate, doctors attribute the deformity to a genetic disorder.

“It has been noticed that some patients have a genetic background of the condition.

For instance we have here a mother and child who also has a cleft lip. We also have another mother who has bilateral cleft lip and the child, also the same,” explained Dr. Kiyengo.

There are currently no available statistics on the number of people suffering from cleft lip and palate in Somalia.

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Youth Social Entrepreneur with a Heart for the Disabled

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eynab Mohamud Xaabzey, is using online crowd-funding to improve the plight of the disabled in Somalia. Through the Mogadishu based Sahal Innocent Centre, a local non-governmental organisation, Zeynab is using online resources to raise funds to improve the lives of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Somalia.

Her decision to go out on a limb for the disabled came from the realization that despite efforts by the Federal Government of Somalia to enact a legal framework to safeguard the rights of People with Disabilities, they remain a vulnerable group in society.

Amnesty International in a report published in March 2015, states that two decades of conflict have left PWDs in Somalia with inadequate access to health services, and in danger of forced marriages, violence, rape, evictions and discrimination.

As a student in one of the local universities, Zeynab came together with nine other colleagues in 2014 and founded the Sahal Centre. It was the beginning of her dream to make the lives of the less fortunate in society more bearable.

“There are organisations running programmes in Somalia, but with no impact on the ground. The organisations focus on political issues and there is

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nothing to show that they have addressed the basic needs of the people,” Zeynab who has since graduated with a degree in Business Information Technology said.

She chose crowd-funding to mobilise funds after encountering difficulties in securing funding from international partners. At the beginning, she had to rely on friends to sustain the organisation.

Today, things have improved at the Sahal Centre and the donor taps are opening up.

“We raise funds from the wealthy and the public and we seek community support, like from government employees and individual business people on Facebook,” Zeynab explains.

A recent crowd-funding initiative saw the Sahal Innocent Centre raise US$27,000 to cover medical costs for Mohamed Hassan, a resident of Jariiban in north central Mudug region.

Mohamed suffers from keloidal swelling on the groin, an ailment he has endured for the last ten years. The fundraising got him admission in Galkayo Hospital from where he was to receive medical examination and referral to a hospital in India, for an operation.

“A friend sent me a private message about Mohamed’s case and also his photos. He is too poor to afford treatment, and he has no

family to take care of him. I used Facebook and contacted friends, who also distributed the message widely. Pledges started trickling in and we eventually opened an account for him in Dahabshiil and Salaama Bank where people sent their donations,” Zeynab recalls.

“I would like the less fortunate to also live well. I don’t feel good about their condition,” she added.

A disability rights activist in Somalia Mohamed Ali Farah acknowledges the good work the Sahal Innocent Centre is doing, to support the disabled in Somalia.

The support includes provision of basic essentials and capacity building.

A policeman shot Zeynab’s brother while he played with friends at a public park in Mogadishu. His spinal cord was damaged; and today he is paralysed and confined to a wheelchair.

After the unfortunate incident, the Sahal Innocent Centre started a public campaign dubbed, “Open the Door”. The campaign encourages institutions such as schools, public offices, hospitals, hotels and private residences in Somalia, to provide ramps, to ease movement and access to places, for disabled people.

The public campaign runs under a slogan, “Support the disabled today. Maybe you could become one tomorrow.”

“We raise funds from the wealthy and the public and we seek community support, like from government employees and individual business people on Facebook,” “I would like the less fortunate to also live well. I don’t feel good about their condition.”

— Zeynab Mohamud Xaabzey

​Signals Academy

Trains Women Peacekeepers in ICT

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hirty-nine (39) female military and signals personnel from 17 countries including four from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) underwent a two-week specialised course in February, aimed at equipping women in the military and Police with ICT skills.

The training took place at the United Nations Signals Academy (UNSA), located inside the UN Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) in Uganda.

Addressing the participants via a video link from New York, Mr. Anthony O’Mullane, the Director of the UN Department of Field Support Communications and Technology Division (DFS/ICTD), said the course would enable more female military and police personnel to take part in peacekeeping operations.

It is the second in a series of outreach training programmes for women in disciplined forces, purposed to enable them operate effectively in peacekeeping operations.

The inaugural course was held in November 2016.

Samuel Leal, the UN Signals Academy Programme Manager affirmed the academy’s dedication to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in peacekeeping.

He cited the UN Security Council Resolution 2122 (2013), which encourages Troop A section of female military and police personnel, who are undergoing and Police Contributing training at the United Nations Signals Academy (UNSA), located inside the Countries, to increase the UN Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) in Uganda. number of women in UN Japan has provided peacekeeping operations.

International Symposium on support to the programme The training combines Technology in Peacekeeping from inception. Additional theoretical and practical held in Brindisi, Italy, support has been received modules on UN-owned through a strategic from the US Africa equipment, standard operating partnership between the Command (USAFRICOM), procedures, gender issues and UN and supporting member the Government of Germany, familiarization with the larger states.

United Nations Mission in UN operational environment.

The academy provides South Sudan (UNMISS) and Mrs. Safia Boly, the Chief standardized and missionthe United Nations Support of the RSCE encouraged specific training to military Office in Somalia (UNSOS). participants to strive for and police signals experts To date, the UN Signals excellence in their careers. from TCCs/PCCs and Academy has trained 87 Mr. Yutaka Nakamura, regional organizations such women, out of a total of 1,222 the deputy Ambassador of as the African Union (AU), to signals personnel.

Japan in Uganda, expressed his improve the performance and The UN Signals Academy government’s commitment to efficiency of signals personnel was founded in 2015 as offering support to peace and deployed in peacekeeping an outcome of the First security training. missions.

Participants pose for a group photograph at the United Nations Signals Academy (UNSA), located inside the UN Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) in Uganda. Thirty-nine (39) female military and signals personnel from 17 countries including four from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) are attending the course, supported by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), among others.

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