US African Command should stop Media propaganda against democratic state of Somaliland

To: H.E. James P. McAnulty, US Ambassador to Somalia, 

Subject: Stop US Media propaganda against democratic state of Somaliland

 

Dear Ambassador James P. McAnulty,

We the undersigned Somaliland pro-democratic movement consisting non state actors, human rights and civil society groups stand against AFRICOM’s Social Media arm propaganda against our country’s sovereignty and independence, and it regularly publish on Somaliland a fake and false news items

http://sabahionline.com/so/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2013/07/08/newsbrief-02

http://sabahionline.com/so/articles/hoa/articles/newsbriefs/2013/07/10/newsbrief-02

 

We want to know whether the consistently US African Command negative media propagandas against the rights of 4 million citizens of Somaliland and their state

We believe that the AFRICOM media arm is using US Defense Budget to insult our demoracti constitution and interfere to damage with the foreign interest of our country.

We support US Government efforts to defend democracy worldwide and indeed our country – the Republic of Somaliland are ally with United State’s war against terrorist

We call you: 

US should stop United State Africa Command’s social media arm (sabahionline.com) propaganda against Somaliland democratic country 

SIGNATORIES LIST

SOMALILAND IMPARTIAL HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS
1.	Horn of Africa Human Rights Watch Committee (HORNWATCH)
2.	Activist Network for Disabled Persons (ANDP)
3.	Ubah Social Welfare Organization (USWO)
4.	Disable Children Association (DCA)
5.	Somaliland Youth Voluntary Organization (SOYVO
6.	Barako Women Organization (BARAKO)
7.	United Togdheer Women Umbrella  (UNITA)
8.	Togdheer Youth Voluntary Organization (TOGOYOVO)
9.	Naaso-Hablood Handicap Association (NAHA)
10.	Daami Youth Development Organization (DAYDO)
11.	Welfare Tumaal Organization (WAAB)
12.	Tumaal Development Foundation (TDF)
13.	Women Minority Organization (ISIR)
14.	Somaliland Culture and Sport Association (SOCSA)
15.	Somaliland Journalist Association (SOLJA)
16.	Community concern Somalis (CCS)
17.	Saaxil Handicap Organisation (SHO)
18.	Voluntary Youth Organization (VAYS)
SOMALILAND UNIVERSITIES
19.		University of Hargeisa
20.		Amoud University
21.		Berbera Marine University
22.		University of Burao
23.		University of Erigavo
24.		Golis University
25.		Admas University
MEMBER ORGANISATIONS OF NAGAAD WOMEN UMBRELLA
26.		Agriculture Development Organization (ADO)
27.		Alkownin Women Voluntary Organization (ALKOWNIN)
28.		Agriculture Rehabilitation and Women in Development (ARWO)
29.		Association for the Somaliland Women's Advancement (ASWA)
30.		Aw Barkhadle Women Development Organization (AWDO)
31.		Ayaan Women's Development Association (AYAAN)
32.		Barwaaqo Lakulan Women Association (BAKWA)
33.		Barwaqo Voluntary Organization (BVO)
34.		Candlelight for Health and Education (CLHE)
35.		Committee for Concerned Somalis (CCS)
36.		Dareen Rural Relief & Development (DAREEN)
37.		Dulmar for Women's Development Advocacy and Peace (DULMAR)
38.		Female-Headed Households Association (FEDHA)
39.		Hanad Women's Welfare Association (HWWA)
40.		Hargeisa Voluntary Youth Committee (HAVAYOCO)
41.		Hargeisa Women's Group (HAWO-GROUP)
42.		Hargeisa Women on Focus Organization (HAWFO)
43.		Mother Land Rescue Group (MRG)
44.		Lama-Huraan Women's Association (LMWA)
45.		Somaliland Women's organization (SOLWO)
46.		Somaliland War Widow Organization (SWWO)
47.		Somaliland Women's Development Association (SOWDA)
48.		Somaliland Women's Research and Action Group (SOWRAG)
49.		Somaliland for Progress, Advocacy and Peace (SOWPO)
50.		Somaliland Young Women's Association (SOYWA)
51.		Tawakal Women & Children's Organization (TAWAKAL)
52.		Voluntary National Youth Organization (VONYO)
53.		Women's Action for Advocacy and Development Association (WADA)
54.		Women's Rehabilitation and Development Association (WORDA)
55.		Women Inter-Action Group (WIAG)
56.		Women's Action Advocacy and Progress Organization (WAAPO)
SOMALILAND NATIONAL DISABILITY FORUM
57.	Somaliland Handicap Association (SHA)
58.	Nasa-Hablod Handicap Association (NAHA)
59.	Hargeisa Youth Development Association (HADYA)
60.	Hargeisa Deaf School (HDS)
