Lately met some well-rounded, exciting and smart Solers apart from hard lessons and some great things alhamdulilah; so the "secessionist" was quite charming, an innocent yet intelligent creature, can't get how anyone can bother such adorable beings

APZFD / MHCI - An agreement of historic significance The Government of Djibouti, the Ports and Free Zone authority of Djibouti (APZFD) and China Merchant Holdings International (MHCI) signed yesterday an agreement of historic significance in the Kempinski palace. This is due to the entry of China Merchant Holdings International (MHCI) in the capital of the new company (SA) called "Ports of Djibouti". The purpose of this China-Djibouti partnership is the capitalization of knowledge previously acquired from the ports group Dubai Ports World, present in more than twenty countries around the world. The initiative also reflect the willingness of government officials to open new prospects for national development. The atmosphere of the great days reigned yesterday in Kempinski palace where the Ports and Free Zone Authority of Djibouti (APZFD) and China Merchant Holdings International (MHCI), a world-renowned company based in Hong Kong, have sealed a partnership agreement. The main players in the signing ceremony were the President of the APZFD, Aboubaker Omar Hadi, Minister of Equipment and Transport, Mohamed Moussa Ibrahim Balala, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh the President and CEO of MHCI, Hu Jianhua, Deputy Director and Chief Financial MHCI, Zhang Rizhong, and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China accredited to Djibouti, Zhang Guoqing. The event of historical significance took place in the presence of Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Governor of the Central Bank of Djibouti, Djama Mahamoud Haid, Secretary General of the Presidency, Hussein Ismail Tani, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Ports World, Sultan Bin Suleyim, several elected members of the Consular Chamber of Djibouti and an audience of national businessmen. ...A bet on the future What was it exactly? Both parties concluded yesterday the entry of China Merchant Holdings International (MHCI) in the capital of the new company (SA) called "Ports of Djibouti". The initiative is to translate the government's desire to open up new prospects for national development. And under the leadership of president as noted by the Minister of Economy and Finance. It is part of the vision "Djibouti 2035" which involves the optimal use of existing potential of the country. In this capacity, Mr. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh listed the achievements and ongoing projects bring jobs such as the oil interconnection with South Sudan, a neighbor whose freight transfer to the port of Djibouti will be effective from next January, the port of Tadjoura whose laying of the foundation stone was made recently by the head of state, the renovation of the Djibouti-Addis railway line and construction of the new railway line Tadjoura-Mekelle. Many major projects whose outcome will enable the country to have a commercial and logistics platform of multimodal nature. In projecting the future, the Minister of Economy and Finance has emphasized the need for capitalization of knowledge previously acquired from the port group Dubai Ports World, in more than twenty countries around the world. He relied on the argument to signify the hope placed in the partnership forged with the MHCI that will ensure a better coverage of the growing demand for maritime traffic on the one hand, and secondly to boost the economic and social development of the country in general. With the Chinese group, the Port of Djibouti will be the largest deepwater port in Africa with over 25 million tonnes of transhipment capacity and also provides for the construction of a shipyard and ship repair and that a new shipping line following the remarks of Mr. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh. ...Focus on building a multimodal transport system Speaking in turn, the Minister of Equipment and Transport said he was confident in the scope of the partnership between the Ports Authority and zones of Djibouti (APZFD) and China Merchant Holdings International (MHCI ). Which answers, he said, the concern of the Government of Djibouti to develop port infrastructure, rail and road in the country. Mr. Mohamed Moussa Ibrahim Balala has not failed to note the many challenges of globalization and international maritime traffic that require the ongoing modernization and permanent strengthening of the operational capacity of our ports. This will allow for services with great efficiency and cost competitiveness. The challenge is daunting. But it is within our reach. Its realization consistent with the objectives of the program of infrastructure development in Africa (PIDA) of the African Union, which aims the development of intra-African trade through a reduction in transport costs, following the reasoning of Mr Balala. In this context, the Minister of Works and Transport said that the Djibouti-Ethiopia corridor and its connection to Juba in Southern Sudan were the center of the most important development in East Africa for the next fifteen years. ..................................................................................... Djibouti Telecom, already critical for the region and key African player, aim to be a global provider (increasing international sales of bandwith, regional signal relay, optic fibers, partnerships with Saudi Telecom etc and other services): Haramous 3G facilities, below, the most recent ones in a program of major investments

