Somalia: South West Senators – Press Release (13.12.2018)

Somalia: Speaker Mursal planning to table Impeachment Motion after all!

Today on the 12th December 2018, the Speaker of the Lower House Mursal was released. On the same a new twist to the saga of Impeachment against Farmaajo. This story doesn’t seem to die. Therefore, two brief paragraphs, to extend a hand to explain the special times we are in.

On the 9th December 2018 there was over 92 MPs who signed themselves on an Impeachment of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. While there was nothing directed at Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheire. That is why there speculation if he was the one behind the scenes fixing it. So that he could topple the President. This was served the Lower House Speaker Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman, who accepted the Impeachment. To file it and put it forward in the Lower House of Parliament would be really a stand-off.

Since the 10th December 2018 at Villa Hargeisa, the Speaker has been under-house. He has been that for two days now. The Security Forces sealed it off as the Impeachment came into play. While today on the 11th December 2018, the Secretary General of the Parliament, Abdikarim Hajji Bux deducted 14 MPs from the Motion of the Impeachment. Because of that the Motion was declared invalid. That has happen as the Speaker been under house-arrest.

So, now on the 12th December 2018, the Lower House Speaker was released and even been at Villa Somalia. Mursal has decided to table the Motion as per protocol, meaning the Secretary General acts while him being house-arrest has been countered as “null and void”. The declared lack of merit is really shown, as Mursal intend to pursuit the Motion. Therefore, the whole run is set a blaze again. Because, Mursal claim the validity of the Motion.

Therefore, the ones who thought the game could be rigged by the guns and the assault on the Parliament, by House Arresting Speaker was wrong. It was a cowards way of pursuing its goal. Still, the President did it and now, the Speaker retaliates with protocol and rules of the Parliament. In sharp contrast to the ones used by the Executive. Who in self-defence used the SNA to siege Villa Hargeisa.

This story doesn’t die, the President is still fighting to stay in power. We can wonder what is the next step or turn. As there is nothing unseen or undone. As the President might do like Kheire did with Jawari. Besiege the Parliament with the SNA to get his way. We have seen it before, and could see it again. Peace.

Somalia: The impeachment against President Farmaajo is declared invalid!

On the 9th December 2018 there was over 92 MPs who signed themselves on an Impeachment of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. While there was nothing directed at Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheire. That is why there speculation if he was the one behind the scenes fixing it. So that he could topple the President. This was served the Lower House Speaker Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman, who accepted the Impeachment. To file it and put it forward in the Lower House of Parliament would be really a stand-off.

Since the 10th December 2018 at Villa Hargeisa, the Speaker has been under-house. He has been that for two days now. The Security Forces sealed it off as the Impeachment came into play. While today on the 11th December 2018, the Secretary General of the Parliament, Abdikarim Hajji Bux deducted 14 MPs from the Motion of the Impeachment. Because of that the Motion was declared invalid. That has happen as the Speaker been under house-arrest.

This shows what sort of political play the Villa Somalia does and how he clears the House. When the Villa Somalia wanted to get rid of Speaker Jawari, they sent the army to the Lower House and besieged it. So, in April 2019 Kheire won the match and the stand-off. After nearly a month of political hardball. Jawari resigned… and lost, but the issues are still there.

We can wonder will happen next, how long will Villa Somalia keep the newly minted Speaker behind the Lower House? Because keeping Mursal under house-arrest because of Motion of Impeachment. Proves that the leadership is immature and not nurturing the process. As the FGS and Villa Somalia really addressing this the wrong way.

If they had a case, they should have answered the Lower House in Person, not sending the army to the Gates of the Villa Hargeisa. That is just weakness. The President is still a coward, the only difference is that he is carrying a gun. The Lower House filled a Motion questioned the Agreements done with Eritrea and Ethiopia, as the President has done deals without being transparent with the Parliament. That is why they could doubt the President. Secondly, they could have been swayed by outside forces. Thirdly, they could do it try to get more cash and funding.

We have not heard much from the rest of the MPs who was Pro-Impeachment. There will be surely more aftermath to this. Certainly someone went to play, but didn’t get their result. Also, some tried to play hard, but got stamped on.

Even if the President thinks he won now, this is not how a victory looks like. Villa Somalia didn’t win, but didn’t lose either. Farmaajo are saved for the moment, but is a fragile President. As he needs the soldiers and armed forces to get his way in the Lower House of the Parliament. The FGS and Villa Somalia is really weak. Peace.