61.	Activist Network for Disabled Persons (ANDP)
62.	Orthohope Rehabilitation Center (ORC)
63.	Disability Action Network (DAN)
64.	Hargeisa School For Special Needs (HSSN)
65.	Disabled Children Association (DCA)
66.	Hargeisa Handicap Association (HHA)
67.	Tawakal Women’s Association (TAWAKAL)
68.	Albustan Handicap Association (AHA)
69.	Hargeisa Handicap Women (HHW)
70.	Somaliland Blind Society (HABS)
71.	Youth Development Disability Organization (YODDO)
72.	Somaliland Red Crescent Society (SRCS)
73.	Borama Deaf and Blind School (BD&BS
74.	Sahil Handicap Organization (SHO)
75.	Tawakal Lifeline Organization (TLO)
76.	Erigavo Handicap Organization (EHO)
77.	Las-anod Handicap Association (LHA)
NON MUSLIM RELIGIOUS GROUPS IN SOMALILAND
78.	Somaliland Catholic Church
NAFIS NETWORK MEMBER ORGANIZATION
79.	Candlelight
80.	HAVAYOCO
81.	Alkownin
82.	WAIG
83.	WORDA
84.	BVO
85.	SOWRAG
86.	SONYO
87.	USWO
88.	SOHEADA
89.	HAN
90.	AYAN
91.	WAHEDO
92.	VOSOMWO
93.	WARSAN
94.	SOYONDA
SOMALILAND NON STATE ACTORS MEMBER ORGANISATION
CIVIL SOCIETY
95.	Nofen
96.	Muruq iyo Maskax
97.	Sungo
98.	Maan
99.	Somran
100.	Kulmis
101.	SNDF
102.	Sahan
103.	Nafis Network
104.	Vonyo
105.	Unita umbrella
106.	Sonyo
107.	CPN
108.	Nagaad
109.	Awdal CPN
ELDERS
110.	Horn Peace
PRIVATE SECTOR
111.	Jubba Airways
112.	Light Industry
113.	WIN
114.	Daallo Airline
115.	Nawbo
116.	BDS
117.	Hospitality Industry
118.	WIT
119.	NRD-EWB
120.	Dahabshiil
121.	Telesom
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
122.	Arecsmed
123.	University of Buroa
124.	Sanaag University
125.	SLNMA
126.	SMA
127.	Media Group
128.	UOH
129.	WIJA
130.	Fopag
131.	Solla
132.	Berbera University
133.	ULPA
134.	Nugaal University
ISLAM RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION
135.	Wanaag Farista
MEMBER ORGANISATIONS OF SOMALILAND NATIONAL YOUTH ORGANIZATION (SONYO-UMBRELLA)
136.	Aids Control and Awareness Raising Organization - (ACARO)
137.	Amoud University Student Union -
138.	All-Somaliland Society Awareness League -  (Assal)
139.	Community  Rehabilitation Association (CRA)
140.	Dallo Youth Development Organization  - DAYDO
141.	Disability Children Association - DCA
142.	Youth Development Association - HYDA
143.	Horseed Youth Association - Horseed
144.	Laas-anod Youth Voluntary Organization  - LAYVO
145.	Moonlight girls Association - Moonlight
146.	SAYS Youth Association - SAYS
147.	Somaliland Association for Youth Salvation - SCYVO
148.	Somaliland Culture and Sport Association - SOCSA
149.	Somaliland Progress Youth Association - SOPYA
150.	Somaliland Youth Development Association - SOYDA
151.	Somaliland Youth Salvation and Training Organization - SYSTO
152.	Somaliland Youth Society  - SYS
153.	Somaliland Youth Society - SYS Burao
154.	Somaliland Youth Voluntary Association - SOYVO
155.	Teacher Training College Student - TTCSC
156.	University of  Student Union
157.	UoH-Student Union
158.	Vitinary  Agre-culture Development Committee- VADCO
159.	Voluntary Of National Youth Organization - VONYO
160.	Youth Coalition Development - YCD
161.	Youth Volunteers of Development and Environmental Care
162.	Organization - YOVENCO
163.	Somaliland Education  Development Organziation - SEDO
164.	Youth Edcuation Saftey Development Organizaiton - YESDO
165.	UBAH Social Development Youth Organization - USWO
166.	Somaliland Environment Youth Organization – SEYO
SOMALILAND NATIONAL DISABILITY FORUM MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
167.	Somaliland Handicap Association SHA
168.	Comprehensive CBR in Somaliland CCBRS
169.	Nasa-Hablod Handicap AssociationNAHA
170.	Youth Development Association HADYA
171.	Deaf SchoolHDS
172.	Activist Network for Disabled Persons ANDP
173.	Orthohope Rehabilitation Center ORC
174.	Disability Action Network DAN
175.	School For Special Needs HSSN
176.	Horn Afrique Youth Voluntary Committee HAVOYOCO
177.	Disabled Children Association DCA
178.	Handicap Association HHA
179.	Tawakal Women’s Association TWO
180.	Albustan Handicap AssociationAHA
181.	Handicap Women HHW
182.	Somaliland Blind SocietyHABS
183.	Youth Development Disability Organization YODDO
184.	Somaliland Red Crescent Society SRCS
185.	Borama Deaf and Blind School BD&BS
186.	Sahil Handicap Organization SHO 24Tawakal Lifeline OrganizationTLO
187.	Erigavo Handicap Organization EHO
188.	Las-anod Handicap Association LHA

