#QatarCrisis: Somaliland officially embargo it’s land and sea towards Qatar, while a Qatar delegation have dialogue with FGS in Mogadishu!

The Federal Republic of Somalia are under continued pressure from the Kingdom of Somalia to cut their ties with Qatar. This happens as Qatar and Turkish representatives are in Mogadishu on talks. While the KSA and Gulf Cooperation Council members are adding threats and sweetening the deals with possible pledges of aid if they do cut their ties.

If the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) are accepting to be bamboozled by the KSA pressure, as the Somaliland state has already done. This is happening after the Somali delegation who had a meeting in Saudi Arabia, which didn’t go well.

So the neutrality in the conflict in the gulf is tightening up, as the regional aspects seems dire. Since Yemen, Djibouti as well has cut ties. While Ethiopia haven’t formally done anything, but promising a statement. Eritrea doesn’t want to take stand and stay neutral. While Sudan has sided with Kuwait and wishing to support a dialogue between the Gulf nations.

Today, supports of Somaliland said this: “Somaliland interest first; supporting UAE & Saudi is the right decision for our country while #Somalia “supports” Qatar Turkey & Iran” (Somalilanders, 11.06.2017). The Somliland officials has even made directions today on how the cut ties will be put into effect:

In his post cabinet presser at the presidency in Hargeisa minster Dr Saad Ali Shire the anti Qatar decision was not taken lightly but made after strenuous discussions as pertains the political, economic and diplomatic relations existing between Somaliland and Gulf Countries.

To this effect the foreign minster announced that the cabinet unanimously concurred that

1. The republic of Somaliland fully stands behind the decision taken by Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Countries as pertains relations with Qatar.

2. As from 10th June 2017 nobody without explicit authority form the government of Somaliland princess shall be allowed to this countries airspace

3. Somaliland is fully responsible and in charge of its air, land and sea, thence those securing authority for use of such from Somalia shall be liable to due process of the law” (Hasan, 2017).

This is happening while Farah Maalim says: “Farmaajo is restoring Somalia’s image in the international arena. Resist dictation by Gulf fat cats. Maintain Qatar as a friend regardless” (Farah Maallim, 11.06.2017). So the dialogue today with Qatar, bring the internal problems into hot-air. As the Somaliland authorities are defying the Mogadishu government, the federal government of the republic. This is worrying as all parts of Somalia needs each other as the battles between government and Al-Shabaab continues, as well as droughts regions of the nation.

The FGS doesn’t need defiance, it needs collaborations in it’s quest for better future. The Somaliland decision to work on their own, proves that the power of investment in the port are clearly more important than inner works between all the Somali government bodies. Peace.

Reference:

Hasan, Yusuf M. – ‘Somaliland: Government warns against Airspace Transgression, Backs Saudi Against Qatar’ (11.06.2017) link: http://www.somalilandsun.com/politics1/government/10531-somaliland-government-warns-against-airspace-transgression,-backs-saudi-against-qatar

DUP-Tories Coalition: SF Adams statement proves the toxicity of the possible agreement for Northern Ireland!

There are so many issues on the matter and the toxic environment it creates. It is so powerful the possible agreement between the Conservative Party (Tories) and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), that the absentee Members of Parliament in Sinn Fein are going to Westminster to address the concerns of this agreement can have for the Northern Ireland. This as the stalemate in Stormont and the within the peace-agreement as well. Therefore earlier call today from the Taoiseach of Ireland. Proves the dire situation created by Theresa May and her salvaging her position by forming a deal with DUP. Certainly this will create a problem between the Unionist and Republicans in Northern Ireland. That should worry London and the British government if it cares about the situation and the possible effects of a coalition from the Northern Ireland. Just read the powerful statement from Gerry Adams!

