Justine Greening under fire over theft of British aid supplies to Somalia

Justine Greening, international development secretary. 
She says it is regrettable that supplies funded by the 
UK taxpayer have been lost. Photograph: Ian Nicholson/PA

The British government has been criticised over the theft of UK-funded aid supplies by Islamist militants in Somalia, despite claims by the international development secretary, Justine Greening, that the episode is indicative of the frequently difficult conditions in which her department operates.

The supplies, valued at £480,000 and owned by Unicef, the UN agency for children, and the Red Cross, were taken from warehouses in southern Somalia by al-Shabaab between November 2011 and February 2012.

The Department for International Development (DfID) would not specify what those supplies included. Its annual report and accounts, published in June, reported that the amount was written off.

In an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday, Greening said: "Obviously Somalia is a highly unstable part of the world. We were there to combat terrorism. This incident shows that often we're working in incredibly challenging conditions."

However, opposition ministers said the revelations raised fundamental questions about government competence. Criticising DfID over the theft of the supplies, Ivan Lewis, the shadow development secretary, said: "Providing aid in conflict countries is very challenging, but proper safeguards have to be in place to ensure our aid does not end up in the hands of terrorist organisations like al-Shabaab. We want assurances that lessons have been learned and systems changed accordingly."

Although Greening emphasised the threat of terrorism, when the events took place Somalia was in the throes of a famine that had been declared by the UN in July. The UK was one of the first countries to announce a major humanitarian effort. In August 2011, Greening's predecessor, Andrew Mitchell, visited Mogadishu and announced an extra £25m in emergency aid for the east African country, to be handled by Unicef.

The UK spent £94.9m in official development assistance (ODA) in Somalia in 2011, of which £73.2m was humanitarian. The £480,000 written off amounts to approximately 0.5% of the total sum.

By the time the famine in Somalia was declared over, in February 2012, more than a quarter of a million people were estimated to have died. More than half were children under five, making it the worst famine in the past 25 years (pdf). A UN study estimated that 258,000 people died in southern and central parts of Somalia between October 2010 and April 2012, including 133,000 under fives.

Greening did not mention the famine in her interview. "It is regrettable we lost supplies funded by the taxpayer, but we were in Somalia precisely because of the terrorism threat and at the time there were huge piracy issues and it shows why we were there in the first place," she said.

Greening was also asked about UK aid to Nigeria, classified as a middle-income country. It is to receive £974m between 2011 and 2015, and some wonder why a country about to launch a space programme should receive UK taxpayers' money.

The development secretary pointed out that Nigeria was investing in weather satellites that could provide crucial information for a country with a large agricultural sector. "For a country like Nigeria, which still has a huge agricultural sector for which getting crops can be the difference between keeping people alive and having chronic famine, actually understanding weather problems – what is coming up – is absolutely key to food production and food planning," she told the Today programme.

Greening went on to describe Nigeria's investment in satellites – some funding for which has been provided by British companies – as "sensible" and one "we would expect them to be making alongside the investment that we make".

Her appearance on the Today programme comes against a background of rising discontent among Tory MPs about the coalition government's decision to increase the aid budget to 0.7% of gross national income, despite most government departments experiencing budget cuts.

According to Treasury documents released under the June spending review, ODA will rise to £11.7bn in 2014-15 and £12.2bn the following year. The UK spent £8.5bn on ODA in 2012. George Osborne, the chancellor, at the time acknowledged opposition in Tory ranks, but said he refused to balance the books at the expense of poor people.

Somalia: Somali Officials Back Terrorists Against Aid

 

Al Shabaab has renewed its campaign to bring instability to the country’s capital Mogadishu. And foreign aid agencies and their employees are increasingly becoming targets of the extremist group and corrupt officials within the Somali government. Credit: Omar Faruq/IPS

By William Lloyd-George

Addis Ababa — Foreign aid workers are increasingly becoming targets of corrupt officials within the Somali government and the Islamist extremist group Al-Shabaab.

"The government is laden with corrupt officials and allied clan militias that are determined to use them [aid workers] for their own interests," political analyst Hassan Abukar told IPS. "Kidnapping foreign aid workers has become a way to extract cash from NGOs. Al-Shabaab is mistrustful of the NGOs for fear of losing control in the way aid is administered and [mistakenly believes] that these relief agencies are spying on the terror group."