Somaliland: Unsafe Haven to Terror and Anti-peace Elements

 "In collaboration with both the Somaliland and the Ethiopian people, insecurity problems are now under control" General Tesfaye Ethiopia's envoy to Somaliland said. 

Brigadier General Berhe Tesfay

Adiss Ababa - In collaboration with the Somaliland people, has made Somaliland and its vicinity unsafe haven to terrorist groups and anti-peace elements.

This was said by the Ethiopian Ambassador to Somaliland Brigadier General Berhe Tesfay during an interview with waltainfo.com in Addis Ababa where he also said that Ethiopia has sacrificed a lot to help the Somaliland people to free the area from terrorists and anti-peace groups.

In collaboration with both the Somaliland and the Ethiopian people, insecurity problems are now under control.

"Previously the area was a safe heaven to terrorists and anti-peace elements." Brigadier General Berhe said, now it has become uncomfortable for those groups who want to destabilize the area."

According to the ambassador, the efforts exerted by the Ethiopian government to bring lasting peace in Africa in general and the Horn Region in particular has emanated from the country's peace policy.

He also forwarded his appreciation to the people of Somaliland for their irreplaceable contribution in providing the necessary information and cooperating in the struggle against those terrorists in the area.

The people of Somaliland is enthusiastic to maintain the already guaranteed peace and stability in the area, he emphasized.

"Awareness creation trainings, conferences and public meetings were conducted." He said adding, "Those forums enabled to raise the alertness of the people on the significance of peace for regional development.

The people of Somaliland have comprehended that not only the reinforcement of lasting peace but also the realization of sustainable economic development in any country in the region is so vital to the Somaliland and vice versa.

He also confirmed that Ethiopia will continue its tremendous efforts to maintain the already thriving peace in collaboration with the administration and people of Somaliland.

This initiation for lasting peace both in Ethiopia and countries in the region with high sacrifices emanated from the country's need to pull itself out of the quagmire of poverty, Brigadier General Berhe said.

Having guaranteed peace and stability in Somaliland, Ethiopia has also been working to strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries, WIC learnt.

It's encouraging that fresh Ethiopian products reach the Somaliland people; however, there should be two way trade transactions between the two people so that both could benefit mutually, the Conciliate General said.

"So far, a few number of Ethiopian investors have also invested in Somaliland particularly in the education sector." He said adding, "Further efforts will be made to attract more Ethiopian investors to Somaliland."

Source:waltainfo.com/index.php/editors-pick/10150-somaliland-unsafe-heaven-to-anti-peace-elements-

Ambassador Donald Booth Named U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan: Press Statement

Press Statement John Kerry, Secretary of State

Washington, DC

August 28, 2013

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President Obama, myself, and his entire national security team invested significant energy into thinking through the right person to serve as the President's new Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, because we know how critical America's commitment will be in helping create the conditions for lasting peace and security in Sudan and South Sudan.

The appointment of Ambassador Don Booth, a seasoned Foreign Service Officer, represents an important addition to our diplomatic team, bringing nearly three decades of experience working on some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, most recently as our Ambassador in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Don knows what a pivotal moment this is for the region, and he is determined to help ensure it's a moment to move forward instead of slipping backwards back into the cycle of violence, conflict, and mistrust.