Water Desalination & Wind Farm: EU signs for imminent launch Djibouti & Regional Economic Integration Huajian group signs an agreement for vast industrial & regional logistics centre (shoes manufacture, construction materials etc) Huajian of China’s Ethiopian Export Zone May Generate $4 Billion [...] “Light manufacturing can offer a viable path for Ethiopia and other sub-Saharan African countries as they transform their economic structure and strive for productive job creation,” Lin said. The so-called Ethio-China Light Manufacturing Industrial Special Economic Zone will require $2 billion of investment over 10 years, according to Hai. Cheaper labor costs, domestic supplies of leather and preferential access to European and U.S. markets are the primary attractions for investing in Ethiopia, she said.[...] Streamlined customs procedures, easier access to foreign exchange and the construction of an industrial zone near Djibouti’s port, where Ethiopian goods are shipped from, would solve the “most important trade logistics issues,” according to the World Bank book. If these measures are taken “there is no reason they can’t scale up production to the same level as in Vietnam,” Lin said. The new zone near the capital will eventually employ 100,000 workers who will be given food, housing and schooling on site, according to Hai. The China-Africa Development Fund and the International Finance Corp., the World Bank’s private-lending arm, are interested in backing the project, she said. (source: bloomberg.com) .................................................................................. Chinese firm to invest in Djibouti Djibouti's Minister of Finance and the head of a Chinese conglomerate have signed a foreign-investment agreement that will bring thousands of new jobs to Djibouti, Djibouti's La Nation reported on Sunday (March 11th). The Chinese manufacturing firm Huajian agreed on Friday to invest in factories and training for the new staff. Huajian CEO Zhang Huaron praised Djibouti's business-friendly practices at the signing ceremony with Finance Minister Ilyas Moussan Dawaleh, the official newspaper reported. Huajian has agreed to open a shoe-manufacturing plant and other factories for Chinese materials, as well as a logistics firm and an office to promote Chinese goods in Djibouti. The company will also hold periodic training sessions for its Djiboutian staff in Huajian's factories in China. Huaron underscored his company's desire to contribute to the Djiboutian government's efforts to promote Djibouti's strengths and attract investors from Asia, the newspaper reported. ................................................................................. Huajian CEO Zhang Huaron, Chinese self-made man and one of the most influential, respected business leaders in China and South Asia: Djibouti has the potential to grow very rapidly if it develops an industrial culture to attract foreign investors. He projects to create 10 000 jobs within 3 years in Djibouti itself and expects to fully synergizes his important investments in both Ethiopia and Djibouti. (source: RTD)

At 10-20 euros, there is big margin but you need to fill the container (it's an art) with other things too; I hate chemicals but perfumes at 100 resell for 150 dollars easily...local islaamos do like luxuries. Maybe those plants Diy perfumes and bath salts would be great idea. It's fun for social people like hooyo (she's able to multitask and sell anything to her circles)...maybe you should re-export to Xamar with us

asc, For cakes, brown inredients and almond simple cake is great alternative; talking of holidays, that place must be ideally located when you get few days off (plus cheap SA flights; imagine relaxing in Jabuuti then Hargeysa etc). Those ethios want chinese tyres for their trucks fleet though locals prefer used eu ones (big margins); with new ports, strong growth etc I guess much will depend on them over the long term (imagine ethios too into eau de toilettes, handbags etc)

The Heron residential project, in one of the calmest yet agreable area (greener, sea etc) in the capital; great memories of promenades by the beach, riding bikes, cosmopolitanism (Russian diplomat's kid, Iraqis etc), before moving out. More arid area by the Ethio border & Oasis: International Business Center towers in construction; an integrated project with regional ambitions and full, integrated facilities amidst canals carved on the sea: PS again, most pics are courtesy of Skyscrapercity.

