Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the attacks against the United Nations compound in Somalia (02.01.2019)

He urges the Somali authorities to investigate the attacks and swiftly bring those responsible to justice.

NEW YORK, United States of America, January 2, 2019 –  The Secretary-General strongly condemns today’s attacks against the United Nations compound in Mogadishu. He wishes a speedy recovery to the injured colleagues.

The Secretary-General recalls that intentionally directing armed attacks against United Nations personnel may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. He urges the Somali authorities to investigate the attacks and swiftly bring those responsible to justice.

The Secretary-General reaffirms that such acts will not diminish the strong resolve of the United Nations to continue supporting the people and Government of Somalia in their efforts to build peace and stability in the country.

Somalia: UN Representative Haysom is now a Person Non-Grata!

You know you got a special place in the world, when your the Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). However, the man with role, Nicholas Haysom, have gotten himself in a pickle. He is person non-grata by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) or Villa Somalia. Meaning, the UN Representative in Somalia isn’t allowed to enter or be in Somalia. That is what you can say is rich. Very rich.

This coming the very day, when the UNSOM statement says this:

““Today’s indirect fire attack on the main UN compound in Mogadishu may amount to a violation of international humanitarian law, and I deplore this unwarranted act of aggression against our personnel,” said Mr. Haysom. “No political agenda can be served through violence that deliberately targets staff members of international organizations who are supporting the consolidation of peace and the strengthening of governing institutions in Somalia. I wish our wounded colleagues a full recovery from their injuries.” (UNSOM, 01.01.2019).

That after a bomb or grenades launched at the UN Headquarters in Mogadishu. Clearly, the UN had to answer and explain what happen. Certainly the UN Representative hit a nerve. But their might also be questions about him. As on the 30th December 2018, the same man sent a letter to the Minister of Internal Security of Somalia. Where he answers if any UN Personnel was involved in the arrest of Muktar Rowbow on the 13th December 2018.

Clearly, the UN Representative knows how to strike the nerves of Villa Somalia. He knows how to push the buttons and also scratch the itches there. That is why, instead of answering his questions of December 2018. They are now suspending him and making it impossible for the UN Representative to work within the Federal Republic of Somalia. That is what FGS is doing.

This is happening on the same day, there is direct attempt and attack of the UN Headquarters in Mogadishu These things seems to be connected and wouldn’t happen separately. As they are happening within short time span. This is a retaliation against his questions and his words towards the FGS.

If this is a cheap shot for popularity, it might move the patriotic people at first, but the donor-funding, the support of AMISOM and the other missions might dwindle. As the Foreign Donors cannot trust a government, who cannot be questioned for their actions. This is poor planning and leadership. That might be costly in the long-run. They are doing the short-con, without considering the long-con.

Haysom might trigger many people with his letters and his questions, but just answer them. If your not afraid of them. But seemingly, there is something more to give, as the FGS has banished him. Peace.

Somalia: National Salvation Caucus – Press Release on UN Letter and Call for Clarity on US Position (01.01.2019)

Somaliland rejects the Red Sea regulatory regime established by Red Sea bordering states (23.12.2018)

AU: UNSOS will work with AMISOM to drawdown to 1000 BNDF soldiers in Somalia (19.12.2018)

Final communique of the Council of Oromo Traditional Leaders (Abbaa Gadaa) and Somliland Traditional Leaders (19.12.2018)

Somalia: Letter of Complaint to H.E. Ambassador Sivuyile Bam of AMISOM – “Dereliction of the objectives of the mission and lack of political neutrality” (17.12.2018)

AU Special Representative appeals for restraint on the current political standoff in South West State of Somalia (15.12.2018)

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.