While the ultimate choices reside with these two nations, the United States will do everything we can to support those working for peace and we will speak with candor about those whose actions undermine those hopes.

This cause is personal to me, and I know it is deeply personal to President Obama and my colleague Susan Rice. I've seen firsthand how invested the President and his Administration have been in the work to help move the region forwards. When I was a Senator, I had the privilege of supporting the diplomatic effort that led to South Sudan's independence, and on the ground leading up to the historic referendum I witnessed the long lines of people voting for a better way of life.

None of those brave people voted to create a failed state or to return to the violence that has plagued their home for too long. If both states put their people first by governing inclusively and democratically, protecting human rights, and creating economic opportunity, they can make progress on realizing the future their people deserve. This is a decisive period.

Khartoum and Juba can choose the path of peace and prosperity, or they can go backwards.

The President's appointment today of Ambassador Booth as our Special Envoy underscores the United States' enduring commitment to the people of Sudan and South Sudan, and to the cause of peace between and within their two countries.

# # #

Source: U.S. Department of State.

Somaliland: the transformational role of women in Somaliland - HIBF 2013

Hargeysa International Book Fair (HIBF) dedicates an evening each year to focus and celebrate the diverse contributions made by women in Somaliland. This year HIBF brought together an inspirational group of women including a specialist doctor, a high ranking female police officer, a Vice Minister, chaired by a civil society activist!

Of course where you have a gathering of Somali women, dancing is never far, so we also had Somali Music and entertainment performed by female artists and sitaat (some questionable dancing, swaying and praising of the prophet in old folklore).

Entertainment and dancing aside, the serious segment of the evening critically explored the transformational role of women in politics, health and security in Somaliland. The contribution of women to Somaliland’s social and economic development has been immense, the speakers shared with us, their challenges, their joy, their triumph, but most of all, they shared with us their goals; loud and clear each one said “I am not done yet”.

What I detest most about usual “women events” is the rhetoric of we must be “given” or we are entitled to, please give us, please see us, why is everyone against us etc! I hate those events- it makes me want choke in my own vomit to keep my inner ghetto from shouting out “aint no one gonna give you “”””” if you have not worked your a*ss off for it” While in Somaliland I have attended a handful of these “women” orientated events and at some point I decided that they make me loose the will to live!

I was holding my breath as this “women event” started because, I know Women in Somaliland are searching for role models, they want to be inspired, to see that it can be done, and there are options and possibilities. I know that like me, they leave the usual themed “women events” feeling angry but mostly feeling defeated and depressed about how it’s impossible to make any difference, weighed down by all the issues, problems and obstacles so carefully listed by speakers, and repeatedly hearing that you can’t, we can’t!

While the challenges facing women in Somaliland professionally, in public space, or even access servicing are many and no one denies their existences. There is a lack of passion about alternative means and ways for women to get involved, for women to transcend beyond “waiting” to be given something!

So, finally I was privileged enough to witness a discussion with endless possibilities, inspiring the audience with potential options and I saw young girls skip out of the door thinking and saying out loud “I can and I will  do ….”

It was refreshing to see successful women, two of them local- having never been Diaspora of any kind, sharing their achievements and journey;  And a journey it was, for they have clawed (both literally and metaphorically) to the top of their profession and still full of passion, vision and the drive to be even more successful.

 Hon. Nimco Qowdhan, Vice Minister of Health shared with us, her entrance into politics and the issues, and challenges that she had to overcome to get to the house of parliament and then move on to become a Vice Minister. In particularly I would like to highlight that Hon. Nimco battled and beat her fellow clansmen who was supporting a MAN against her to fill the government post! In the end, the best for the job won! Her contribution to the Ministry of Health and the services she oversees across Somaliland illustrate how right she is and was for her role. Her passion and plans to expanded services to the most needed in our community, foremost mentally ill patients and maternity services illustrated to me that for weakest in our society, they had champion and an advocate in their corner.  

Dr Khadra Ibrahim gave us an insight into the path that led to her becoming a specialist in Obstetrics & Gynaecologist; motivated by the horror and hopelessness of seeing a young 25year old die at Hargeisa Group Hospital after an agonising wait for a doctor who never showed but was suppose to operate and save the mother and her unborn child; She realised on that day, that had she been able to do the procedure herself instead of begging and waiting on another doctor she could’ve potentially saved that women and her unborn child. She returned to Italy to do her specialisation and some 8years later with her studies behind her and much experience under her belt, she returned to Hargeisa Group Hospital in 2011. She is also a department head at the Minister of Health for mother and children services and improving MCH clinics across Somaliland. She is passionate about health, family planning and supporting women issues including rape victims and access to health. Her challenges of long hours, lack of financings, chasing scholarships were overcome with dedication and drive which is finally paying off and she is fulfilling her dream of assisting and saving lives of mothers and their unborn children.     

