Well, Somalis call nurses Dr; there is little difference in practise and what counts is experience and decency. I was watching ina Samaleh at Wajaleh border visiting customs, Riyaleh era crooks did not care about the suffering of the masses, so do sadly many of the elites, and yes the finance minister is wadaad and is due to announce soon an even greater budget ($150 millions). With few surgeons trainers and standards, local medical schools will be oversubscribed and people even willing to pay more fees; I can't see how there could be other priorities than a few dozen health experts and trainers for the state budget. State focus on health and an essential drug strategy can provide community/users paid for cheap generic drugs, as we have done in Djibouti (I remember it started as a local initiative inspired by the "Bamako iniative", supported by Guelleh, though others paid for the conference costs etc).

I hope he's forced to pay heavy fines or xaal to sister Ibtisam at the very least; an arrogant Dr is of little use. The constant public finances improvement must be channeled in importing decent doctors as this is the real problem, after proper management, much more than machines (we had one from W. Africa paid a $1000 a month; their training is a la French and decent). The wadaad finance minister must lobby for ever greater share for the health sector and serious taxation of the rich Somtel, Dahabshiil etc. A few experts or trainers can do wonders and educate future health workers, less arrogant but public service oriented ones, just like those ubiquitous Cubans on very low salaries imported in Djibouti.

The blog is very informative and refreshing; it's good to see pettiness hasnt made you less optimistic. As you know the public sector is in transition and eng Hashi's sucessor Mr Samale is serious about proper finances too. I hope more money is poured urgently into health and social sectors. How come you did not visit jabuuti, there are even better croissants and cakes (butter no trans fats) or any other comfort there, not to mention swimming with whales etc. PS: I hope hooyo acted as a good host if you crossed her lol, she has lots to say about health, imports or NGOs.

"According to the UN Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention, the Djiboutian people would spend every year 120 million euros to buy khat. For an average family, this represents between 500 and 1250 euros per year. "We spend more on qat than for vegetables," says one aide to the head of state. Disastrous effects on GDP and health In a country where nearly half the population lives below the poverty line, the passion for khat is transformed into a barrier to progress economically and socially. "This plant is the source of many cardiovascular diseases and depression, says the Health Minister, Abdallah Abdillahi Miguil. In 2006, we estimated that consumption represents, directly or indirectly, 23% of health spending" . "Not to mention the impact of these long afternoons not worked on the country's GDP." read the rest here

Yet another update about how the Ethiopian junta try to indoctrinate, take over Islamic institutes and "train" Muslim leaders in Ethiopia; a very worrying trend since Somalis, who own the largest area, have already been somewhat acculturated by the decades of ocupation, particularly those more "educated" or keen to integrate (Amharic fluency instead of Somali, adoption of Abyssinian culture, inferiority complex etc): "A focal point for the dispute has been at the community centered around the Awalia Mission School on the edge of the capital, where 50 Arabic teachers were removed via a letter from the Islamic council leaders, leading to the escalation of protests against the leaders’ legitimacy and state interference. The government has tightened security at mosques – it is difficult for Western journalist to report from those in the capital without police interference. The Ministry of Federal Affairs recently accused the protesters of being extremists engaged in violence and collaborating with foreign forces to instigate jihad. Growing radicalism? The Ethiopian government has recently claimed that radicalism is growing in Ethiopia, citing austere Wahhabism promulgated by foreign preachers in mosques built by well-heeled Saudi organizations. Ahmedin Jebel, spokesman for a committee that says it’s elected by Muslims to represent the movement, says these claims are way off the mark. Although there may be individual extremists, there are no communities sworn to conflict, he says. Conversely, according to Mr. Ahmedin, the government risks creating extremism where it doesn’t exist with heavy-handed actions that many Muslims perceive as an attack on Islam. “We are afraid that people will begin to fight back,” if the indoctrination and smear campaigns continue, he says. “There is a concern that they may create more extremism than they fear.” Leaked US diplomatic cables from 2008 corroborate the Ethiopian government’s concerns about a “growing Wahhabi influence.” In the cables, American officials discuss programs to combat its influence, such as translating “The Place of Tolerance in Islam” – a book by American Muslim scholar Khaled Abou el Fadl – into local languages." Muslims blame Ethiopian government of messing in mosques, Somalilandpress.com PS: The US embassy active involvment has been blown out by Wikileaks cables and Wahabi is used as a derogatory term for "lean, back to basics" Islam that emphasises Tawhid or pure monotheism and the prophetic authentic Sunnah as understood by the early salaf or pious predecessors (media propaganda oppose Salafists or Wahabists to Sufis and other esoteric sects less keen on textual evidence and strict orthodoxy, judged as more cooperative). Ethiopian Muslims are lately protesting both at home and abroad (eg recently in Washington DC) as the Awaliya school takeover catalysed the frustration against interferences in Mosques and other discriminations.

