Coup in Mogadishu: PM Khaire Vs. Speaker Jawari!

There are reports that the Somali National Army and the Special Guard on orders by the Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire today after there been secret meetings of a ‘No Confidence’ towards him and wanted it to be tabled at the Parliament. This was supposed to be a group of 40 MPs in the Parliament. However, the PM has addressed this with sending the army to the Parliament and seizing it. To silence and stop the House Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari. As well as the PM took away the Security Detail for the Speaker hours earlier. This is really a stand-off between the two power brokers.

This week the blows between has been evident as the tablet ‘no confidence’ against Jawari, that was in the media on the 13th March, now on the 16th March, the whole brigade has blown over. Since the PM has used his powers to act against the people who wants him down.

Even United Nations in Somalia (UNSOM) has this Press Statement late today: “JOINT PRESS STATEMENT: International community extremely concerned by recent political developments in #Somalia, urges respect for constitutional processes to resolve differences” (UNSOM, 16.03.2018).

This stand-off is because of different ‘no confidence’ votes and signatures. Earlier in the week, there was 40 MPs at an undisclosed location planning to put forward a petition to vote on the future of the Prime Minister. However, that has no been countered, but the PM decided to order the army. Therefore, this isn’t procedure or trying to resolve matter with words or persuasion. The same issue as of the fear, there are reports of regroup of 91 MPs to support the suspension of the Session tomorrow tabled by the speaker. But that is only to be in the good graces of the ones using the army against the Parliament.

While the Minister of Security Mohamed Abukar Islow Dualle wants to deflect the reports that has been going on for hours, as they are saying: “denies reports of the seizure of the Parliament building, says it sent reinforcement units to boost the security” (Garowe Online, 16.03.2018).

Just to further verification to all the speculations, that this is real, the reporting from Radio Dalsan said this: ““The security of the Parliament is not our control.If anything happens in Parliament the responsibility is not mine but the PM.The security is not in our hands but has gone to the PM. The responsibility has been taken by him” Speaking to journalists at his office Jawari added” (…) “Radio Dalsan reporter Saleymaan Rage confirmed the presence of extra military personnel deployed at the Parliament buildings. These latest development followed this week’s failed vote of no confidence against Jawari” (…) “Mps loyal to Jawari have accused Khaire of being the mastermind of the vote of no confidence against Speaker Jawari. Jawari said that he is ready to face the motion on the floor of the house if the legal requirements are met” (…) “Deputy Speaker Abdulkadir Mudey on Thursday had announced that the motion is legitimate and will brought to the house. Jawari has been a speaker since 2012” (Radio Dalsan, 16.03.2018).

Jawari claims reason motion was initiatied again him is because “I refused to sign documents that are contrary to the principle and trust”. If any problem happens at building it’ll be the responsibility of the PM who ordered seizure, Somali people should know that, Jawari says” (Harun Maruf, 16.03.2018).

At this point, with the allegations going both ways, the weakest link seems to be the one who ordered the army and Special Guards to takeover the Parliament. Take away the Parliamentary Guards and the ones securing the Parliament Speakers Security. That is really to insult to injury and also intimidate the Speaker of the Lower House. Prime Minister Khaire are really messing up the political landscape and also showing his will to use force to stay in power.

That PM Khaire is afraid is evident by his actions, since he fears for both motions, that the Lower House would get enough signatures and votes to impeach him. That would have insulted him and also his career. Seemingly, the speaker since 2012 would follow procedure and make sure he didn’t get enough signatures against him. That is what the PM should be doing, making alliances and making sure the Parliament would be on his side, even as the secret meetings was appearing. However, he has instead sent the army and trying to tell it isn’t anything. Like the Speaker would cry foul and spread the news, when it is nothing. It is Mogadishu. He knows when he see army personnel and when they takeover of the Parliament.

This is a coup, where the Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has taken all power in his hands and doesn’t care for the aftermath. He is clearly using his power and the position he has to stop the Speaker of the Lower House. Clearly, this is a violation and a stand-off. We just have to see, what will be the next movement. What it will cost for the Parliament, for the motions and for the Speaker. Even if this will backfire for the PM who is in-charge of the operation.