Lo siento Che; statistics, albeit not accurate, do not account for undeclared activities, domestic roles etc but youth unemployment rates of 40-50% a la EU are forwarded I guess. I did not have politics in mind for this geography thread as some insisted on; please, let's post those politics or critical comments on the other relevant threads. How democratic is Djibouti? Granted independence in 1977, Djibouti is a young but real democracy. The recent local elections which took place in February 2012 saw the President’s party beaten by the opposition. These elections were viewed as free and fair by the international community, and resulted in the opposition taking up the post of Mayor of Djibouti City, the capital, where most of the population lives. Further progress is needed though to increase the quality of political debate across the country. In advance of the next legislative election, the President has committed to changing the electoral system from first-past-the-post to proportional representation. This will ensure that the opposition is better represented in Parliament. A Senate will also be created to ensure that the five ethnic communities of Djibouti continue to be fairly represented in the Parliament. Further reforms to improve the quality of our democracy are an important priority for the President and the Government. It is for the benefit of all Djibouti people. It is also worth mentioning that our reforms go hand-in-hand with our drive for improved governance. Increased transparency can only strengthen the President’s efforts towards democracy. For example, we are implementing a system of checks and balances within government operations. We are committed in our fight against corruption. In fact, the new anti-corruption and ethics high commission, which was born as a result of the anti-corruption Act, is totally independent and has real authority. Within the same Act, we introduced for the first time a clause that necessitates a full declaration of assets by senior (department heads onwards) and their immediate families. We are also bringing full transparency and independence to a vital government activity, which is procurement. Starting this coming October, all government tenders will be overseen by the Commission des Marches, (Tenders Committee), which will be formed by people representing different government departments. The committee is independent, and the tendering process will be managed through a procurement government website. These examples above demonstrate the government’s intention of taking Djibouti forward with a strong but transparent and soundly-managed government into a promising future for all Djibouti people. (Finance minister to Diplomat magazine) .................................................................................... Breakfast with Djibouti Finance Minister [...]Djibouti also plays a central role in international trade, with 80% of the world’s oil trade and one third of all international trade passing through the region. It has the largest container terminal in east Africa, with one million containers being processed there each year, and has the biggest fibre-optic cable network in Africa, making it vital to continental progress in telecommunications. Dawaleh outlined his country’s vision for 2035. Building on existing strengths, Djibouti aims to become the largest logistic hub in Africa, using 100% green energy. Also, they hope to become the number two destination in the world for scuba diving, after Sharm-el-Sheik. The key to these ambitions is to improve Africa’s poor infrastructure, which Dawaleh identified as being a root cause of poverty. Becoming better connected will help to change that and combat the challenge of youth unemployment. The ICT sector will provide much needed jobs. Erickson is one company that has come to Djibouti. In the past, education in Djibouti has favoured the theoretical over the vocational: in future, young people will be trained in the practical skills required to help take their country forward. The talk was attended by Inspector General Hassan Issa Sultan, the Ambassadors of Finland and Ethiopia, the High Commissioner for Cameroon and diplomatic representatives from Australia, Nigeria, British Virgin Islands, the Czech Republic and others. The Finnish Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Pekka Huhtaniemi, identified a ‘hub’ strategy, and enquired whether Djibouti saw places such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Panama as role models, and asked about the role of financial services. The Minister felt Singapore was the closest model for Djibouti and stressed that good infrastructure was vital to developing financial services. He indentified the stable currency in Djibouti as a major advantage: there has been no fluctuation in the exchange rate with the $US since 1949. ($1 = 1.76 Djibouti Francs). The High Commissioner of Cameroon, His Excellency Mr Nkwelle Ekaney, asked about the need for foreign investment in infrastructure. Dawaleh agreed that foreign direct investment was needed and confirmed that Djibouti had recently made a $300 million investment agreement with the Chinese government. APCO's Tomas Eymond-Laritaz asked about the democratic future of the country where the Government lost a regional election in Djibouti City (home to 80% of the country’s population) three months ago. The Minister said that at the next elections in January 2013, a move to proportional representation should allow a minority opposition to emerge. Ultimately, Djibouti’s vision for 2035 relies on peace and political stability and developing a better infrastructure to enable it to make even better international connections.(Diplomat magazine) ............................................................................. Geography The landscape of Djibouti is varied and extreme, ranging from rugged mountains in the north to a series of low desert plains separated by parallel plateaus in the west and south. Its highest peak is Mount Moussa at 6,654 feet (2,028 metres); the lowest point, which is also the lowest in Africa, is the saline Lake Assal, 509 feet (155 metres) below sea level. The country is internationally renowned as a geologic treasure trove. Located at a triple juncture of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and East African rift systems, the country hosts significant seismic and geothermal activity. Slight tremors are frequent, and much of the terrain is littered with basalt from past volcanic activity. In November 1978 the eruption of the Ardoukoba volcano, complete with spectacular lava flows, attracted the attention of volcanologists worldwide. Of particular interest was the tremendous seismic activity that accompanied the eruption and led to the widening by more than a metre of the plates between Africa and the Arabian peninsula. Drainage Besides Lake Assal, the other major inland body of water is Lake Abbe, located on Djibouti’s southwestern border with Ethiopia. The country is completely devoid of any permanent above-ground rivers, although some subterranean rivers exist. Plant and animal life Despite Djibouti’s relatively harsh landscape, abundances of flora and fauna abound. In the northern portion of the country, one finds the ancient Day Forest National Park and a variety of tree species, such as jujube, fig, olive, juniper, and momosa. To the south and southwest of the Gulf of Tadjoura, the vegetation is similar to that found in other arid regions of Africa, inclusive of acacia and doum palm trees. Among the types of fauna are a wide variety of bird species, numerous types of antelopes and gazelles, and more limited numbers of carnivores (such as cheetahs) and scavengers (such as hyenas), as well as monkeys, squirrels, and warthogs. Perhaps most spectacular is the extremely rich diversity of marine life found along Djibouti’s coastline and coral reefs, a factor that has made the country a special point of interest for international scuba-diving associations.