The Taoiseach is right to express concerns about any deal between the DUP and the Tory party. Sinn Féin’s view is that such a deal will not be in the best interests of the people of Ireland, and in particular the people of the north, regardless of their political allegiances” (…) “The flaw in the Taoiseach’s position is his refusal to recognise that the British government has never been impartial or objective in its relationship with Ireland” (…) “Sinn Féin has never accepted that the British government is impartial or neutral” (…) “The arrangements to restore the political institutions need not be protracted. The issues are well known, they are rooted in agreements already made, and the onus is clearly on the DUP to drop its opposition to the implementation of the rights-related issues, which are at the core of the current difficulties” (…) “The period of continuous Tory rule since 2010 has been a constant source of instability for the political process” (…) “The pro-unionist and partisan nature of this British government has contributed directly to the current deep political crisis in the North” (…) “If the DUP don’t prioritise the restoration of the institutions, and instead decide to become a prop for a dysfunctional minority government in London, then the parties should consider inviting an independent chairperson to oversee proceedings” (…) “Sinn Féin has already raised this at the beginning of the talks process some months ago” (…) “Sinn Féin will be meeting the governments and the other parties tomorrow. We will continue to press ahead for a speedy return to the institutions while monitoring closely the machinations in London” (…) “On a more positive note the focus by the mainstream British media on the DUP’s policies and history is belated but a welcome education for people in Britain.” (Adams, 2017).

It isn’t only Sinn Fein that is reacting to the Tories/DUP agreement. This has ramifications for more than just them. After the recent elections it was Sinn Fein and DUP who won the seats, but still there are other parties who some words for the possible coalition, which isn’t flattering. Because of the implications of the internal problem in Northern Ireland.

The Alliance Party’s Stephen Farry told the BBC: “There’s now a massive problem, he cannot be an impartial broker” (…) “The government will have one hand behind its back and if it tells the DUP to agree to something it doesn’t want to then the DUP will pull the plug and the whole thing will come crashing down” (…) “We cannot stop them from making this deal, but the repercussions for Northern Ireland are potentially severe.” (Belfast Telegraph, 2017). So the Alliance Party are saying the same the Sinn Fein is saying. Therefore, the Unionist gets possible control of the dialogue and their will. While the Republicans are getting scraps. They will take charge and make sure the British ideals get more favor over the ones with loyalty towards Ireland.

In the Power Sharing Agreement of 2008, as Strand One part (9) says:
“Appointment of Ministers in the Executive. An amendment would be made to the 1998 Act on appointment of Ministers in the Executive. The Nominating Officer of the largest party in the largest designation in the Assembly shall make a nomination to the Assembly Presiding Officer for the post of First Minister. The Nominating Officer of the largest party in the second largest designation in the Assembly shall similarly nominate for the post of Deputy First Minister. The d’Hondt procedure will then run, as already set out in the 1998 Act, to fill the Ministerial posts in the Executive” (Power Sharing Executive, 2008). This means at Stormont, the biggest and next biggest would get either First Minister or Second Minister. But with this sort of agreement between Tories and DUP, the DUP will get an upper-hand in the coalition that breaches this.

So the coalition isn’t only possibly breaching the Good Friday Agreeement, but also controversial as the agreement between Tories and DUP might give the power over the First Minister of Northern Ireland. Which means that they doesn’t only have a hand at Stormont, but from Westminster can control the leadership from afar.

This will overpower the d’Hondt procedure a system explained like this: “The basic idea is that a party’s vote total is divided by a certain figure which increases as it wins more seats. As the divisor becomes bigger, the party’s total in succeeding rounds gets smaller, allowing parties with lower initial totals to win seats” (Elliott, 1999). This is away of broader democracy and give smaller parties a voice in the assembly, something that certainly was needed in the Stormont. But with the newest agreement this surely creates issues for the parties that lost seats in these general elections like Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) and Socialist Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP).

This agreement between DUP and Tories will offer the Unionist more power and also shred light on the Republicans as they are put in the dark. Sinn Fein and others are really on the back-bench. The serious of the matter, is how this is possibly breaking important accords and agreements, which has created peace in Northern Ireland. Still, the discussion and stalemate in Belfast will get severely damaged by the possible power-grab of DUP. Who has all to gain for very little, while the rest of Republicans can only watch and wonder how they might be hurt be this. As the DUP might avenge the past-aggression with political means. Peace.

Reference:

Belfast Telegraph – ‘Repercussions of Tory/DUP deal ‘severe for Northern Ireland’ (11.06.2017) link:http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2017/repercussions-of-torydup-deal-severe-for-northern-ireland-35813858.html

Elliott, Sydney Dr. – ‘The d’Hondt system explained’ (28.11.1999) link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/91150.stm

Power Sharing Executive – ‘Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’ (08.05.2008)

Sinn Fein/Gerry Adams – ‘Adams calls on parties to consider independent chair for talks’ (11.06.2017) link: http://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/44986

Tories-DUP Coalition: May needs the DUP more, than they [DUP] need the Tories!