While we can wonder, why the President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Faramajo has been silent and hasn’t acted? Doesn’t he care about the Parliament or the Speaker? Is he a puppet for the Prime Minister? That is things I wonder about, since this sort of action should have been done by the President and the No Confidence should been pushed with him first and then the PM. That would be common sense, as the MPs would bring down the center and maneuver down the food-chain. Instead, the Second in Command is the one people are questioning. Than, you know there are something behind closed-doors that is not known in public or disclosed yet. Peace.

United Nations Mission in South Sudan and Government Break Ground for South Sudan’s First Juvenile Reformatory Centre in Juba (16.03.2018)

For the first time in South Sudan, this JRC will allow 90 children in conflict with the law to be safely and securely housed.

JUBA, South Sudan, March 16, 2018 – Today (March 15, 2018), the United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Moustapha Soumaré, and the Minister of Interior, Hon. Michael Chienjiek Geay, broke the ground to establish South Sudan’s first Juvenile Reformatory Centre (JRC) in Juba. This project is part of ongoing technical cooperation between the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the National Prisons Service of South Sudan (NPSSS). The project will result in the conversion, renovation, and refurbishment of one of Juba Central Prison’s buildings into a fully functioning JRC. The project will be implemented by the South Sudanese NGO, Charity Aid for Development and Emergency (CADE).

For the first time in South Sudan, this JRC will allow 90 children in conflict with the law to be safely and securely housed—separate from adult offenders—while awaiting trial or serving their sentences. Providing a separate living environment for children not only complies with international best practices, but also provides a more conducive environment for children to receive the support necessary to successfully reintegrate into society.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Soumaré stated that UNMISS’ Rule of Law and Child Protection Units “stand ready to partner with the government and the NPSSS to address issues related to juvenile detention and rehabilitation”. He also promised UNMISS’ support to continue advocating for much-needed vocational skills and education training programmes that will assist the children to fully reintegrate into society. Mr. Soumaré hoped that establishing this facility in Juba will serve as a model that can be replicated to serve other children in conflict with the law in other parts of the country.

As well as establishing this JRC, UNMISS’ collaboration with NPSSS includes the recent launch of a pilot project to review prolonged and arbitrary detention cases in Juba Central Prison. This project can be replicated in other prisons throughout the country to reduce cases of prolonged and arbitrary detention. In addition, UNMISS Rule of Law Unit is providing technical assistance to justice sector partners to develop legal reforms to reduce the number of persons in detention, including through exploring alternatives to detention.

South Sudan: Hon. Stephen Dhieu Dau Ayik – Congratulatory Message to Salvatore Garang Mabiordit (15.03.2018)

Opinion: I thought South Sudan would be broke much sooner!

It isn’t strange that the Republic of South Sudan has run out of money before? That this was only about time before this could happen. Before all the Reserves of South Sudanese Pound had left the Central Bank in Juba. Why is that natural? Maybe because of the constant civil war, the famine that is arising, the lack of produce and the lack of institutions. It is all effecting the economy, while the NGOs and Multi-Nationals are doing what they can to cover the basics, while the state is using the taxed funds and earnings of the crude-oil to secure ammunition and weapons from shady sources. This is happening while the United States has issued sanctions and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda has promised weapons. Therefore the recent reports kinda fit a narrative, where the reasons for the bankrupt state is very evident. But I will come into that after the reports are mentioned.

First the RSS broke:

President Kiir says the value of the pound also keeps on deteriorating and these facts have made South Sudan a “laughing stock” in the world. He said the leaders of the country have to think of ways to increase production so as to retain the currency’s value. “That [attempted] forceful taking of power has brought us now to this stage where we have no money in our bank, we have nothing and so we have become a laughing stock worldwide,” he said during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Minister of Finance, Salvatore Garang Mabiordit” (Eye Radio – ‘Gov’t is broke – Kiir’ 14.03.2018).

Secondly The Sentry reported: “One key document, part of a collection of material provided to The Sentry by an anonymous source, appears to be an internal log kept by South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mining detailing security-related payments made by Nilepet. The document titled, “Security Expenses Summary from Nilepet as from March 2014 to Date” (“the Summary”) lists a total of 84 transactions spanning a 15-month period beginning in March 2014 and ending in June 2015. In total, the document lists over $80 million in payments to politicians, military officials, government agencies, and private companies, many of which include captions that describe activities directly linked to the government’s war effort. Other documents reviewed by The Sentry include copies of correspondence that describe the petroleum ministry’s provision of fuel and other supplies to Padang Dinka militia groups” (The Sentry – ‘Fueling Atrocities – Oil and War in South Sudan’ March 2018).