Abukar's comments come as international and independent aid organisation Médecins Sans Frontières, or Doctors Without Borders (MSF), announced this week that it was pulling out of Somalia after over two decades of delivering aid and healthcare there. The murder and harassment of their staff has made it increasingly impossible for the organisation to operate, Dr. Unni Karunakara, MSF's international president, told reporters at a press briefing in Kenya on Aug. 14. "With the government unable to prevent attacks on themselves, attacks on aid organisations and their workers are not unsurprising." -- Ahmed Soliman from Chatham House

MSF, which was one of the very few providers of essential healthcare in the Horn of Africa nation, has persevered to provide aid through a civil war, in-fighting among local clans, and piracy. But it will immediately stop all operations. MSF has been operating in the country since 1991, and treated approximately 50,000 people a month.

"The final straw was the realisation that authorities, armed actors and community leaders were actively supporting or tacitly approving the attacks, the abductions, the killings against our staff," Karunakara said.

Karunakara explained that in some cases, the actors MSF had negotiated safe passage with had played a role in the abuse of MSF staff, either through direct involvement or tacit approval. "Because of their actions, hundreds of thousands of Somalis will now be effectively cut off from medical humanitarian aid," said Karunakara.

In total, 16 MSF members have been killed, and MSF says they have experienced dozens of attacks on their staff, ambulances, and medical facilities since 1991.

MSF's departure from Somalia comes at a time when Somalia's Transitional Federal Government is trying to change the country's image after years of civil war and famine. Many analysts believe MSF's departure will be a huge blow to recent efforts to bring foreign aid and investment to the country.

"The departure of MSF shows the incapacity of the new government to manage local security," Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, head of the Centre for Research and Dialogue in Mogadishu, told IPS.

"The MSF withdrawal also comes at a time when the Somali government is trying to change the image of the country from a transitional to permanent government and on the eve of Somalia's new deal conference to be held in Brussels mid-September where world leaders are expected to pledge millions of dollars to the new government."

MSF's departure shows that although the African Union Mission in Somalia and an independent Ethiopian force have driven Al-Shabaab out of the country's main cities, the extremist group is still able to perpetrate wide-scale violence.

Analysts say there has been a notable change in Al-Shabaab's tactics as they renew their assault on the capital. Several government institutions and airports have been attacked or bombed and government officials, district commissioners and civil servants have been assassinated.

Recently, the extremist group attacked the Turkish embassy in Mogadishu on Jul. 27, killing three people. And on Jun. 17, the United Nations compound in the city was also attacked. Fifteen were killed in the attack.

"In this context, with the government unable to prevent attacks on themselves, attacks on aid organisations and their workers are not unsurprising," Ahmed Soliman from Chatham House, an independent policy institute based in London told IPS. "MSF would like civilian authorities to take the conviction of those who perpetrate such acts of violence more seriously. The government can certainly reinforce this message and work towards this goal."

MSF is not the only organisation to withdraw staff. In recent weeks, owing to the increase in violence, most international organisations have withdrawn their non-essential staff from Somalia. While violence is known to increase during Ramadan and abate afterwards, Abukar believes that it is unlikely to reduce "because of the new dynamics of Al-Shabaab factions that are killing each other for control of territories."

Evidence of Al-Shabaab's infighting and the defection of Al-Shabaab's veteran militant Islamist, Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys in July, could be a signal that more violence could be on the way.

Previously revered as a statesman for the group, Aweys was forced to hand himself over to government forces, giving power over to Afghan-trained leader Ahmed Abdi Godane.

Analysts expect that this will fuel more fighting, as this faction is more hardline and determined to achieve an Islamic state. The faction will also want to prove it remains a formidable force in light of the defections.

"The emergence of tribal militias loyal to the federal government, which are vying for power, the widespread of political assassinations that are never prosecuted, and the increasing inability of the government to expand its will and control beyond Mogadishu [means that violence will not abate]," Abukar said.

"As the latest U.N. Monitoring Group report on Somalia has pointed out, the Somali government cannot control a territory without international support."

While Al-Shabaab fights within its ranks and MSF departs, with fears that more NGO's may follow, the biggest concerns will be for the Somali people who are now cut off from much-needed medical care.

"Unfortunately the Somali people will pay the highest cost. Much of the Somali population has never known the country without war or famine. Already receiving far less help than is needed, many will no longer find the healthcare they require," said Karunakara. "In several places, MSF has been effectively the only organisation providing quality medical care."

