Heavily armed and makeshift – inside Britain's newest embassy in Somalia

FCO's Simon Fraser visits staff in Mogadishu, risking their lives to support a stable and democratic future in Somalia

Staff at Britain's newest embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia live, work and socialise within a small compound surrounded by armed guards.

Simon Fraser, Foreign Office permanent secretary 

Mogadishu, Somalia – inside a small compound within the heavily guarded barriers of Mogadishu International Airport, in a country which has seen over two decades of civil war, lies Britain's newest embassy.

We are the first EU state member to have reopened our embassy in Mogadishu, evidence of our commitment to working with the federal government of Somalia to rebuild the country. Stability, democracy and prosperity are vital for the future of the Somali people but also for wider international security, including here in the UK. Radicalisation and extremism abroad can so easily find its way onto Britain's streets.

I visited at the end of April with Mark Lowcock, the permanent secretary of the Department for International Development (DFID). Being in Mogadishu gave me a sense of hope; a lot of progress has been made over the past couple of years.

African Union peacekeepers have recovered territory from the Al Shabaab militias. I was even able to visit the port of Kismayo which Al Shabaab controlled until 2012. The economy is starting to revive and the president has promised a new federal political plan for reform by 2016. In Somalia, co-operation between the regions will be the key to success.

The ambassador's suite: everyone in the compound lives in 8m by 2m reinforced containers.

Helping the government of Somalia drive forward this agenda is a remarkable team of British civil servants from the Foreign Office, DFiD, the ministry of defence and other departments. Their work is tough and dangerous. They live, work and socialise within the same small compound with few recreational facilities, surrounded by armed guards. Everyone – including the ambassador – lives in 8m by 2m reinforced containers.

Despite the progress being made in Mogadishu, moving around is risky and requires careful planning. Getting out of the airport to do the business of diplomacy, building networks and supporting daily life in the country poses unique challenges: body armour, vigilance and meticulous security arrangements with armed protection officers are all required. There have been several major security incidents in Mogadishu alone in the past month.

In such a tough environment you might expect our staff to become weary, pessimistic or disheartened. Instead I found them enthused and highly motivated, deeply committed and making the best of what they have. They've even created a small garden and a makeshift gym inside the compound.

They team works closely with the highest levels of the Somali government, including president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Many of the Somali officials they work with grew up and were educated in the UK. Having left the Somalia at the height of the troubles, they have now returned to help rebuild the country. This is a real cause of hope: it means our staff are able to build close relationships and effective partnerships with people in politics, administration, business and civil society.

In the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, we call this kind of work 'expeditionary diplomacy' – people from different parts of Whitehall taking risks and putting up with hardship, making a difference in other countries, which also reduces dangers in the UK. I came away from Mogadishu with deep admiration for the staff under the leadership of ambassador Neil Wigan. Their dedication and sacrifices exemplify what we want in the modern civil service.

Simon Fraser is permanent secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

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Chairman of Israel Chemical Ltd Visited Ethiopia

Idan Ofer, Chairman of Israel Chemical Ltd (ICL) and Quantum pacific

Idan Ofer, Chairman of Israel Chemical Ltd (ICL) and Quantum pacific, made a two days visit to Ethiopia last week.

ICL, a leading manufacturer and supplier of potash and phosphate fertilizers, has recently bought 30 percent of Allan Potash. On the other hand Allan is a Canadian Company that is under preparation to mine potash in the Afar Regional State.

During his visit, Ofer visited the potash mine in the Dalol Depression. Commenting on the potash exploration he said, “I am happy with the development at the potash exploration site, the future potash mine. Officials of Allana are closely working with the local authority and they are conscious of the demand of the local community. They pay much attention to the local community. So I am happy with that”.

Ofer further noted ICL is planning to build a potash fertilizer factory in Ethiopia at a cost of US$ 600 Million. Before the mining is started at the potash deposit, raw materials will be imported for the production of potash and phosphate fertilizers. But once Allana has commenced mining the deposits potash fertilizer will be produced from the locally mined raw material.

Ofer further explained, “We will primarily supply the potash fertilizer for the local market in Ethiopia. But we will also export some portion of it. We want to make Ethiopia Africa’s potash hub”.

However, the site for the factory has not yet been chosen.

Ofer was accompanied by the CEO and President of ICL, Stefan Borgas. And according to Borgas, ICL has already invested US$ 25 Million on Allan potash project. He added his company is willing to invest an additional US$ 59 Million in the near future.

Borgas noted the fertilizer company will be built within one year. “We will invest US$ 600 million dollars in the fertilizer processing plant. The potash mine and the factory will together open up 5,000 jobs. We have already invested US$ 600,000 in farmers education on the use of fertilizes. There are six hundred demonstration sites all over the country,” he said.

And commenting on the factory site Borgas said Allan and ICL are closely working with the Ministry of Mines and Agricultural Transformation Agency.