The final guest speaker, Hibo Salah, Regional Women’s Police Commander and the highest ranking female officer in country narrated the fascinating and gruesome tale of her journey; she signed up to join the Somaliland Police cadets (after three rejections by the head of personnel department who thought she was too young and too frail looking).  Her persistence paid off and she was allowed to enter a competitive examination process that saw her to become one of 15 officers (and the only female) picked to go on a 3year scholarship to the Ethiopian Police Academy. She described with details the moments that nearly broke her and how the same moments motivated her (including the first morning when she and her male colleagues were woken up at 4am to run 20km and back without stopping, and the shock of seeing 53year old female Ethiopian officers doing it with such easy!).

Hibo has truly been part of an institutional change at the Somaliland Police, she has recently been award the same rank as the Personnel Commander who rejected her three times 7years ago! Testimony to her hard work, persistence and dedication, and only at the age of 26years old, she is succeeding in a traditionally male dominated sector and she has her sights set even higher.   

The ladies joked and charmed the audience including many young boys who were stunned into silence in the back as each woman described and took us through her journey. They appealed to women to join all and every sector, for there are many roles women can and should be involved in. They highlighted and dissected many of the challenges that faced them and how with humour and resilience they eventually overcame them all. The speakers addressed both the collective and individual journeys of women in their profession and considered the lessons that can be learned from their experience. Their intervention highlighted that women have the keys to unlock the numerous social, political and security challenges affecting them and that our biggest obstacles, at least in this society is lack of determination, drive and our inability to support and encourage each other.

The evening covered inspirational examples of women who have tirelessly worked to make women’s contribution visible, challenged negative perceptions of female professionals and improved the wellbeing of their communities. All these women shared something in common, they didn’t care about what society expected or wanted them to be or do- they did what they wanted to, they met their goals and they had the drive to see it through. Pressure makes you perform and perform they did! One of my favourite quotes of the night summed up the evening: “Dont wait for some else to do it, so you can follow them- be the first and lead the way for others to follow.”

On a last note, I would like to wish the young girl who stood up at the end and declared her passion and vision to become a pilot all the best of luck! I hope you follow your dream- and to the speakers, I hope you reach and fulfil all your goals and dreams.

Request for Proposals – Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research Grants

 

CNIHR (Creative and Novel Ideas in HIV Research) is seeking proposals for HIV Research Grants of up to $150,000. The goal of this program is to attract both international and U.S.-based early stage investigators from outside the field of HIV research to help address key scientific questions in HIV research, including emerging issues of long-term survival with HIV infection, prevention of HIV transmission and research towards a cure.

Overview

The intent of this program is to attract both international and U.S.-based early stage investigators from outside the field of HIV research to help address key scientific questions in HIV research, including emerging issues of long-term survival with HIV infection, prevention of HIV transmission and research towards a cure.
The Awards

• The awards will be up to 2 years in length.
• Up to $150,000 Direct Cost per year, (the amount of the award will vary depending on the proposal).
• Funding wil be provided for awardees to attend future IAS/AIDS meetings during the proposed period of research.

Who is eligible?

• Eligible applicants include junior investigators who have either completed their first terminal research degree or medical residency within the last ten years from the concept proposal deadline, and who have a faculty or equivalent position in good standing at an academic institution or have a comparable position in a not for profit organization or institution with a primary mission of research.
• Both domestic and international investigators are encouraged to apply.

Timeline

• Application for these awards will be a two stage process:
  • Concept sheets (2 pages) will be submitted by October 16, 2013 and reviewed by a Scientific Committee.
  • Selected applicants will submit a full application, due February 10, 2014.
  • Notice of Awards will be made in mid to late April, 2014.
  
  
• The 2010 Awards were announced at the 2010 International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria. For a list of awardees and their projects, click here.
• The 2012 Awards were announced at the 2012 International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C., United States. For a list of awardees and their projects, click here.
• The 2013 Awards were announced at the 2013 IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. For a list of awardees and their projects, click here.

Please see Request for Proposals for more details. We will also have informational webinars in the Fall.

Deadline- 16 October 2013

For more information please visit CNIHR website: http://www.cnihr.org/