Mo Farah wins World 5000m final title at Moscow 2013

Re-live the action as Mo Farah wins the World 5000m title and secures his place in greatness

6:14 pm
Here's the story: Mo Farah completes dream double with 5,000 metres gold in Moscow

6:08 pm
What a wonderfully controlled race from Mohamed Farah CBE.

A great, courageous race also from Koech who took bronze in the end, but despite the Ethiopian attempt to block him out, Mo powered past his rivals to record a memorable win.

An incredible achievement.

6:03 pm
Britain's greatest athlete ever!

Lord Coe said that this would take him to the absolute top - and he's done it.

Breathless stuff from the Mogadishu-born, Oregon-based super-Brit.

The guts and power shown in that final 400 was something phenomenal but he wins by three or four metres in the end.

Final result:

    Mohamed FARAH  GBR 13:26.98
    Hagos GEBRHIWET  ETH 13:27.26
    Isiah Kiplangat KOECH  KEN 13:27.26


5:58 pm
MO FARAH WINS THE GOLD!

5:58 pm
THE BELL RINGS! FINAL LAP:

Mo still battles away but he is getting some serious pressure from alongside him as Koech finds something extra in his bank.

Final straight and it's neck and neck

5:57 pm
Yenew Alamirew is now in front:

He's repeating his defensive tactics from Birmingham and tries to prevent Farah taking the lead.

The Ethiopians are desperate for Mo not to get any gap and there he goes.

MO BREAKS.

MO GOES.

600 to go....
 
5:56 pm
4 laps to go in the World Championship Final:

The 3000m split was 8.27.79 with Koech out in front but his mini-break has been swallowed up by that talented peloton (can I use that phrase?).

Farah crosses the line level first when they go over the start line for 1200m to go - he's got to be liking this position.

5:54 pm
Koech makes the break:

Farah allows the Kenyan to put some yards between them and the number 3 stretches things out a tad.

If he's going to go then he needs to stamp his foot on the pedal and properly break because the chasing field are too good for half-measures.

Farah drops to third behind Edris (Ethiopia)

5:52 pm
FARAH COMES THROUGH THE PACK!

Mo decides he wants to take the Ethiopian bull by the horns and rises through the group to take the lead.

The 2000m split time is 5.38.11 with Farah leading.

Elroy Gelant - the South African - comes up on the outside and lurks on Mo's right shoulder.

5:50 pm
1000m split 2.45.12 - Isiah Koech:

Two and a half laps down and Koech is our leader.

It's been a slow-quick-slow-quick tempo so far, showing off a deliberate strategy from the Kenyans who occupy three of the first four positions.

Muktar Edris now leads.

Farah back in 9th-ish.
 
5:48 pm

THEY'RE OFF!

A quick start from Koech who has decided he wants a bit of room to run in.

The Kenyan gets reeled in a bit, and his compatriot Longosiwa pulls alongside as they begin to re-bunch.

5:47 pm

They're lining up then:

You can expect an exhilarating thirteen minutes or so, which may sound like the sort of promises I make to a girl on a Friday night, but it's fairly scientific with these world class athletes.

The key runners and riders are...

    Muktar Edris ETH
    Mo Farah GBR
    Bernard Lagat USA
    Isiah Kiplangat Koech KEN
    Dejene Regassa BRN
    Galen Rupp USA
    Elroy Gelant RSA
    Hagos Gebrhiwet ETH
    Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa KEN
    Ryan Hill USA

5:41 pm

Oh, and in case your memory is bloody awful, THIS is how good that Olympic moment was.

London roaring Mo home, Farah giving everything and thenthatmoment.

The utter shock on his face as he crosses the line.


5:37 pm

Seb Coe says Mo Farah will be Britain’s greatest athlete ever if he becomes a three-time world champion in the next 24 hours,writes Alex Spink from Moscow.

Lord Coe, a double Olympic gold medallist with a strong claim to the title himself, has always given his vote to decathlon legend Daley Thompson.

But, he concedes, should Farah make a successful defence of his world 5,000 metres title,the 30-year-oldwill move into a class of his own.

Coe said: “If Mo wins, you would have to say he is the greatest British athlete of all time.

“He would be ahead of all of us with five global gold medals – a fantastic achievement.

“Mo is in that special form at the moment where everyone else in the field – whether they would admit it or not – know they are running for second place. I was in that form in 1980-81, believing you are invincible.

