Somalia and international partners unveil New Policing Model (26.06.2018)

Federal government of Somalia along with international partners unveil support programme for New Policing Model.

MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 26, 2018 – The Somali Federal government, Member States and international community partners launched a Joint Police Programme (JPP) for the Somali Police Force at a ceremony held in Mogadishu. The programme will strengthen the professionalism and accountability of the police and improve peace and security for all Somali citizens.

During the event, Acting UK Ambassador to Somalia Mary Shockledge announced £14 million to the JPP and called on other donors to support the coordinated implementation of the National Security Architecture through this mechanism.

Speaking at the ceremony, UK Deputy Ambassador Mary Shockledge said, “We look forward to continued close working relations with all partners to drive effective implementation; ensuring this programme translates into tangible positive impact and change on the ground”.

Spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Internal Security, the programme is also expected to expedite the ongoing transition of security responsibilities from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to Somalia’s security forces.

The Somali Federal Minister of Internal Security, Federal Member State representatives, Somali Police Commissioner and Deputy Mayor of Mogadishu welcomed the JPP as a stride forward in building local ownership and long lasting peace and development.

The Minister of Internal Security, Mohamed Abukar Islow said,”The Joint Police structure demonstrates the best way to coordinate policing so that we form an effective policing system in Somalia. This investment in the Somali Police is an excellent opportunity for rebuilding our country and the development of peace and security”.

Adopted by Somalia’s political leadership in 2016, the New Policing Model was presented at last year’s London Conference on Somalia as a key pillar of the country’s National Security Architecture.

Somali Police Force Commissioner General Bashir Abdi Mohamed said:It is essential to have a police that is responsible for their actions, based on the core universal principles of legality, necessity, professionalism and responsibility.

The JPP has already received commitments from the United Kingdom and the European Union totaling $42 million.

Somalia: Council of Inter-State Cooperation (CiC) Position on the Special Arrangement of Somaliland (24.06.2018)

Djibouti: Commmunique – Le President Guelleh condamne avec force la tentative d’attentat contre le Premier Ministre Ethiopien (23.06.2018)

Ethiopia: PG7 Condemns in the strongest terms possible the assassination attempt on Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed while attending a peaceful rally in Mesqel Square (23.06.2018)

March for Ethiopia: PM Abiy Ahmed is showing hope in the midst of oppression!

The strong state and the control of the government coalition of Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and strongest party the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) are still trying to control the affairs. But the Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed is showing the way. That is why the TPLF are going regressive and dismissive against his policies. This internal problems will come more to the forefront as the days goes by. They will challenge him.

Today in Addis Ababa, a biggest rally in ages was happening and also marches with the banners and flag, that has been banned. They were a massive and biggest crowd in decades standing and listening to the Prime Minister speech in Meskel Square. What was sad that someone threw a grenade into the crowd and trying to assassinate the PM. This has again hurt innocent civilians in Ethiopia, the PM Cheif of Staff Fitsum Aregaa states that 83 is injured and 6 are in critical care. Other sources has already claimed up to 3 dead. But these numbers will vary. According to a Addis Ababa Police Commissioner Mr. Girma Kasa that 15 people endured life threatening wounds, while the rest bear less. Daniel Berhane reports that it wasn’t a grenade, but a F-1 Bomb on the gates of the Meskel Square. It is also reported that the ones attack burned a Red Cross SUV close to the square. Therefore, they we’re really trying to hurt the peaceful march and rally today.

This is happening a day after the state has also stopped their online censorship of web-pages and television channels, that was unleashing again over 200 web-pages that has been blocked. Clearly, the EPRDF and the PM are trying to make the government more open. While still, the State of Emergency is still on and the Parliament hasn’t stopped it yet.

Therefore, the PM is showing signs of positive changes in the Federal Democratic Republic, however, there are growing pains and it doesn’t happen over night. He has still a long walk to get there, but he is showing swagger and positive signs. With not only words, but state actions, freeing leaders and talks with leaders of the Opposition. Also, even meeting the delegation from Eritrea. The PM has taken steps in the right direction.

Today was to be a celebration and a march for the future of Ethiopia, today could have only been joy of the people expressing their hope and their wish for more free republic. However, the ones who cannot muster to live with that attacked the square and even tried to hurt the reformist PM. I have been skeptic to his methods, but he is really doing small steps and showing progress in a good direction. Within the system of EPRDF.

Today, the PM has proven not only with eloquent speeches, but in actions even as the enemies of change are trying to thwart it. It will not be easy, but the walk to freedom is hard. The good news is the crowds supporting the changes and that the people are ready to signal a different Ethiopia. They are ready for the New Ethiopia and not being besieged by the authorities, but actually express themselves without fear. That is about time.

The PM is showing it is possible. That is progress. Peace.

Somalia: Joint Press Release from Telecoms & Internet Service Providers questions the appointments of the Telecom Authority (20.06.2018)

Ethiopia: Patriotic Ginbot7 has unilaterally suspended all self-defense activities using arms (22.06.2018)

Somalia: Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi letter to H.E. Antonio Guterres on recognition of the State (18.06.2018)

EAPRI: Dialogue for Reconciliation, Healing, Peace and Stability in East Africa (20.06.2018)

Somalia: Renewal of the Somaliland Special Agreement (09.06.2018)