Certainly the late night statement that the Democratic Unionist Party are still in talks with the Conservative Party. Proves that the Northern Ireland question is still not sealed, as well as the stalemate of power in London are still fragile. That Theresa May needs the support of Arlene Foster more than ever. Theresa May needs the DUP to have enough MP’s to have a majority. This is something important at play.

BREAKING: DUP leader Arlene Foster to meet Theresa May in London on Tuesday after Number 10 mistakenly announces agreement with the party” (David Blevins, 11.06.2017).

At this moment the ramifications of the power-play of the DUP who can really ambush the Tories. Therefore, the Number 10. statement of yesterday has been downplayed by the Northern Irish party. So the world and the United Kingdom will not know the implication of the deal before later next week. This proves the weakness of the Tories and May. Who has to walk slowly and be less rash, since the DUP can easily just back-away if they are not taken care of enough.

Surely, the Sinn Fein and other Northern Irish parties should ask for a place in the coalition, if not it is impartial and in direct conflict of the Good Friday Agreement. If not Theresa May’s will to regain power is in vain, as she destroys the peaceful agreement and creates a possible stalemate at Stormont and in Belfast. If she wants to regain it, it should be done with tact and care. It would at this point be better if the Tories went into a coalition with Liberal Democratic Party (Lib-Dems) over the DUP. But that would mean another type of coalition and also another type of negotiations.

But Theresa May doesn’t seem to be keen to have viable coalition, which doesn’t create problems in either Scotland or Northern Ireland. She prefers power at any cost. Even if the price is to destroy the Good Friday Agreement. That she will trade away the agreement for a possible cabinet and make ready for Brexit. Proves that she will use all means to gain power. Not for the betterment of the UK, but that she get to keep her chair.

The only winner is DUP, but they are also making themselves impartial in Northern Irish issues, as they are highly connected in London, instead of Belfast. The national assembly of Stormont will be proxy parliament, instead of a genuine chambers. They will be second-hand and not as respected as it needs to be. As the DUP would earn political mileage in London and by propping-up May! Peace.

South Sudan Diaspora activists condemned civilians killing in the ambush (10.06.2017)

June 10, 2017 (KAMPALA)-The International Youth for Africa has strongly condemned the killing of civilians along the Juba-Nimule road, and urges the South Sudanese rebels and pro-government to desist from civilians attack. Ter Manyang Gatwech, an executive director of (IYA), for the South Sudanese base human right organization in Kampala has blamed the rebels for killing four civilians in the ambush of Friday.

However, the rights body has called on the Sudan People Liberation Movement –In Opposition to stop attacking civilian convoy escort.

“IYA condemned in strongest term possible. Those who claimed the responsibility need to be taken to the court. Both SPLM-IG and SPLM-IO committed a lot of human rights abuse this including arbitrary detention, torture, killing, forced and disappears,” he said.

IYA is urging both the government of South Sudan and the rebels allied to former first vice president Riek Machar to sit down and iron out their differences, through peaceful and recommitted to the 2015 August peace agreement.

“A political agreement should be the first to stop the war then follow by the National Dialogue in the context of reconciliation, forgiveness and accountability.

The venue, should be two phases a constitutional round table to include political parties and main stakeholders, Opposition, Church, youth, women, and community leaders both interior and exterior,” he said.

However, he urged the regional leaders and the international community to pressure both sides to accept peace if it’s forceful mean.

#QatarCrisis: Somaliland cut ties with Qatar, and rumors that the Federal Government of Somalia plans the same!

The Qatar crisis continues as the diplomatic meeting announced yesterday, that the Federal Republic of Somalia where together with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). So they were reports that the KSA would stop giving aid to the Federal Government of Somalia. This would really hurt the Somalian government. Therefore, this meetings was really crucial for the Somalian government and their funding. This is something the KSA counterparts know. That is why the reports from the KSA trip hasn’t gone as the Somali representatives should expect.