“I would always say Daley is No.1 because he is my mate, but Mo would take that title without any question.”

5:21 pm
Hello there dear followers:

It's athletics time once again, and if you haven't watched any since the London Olympics (shame on you) then let me give you a reminder.

The men run round in circles and whoever crosses the line first wins.

Now we've got that out of the way, let's broach the significance of this win.

Mo Farah could become the greatest British athlete if he nets gold tonight.

Yeah, big stuff eh?

More on that to follow...

URGENT NEWS: World Championships 2013: Mo Farah completes incredible 'double double' with hard-fought 5,000m gold

The best efforts of Africa’s finest cannot deny the superstar of distance running his double double glory on the Moscow track

Mo Farah celebrates after winning Gold in the 5,000m

It was on Super Saturday that Mo Farah first truly made his name, the first leg of the double double. This time in Moscow it was Feelgood Friday, the quartet of gold medals completed a year after his world dominance had truly begun in London.

Where once he was merely a homegrown hero, he is now a global star, the roars from the crowd at the Luzhniki Stadium not quite in the realm of those accorded to Usain Bolt but still ear shuddering.
Sebastian Coe had claimed the double would make Farah the greatest British athlete of all time. The case for him being the all-time British No 1 is compelling – he now has five global titles, having also won the 5,000m in Daegu in 2009, and he has repeatedly outfoxed Ethiopian and Kenyan contingents awash with immense talent. One of their finest, Kenenisa Bekele, the only man previously to have managed that 5,000m and 10,000m double double, was not even able to make the Ethiopian team this time.

But there will be those who say Farah cannot claim to be the greatest until an Olympic defence is achieved and a world record is broken. One suspects the latter is very much on the agenda for Farah in the near future. In many ways, his status in the pantheon of all-time British greats did not matter, the 30-year-old producing another race of outstanding quality.

“I never thought in my career I would achieve something like this,” he said. “This was very tough – it was all left  to the last two laps. I had a lot of pressure but, at the same time, I enjoy it. This is something I work so hard for. I was thinking about my kids, how long I spend away from them. It’s very difficult because they’re growing so fast and I haven’t been around for the last four or five months. It was hard this year, harder than last year.”

The scene had been nicely set from a British perspective by Adam Gemili dipping under the 20-second barrier in his 200m semi-final and Farah’s sprint to the line in the 5,000m was one the 19-year-old would have been proud of.

There had been nerves beforehand among the British camp, his family and those watching on the BBC. So cool, though, was Farah on the start line that he intimidated his rivals yet more, cementing their doubt as he had with his victories, most recently in Saturday’s 10,000m.

His team had described this as a long shot, likening it to treading into the unknown as he laced up his spikes and took to the track. He made it look anything but. So much, though, had gone into his historic double double. It was a win crafted in Oregon, Font Romeu, St Moritz and Teddington among others – a global jigsaw. The double in Moscow had been made possible by thousands and thousands of miles, ice baths, and Farah sleeping 12 hours in every 24 under an altitude tent in his hotel bedroom. It was no wonder the Rip van Winkle of British athletics looked so fresh.

Farah had expected the pace to be tough but, in truth, there was a lack of the sustained high-tempo running needed to zap him out of that trademark kick. There were those who tried: Isaiah Koech was the first to set the pace, which stretched out the field. If they thought it would worry Farah, it did not. Instead, he dropped to the back and watched it all unfold.

Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris was the next to take it up with Yenew Alamirew, suggesting the two East African nations were in cahoots. This time it was enough to get Farah to the front to slow the pace, as he had done in the 10,000m.

Mo Farah leads the 5,000m at the World Athletics Championships

But as Farah himself said, it was all about the last two laps, at which point he was sitting in second but swamped by the full complement of Ethiopian and Kenyan runners. Where he had twice stumbled in the 10k, here there was merely some bustling at 600m, which ended with him nudging ahead. At the bell, the kick for the line began, Koech and fellow Kenyan Thomas Longosiwa both taking the race to Farah.

His fellow 2012 Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill had claimed it was “never in doubt” but repeatedly it looked as if the Africans might force their way past and cut off Farah’s path; but he tightened his stride and edged ever further ahead to take the gold from the Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet and Koech.

One wonders what next: a world record and a stab at marathon running perhaps? But then there’s Mo time like the present. It is worth dwelling for a little while longer on the double double, his fistful of gold and his place in the athletics annals.