And the Radio Tamazuj reported: “South Sudan’s government has awarded a major contract worth over $130 million to a private company to support military logistics operations, according to a document seen by Radio Tamazuj. The document bearing the signature of the country’s first vice president, Taban Deng Gai, said Tonga Investments Ltd has been given firm offers from the ministry of defense to supply food stuffs, assorted army uniforms, boots, vehicles and fuel to the army worth $134,703, 606.7. The document dated 7 March indicated that the Tonga Investments Ltd had identified Cyproil Trading Ltd based in Uganda as one of the willing and potential financiers with payments expected to be made by lifting of crude oil” (Radio Tamazuj – ‘Govt awards a major military supply contract worth over $130 million’ 12.03.2018).

So as seen there are clearly money to be spent, but they are not spent on salaries for teachers, for building roads, not even keep the central administration. But it is either squandered away on high-ranking politicians, which is the cronies and part of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) or the SPLM/A-IG and SPLM/A-IO – Deng fraction. Since the state is initially run by them and by the decrees of the President. The Parliament isn’t really functioning, therefore, the last word always falls of the President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who do whatever he please and uses whatever tactic he sees fit. If it is continuing issuing skirmishes or fixing deals with UPDF. Who knows how the army get all their gear, but clearly the SPLA has connections.

The government is able to spend the money on guns, ammo and other luxurious things. It is known that the South Sudanese elite owns posh homes in Nairobi. We can just guess where else they have homes and has stash funds from the looting of the state. Not like the state needs the funds to build stuff and take care of the state. There are dozens of Multi-National Organizations who are ready and who also pays taxes to be there. There are also smaller NGOs that offers support for the basic parts of government structure. So not like the TGoNU needs to consider that. They have it already, but built on donor funding and also run on donor funding. Therefore, very easy for the war-lords, the tribal chiefs and the cronies of Kiir to eat the cash of the state.

I am not surprised at all, I just thought it would happen quicker or by some other means. That it would be crack with arrangements of crude-oil pipeline and the rates paid to Khartoum. If not the Northern Corridor Project within the East African Community. Or even the start of paying the project funds for the new capital Ramciel. Even if the state even would pay some respects to the importance of New Site. But I doubt that.

While the insurgence, while the opposition have made alliances and actually made themselves deals within, as the SPLA/M-IG are trying to settle with SPLA/M-IO and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) comes into effect. As the High-Level Revitalization Forum of the Intergovernmental Authority (IGAD) hasn’t bear any fruits. Since the ARCISS is officially dead, even if the International Community is trying to bring it back from its grave. While the War-lords continue.

The path already taken is clearly not the way of it, the elites around Kiir is eating. The men and clan’s men around having a field day, emptying the state, while the international community footing the bills for the rest. He is able to get guns, get equipment and get ammunition to continue this civil-war. At this point, he will not give in, unless he has secured power. He has fought for so long, that he will not give-way to anyone. The same with Dr. Riek Machar. He will neither step-down and give way. The people leaving SPLA/M-IO to different groups within SSOA should be sign enough too.

While the state is openly an open bazaar for Kiir to eat. Nothing is left untouched and not taken. If there is a cookie, if there is a piece of sugar and even just feeling of breadcrumbs. It going to be taken. Nothing is left behind. Because every penny is needed in the battle for supremacy. I am just waiting for the day he calls President Museveni and he sends a brigade or two. If the oil-money and funds will be sent his way. Peace.

Huge measles campaign in drought-hit Somalia aims to protect children and save lives (14.03.2018)

This week the campaign targets 2.7 million children in the southern and central states, along with 1.1 million children in Somaliland.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, March 14, 2018 – A nationwide campaign continues in Somalia to protect millions of children against the potentially deadly effects of measles. WHO, UNICEF, national and local health authorities aim to reach more than 4.7 million children aged from six months to 10 years during the overall campaign.

This week the campaign targets 2.7 million children in the southern and central states, along with 1.1 million children in Somaliland. The vaccinations will be available at health centres and temporary vaccination sites. Puntland implemented its campaign in January when over 933,000 children were vaccinated.

Over 2,800 cases of suspected measles have been reported since the start of the year, with the most affected regions including Bay, Banadir and Mudug. In 2017 there were more than 23,000 suspected cases of measles – six times as many as in 2016 – with the vast majority (83 per cent) affecting children under ten.