Let's at least not differentiate sub-clans at the regional level or even bother with such things versus all the challenges (basic care, water, social issues etc)... Many do not vote on clans though and the system is not set in stone (unique party, representation without parties, rule by elders and ulamas etc are all explorable options). Besides the press itself is part of the problem (whereas its professionalism averted an unmitigated disaster during the electoral violences in Kenya). So, there is hope as long as some of us go against the grain...

AfricaOwn, hope you do not suspect Norf to be involved sxb Seriously though, I'd worry about my sub-clan etc, of all the real issues in this world, only if they were assured of selective extermination on an industrial basis (a la nazi; in which case they would already receive more meaningful support than mine).

Apophis, we agree on questions, just different answers in some cases. Had restless, inquiring periods too just like many of the Solers. It may sound ironical but many preachers and historical figures or scholars were exactely in the same situation (and many religious brothers were initially very liberal in terms of lifestyle). It's great to examine things but one needs to let go ego and passions to see more clearly. In my case, the somewhat sudden death of my paternal grandfather in 2003 following that of grandmother 3 months earlier ringed the alarms more loudly; caring for him the last days and seeing how vulnerable such strong man was then to common pneumony, despite the best doctor in town etc, made me realise that illusions and passions were clouding our senses all too often.

Thanks Apophis (you have an inquisitive mind too and some sincerity), having long been reproached to be too idealistic and suffered, I learned my lessons to set lower than ideal expectations even from those you would trust; it's much safer not to expect others to be that moral (we see sheikhs saying and toleratings things I never expected even from an average guy). Now, a mix of incentives (give and take), assertiveness and social monitoring (others will know; I'll expose things if I have to) seems always sufficient to keep things in check for most humans, rather than relying entirely on their ethical and overall intelligence... PS; in Islam too, people are only expected to have animal tendencies just like any other animal, hence its open acknowledgement and leeway in the pursuits of natural needs in harmony with common good...

Analysis is great but one realises how little control an individual has even on himself; things like the level of moral support, relationships, environment etc matters crucially. So, getting moral or ethics oriented friends and maintaining close family relationships is already very much and almost entirely the answer; this will help in getting self-discipline in whether it be religious duties, family obligations etc.

Taking precautions for his xaajiyad in these times of fitnah? hate silly assumptions...a better room is a good deal though.

Don't go against the grain, get him to adjust your cimaamad on the head and voila Mr abu-faatemah al burcaawi looks more local than anyone; your arabic will soon open new doors to you... Don't be too cunning either...