Mo Farah celebrates after winning Gold in the 5,000m

War Deg Deg Ah: Ciyaaryahanka caalamiga ah ee Mo Farah ayaa mar kale daqiiqado ka hor ku guuleystay orodka 5,000m

Daqiiqdo ka hor Orad Yahanka Soomaaliland ah ee u orda dalka Ingiriiska Mohamed Farah ayaa ku guuleystay tartanka orodka 5ta kun mitir ee adduunka, waana biladii labaad ee dahab ah ee uu ka qaato tartanka ciyaaraha fudud ee adduunka oo ka socda Moscow Russia.

Mo Farah ayaana barbareeyay rikoorkii Kenenisa Bekele ee ah ninka kaliya eehore ugu wada guuleystay biladaha dahabka ee tartanka orodka 10ka kun mitir iyo shanta kun mitir ee ciyaaraha Olimbikada iyo tartanka ciyaaraha fudud ee adduunka.

Mo Farah ayaa ku orday 13 daqiiqo 27.98 ilbiriqsi, waxaana uu ka sarre maray Hagos Gebrhiwet oo Ethiopia ah iyo Isiah Kiplangat Koech oo Kenya ah kuwaasoo kaalinta labaad iyo seddexaad soo kala galay.

Orodyahankan ayaa taariikh cusub dhigay isagoo ah ka mid noqonaya ciyaaryahanada ciyaaraha fudud kuwa ugu guulaha badnaa taariikhda Britian ka dib markii uu sidoo kale labo bilad oo dahab ah ka qaatay ciyaarihii Olimbikada ee London ka dhacay sannadkii hore.

Waana biladii seddexaad ee dahab ah oo uu ka qaato tartanka ciyaaraha fudud ee adduunka. Waxaana biladihiisa dahabka ee orodka dheer ay ka dhigeysaa shan biladood oo dahab ah isagoo labo sanno ka hor ku guuleystay tartanka orodka 5ta kun mitir.

Somalia: Concerns Rise Over Preparedness of Somali Security Forces

Photo: Stuart Price/UN Multimedia

Relative peace at Lido Beach in Mogadishu.                 

By Abdi Moalim,


Mogadishu — The spate of recent attacks in Mogadishu and al-Shabaab's offensive during Ramadan have raised concerns among many Somalis about the government's ability to tame the violence.

Former Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) chief Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said the federal government did not inherit a national army capable of ensuring security, and it faces major obstacles for which it needs assistance.

Fiqi said the government needs to come up with a clear plan to fight al-Shabaab, deal with tribal related conflicts and effectively organise and train Somali soldiers in order to receive such help.

"The regional administrations, the public, the clerics, the artists, the youth, the cultural elders, all of them have to be part of the fight [for peace] -- then we can call out to the world," he said.

An effective plan from the administration would appeal to and respond to the needs of a cross section of Somali society, and to be successful it would also require each party to help the government implement it, Fiqi said.

The most important thing, he said, is to build a strong sense of nationalism among government soldiers. "Our soldiers have to believe in the fight as a creed [because] it still seems as though the enemy is unknown."

Fiqi advised that security forces use modern counter-terrorism methods, including telephone and electronic surveillance. "Interception is important for intelligence. [Al-Shabaab] uses local telephones so their phone conversations have to be listened to."

Al-Shabaab threats and attacks

Al-Shabaab spokesman Abdiasis Abu Musab announced on August 5th that the militant group had carried out 26 attacks on the 27th day of Ramadan -- considered one of the holiest days during the month -- in Somalia's Benadir, Bay and Lower Shabelle regions.

His announcement came a day after as many as 20 al-Shabaab grenade attacks across Mogadishu injured at least 15 people. These followed a recent wave of raids and bombings by the militants that targeted government centres and foreign diplomatic and humanitarian installations, including attacks on the Turkish Embassy and the UN compound in Mogadishu.

The attacks and threats of more to come are frightening civilians who live in areas under the government control, according to the Peace Coalition, which comprises political parties, interest groups and civil-based organisations in Mogadishu. The group said the government is to blame for being ineffective and unprepared in protecting people against the al-Shabaab threat.

Somali citizens have been forced to heed al-Shabaab's order to stay away from government buildings and international humanitarian organisation, which is affecting their ability to access aid, Peace Coalition Chairman Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan said.

"The government's stagnation has encouraged al-Shabaab to threaten people not to go to or live in certain areas," he told Sabahi.