Another French propaganda, they were celebrating some art exposition with uncovered women attending as a first in Jeddah, within their diplomatic building. Half that energy in stopping their looting spree in Africa, particularly where their bases and puppets allow them decades of "stable" dynasties starving rich countries, would have contributed more to humanity than bikinis and similar "freedoms" (not to mention their active role in the Rwanda Genocide, recent colonial large-scale massacres still not recognised or compensated in Algeria, Madagascar, Vietnam etc etc).

All those "federal" roles in delivering local public services and infrastructure are already an established consensus; countries used as models of public sector efficiency such as Sweden allow municipalities to run healthcare or education and taxes locals who directly witness the link between taxes and services. Administrative delimitations are more natural and efficient too without the distractions of internally fragile, parallel clans states. It is called decentralisation and works just fine.

This is a project involving the Osman Guelleh family (Djiboutian traders: Inchape etc) it seems; others were hinting that the Haid family was involved too (Djama Haid is Djib's first lady's brother and the Djib central bank manager, he has a second base in Hargeysa like others).That would not surprise me since Djib elites from N. West are interconnected and the Djib state contribution would facilitate such projects. Investment should be directed at where it matters and helps all sectors of the society and the economy; more importantly, elites should not have such a great influence on everything. To take only one example, land taxes would stop speculation and afford land or property to the average citizens closer in the city, instead of land serving as an improductive investment or speculation instrument that also makes trading and living difficult for everyone, with high transport costs, lower access to basic services for the poors in particular and other inefficiencies. The other thing is that proper public institutions and economic planning would have made sure that instead of sodas, that money would have greatly helped the construction and housing sector if invested in facilities such as the low cost Locrete, with free land given by Hargeysa (only one factory, just like in Djibouti, would be enough and costs at most around 3 millions, much less than the soda one: Locrete).

It is federalism in name only: the ruling TPLF elite directly control other ethnic groups via military "advisers" and the country functions as a giant concentration camp (tight control at local levels, no food or fertilizer if not member of the Eprdf, no trading or economic freedom and marxism). Do not even try to discuss the "right to secession" clause if Somali (while the state or ruling family control E. Airlines, Telecoms, banks etc as trading licences are not available other than small urban shops)! Mekele is thus way richer than Oromia towns despite their coffee and riches, while Oga-den is worse than Darfur according to MSF and other more respected groups.

Those Western medias have condescending prejudices: Somali millionaires are in the thousands (without counting those abroad in the Gulf, Africa, the West etc). Funnily, assets are often very public and it's almost expected if you are politician to be millionaire; this family friend was telling me about an acquaintance ex Djib minister that just invited him at the Kempinski, "not to worry for him" with his 2 millions and 2 upsacle villas (even though this is nothing compared to other politicians).

There is a boom in the ports, transport, telecoms and banking sector due to strong Ethiopian growth and foreign investments; the economy revolves around the services sector in general and the ambition is to act as a regional hub through the Comesa integration and new opportunities in connecting oil-rich South Sudan etc (hence the new ports and railways). The other sectors have seen increasing investments too lately and the construction boom, for instance, is due partly to Arab investors (as well as Japaneses with their first base abroad, Africa's largest US embassy at $100 millions, Chineses etc). These pics are not mine but your dream villa may set you back $200-300 000 as per one of the contractors though one could build it himself, buy more accessible properties or apartment flats:

Haramouss, the booming upscale neighborhood where pres. Guelleh resides; both flats and villas are being developped:

Malika, there is some change and electricity prices have already been lowered by a third (Ethiopian hydro-electricity), calls abroad are now accessible (telecoms prices down by up to 80%) and staples prices are somewhat controlled or subsidised (cheap bread, state cereals farmed abroad etc). Rents may still be a bit high though (average of $400 for a decent private two bedrooms, much more in some areas); however, costs could be kept down by living more like locals and very competitive restaurants (varied meals for few dollars, kebabs etc for 1-2 $, low prices in popular eateries etc). Staying with someone and minimising the use of hotels or supermarkets for expatriates makes a huge difference (the place is compact and buses costs, when needed, are low). My early morning Jogging/swim area (running after sunset in the summer is quite another experience in itself): Antioxidants after excercise at the central market (mainly relocated to new facilities; where ayeeyo accompanied daily the maids): Tea time at the "Guud" area and its old buildings under renovation (many built with coral madrepore): Salat at the carpeted, air-conditioned Saudi Mosque: One of the many boats often sighted: Gasiirada (Heron), exclusive neighborhood surrounded by the sea, our childhood promenade road (Peltier hospital, not seen but nearby, faces our former flat; the recent Kempinsky is just next on this road): New flats in that area but local architecture, by the state SID:

CERD research center New Parliament building Latest military hospital Self-explanatory New Doraleh Terminal

Ambouli garden, by the airport.

Djibouti is largely a small desertic country surrounded with ; however, media and gossips are full of inaccuracies, omissions and misleading half-truths. The reality is that a variety of splendid flowers (some cultivated for their scents), plants and palms are to be found even within the capital, not to mention gardens. Right outside, mountainous national parks and resorts such as Arta offer springs, green scenes and milder climates. On top of that, the country is an open sky geological laboratory offering many exceptional natural phenomena such as uniques hot springs, volcanoes, islands, lakes etc (the Assal salt lake is 150 m below sea level); these attract scientists and films crews. "Lake Abbé is located on the Ethiopia-Djibouti border and is the terminus of the Awash River. The lake is known for many sights. The first is the stunning salt water. Second, is on the northwest shore rises the stunning volcano of Dama Ali. Third, the lake is known for its 50 m high limestone chimneys, which have steam emitting from them. On the shore of the lake live the nomadic Afar people and wild flamingos. Lastly the original Planet of the Apes was filmed here." (Wiki Travel) The cultural variety is apparent in the local cuisine with exquisite Yemeni dishes such as mukhbasa with fish: a mixture of dates or bananas with sabayad which may be sprinkled with honey, accompanied with xulbad or fenugreek soup and pepper sauce or the maraq kaluun meal served with rice and fried fish (this may turn into an addiction) etc. As I try to upload some ordered pictures, we'll discover some of the many sides of this virgin corner that I'm myself yet to explore (despite living there for almost two decades). Please, let's refrain from politics, controversies or negativity as this is solely concerned with geography; likewise thanks for allowing me to be the only one to post pictures here initially.

As with many things we think we "know" but most people do it wrong, it is important to check one's practices, particularly Wudhu or ablutions and Salat, which should be perfected. Here is a video a brother just shared with me: PS: The Abridgement of the Prophet's Prayer Described is a shortened version of Sifatu Salat Nabi, the key reference in many libraries, from the well-known Sh Albani; listen to one of its audio explanations or ask a local teacher to go through it with you.

^Their self-promotion depends on telling the obvious: you need healthier and litterate citizens first. Korea and similar countries that progressed most rapidly were actually managed by engineers rather than economists and did exactely the opposite of what was told by such "experts" and their economics theories (eg don't think about steel mill if dirt poor, they ignored that and quickly became steel leader). For sure, the book is interesting but minerals (gold mining is very toxic and destructive) and oil divert more from economic diversification and innovation (not to mention environmental sustainability) rather than help; having such large oil output litterally killed the non-oil sectors in the Arab world and still delay considerably real economic and technological progress (even Algeria with some fertile land and colonial farms managed to neglect its primary sector and spend on costly food imports). Interestingly, Oman realised some noted progress in manufacturing, agriculture etc when its smaller oil output declined (having much less oil than Abu Dhabi and dwindling reserves were thus blessings). The irony is that you can best manage oil when you are already at the highest economic stage, with an ethical system that has a long-term vision (eg Norway putting oil revenues into trust funds rather than spend it).