Reports from the credible Harun Maruf reports: “Somalia ministers return to Mogadishu after KSA trip; reports suggest they were given a “cold shoulder” but ministers insist it “went well” (…) “Diplomatic sources: Saudi Arabia asked Somalia to either cut ties with Qatar or downgrade relations; Somalia rejected both propositions” (Harun Maruf, 09.06.2017).

While Somaliland has now sided with KSA and UAE. “Foreign Minister Saad Ali Shire made the announcement at Somaliland’s Presidential Palace, following an emergency cabinet meeting. Many expected Somaliland would side with the Saudi-led coalition, as the UAE was granted permission to build a military base in Somaliland in February, and has close relations with the Government of the Republic of Somaliland” (The National Somaliland – ‘Breaking: Somaliland sides with Saudi Arabia and UAE against Qatar’, 10.06.2017).

So while earlier this week the Federal Republic of Somalia called for dialogue on the 7th June as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) diplomatic squabble in the gulf-states that they are exporting to add pressure other places. This as Djibouti already has sided. Sudan has sided with the dialogue of Kuwait, while Eritrea doesn’t want to be involved. Ethiopia has invested in Djibouti, so that might be their way into this. Therefore, the report from Fana is clearing the way for what they will do: “Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn held talks today with Saudi Arabia’s Royal Court Adviser Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb on issues of common interest. The two sides discussed about ways of further strengthening mutual ties”(Fana Broadcasting Corporate – ‘PM meets Saudi, S Sudanese envoys’, 10.06.2017).

That Somalia is under fire, as even one of their states are now partial and has taken sides, it is not unexpected as Somaliland already has agreements of running their ports through a UAE run company. This was about to come, but when it was happening was about to arrive. Now it has and the Mogadishu government has to decide, as their partners in Hargeisa. While Ethiopia, Djibouti and Yemen has taken sides with KSA, UAE and Bahrain. It is now only Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia who has talked about needing dialogue between the Gulf nations.

The politics of the Horn of Africa has been implicated in Qatar crisis and in a heavy way. The Somalia representatives even was back-slapped in Saudi Arabia, even if they don’t want to say so. The threats of cutting of aid and making it hard not to cut from Qatar. Proves how far the KSA will go to settle the stand with smaller and poorer nations. They will bait them to even make it hard not to cut the ties to Qatar, as the funding and support of the GCC allies will be suspended as well.

You can wonder when the GCC partners will ploy into South Sudan, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Tanzania and Kenya. They are the next in line. We just have to wait and see. The UAE and KSA will certainly want Somalia to cut ties as Somaliland have already done. Pea

A possible DUP/Tories Coalition breaks the ‘Impartiality Clause’ in the Good Friday Agreement!

In the Good Friday agreement that was written in 1998 might create issues for the newly admitted deal between the Conservative Party (Tories) and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) yesterday, after the Tories lost their majority and their powers in the House. The lacking need of MPs, which made this agreement happen in the first place.

If you read the Good Friday Agreement or “The Agreement” of 1998 between the Her Majesty Government or the United Kingdom Government and the Northern Irish Government. Where the peace-agreement are clearly evident on the Constitutional Aspect of the agreement, that implicates certain values between the London and Belfast. That certainly Prime Minister Theresa May and DUP leader Arlene Foster, who both doesn’t want to think about the implications.

Therefore, let me take an important paragraph from the Agreement:

(v) affirm that whatever choice is freely exercised by a majority of the people of Northern Ireland, the power of the sovereign government with jurisdiction there shall be exercised with rigorous impartiality on behalf of all the people in the diversity of their identities and traditions and shall be founded on the principles of full respect for, and equality of, civil, political, social and cultural rights, of freedom from discrimination for all citizens, and of parity of esteem and of just and equal treatment for the identity, ethos, and aspirations of both communities” (Good Friday Agreement – Constitutional Isssues, 1998).

So with this in mind, the sovereign government in Northern Ireland should be exercised with rigorous impartiality. Merriam-Webster explains impartiality as “lack of favoritism toward one side or another”. If understood rightfully means that the Tories are now favoring the DUP in Northern Ireland, which would be natural as they are going into partnership as they are giving enough votes for them to continue to form a new cabinet. Since the Northern Irish questions will be concerning the policies and angles of DUP, not the rest. As the Sinn Fein and other parties will not be a part of the coalition. Therefore, while the Tories will walk close and with honor of their accord. They will clearly be careful making troubles with their partner, that is clearly in violation of the one paragraph signed in the Good Friday Agreement. Because the Tories has to be impartial to make sure their fellow comrade are taken care off and are happy.