Erecting barriers and closing public roads will do nothing to improve security, Hassan said, adding that the government should come up with a better plan that would include highly trained and well-equipped soldiers.

"Two thousand [well trained] officers would be enough to secure Mogadishu," he said.

Government says 90% of al-Shabaab attacks have failed

In contrast, Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon's Spokesman Ridwan Haji Abdiwali defended the federal government's record in warding off al-Shabaab attacks.

"Ninety per cent of al-Shabaab's [intended] plots have failed, and there is no truth to the propaganda and the negative images portrayed about security," Abdiwali told Sabahi.

The government also has dismissed accusations that it was unprepared to work on the security question.

According to Abdiwali, the government for the first time has succeeded to pay regular salaries to troops. Each soldier receives $160 in wages monthly, which is more than what they previously received intermittently, Abdiwali said.

In addition, he said the Somali military soon will add another 1,800 troops but declined to provide further details.

However, according to retired Somali National Army Colonel Abdikarim Daud, the government has experienced security gaps and lagged behind in building a reliable security apparatus because the national military continues to not be fully organised and funded. Some members of the security forces are still not getting paid regularly, said Daud, who served under the Mohamed Siad Barre regime.

"A poor, hungry man cannot ensure security, [...] a good army has to be built whose welfare are provided and who are held accountable," he said.

The government has also yet to bring about national reconciliation, Daud said.

"Security is jeopardised every time the country's unity is damaged," he said, adding that in addition to al-Shabaab, "disgruntled tribes" could be fuelling chaos in some areas.

Somalia: Gay Somali refugees face death threats

Gay, lesbian and HIV-infected refugees fear violent persecution should they return home

by Ali Noor

  

ocha

Gay, lesbian and HIV-infected refugees from Somalia are facing persecution - and even the threat of death - should they return home.

Refugees have been under pressure to leave accommodations in Kenya, where many also face racist discrimination, after claims the country is now significantly safer than when Al-Shabaab had control of Mogadishu.

But many gay Somalis say returning is not an option for them.

"Warlords have made Somalia a death chamber for gays and lesbians," said Jamal, a Somali journalist. "It is against international law to force such groups back to Somalia, given the risks."

'It will be a massacre'

Top UN officials, among them Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, have claimed, however, that the country is safe and requires its citizens to help with the reconstruction process.

But for some refugees, the reality of going back home - whether by force or voluntarily - rests somewhere between a rock and hard place.

"I have no doubt all gays, lesbians, HIV/AIDS positive people and other minorities will be killed. It will be a massacre," claimed Said Elmi, a 25-year-old taxi driver, who is fluent in Kiswahili, Kenya's national language.

"I fled Bossaso [in northern Somalia] ten years ago, when a friend informed me and my partner that we were set to be arrested and prosecuted for imitating women and committing indecent acts," revealed Elmi, who told us that his sexual orientation was, "not a secret".

Cases such as Elmi's are not isolated, but realities facing hundreds of refugees, doubly marginalised.

Another of Elmi's friends, who works as a male sex worker in Nairobi's Parklands area, said he would prefer to spend the rest of his life in a Kenyan jail than return to Somalia, and the possible "death by stoning" that awaits him there.

THE RISK OF RETURN

Aid workers and civil rights group privately and publicly say the level of risks, threats and hostility towards gays and lesbians has further complicated and worsened the plight of civilians in Somalia's war-torn landscapes, as well as for refugees in Kenya and their families back home.

Abdinoor Farah, a Somali refugee who has lived in Kenya for more than ten years, says armed gangs, including al-Shabaab, have publicised their intent to "enforce harsh punishments" against perpetrators of adultery and homosexuality as a means of attracting funding from religious groups and sects.

"A careful analysis of past prosecution cases has never been conducted fairly. It has been in total disregard of Sharia law," claimed the elderly Farah, formerly a teacher in Somalia. "In fact, they [the prosecutions] have been criminal and sinful acts."

Farah's colleague told the story of his son, executed in public by al-Shabaab for "acts of sodomy".

"My son was killed simply because he declined to join al-Shabaab," he said. "Nobody ever raised the matter [of his sexuality]... or complained. He was picked up from my house [and] taken into custody."

He went on to explain that he was summoned to watch the death sentence be carried out. "I did not attend. But all my neighbours witnessed his execution, carried out in an open space."