Well, it's brother Ngonge's way to remind us of thinking about the "how"; for how long so many countries had lofty plans neglecting the precise ways to fulfill them? Also, skyscrappers, which are not necessarily economically or environmentally efficient choices, should be ditched in favor of traditional, climate efficient buildings of the Islamic architectural style etc (trains and other schemes are not really needed at such stages and densities). However, after anti-corruption and adequate institutions, I repeatedly emphasised that building an equitable, frugal yet efficient public health & primary care system would be the main challenge. Of course, litteracy is the other priority (notice this is different from "education" and mushrooming "universities"); but this will not require as much sophistication and resourcefulness or creativity I suppose. Now, these two key challenges for the coming two decades at least are far from being eye-wateringly expensive and estimates range from as low as 20 to $ 60 dollars at the very most per head (if we refer to international experts). Is not Sland achieving a budget of roughly $ 30 per capita, still growing if the current anti-corruption drive is maintained? Thus, while optimism and ambitions are lofty, I only hope these are focused on equality and environmental sustainability, not letting the elites and foreign investors's greed throw concrete and wasteful glitz all over the place, distracting from the masses and disenfranchised's rights or general equality as well as well-being. In other words, a strongly planned economy and industrial or infrastructure policies at the service of, and secondary to, equality and basic rights of the masses (some incomes equality and redistribution, health & safety and housing for all, nationalisations and priorities to job-intensive-process and industries, land rationing and protected access to beaches with mandatory green open spaces in half of urban spaces etc). These are my main concerns and Ngonge or our most conservative accountants will agree that these rights, initially public health & primary care and mass litteracy, are very feasible yet most cost effective.

nuune;828444 wrote: Abu Salman good points sxb, but one thing, you mentioned taxation strategy, how would that improve revenue when there are no jobs, taxation comes when there are plenty of jobs, hence why I mentioned the projects, they create JOBS, the government gets revenue from the workers, it then improves the infrastructure and other sectors such as health system, a balance has to exist. Indeed, new thinking such as urban agriculture (not just greens, peri-urban camel dairy was shown to be a great idea in a study by Jigjiga university), pushing labor intensive processes and industries, state schemes etc will help in that balance. Though tourism has a whole set of risks, I like the idea of "national civic/military service" (youth trained for and working on public schemes such as reforestation or roads while building social, civic and patriotic skills). Nationalisations and taxation target more the "easy" and huge profits made in Telecoms and services, cattle dealers, the "money made through money" or rents, consumption and luxuries etc rather than small traders or farmers. I fear elites greed and other foreign "investments" more than anything else (who seldom prioritize equality or environment as attested by their records everywhere).

I think brother Nuune is onto something about airlines as Ethiopian Airlines is of world standard and generated $120 millions of profits alone in 2010, surpassing its aims and it enhances greatly national prestige. However, their growth is doomed on the long run as it is impossible to compete with gulf Airlines such as Emirates. Things like soda or tobacco factories may be very lucrative but I hope all those businesses to get banned (produce or manufacture only what is essential and compatible with optimal health; at the very least, strong disincentives and planning is crucial). I agree too that money is not a worry here as aid influxes, loans etc will only enhance corruption and distort everything starting from attracting the wrong leaders, priorities etc. Actually, even if offered free railways (to ferry what?) and wasteful highways when densities are still very low, this can only create distractions and distortions, not to mention being influenced from abroad (notice how nobody offers surgeons, essential drugs supply systems etc). Unlike those business minded, I think focusing on anti-corruption, nationalising strategic industries such as telecoms and taxation will provide ample revenues to focus then on what really matters and will require much attention, ie building a very frugal yet efficient health system and spreading litteracy (Cuban doctors may be the most valuable foreign import). Preventing inequalities and unnecessary suffering while building the human capital should be the aim, not creating millionnaires or artificial opportunities for diaspora, foreigners etc.

If you know that a 7% growth rate is needed for incomes to double in 10 years or quadruple within 2 decades or that the population growth is roughly 3% then it is indeed incredibly ambitious or deliberately fraudulent to suggest Somaliland could grow its households disposable incomes by 10% a year. Even Korea did not achieve such an average over the long term, even with its aid and trade partners assistance, existing colonial Japanese infrastructure, better educated citizens and other features, let alone a fragile post-nomadic system where qat addiction is rife (and I don't always agree with Ngonge)...