The two businessmen has also met with President Mulatu Teshome, Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom (Ph.D.), Minister of Mines, Tolossa Shagi, and senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture to discuss investment issues.

Ofer commented he was satisfied with the discussion he had with the officials. “They are supporting our investment projects. They promised us that they will build a 130 km road from the mine to the Djibouti border in the near future. What I like about the Ethiopian government officials is that they encourage investment and they deliver what they promised,” Ofer added.

In addition to this, Ofer is interested in the power generation sector. He commented the Ethiopian government should guarantee power supply if it wants a sustainable economic growth.

Source: The Reporter

Xasan Daahir Aweys oo Al-shabaab iyo Itoobiya ku Eedeeyey in ay yihiin Cadawga Somaliya, xilli Dawladda Federalku doonayso inay xabsiga ka sii dayso

 

“Al shabaab waxay Xabadii Cadawga loogu talo galay kula soo jeedsatay Dadka Soomaaliyeed, Taasina waxay keentay inay dadka Soomaaliyeed Jihaadka ka Cararaan”

“Somaliya waxay gashay gumeysi ka xun midkii hore kadib markii Dowladdihii wax gumeysan jiray intay hal meel isugu taggeen deetana ay adeegsadaan Dowladaha deriska” Xasan Daahir Aweys

Muqdisho(Waaheen) Xasan Daahir Aways oo ka tirsanaa kooxda Alshabab gacantana ugu jira mudo sanad ah Dawladda Federalka ayaa cod ay kasoo duubeen ehelkiisa waxa uu ku sheegay in Somaliya laga xukumo isla markasna laga gumaysto magalada Addis ababa.

Aweys waxa uu sheegay in Gobol Gobol loo qaybiyay Somaliya isla-markaana hogaan kasta oo Madax ka ah Goboladaaasi laga xukumo dalka Itoobiya taasina ay tahay dhibaatooyinka umadda haysta.

Wuxuu sheegay in dhamaan Maamulada Gobalada dalka ka jira ay hoostagaan Magaalada Addis Ababa isaga oo carab dhabay Maamulada Soomaaliland, Puntland, Maamulka Jubba iyo maamul waliba oo Soomaaliya ka jira.

Sheekh Xasan Daahir Aweys ayaa ku waramaaya in Somaliya uu ku jiro gumeysi ka xun midkii hore kadib markii uu sheegay Dowladdihii wax gumeysan jiray in ay hal meel isugu taggeen deetana ay adeegsadaan Dowladaha deriska.

Wuxuu su’aal iska weydiiyay waxa ay isku diidan yihiin Soomaalida, oo uu ku macneeyay in hal qoys la oran karo maadaama ay dhinac kasta iska lee yihiin isla-markaana wuxuu taasi ku sheegay gacan bidixeen uu dunida ku haayo Soomaalida.

Hogaamiyihii hore ee Ururka Xisbul Islaam ayaa weli gacanta ugu jira Dowladda Federaalka Soomaaliya waxaana weli uu xabsi guri ku yahay Magaalada Muqdisho oo ay ku ilaaliyaan ciidan ka tirsan Dowladda.

Waxaa jira warar sheegaya in la sii dayn doono Sheekh Xasan Daahir Aways oo loo qaadi doono wadanka dibadiisa gaar ahaan wadanka Qadar halkaas oo la sheegay in dowlada Qadar ay siisay magan galyo.

Xasan Daahir Aweys Oo Muddo 1 sano ah Dowlada Soomaaliya Gacanta ugu jira Ayaa Hadalo Kulul U Diray Dowlada Ethiopia Iyo Al shabaab oo uu ka tirsanaa.

Xasan Daahir Aweys Ayaa Sheegay In Dowlada Ethiopia Ay tahay Cadowga Koowaad Ee Ummadda Soomaaliyeed Kana Dhaxeeyo Dagaal Iyo Colaad Soo Jireen ah hadana ay Gumeysi ku hayso Dadka Soomaaliyeed .

Geesta Kale, Wax uu Ka hadlay Dhibaatooiyinka Al shabaab Ay ku Hayaan Shacabka Muslimka Ah Ee Soomaaliyeed Isagoona Al shabaab Ku tilmaamey kuwo Xabadii Cadawga loogu talo galay kula soo jeestay Dadka Soomaaliyeed Taasina ay Sababtay in Dadka Muslimka ah Ee Soomaaliyeed ay Jihaadka ka Cararaan oo ay Dhibaato u arkaan taana ay shabaab Mas’uul ka yihiin .