Somalia: National Rescue Plan (10.12.2018)

Somalia: Another Showdown Awaits in Parliament!

This week there been plenty of political movement in the Federal Somali Parliament in Mogadishu. As the Lower House and Members of Parliament are reacting to the acts of the Duo of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheire.

As there been reports of economic mismanagement, also massive corruption scandal as the Ministry of Finance cannot prove vast amount of funds gone missing. Deputy Speaker of the Lower House, Abdiweli Ibrahim Muudey disbanded the Lower House Oversight Committee of Finance, while the Speaker Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman has receded that decision.

Today, there we’re 96 Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) has filed in a Motion to the Lower House of Impeachment of the President, because of lack of transparency with the agreements with Eritrea and Ethiopia without any Parliament oversight.

There are unverified report, that before the tabled motion was accepted by the Speaker Mursal, two of his deputies, that there was a lunch meeting between Kheire, where they discussed the motion and registered the motion of impeachment.

Just like last time, when Jawari was taken out as the Speaker in the Lower-House. The showdown was with Kheire and him. Now, it seems that Kheire … is trying to take out Farmaajo to take control of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and own the Vila Somalia. That seems like the case.

There are also support for the impeachment of the President from the Council of Inter-State Cooperation (CIC) who in a Press Release today supported the Motion itself. That is why, there are powerful forces in play. Who knows who are moving and for what real reasons. But this is happening quickly.

Who knows what is next up in-line as MPs will come out and play it out in every which way. The other speakers will react to the recognition of the Motion. The uncertainty and the next acts will be important.

This is if there is plans from Kheire to takeover or if someone else has plans. As it was Kheire who took out Jawari and since he succeeded. He might use Mursal to impeach Farmaajo, but that is just hearsay at this point. Some say this is a normal corrupt shakedown of the President and Prime Minister. As the Parliament are using these techniques to solicit money from the Villa Somalia and Villa Hargeisa.

We have to see how this goes. If this is PM playing games again like someone has reported, or if this is foreign forces influencing the Parliament, lastly if this is a way of soliciting more money from the PM and President to keep them. We don’t know right now, if they are really against the agreements with Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Surely, the Somali Parliament and Political Operatives will be in turmoil until this is settled. We have to wonder if Kheire is scheming or not. If Farmaajo thinks he can win over this or anyone else is feeding the dragon. Peace.

Eritrea: Statement Delivered by Mr. Amanuel Giorgio, Charge d’Affaires, Permanent Mission of Eritrea to the United Nations During the UN Security Council Discussion on the Situation in Somalia (14.11.2018)

Djibouti: H.E. Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Djibouti to the United Nations before the Security Council on the situation in Somalia (14.11.2018)

Jajja says War is Wasteful: Why is your CV filled with Military Enterprises then?

War is wasteful. You have lost a lot of development time. In 2005 during the interim period, Juba was a very small town near the river. Now it has grown wide. If we had not had this war between 2013 – 2015, there would have been even greater development. Make covenant like the one Israel made with God. No war to solve political arguments between brothers and sisters. Political arguments can be solved by discussions or free and fair elections. It is ideologically incorrect to use war for an argument. Also make sure state institutions are national to build peoples confidence” – Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the 31st October 2018 at the Peace Celebration in Juba, South Sudan.

I have heard time believe the audacity the Ugandan President had yesterday, the man who has built a career and made sure, everyone knows. It is a reason why the Uganda People’s Defence Force is involved with all sorts of business, aside of warfare. They are parts of NAADs, SACCOs, NEC and so on. Nothing the army doesn’t do. UPDF infuse everywhere and has done so, since the NRA/NRM took power in 1986.

The war-sheet I have made of Museveni is striking and certainly lacks the finer details. But it gives the gist of the peace-maker and peace-loving dude, the farmer of the State House and the all-round Cattle-Keeper are up too. Jajja or Mzee, even Bosco knows this and cannot be that forgetful. Even if he is getting advanced age. He steadily been parts of wars, supported them and even using his force in battlefields as we speak. Therefore, we he calls wars a waste, he has built a career on it. None denying that. If you do. Check his record. Read a few books and get back to me.

Museveni’s Gist Warrior CV:

1979 ( Uganda National Liberation Army) Overthrow President Idi Amin together with President Nyerere and Dr. Milton Obote.