Glad for them though I'm surprised at how those moving again over there deal with homesickness, like the brother from London.

Great points by the Turkish diplomat lady in Oslo, I very much like too Chimera optimism or Nuune patriotic ambitions; we all tend to admire and wish to reproduce Paris or Seoul like towers and gadgets or other splendid constructions if not systems as diaspora. Lately however, I'm much more into public health, equality and environmental conservation; ie, how to nationalise and regulate strategic industries (telecom, utilities etc), implement a tax system oblivious to elites manipulations and create jobs and security before profits (crops, apiculture, urban farming, appropriate technology, labor-intensive, essential industries). All that will ensure decent vital services for the poors and disenfranchised as well as greater harmony or loyalty to the system without compromising the environment and pouring cement all over the place with only few well-offs enjoying beaches or the calming, unspoilt nature (eg princes and other foreigners are blocking access to our childhood beaches in Djibouti while the masses see only more inflation and pollution). The models here are Cuba, Kerala or the Nordic socio-economic system in some aspects and as more and more experts recognise it now too simplistic GDP figures or other indicators will be neglected in favor of real equality, sustainability and popular well-being; very much can be accomplished with very low levels of GDP and levels similar to that of "poor" Cuba may even seem extravagant for meeting those basic needs if elites and other foreign obstructionism could be resisted. Inshallah, will post about it as I'm perfecting and reading on some data, few possible limits or objections.

The possible UV and other risks are minimal compared to the benefits according to experts (I'm not one), and as for skin cancers, rates in Australia are lower than those in the UK which has of course much less sunshine or outdoor activities (hence the absurdity of warning against sun exposure). In the UK, even inner cities whites of modest background are largely deficient as there is little direct sunshine most times, so imagine the case of immigrant ladies, well covered and living mostly indoor, in places where tall buildings and pollution further limit direct sunshine even in a sunny summer day. It is interesting that heavy metals like mercury, which tends to accumulate in the body, is notorious for brain damage, lower IQ, dementia and other cognitive impairments; Yet, they are omnipresent in vaccines, artificial baby milk formulas etc. So, given the importance of the Vitamin D hormone in cellular processes and detoxification in particular (regardless of whether experts finally agree or not on the link between autism and vaccines adjuvants such as mercury or other toxins, deficiencies etc), it is clearly a case of the lesser risk (just like drinking sodas is less risky than no water at all). The scandal according to UK experts is thus that immigrants are not routinely monitored and offered Vitamin D3 (only low doses of D2 tends to be available without prescription) when these should be urgently generalised in all primary care settings according to some specialists (tests or low doses prescriptions are offered, particularly in cases of illnesses, but it is all currently discretionary). It is very progressive if all American clinicians, in Minnesota at least, monitor and prescribe decent doses of D3 for those largely unable to get it naturally and particularly pregnant mothers whoses reserves are transmitted to the child; it is still a long fight elsewhere as those groups are not a priority. In the light of present knowledge however, I think the vitamin D controversy is a bit irrelevant for the public; toxicological studies show signs of toxicity (for those without other conditions) starting at around 50 000 IU and beyond (Mayoclinic.com) for most of us. However, experts recommend at most supplements of 4000-10 000 IU for dark skinned individuals in Northern latitudes (age higher than 35, preexisting deficiency or illness requiring the upper estimates); so the average recommended supplement is at least ten times lower than the threshold at which some troubles may start. 3-4 times those maximal doses may be necessary for those fat or obeses, but they would then only have similar blood concentrations to those of average individuals taking the maximal recommended doses. "The guidelines say children and pregnant women should have 400 units a day of vitamin D, but that is far less than is recommended elsewhere. In America, experts have suggested 4,000 units.": Vitamin D awareness in decline, say doctors. PS: the role of epigenetics and other perceptions of a "new biology" or medicine offering fresh perspective on pathogenesis and treatments (role of mental states, sunshine, nutrition etc), such as those put forth by Matt Ridley, are another topic though a related one. It offers many promises and more convincing explanations particularly in areas where modern medicine is most unscientific (causes and cures of those real mental illnesses rather than the pseudo ones etc).