In early 2017, WHO, UNICEF and partners, together with national health authorities, vaccinated nearly 600,000 children aged 6 months to 5 years for measles in hard-to-reach and hotspot areas across Somalia.

“The campaign will intensify efforts to improve immunity against measles and reach unvaccinated children. As we saw last year when partners responded to a major cholera outbreak, with the right interventions, WHO and health authorities are confident that similar success may be seen in controlling this measles outbreak,” said Dr Ghulam Popal, WHO Representative in Somalia.

More than two years of severe drought has led to widespread child malnutrition, mass displacement, and a lack of access to clean water and sanitation, creating ideal conditions for infectious disease outbreaks.

“The situation is especially critical for millions of under-vaccinated, weak and vulnerable children who are susceptible to contracting infectious diseases. More than 1.2 million children are projected to be at risk of acute malnutrition in the next 12 months. These children are nine times more likely to die of killer diseases such as measles and acute watery diarrhoea /cholera than healthy children,” said Steven Lauwerier, UNICEF Somalia Representative.

Ahead of this latest campaign, in late 2017, WHO conducted a series of trainings for Somali health workers on early outbreak detection and response for measles. The trainings aim to enhance measles case-based surveillance and laboratory confirmation, improve measles case management during outbreaks, and achieve high routine measles vaccination coverage.

UNICEF has procured and distributed over 4.7 million doses of measles vaccine and organized 1,700 social mobilizers to encourage families to vaccinate children and adults who are not or think they might not be fully immunized. This will be accompanied by Vitamin A supplementation which will help to boost immunity.

The response is supported through funding from Alwaleed Philanthropies (Saudi Arabia), the United Nations Foundation, WHO, and the Somalia Humanitarian Fund.

South Sudan: Republican Order no. 01/2018 for the Relieve of the Chief of State Protocol and Acting Chief Administratior in the Office of the President (12.03.2018)

CEPO: Key Compromises Needed for Reach Peace Deal in South Sudan (11.03.2018)

South Sudan: Suspension of Radio Miraya 101 FM Operations (09.03.2018)

International Development Secretary calls on the global community to ‘end the cycle of crisis’ in Somalia (06.03.2018)

Penny Mordaunt tells donors that despite success at averting a famine last year, drought is still a serious threat in Somalia.

LONDON, United Kingdom, March 6, 2018 –  International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt will tell an audience of global donors today that while swift action last year saved thousands of lives and held-off famine in Somalia, “the job is not yet done”.

At an event co-hosted by the Department for International Development (DFID), the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the International Development Secretary will praise the efforts of the international community in 2017 – but call for continued global support for the 5.4 million people in need living in Somalia.

Six years ago Somalia was ravaged by a deadly famine which killed 260,000 people – half of those who died were children.

With extreme weathers and an unprecedented fourth consecutive year of poor rain forecast for the country, Ms Mordaunt will today deliver the stark warning that half the population is still hungry and at risk of disease – and will call on global partners to generate innovative ideas for building long-term resilience to drought.

International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt said:

“Last year the UK stood up and called for international action at a landmark conference to agree critical help for the people of Somalia. Together, we helped avert a famine and saved thousands of lives.”

“But drought continues to haunt Somalia, where today half the population is hungry and at risk of disease. The job is not yet done.”

“Drought and famine do not have to go hand-in-hand. We must harness the potential of new ideas to build future-proof resilience against drought – and end the cycle of crisis.”

“We cannot let the world forget Somalia. It’s not just the right thing to do – we are all less safe when hunger and poverty are free to feed extremism and mass irregular migration.”

The International Development Secretary will today announce a further emergency package to get urgently needed medical, nutritional, health and livelihood support to the country, including to 54,000 children who will be treated for Severe Acute Malnutrition.

The package will be distributed before the end of March 2018, to ensure urgent delivery of these life-saving services.

UN humanitarian chief and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock said:

“Last year, more than US$90 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Somalia Humanitarian Fund were released to mitigate against the worsening food security situation in Somalia.”

“Thanks to generous and timely contributions from the UK and other donors, the Somalia Humanitarian Fund is this year already programming $22 million for life-saving support. The CERF is also stepping up quickly with complementary, time-critical and life-saving funding which will help minimize further displacement of people in Somalia and other risks caused by the drought.”

Somalia: An Open Letter to the Somali Federal Cabinet (03.04.2018)