Dhinaca kale hadalka Xasan Daahir Aweys ayaa ku soo beegmaya Xilli ay Ilo xog ogaal ah u sheegeen Caasimada Online, in dhawaan magaalada Muqdisho uu ka dhici doono kulan lagu dhex dhexaadinaayo dowladda Fedaraalka iyo ururkii burburay ee Xisbul Islaam. Kulankan waxaa kaloo looga hadli doonaa mustaqbalka Sheekh Xasan Daahir Aweys oo hadda u xidhan dowladda Soomaaliya. Yaa u matalaya DF Somalia iyo Xisbul Islaam? Dowladda Soomaaliya ergada u matali doonta shirkan waxaa hoggaaminaya wasiirka amniga qaranka, Cabdikariin Xuseen Guuleed dhinaca xisbul Islaam waxaa hoggaaminaya Muuse Caraale oo ka mid ahaa madaxdii Xisbul Islaam, sidda ay lee yihiin ilaha warkan noo sheegay. Sidoo kale waxaa shirkan looga hadli doonaa xarigga Xasan Daahir Aweys oo muddo sannad ah dowladda u xiran. Magaalada Muqdisho waxaa maalmahan ka socday kulamo looga hadlaayo shirkaas dhexmaraya dowladda Soomaaliya iyo ururkii burburay ee Xisbul Islaam. Ma jirto wax war ah oo ka soo baxay dowladda Soomaaliya oo ku aadan wadahadallada u furmaya iyaga iyo Xisbul Islaam. Caasimada Online Xafiiska Wararka NairobI

SOMALIA: UN envoy meets the first time two rival leaders of South west Somalia

Mogadishu - The UN envoy for Somalia Nicholas Kay, met a delegation from south west Somalia led by Madobe Nunow, and urged all parties in Baidoa to reach an inclusive agreement under the leadership of the Federal Government.

Tensions in Baidoa remain as the leaders of rival political groups, Madobe Nunow and Mohamad Abdi Noor ‘Madeer’, pursue competing initiatives for either a six region or three region federal state in south west Somalia.

“My meeting today was in support of the negotiations led by the Prime Minister of Somalia, Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed. I welcome the readiness of all parties to engage in talks without pre-conditions to find a peaceful solution and I am pleased at the progress being made. I urge all parties to reach an inclusive political settlement that will open the way to the formation of an interim regional administration in south west Somalia, recognised by the Federal Government and supported by international partners.  Under the leadership of the Federal Government all parties need to reach an agreement that respects the Provisional Federal Constitution and existing agreements. Ensuring inclusive governments in all interim administrations is also vital. This applies for the Juba Interim Administration (JIA) and for the future south west Interim Administration which, I hope, will soon take its place alongside the JIA.

“An early settlement and formation of an Interim Administration will enable international partners to engage fully with the region through the New Deal Somalia Compact. It will also clear the way for improved security and a more effective campaign against Al Shabaab,” Mr Kay said.

“The United Nations remains committed to supporting the Federal Government’s peace-building and state-building efforts. I am ready to meet all sides in the search for lasting peace and prosperity for Somalis. Time is of the essence and I hope no one will stand in the way of progress,” he added.

Somalia's Shebab say war shifting to Kenya

Somalia's Al-Qaeda linked Shebab has vowed to move their war to neighbouring Kenya, one of the top commanders said in broadcast urging fighters to launch attacks.

'The war will be shifting to Kenya, if they kill a Somali girl we kill a Kenyan girl,' Fuad Mohamed Khalaf, one of the Shebab's most senior commanders, said in a radio broadcast.

'We are urging all the Muslims in Kenya... to fight the government of Kenya inside that country, because Kenyans killed your people including children,' Khalaf said in a speech broadcast on the Shebab's Radio Andalus.

Kenyan troops crossed into southern Somalia in 2011 to fight the Shebab, later joining the now 22,000-strong UN-mandated African Union force battling the Islamists.

Fighter jets, believed to be from Kenya, have struck Shebab strongholds this week, as part of the latest push by the AU force against the insurgents.

'When their soldiers and war planes kill your people, God permits you to retaliate accordingly, we will fight the Kenyans,' Khalf said, viewed as second in importance only to Shebab chief Ahmed Abdi Godane.

The Shebab, who claimed responsiblity for the September 2013 attack on Nairobi's Westgate mall in which at least 67 people were killed, have also been blamed for a string of grenade blasts and killings.

Last week a double bomb attack in a Nairobi market left 10 people dead and scores wounded, while the United States has said it was preparing to cut staff levels in Kenya because of the mounting threat of attacks.

The Shebab said it was their guerillas who carried out a deadly ambush on an army convoy in Kenya's northeastern Mandera region on Monday, close to the border with Somalia.

Khalaf said the Shehab had trained fighters and vowed more would be sent to carry out attacks inside Kenya.

'We have trained the people... they are the ones who carried out the Mandera attack,' he said. 'More are going to be sent soon.'

The United States have offered a $5 million bounty for Khalaf, who holds both Somali and Swedish nationality.

Khalaf, who the US says is both a Shebab military commander and key fundraiser, reportedly spent over a decade in the Swedish capital Stockholm.