The father of the deceased claimed he was never offered a chance to defend his son; never saw either the complainant or witnesses. Nor was he allowed to attend the case "hearing".

"Islamic law is very clear: strict procedure must be observed in such serious cases," stated Farah, determined to stay in Kenya. "Complainants making accusations must be seen. The mental status of persons, including witnesses, juristic teams, and the offenders, must be deemed fit." Yet in Somalia, he noted, "in less than an hour, people are shot dead".

'THE MOST INFAMOUS CRIME'

A cross section of Somalis and aid workers interviewed for this article said homosexuality has been widely practiced for centuries in Somalia. Despite this, armed gangs in the ascendency since the rise of former dictator Siad Barre have declared the orientation "the most infamous crime".

Mrs Fatuma is an HIV-positive single mother of three who left Nairobi last month. "I pray they don't learn about my HIV-positive status," she said. "I know of a number of women who have been killed to prevent them from spreading the disease."

She also feared she would be forced to marry other HIV infected people. Her fears were shared by health workers who escaped death threats at the notorious Dabaab refugee camp, fleeing to Nairobi thereafter, after conducting a series of campaigns advocating the use of condoms to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

"I fled Dabaab camp four years ago to save my life," said former health worker Haji. "I'm glad it was after the successful campaign to help stem the HIV prevalence - which had risen to an alarming number of more than 15,000 positive cases."

Haji said his work helped reduce cases of abortion, and saved the lives of many young girls as well as infants. But instead of praise, it earned him many enemies.

"They vowed to kill me, my enemies. They are in Somalia and are aware that I am alive," said Haji, who managed to move his family to Europe and hoped soon to join them. "They will only be relieved when I am dead."

'INHUMAN'

Political analyst Ahmed Yasin said a large number of refugees were not willing to go back to Somalia, due to the immense trauma experienced.

"It is inhuman to force women whose husbands were killed, and other vulnerable people, to return to Somalia, where the criminals who committed these crimes are still around," said Yasin.

But UNHCR officials at the Dadaab camp denied the number of people faced by such threats was either alarming or significant. "We have classified a special number of cases - young girls who escaped forced marriages and genital mutilation; secured them relocation to other countries or allowed them more time to stay," said a UNHCR programme officer, who asked to remain anonymous due to security concerns.

A field officer working on a relocation programme that seeks to move at least one million Somalis said, likewise on condition of anonymity, that alleged threats presented by some of the refugees were merely a ploy used by refugees to seek resettlement in Europe or the US.

Yet in a recent statement, Human Rights Watch (HRW), a non-governmental organisation, proposed that the Somali government should revise its draft law to comply with the UN's Paris Principles on human rights to create a culture of human rights in Somalia.

Hundreds of Somalis who purchased properties or made other investments in Kenya, who married or are attending schools and colleges, are among those who are most opposed the relocation plan.

The simmering war of words between the Somali federal government and regional rebel leaders, alongside the latest outbreak of fatal clashes in Jubaland, have all prompted many refugees to change their minds about returning to a country where peace has been elusive for more than two decades

"Al-Shabaab is back," said Ali, a Somali refugee in Isiolo, northern Kenya. "They are regrouping."

* Research for this article was carried out thanks to funding from FAIR, the Forum for African Investigative Reporters.

NOMURA: Wikileaks Founder Julian Assange Might Win A Seat In Next Month's Australian Election

Joe Weisenthal

Australia is going to the polls on September 7 for Parliamentary elections, and the expectation is that the current Labour government lead by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will go down for defeat.

A coalition lead by conservative Tony Abbott is the narrow favorite, according to polls, as well as Nomura geopolitical guru Alistair Newton, who handicaps the race in a new note for clients put out today.

It's not a slam dunk for Abbott, says Newton, but a general sense of Labour fatigue, plus some smart moves by Abbott will likely cause the party switch.

One interesting nugget is observed by Newton:

One further point of interest in the senate election is the new Wikileaks party founded by Julian Assange, which will field six candidates across three states in addition to Mr Assange himself (standing in Victoria). Under the prevailing voting system and especially following all the publicity around Edward Snowden, we would not be surprised if Mr Assange were to secure a seat, in which case he/his party may also end up having a hand in the balance of power in the senate.