Having seen recently religious leaders at the forefront of the anti-corruption campaign, I have just been sent to my surprise a press release about a planned new party (if legalised by the authorities before the soon to be held parliamentary election). Quite interestingly, the scholars have been sophisticated enough to put themselves at the background and let devout and even more liberal professionals run the central commitee while providing moral support. Of course, the script must not deviate too much from Western tastes at this stage, albeit we should never apologise for abiding by the popular will which is clearly in favor of Islam inspired institutions (not to mention that this movement transcends clan and ethnic identities). In this exciting times, even high ranking (presidential family) personalities endorse and follow the scholars lead (all the major religious leaders and authorities are unanimous), let alone many professionals, traders or the largely conservative masses. For instance, well-known and eloquent Sh Abdurahman Bashir is a long-term militant who run conjointly an opposition magazine. The regime did resort to the usual bribes, but that did not deter those uncorrupt advocates of the masses who enjoy the tacit support of Guelleh's son ainache (presidential religious adviser), a student of the regionally famous Sh Abdillahi Nur. Taken aback by this sudden twist of long simmering grievances, let's hope both parties reach some form of agreement, of gradual reforms that adress core grievances against mismanagement and traditions dissolution better than realized so far. What would you advise individuals or groups joining this movement? Given that their ethical platform is unassailable, should it receive full support conditional on prudence? PS: 13/12/2012 Press Release: Movement for Development and Liberty (MODEL), new opposition political group in Djibouti The MoDeL is a movement of Djibouti citizens from all components of the different national communities. On the socio-professional level, they come from all walks of life; thus are included as founding members, people from academia, the private sector, public administration, Ulema, youth, fathers and mothers. Our party ambition itself as unifying, a model of national unity, Djibouti open to all irrespective of religion, gender, ethnicity or color. We defend justice and the equality of citizens before the law. Our movement carried by a firm determination to make a difference in our country and eager to contribute to the development and strengthening of democracy, filed Thursday, November 29, 2012 with the Ministry of Interior and Decentralization a declaration of a political party called "Movement for Development and liberty" whose acronym is: Model. In our case we believe we have met all the conditions required by the legislation governing the declaration of a political party. Therefore we are very confident vis-a-vis the outcome of our request and look forward with great serenity, from the authorities in charge of the case, a positive response. Our party in accordance with the general principles of the constitution, affirms solemnly to remain faithful to the national unity, national territorial integrity, national sovereignty, democracy, and finally to the respect of individual and collective freedoms . We have thus also rightly chosen as our motto: - Brotherhood - Justice - Work We also intend to contribute positively to the improvement of democracy and strengthening the rule of law. But we have mostly intend to positively reinforce economic governance and fiscal consolidation. Finally, we intend to contribute to the efficiency of public administration while supporting democracy and the rule of law. We believe in a just society, respectful of traditional values ​​and open to modernity. Secretary General President 1st Vice-President Abdillahi Ahmed Adaweh Sougueh DR Abatte Ebo Original (untranslated):

I make a deliberate effort to boycott negative news or videos, TV and magazines save for quick, essential things after having read their effects on stress and attention span; shocking videos harms for long, depressing news erodes positivity etc (plus, it's much better to learn through books etc). This indeed is very shocking though.

Construction of Tadjourah Port Kicks Off Reforms Update Healthcare services upgrade (endorsed and welcomed by the WHO) : - generics & community pharmacies for affordable medicines on the national essential list (central purchase & regulations organ established) - National medical school established, scholarships & experts sent in; wide ranging cooperation, crucially with Cuba (international halth services and training provider) - Fully equipped regional hospitals; national teaching hospitals at Peltier and Balbala Italian hospitals. Cost of Living (not exhaustive list): - Subsidies and staples price controls reinforced, more farming land acquired abroad & national production upgrade schemes (date palms, irrigation and fishing; mining and prospection for resources encouraging) - Energy & Telecoms prices reduced respectively by 30% (preliminarily, more to follow) and around 80%; more interconnections and renewable projects for very competitive water & electricity programmed for next years or ongoing. - Local import substitution and nascent industries: new cement plants expected to export, light processing and packaging (notably in the Free Zone), printing, basic pharmaceuticals with Djibpharma etc through public-private partnerships and attractive climate for FDI flows (refinery etc programmed; new opportunities with S Sudan crude pipeline, regional mineral resources and agricultural production transiting locally etc). Governance, Press & Elections - Anti-corruption and Ethics board to join the Court of Accounts or national audit system for greater transparency, stricter regulations. - Local elections introduced as part of the devolution and success for the opposition; dosage of proportional representation to allow for diversity in the national assembly or parliament for the first time. - Press and publishing allowed greater freedom with opposition mini papers.

