




Communique of the 31st Extra-Ordinary Summit of IGAD Assembly of Heads of State and Government on South Sudan (12.06.2017)











12th June 2017, Oslo
Dear Prime Minister Theresa May of the United Kingdom!
I write to you today in haste, because of the implications of your reckless behavior. Not because my token or my place in United Kingdom matters, because it doesn’t. I would be hired foreign worker, who would work on a Schengen Visa (EEA) and do a boring job in London, while fleeing on the tube to eat pot-noodles in the evening. Alas, I am foreigner who will not do so.
I write to you because it seems like you will risk peace and safety in Northern Ireland, so you and your party can continue to reign. It seems like your Executive position and power are more important than the agreement of the past. You wrote in your manifesto that Jeremy Corbyn and Labour would have a shambolic coalition. Now, at this very moment its like you create your own problems.
We all understand, that after your horrendous campaign and weaken mandate need help. You need someone to give you a hand, as your power has ceased and the lacking need of mandate to run the House of Commons. It must be hurtful to be beaten by someone like Corbyn and their political framework. Therefore, you are doing now own thing to stay.
Instead of caring about the Northern Ireland peace process, you are meddling in the middle because you need Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), one of the big parts of the Northern Irish politics. It would be like the Sinn Fein would join the Fine Gael and Irish Labour Party in Dublin. As the Northern Irish politics are still been in collaboration between Dublin and London. Because the Northern Irish politics are still between the ones loyal to crown and the other the Irish republic.
However, the Tories, you Mrs. May are not concerned about this, you seem selfishly aware of it, but doesn’t anticipate what the means of power are doing. It seems like you haven’t studied the Good Friday Agreement and it’s ‘Impartiality Clause’. This agreement of 1998 set the standard for how the Irish and the British was supposed interfere in Northern Ireland. Together with the Power Sharing of 2008 where the ‘Strand One’ are putting both parties of Unionist and Republican’s in either First Minister or Deputy Minister. This is done as the d’Hondt procedure as if one is elected another has to take part. So if the agreement of 2008 matters to May, she should involve Sinn Fein.
This means that you Theresa May have not only to think about what the team around DUP and Arlene Foster wants, but has to think about the needs of Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill. The needs of the Republicans and the agreements that has secured peace and possible solutions shouldn’t be drained by need of support in the House of Commons. You should see that, Prime Minister! Or is your need to reign more important than the possible implications in NI?
That there are so many questions and you open a can of worms. And when you release it is hard to exterminate it. I have not written about the policies or the distinguished characters of DUP that your allying yourself with. Since that has other done so properly, so I don’t have to. But what matters it is the dire consequences of giving powers to Unionist as you destabilize the Republicans.
That is what is worrying me. I know you wouldn’t have liked if you as ruling party had more interference from Ireland in Northern Irleand, as Sinn Fein would have been in direct government with Fine Gael. That would have hurt the pride of London, now you are breaching the trust with Republicans of the Northern Ireland.
The most important question:
Will you risk to stay on throne for the price of stability in Northern Ireland?
If so than continue what your doing!
However, if you honor the agreements that ceased the civil-war between the parties. That promises was made to secure the respect of the Northern Irish people, if they we’re either Catholic or Protestant, if they we’re either Unionist or Republicans. This should be respected by you, Prime Minister. Your impartiality in the Good Friday Agreement and honoring the Power Sharing Agreement of 2008. These agreements should matter to you and the Conservative Party. They should be guidelines and show how to rule from London. Instead because of fragile chair in the House of Commons. Your begging mercy of Unionists from Belfast.
Your acts Prime Minister can be seen as a token and a possible breach of important agreements in Northern Ireland! As your coalition is giving an edge to the Unionist, where you are more concerned about their trade-off in negotiations in possible coalition of yours. Instead of being worried of the grave disparities it creates in Belfast, Limerick and other parts of Northern Ireland.
If your serious, you shouldn’t go into this coalition. You should step-off.
There are dangers you stepping into that you shouldn’t, but your not caring are you? Your own power is more important than the troubles your forcing yourself into?
Peace.
Best Regards.
Writer of MinBane