EU strategy for the Horn of Africa released in Jan. 2013: SOMALILAND & EU STRATEGY

Published on Jan 18, 2013
My report on EU strategy for the Horn of Africa notes the paramount importance to the global economy of a stable Horn of Africa and safe passage of ships off its coast. Africa itself as a continent presents huge economic potential but we cannot ignore the problems of fundamental human rights. Poverty is rife and, owing to the particularly bad droughts in 2008 and 2009 with the resulting famine, it is estimated that over 13 million people are now in need of emergency assistance in the entire Horn of Africa.

Coupled with this is the lack of stable democratic and employment prospects for the population, particularly the young. We are now reaching a point in which young people growing up in towns such as Mogadishu in Somalia have only ever known violence and war. Coupled with the absence of the rule of law, poor prospects will continue to provide fertile grounds for encouraging criminal activities including piracy and drug smuggling and sustain al-Qa'ida affiliated terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab.

The EU should stand ready now to provide financial assistance when required but the political resources and political impetus must come from within the region itself led by the Horn of Africa nations: Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.

There is now reason for cautious optimism on the prospects of enduring peace and stability in this region. We have seen that EU and AU troops can work together to achieve common aims. Pockets of stability such as Somaliland have proved to be capable of developing effective judiciaries and democratic institutions. The recent elections in Somalia to replace a transitional federal government and the near-peaceful split of Sudan into two sovereign states gives rise to the hopes that democracy, stability and prosperity will one day be realised for all the nations in that region.

EU Underlines the very positive example of Somaliland, which has demonstrated its capacity to develop and consolidate its democratic, economic and administrative structures over more than twenty years and create a sustainable democratic process; notes that Somaliland has so far been very successful in consolidating security and stability on its territory and in cooperating in the fight against piracy and terrorism; expresses concern, however, that should Al-Shabaab regroup in its mountainous border regions, Somaliland may become vulnerable; stresses, therefore, that it is essential to support Somaliland in the fight against terrorism, including such measures as promoting economic diversification and building capacity for youth employment in order to curtail recruitment amongst the young; points out the importance for Somaliland of promoting economic and social development in the region as a way to counter the radicalization of areas of instability on its territory; calls on the Commission and the EEAS to support Somaliland in enhancing its development prospects and promoting its economic and social stability; stresses that in the quest for a solution for the long-term stability and security of Somalia it is important to evaluate the positive example of Somaliland's stability;

WATCH THE FOLLOWING VIDEO DETAILS SOMALILAND & EU STRATEGY 

War Deg Deg Ah: Mohamed ElBaradei Oo Iska Casilay Madaxweyne Ku Xigeenimadii Dalka Masar

Maxamed Baradici ayaa sheegay in aanu qaadi karayn masuuliyada danbi aan laga talo galin iyo qorshe aanu ogolayn, waxaanu tilmaamay in ay jiraan habab nabad galyo oo lagu xalin karo dhibaatada ka jirta dalka Masar, ka hor intaan quwad ama xoog loo adeegsan.

Qaahira (AFP) - Sida Wakaalada wararka Faransiiska ee (AFP), ku warantay Maxamed Al Baraadici oo dhawaan loo magacaabay, Madaxweyne ku xigeenka ku meel gaadhka ah ee dalka Masar ayaa xilkii iska casilay kana hadlay sababta keentay istiqaaladiisa.

Maxamed Baradici ayaa sheegay in aanu qaadi karayn masuuliyada danbi aan laga talo galin iyo qorshe aanu ogolayn, waxaanu tilmaamay in ay jiraan habab nabad galyo oo lagu xalin karo dhibaatada ka jirta dalka Masar, ka hor intaan quwad ama xoog loo adeegsan.

Maxamed Baradici oo tan iyo intii uu dib ugu noqday dalkiisa kuna biiray siyaasada laga dareemayay siyaasad wajiyo badan, ayaa walaac ka muujiyay dhibaatada ka dhacday dalka Masar gaar gahaan rabshadaha ka dhex qarxay taageerayaasha Murzi iyo ciidamada ammaanka ee dalkaas, kuwaas oo dhiig badani ku daatay.

Al Baraadici Ayaan faah faahin dheeraad ah ka bixin talaabooyinka danbe ee uu qaadayo iyo sababta uu hore uga hadli waayay, dhibaatada ka dhalan karta xoog loo isticmaalo dibad baxayaashii Murzi taageersanaa, waxaanay dad badani ku tilmaameen is casilaadiisa mid uu kaga baxsanayo masuuliyadii uu talaabadan ku lahaa.