1980-1986 (National Resistance Army) Bush-War against Obote

1986 – 2006 Northern Insurgency and civil-war in Northern Uganda against the Lord Resistance Army (LRA)

1993-1994 UPDF Supports the Rwandan Patriotic Army in the Rwandan Genocide and the overthrow of the Juvénal Habyarimana.

1996-1997 First Congo War – UPDF and RPA invades Democratic Republic of Congo to overthrow Mobutu Sese Seko.

August 1998 – July 2003 Second Congo War – UPDF and RPA assassinate Laurent-Desire Kabila. Joseph Kabila his son takes power after him.

March 2007 – Until Now: UPDF as part of the AMISOM Mission in Somalia

2011 – 2017 African Union Regional Task Force supported by the USA to use UPDF to hunt for the LRA and Kony in the Central African Republic (C.A.R).

2013-2015 UPDF fights in the civil-war in support of South Sudan President Salva Mayardit Kiir.

2017 – Until Now: Deployment and Training of Soldiers in Equatorial Guinea

Side Projects:

Supporting arms to MLC, M23 and other militias within the DRC at various points of time. Kisoro, Mbarara and Kabale military bases for arms and training.

Military training of personnel and trading arms to South Sudan, even during UN Arms Embargo.

Allegedly Supported Nkurunziza with battalions and helicopters during the Burundi Crisis in 2015.

When you see this list, you get the feeling right. Here is not even casualties, the internally displaced, the refugees or the famines created. There is neither the export of conflict minerals or any of the misgivings, the possible assassinations of high ranking officials, the political play to be the king-maker within the Great Lakes Region and the East Africa Community. Something President Yoweri Museveni always was be. He wants loyal men to himself and his reign to in the neighborhood. That is why he has involved himself in Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and South Sudan. He has had twist into everything.

Therefore, it is rich reading that he said this yesterday in Juba, South Sudan. It is noble thought of the old-man. But it didn’t come from the right person. It should come from someone who hasn’t used military force to get his will and get power. Neither to overthrow and start wars in other countries too. President Museveni is that guy and not only waited for International Recognition, before sending troops somewhere in favor of someone he wants to be in power. That is just what the man does. He easily sends troops if it benefits him.

Enough of this nonsense. Enough of these bullets. Peace.

English High Court continues restraint against Djibouti Port Company over shares in Joint Venture (23.09.2018)

Court extends Order to prohibit interference with DP World’s right to manage Doraleh Container Terminal S.A. (“DCT”).

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, September 23, 2018 – The High Court of England and Wales in London has continued the injunction first made on 31 August 2018, prohibiting the Government of Djibouti’s port company, Port de Djibouti S.A. (“PDSA”) from interfering with the management of the joint venture company, Doraleh Container Terminal S.A. (“DCT”).

On 31 August, the Court issued a without notice injunction against PDSA, as shareholder in DCT, prohibiting the following actions:

  • It shall not act as if the joint venture agreement with DP World has been terminated
  • It shall not appoint new directors or remove DP World’s nominated directors without its consent
  • It shall not cause the DCT joint venture company to act on “Reserved Matters” (being matters contractually reserved to DP World) without DP World’s consent.
  • It shall not instruct or cause DCT to give instructions to Standard Chartered Bank in London to transfer funds to Djibouti.

Following a hearing on 14 September 2018, at which PDSA failed to appear despite being notified, the Court ordered that the injunction will continue until it makes a further order or an award of the arbitration tribunal at the London Court of International Arbitration (“LCIA”) that will be formed imminently to consider the shareholding dispute with DP World.

On DP World’s application, the Court also extended the injunction to include any ‘affiliate’ of PDSA.  Under the JV Agreement, PDSA’s affiliates include the Government.  The decision follows the enactment of an “emergency” ordinance by the President of Djibouti on 9 September.  This ordinance purported to transfer PDSA’s shares in DCT to the Government of Djibouti.

PDSA is 23.5% owned by China Merchants Port Holdings Company Ltd of Hong Kong (“China Merchants”).

The Court further ordered that PDSA must ensure that any transferee of DCT shares is legally bound by the Joint Venture Agreement and Articles of Association in the same way as PDSA.  The ruling means neither the Government nor PDSA can control DCT or give valid instructions to third parties on behalf of DCT without DP World’s consent.

DP World confirmed last week it will continue to pursue all legal means to defend its rights as shareholder and concessionaire in the Doraleh Container Terminal in the face of the Government’s blatant disregard for the rule of law and respect for binding commercial contracts.