If this break the inner-works of Stormont and the other political structures in Northern Ireland, it wouldn’t be surprising as the DUP are risking the agreement that laid peace for some more power in the whole Union. Without considering the implications of their impartial place by close working with No. 10. That Sinn Fein is reacting isn’t shocking, if Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), People Before Profits (PBP), Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV). Still, the biggest voice in the NI other than DUP is Sinn Fein. Where Gerry Adams and others will clearly say this is a breach of the agreement.

I can understand this, even if the other parties in Northern Ireland isn’t questioning it. As Arlene Foster and Company are using their tricks to get a bargain. This will benefit her party and her constituency, but if it will really benefit the Northern Ireland politics, I doubt it. It will clearly bring massive questions and also a possible overhaul of the agreement. Which, Theresa May doesn’t need as she has enough problems with handling possible negotiations with Brussels and her weaken government into discussions of terms of the Brexit. Peace.

USA: Feinstein letter to Committee on the Judiciary with recommendation on continued investigation on the #RussianProbe (09.06.2017)

USA: Senate Committee of Judiciary letter as a subpoena to Prof. Richman for the Comey Memo’s (08.06.2017)

#QatarCrisis: KSA Blackmailing Somalia and while Eritrea & Ethiopia wants to stay ‘Neutral’!

Today, the on-going crisis between the Qatar and its neighbors continue. That United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The diplomatic spat continues. As the nations in region also uses their foreign partners and development countries to put pressure on Qatar. The newest victim is the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Today in a meeting with Saudi Diplomates, the National Representatives from Somalia was meet with this hostile message: “Cut ties with Qatar & we’ll give you what ever you want”. Also, since the Federal Government of Somalia hasn’t delivered on that wish or command by the KSA. They have ultimately done this: “Saudi Arabia refuses to give any financial support to Somalia govt until it cut ties with Qatar”. This come within short hours that the Somalia Republic statement talks of wishing for peace between their Arab partners. Clearly, the KSA doesn’t accept that sort of regime and arrangement. Therefore, the Somalian representatives and also state who needs financial support. That is why this sort of reaction show’s the power of their financial reach and they want to impose their aid with control of the foreign affairs of Somalia.

While the meeting has lead to this relationship with Somalia. They have not tried to change the minds of Ethiopia or Sudan. Since their reach there isn’t as powerful as they could be in Somalia. That proves the power of petrodollars and the wealth of the Saudi Kingdom. Ethiopia has also taken a neutral stance, but has not been hit with pressure yet.

Ethiopian Statement:

The Ethiopian foreign ministry has yet to comment, there is a strong feeling among officials in the ministry that they are caught in the middle of a bewildering regional dispute, according to sources. “Ethiopia is acting with great caution and it will come up with a statement urging for dialogue,” a senior diplomat told Ethiopia Observer. Ethiopia’s dilemma is that it trying to develop political and economic ties with Qatar, while also trying to develop strategic ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries” (Fantahun, 2017).

While the Eritrea statement says this:

Eritrea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release said that in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are requested to contact the Eritrean diplomats to cut ties to Qatar. Policies that Eritrea has been completely rejected it. Eritrea said the Qatar share a good relationship, and it is not practicable to apply due to its relationship to the cut. Policies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea’s president has called for a negotiated end to the tension between Qatar and countries in conflict” (VOASomali – link: https://www.voasomali.com/a/3893751.html).

So if they do this to, than the KSA might come with similar threats and pressure as they have now done to Somalia. Certainly if it wasn’t for President Omar Al-Bashir talks with Kuwait and their dialogue, the KSA might have given him a decree too. Certainly, the KSA and their allies are using their leverage and ability to oil-money to sway people to go against Qatar. Peace.

Reference:

Fantahun, Arefayne – ‘Ethiopia and Sudan remain neutral in Saudi-Qatar rift’ (07.06.2017) link: http://www.ethiopiaobserver.com/2017/06/ethiopia-and-sudan-remain-neutral-in-saudi-qatar-rift/

South Sudan: SPLM-IO – A Brief Response to Taban’s Attempt to Distort Facts (09.06.2017)