The Federal Government of Somalia in Mogadishu has not cut their ties to Qatar, after the treat of cutting their aid. As even the meeting in Saudi Arabia haven’t gone well, and the Qatar Foreign Diplomat met with Hassan Ali Khaire yesterday. This proves that still, the Federal Republic of Somalia plans to stay neutral on the matter, even as Somaliland are embargoing and closing their borders for Qatar. This is the current report today!
Harun Maruf Statement today:
“Saudi Arabia knows it has no leverage on Somalia, pledges made to Somalia weren’t met, diplomatic relations not strong, source tells me” (…) “UAE does have leverage on Somalia – it’s training military and maritime forces in Mogadishu and Puntland, 1000s Somalis work in UAE” (…) “UAE may not rush to punish Somalia for not cutting ties with Qatar: Somali parliament will soon open deliberations on UAE interests in port and bases” (Harun Maruf, 12.06.2017).
The Middle East Monitor is spelling out that the Somali Government still doesn’t care for the blackmailing the Mogadishu representatives, as the KSA are trying to pay them to cut ties with Qatar. They are not giving-up and wanting them to give in, like Yemen, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Maldives, Djibouti, Tchad and Comoros, who has all cut ties with Qatar. They we’re expecting the same from Somalia, but apparently this is not at the interest of the FSG.
“Somali President, Mohammed Abdullah Farmajo, has been offered $80 million in exchange for his agreement to sever diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar, the New Khalij news outlet reported a prominent journalist has revealed. “After two hours of enticement, Farmajo rejected the tempting offer,” journalist Jaber Al-Harimi said” (…) “The sources confirmed that Saudi Arabia threatened to withdraw financial aid to the Somali government unless Somalia change its neutral stand in which it has called for an end to the political dispute between Qatar and the other Arab nations through dialogue via Islamic organisations like the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC). The sources added that “ministers of the Somali government returned from Saudi Arabia after meetings with their counterpart were unexpectedly postponed.” It is understood that the rulers of the UAE, with the knowledge of Saudi Arabia, have already sought to persuade Farmajo, who won the presidency despite opposition from the UAE, to change his position” (Middle East Monitor, 2017).
Clearly, the Saudi Arabian diplomat’s have used their preservation to sway the Somali of changing their ways. As it is even reported not as earlier before that President Farmaajo said no to $50m, but $80m. Which is a hefty sum, and could make a big difference. Still it is envelope politics and blackmailing. Not of discussions of mere accords or even guidelines of just behavior, but more of trying to pay them to drop their agreements and deals with Qatar.
So it is not like the KSA does this with tact or honesty, they are more trying to use their petrodollars to silence Mogadishu and their representatives. They are clearly trying to cut of more airspace and one of few neutral partners, who hasn’t taken a direct side. That is why the KSA are working so hard and even offering more and more aid. Not because the KSA cares about Somali life or the Federation, more use it as tool to make more of the airspace and the embargo more effective. We can easily see this and see the reason for the battle of loyalty from Mogadishu, but blackmailing shouldn’t be the way. The KSA should know this, but apparently they don’t. Peace.
Reference:
Middle East Monitor – ‘Somalia turns down $80m to cut ties with Qatar’ (12.06.2017) link: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20170612-somalia-turns-down-80m-to-cut-ties-with-qatar/


MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 12, 2017 -President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s statement on the dawn strike on Alshabab training base near Sakow.
“Earlier today, I authorized our special forces with the support of our international partners to conduct a strike against an al-Shabaab training camp near Sakow, Middle Juba region. This was a successful strike which destroyed a key al-Shabaab command and supply hub. This will ultimately disrupt the enemy’s ability to conduct new attacks within Somalia.”
“I said when I took office that security will be top priority for my administration. This strike will enhance security and reduce the threats of Alshabab.”
“We have long suffered at the hands of Alshabab which is supported by global terror networks. We and our international partners will take every possible precaution to protect our civilian population from harm during these operations while targeting terrorists.”
“All of us know somebody from our youth, our village, our families, who has been killed or injured by the senseless violence of al-Shabaab. I have personally met the families and the victims of several Alshabab attacks. For those who have suffered under al-Shabaab, and for the rest of Somalia, I want you to know that we are committed to defeating al-Shabaab and uniting our people.”
“To the members of al-Shabaab, I tell you that we are bringing the fight to you. If you, however take advantage of my amnesty offer and denounce violence, we will integrate you into our reform program. You have no future with the terrorists, but you can still be a part of Somalia’s future; a peaceful and prosperous future.”

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

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

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.