A DP World spokesperson, said: “This is yet another in a series of rulings – all in favour of DP World – that demonstrate Djibouti’s continuing disregard for the rule of law. We underline our belief that companies intending to operate in such a country or already operating there need to seriously consider their dealings with this Government in the face of such behaviour.”

The 2006 Concession Agreement that the Government awarded to DP World is governed by English law.  It provides that all disputes relating to the Agreement are to be resolved through binding arbitration at the LCIA with two such LCIA proceedings already completed.

In the first proceeding, the Government filed an arbitration against DP World seeking to rescind the Concession Agreement, claiming its terms were unfair to the Government and were procured through bribery.  The LCIA tribunal (comprising Sir Richard Aikens, Lord Hoffmann, Peter Leaver QC) ruled against the Government, finding the terms were fair and there was no bribery.  Certain counterclaims raised by DCT and DP World in relation to DP World’s exclusive right to container handling facilities in Djibouti remain to be decided by the Tribunal.

In a separate proceeding, another LCIA Tribunal (comprising Professor Zachary Douglas QC) held that the 2006 Concession Agreement was valid notwithstanding the Government’s attempts to terminate it through special legislation and decrees.  DP World’s claims for damages against the Government will now be determined in these proceedings.

To date, the Government has not made any offer to compensate DP World.

Somalia’s destiny lies in the hands of the people, highlights outgoing UN envoy (14.09.2018)

Despite remarkable achievements in Somalia in the recent past, structural challenges remain and continue to undermine the country’s security and political stability, the United Nations envoy for the country has warned.

DAKAR, Senegal, September 14, 2018 – Briefing the Security Council for the last time in his capacity as UN Special Representative for Somalia, Michael Keating called on all Somalis to draw strength from the positive transformations going on inside the country and work collectively for the common good.

“The future of Somalia is in the hands of the Somalis,” he declared.

In particular, Mr. Keating – who also heads the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) – urged unity among political leaders.

“The more [they] show unity, the greater the opportunity, and the responsibility, of international partners to invest in all parts of the country and its leadership,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr. Keating highlighted four key concerns the country’s leaders need to address, and issues that the international community should keep focusing on.

These include the threat posed by the Al Shabaab and other extremist groups; the risk of political differences overshadowing progress in legislative, reform and security areas; fragmentation within the international community; and the danger of a humanitarian “catastrophe”, especially with most of the population already living in precarious circumstances due to climate change and other vulnerabilities.

“Future crises will result from the combination of climate related shocks; armed conflict provoked by Al Shabaab and unresolved grievances; competition over natural resources; and systemic marginalization of certain groups,” warned Mr. Keating. He underscored the need to reduce the vulnerability faced by ordinary Somalis, through job creation and smart investments that safeguard natural resources and help unlock the enormous economic potential of the country.

Besides political will, Mr. Keating underscored, success will depend on leaders from the political, business and traditional spheres “working together for the common good, leveraging the country’s potential wealth to transform prospects for people – especially the young.”

On 1 October, Nicholas Haysom will replace Mr. Keating as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and the head of UNSOM. Mr. Keating was appointed the top UN official in the Horn of Africa nation in November 2015.

Women have brought ‘important voices’ to Somali politics

Alongside Mr. Keating, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of the UN gender equality and empowerment agency for women and girls (UN Women) highlighted the “once-in-a-generation opportunity” that Somalia currently has to establish lasting peace, and gender equality.

She commended the nation for improving representation of women in public office, illustrated by the “jump” in women’s representation in parliamentary elections from 14 to nearly 25 per cent of seats in the most recent elections.

This progress, she underscored, has brought many “important voices” to Somali politics.

She said it had brought to the centre “the fight to end child marriage, end female genital mutilation (FGM), and change laws that discriminate against women,” noting that the participation of women will be further boosted if more leaders, especially clan leaders, embrace gender equality and support women.

She also called on the international community and the Security Council to support Somalia’s federal and provincial authorities, advance gender equality, act strongly against sexual and gender-based violence, advocate for meaningful participation and recognition of women in all sectors, and support women’s groups in the country.

“Women’s organizations in Somalia are organized. They are dedicated to their country: they are activists, advocates, entrepreneurs, professionals, and patriots,” said Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka, noting that as the country prepares to confront the challenges in the days ahead, “women will make the difference.”