N.O.R.F;900962 wrote: I always wish I was in blighty this time of year as eevryone is off oo waa la is arkaa. I wish it passes quickly for the special offers to start; people are addicted to continental perfumes and clothes back in Africa.

Nuune, ok bro, baryahan locals are busy with politics there (change) along business; had to plead with hooyo (everyone seems involved) to not be very visible at least. It's strange but people are most excited with change when there is already much change showing up slowly. There is this islamic movement/party called "model". I guess all this TV revolutions are exciting citizens everywhere too wyre, that is part of life sxb, sadness has lessons and one can not expect permanent happiness; some contentment through worship and serving others is always attainable though. Above all, is Norf finally one of the oil sheikhs, should have been extra nice then

He lives in Djibouti, he's Azhar graduate if I remember, but yes they do trips abroad...

Norf, so Burcaawis are into French toasts, it must be an acquired taste like that Scottish accent It's funny but they eat that in Brazil (remember "my sweet orange tree" by de vasconcelos) and other places too. Nuune wcs bro, you must be a fresh man now sxb , Thierry was in your other country recently in a quick trip; just got hold of my new biometric other pass. and plan to get there soon (not as urgent now, plus Thierry is not available to come till later). Seems you have exciting ideas sxb, of course we can have reliable contacts there, feel free to update me or leave your number/skype etc. So how do we convince dear Ngonge or Norf to part with few millions too?

asc Nuune et al (congrats again) A craving I wish to drop is croissants/viennoiseries and maybe coffee, albeit limited (don't care much about the rest of food); we had the younger one cook crepes and brioche/french toast is also liked by the family; In france, they give you only one, a small one (they eat croissants the week-end) but others abuse the continental thing (very bad for blood sugar; Japanese and other start the day with rice, fish etc). I wonder what is Norf or Ngonge favorite breakfast (beer/liver was a long family favorite since childhood), now things are globalised

Buenos noches Norf; actually, a bit like exercise, quality matters very much in terms of sleep, thus 5 hours slept early and well is great (maybe slightly less time than ideal for many though). Afternoon nap (from 10 min to 40 min) seems great too (more than a hour up to 2 hours daily is more controversial). The Sunnah is interesting here in the sense it encourages naps (need to check back details). the key here is that slowing down and community spirit (strong family links, faith or worship attendance, solidarity & equality) is very crucial for health, even more than sunshine, exercise or fasting (those factors explain too very the absence of addictions, crimes etc); there was a study done among Italians immigrants in Pennsylvania: The Roseto Effect. Thus, a close knit, spiritual community is really the key factor in health & "the pursuit of happiness". PS Seems roughly 90minutes of moderate exercise (walking, gardening etc) or roughly half of more intense one (jogging; prefer parks to pavements for knee joints) is more or less optimal now that I found concrete data: What’s the minimum (and maximum) exercise to improve health? (evidence says that just minimising sitting for long and short burst of very intense activity, few mins a week, is great too). I'm still impressed by the much younger look of this elder sibling of an acquaintance asless affected by aging, similar to those "wadads"; he used to sleep early and use fresh food & olive oil back in Italia; he probably was as calm and relax or spiritual minded too (a recurrent theme in longevity studies and good health at very advanced ages in isolated Kashmir mountains, Okinawa etc).

Ok,Ngonge thanks. Someone seems craving humus Recently heard that coffee or cafeine (tea, drinks etc) interfere with deep sleep long hours after the drink, so stopping it at least 12 hours before sleep is helpful. Early and quality sleep seems vital for everything and slow down aging too.