TOKYO, Japan, November 10, 2017 —On November 1, 2017, the newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Djibouti, H.E. Mr. Koji Yonetani, paid a courtesy visit to H.E. Mr. Ahmed Araita Ali at the Djiboutian embassy in Japan. The Ambassador congratulated his counterpart, H.E. Mr. Yonetani on his appointment and welcomed him to the diplomatic corps. The discussions between both ambassadors were centered on the bilateral relations between Djibouti and Japan and the various ways and means in which the cooperation in the sectors of health, energy and infrastructure could be strengthened.

In a breakthrough for the campaign against female genital mutilation, the three candidates in Somaliland’s presidential election — all of them men — have said they will seek to ban the practice. Almost all women in Somaliland have undergone female genital mutilation. On Monday, the self-declared state in east Africa will elect a new president — and all the candidates have pledged to outlaw the barbaric practice following a campaign backed by the Standard. About 98 per cent of women in the former British colony, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, have undergone FGM. London campaigner Nimco Ali travelled to Somaliland to lobby the three main political parties on the issue. They all met her and promised to bring in legislation to end the procedure. Frontrunner Musa Bihi Abdi writes today in this newspaper that ending FGM in Somaliland will “complete the circle of a campaign that the Evening Standard has done so much to highlight over the last five years; the campaign to end the practice of FGM or female genital mutilation”. Ms Ali said: “I can’t explain how beautiful it is or how overwhelmed I am that these things are materialising. “When I first started campaigning there was a lot of shame, stigma and fear, but now there is hope, conviction and pride. I am so honoured they met me and what a level of respect I have for each and every one of them.” Ms Ali met Faisal Ali Warabe of the UCID party, a representative for Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi of the Waddani party, and Mr Abdi of the Kulmiye party. She offered to work for free for 100 days as a gender adviser to whoever becomes president. She was so shocked by the men’s positive responses that she “high-fived them in delight”. Musa Bihi Abdi Presidential Candidate of Kulmlye Party In the next few days, I hope and believe that I will become the fifth president of the Republic of Somaliland. If I do, I will lead an administration that will complete the circle of a campaign that the Evening Standard has done so much to highlight over the last five years; the campaign to end the practice of FGM. Despite amazing successes against the odds, Somaliland continues to have among the highest rates of girls undergoing FGM. But the country is on the cusp of genuine and profound change that could end this. Why? Firstly there is a broad social movement on this issue of activists, health workers, educationalists and Islamic scholars who are educating rural and urban communities about FGM and advocating for its end. It’s having a real impact. Women who have been “cut” are now saying they will not do it to the next generation. This is remarkable, given how much of a taboo this was until recently. Nimco Ali, who was born in Somaliland, was instrumental in getting the law on FGM changed in the UK. She has worked with all three political parties in Somaliland. But this is a campaign with roots here, which is why I believe it can succeed. The remarkable Edna Adan, an African health pioneer and former foreign minister of Somaliland, has worked on this issue for over 40 years. Now many midwife students are not only being taught about the health complications of FGM but how to spread the word about ending it. In August, 180 of our religious leaders took part in a conference exploring the medical details of FGM and its grave risks for girls. Ending FGM in Somaliland will also complete the circle in another way. Having been outlawed in the UK, it will make it harder for anyone from the diaspora to come to Somaliland to have it carried out here. What is needed now is the political leadership to bring focus and clarity to this campaign led by Somaliland’s hundreds of activists and campaigners. If I am elected president, I will do exactly that. FGM is about gender equality. For such a young nation like Somaliland to be so committed to ending it also shows it is committed to genuine democracy and is a rare example in such a troubled region. The presidential election is seen as one of the few genuinely positive events in the region at the moment. Nearly 800,000 voters have been registered for the first election in Africa to use iris-recognition software to prevent electoral fraud. Ms Ali said: “The candidates were incredibly busy travelling from one city to another campaigning. For them to make time and speak so patiently and openly about something so deeply-rooted and stigmatised was amazing. “We are meant to be ashamed of this thing, but by talking about it it showed how progressive they are. “They were all super-informed about FGM but were waiting for someone to give them the legitimacy to talk about it.” She admitted that speaking to the men about the issue was daunting, but added: “Ending FGM through legislation is the key thing for a place where prevalence levels are so high. “It is fundamental to the success of Somaliland. It cannot be successful if the women are repressed.” Standard

Livestock traders chat in front of a row of camels in the livestock market of Hargeisa, the capital of the Somaliland autonomous region. (Paul Schemm for The Washington Post) On Nov. 13, Somalilanders will vote for a new president. The campaign kicked off in dramatic fashion in October with Somaliland’s first-ever presidential debate shown live on national television, and large campaign rallies. Here’s what you need to know: Somaliland has a long history of elections and executive turnover A former British protectorate, Somaliland enjoyed five days of sovereign independence before uniting with Somalia in 1960. Following a brutal civil war, Somaliland dissolved its union with Somalia in 1991 and continues to exist as an unrecognized de facto state. With 4 million people and a territory of 68,000 square miles, Somaliland impresses outside observers with its sustained process of electoral democracy and a hybrid blend of traditional and modern state institutions. Somaliland’s stability stands in contrast to the insecurity and poor governance in neighboring Somalia. And unlike Somalia’s uneven transition record, Somaliland has seen peaceful leadership transitions for decades. The first president, Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur (1991-1993), accepted defeat in an indirect election in 1993. President Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal (1993-2002) then led Somaliland for nearly a decade. Vice President Dahir Riyale Kahin (2002-2010) ascended to the presidency after Egal’s death and remained in office after winning an election in 2003. Riyale accepted defeat and peacefully transferred power in 2010 to Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud “Silanyo” in accordance with Somaliland’s constitution. Silanyo opted not to seek reelection in 2017, and there are three contenders in the current election. To be sure, democracy depends on more than regular executive turnover. Recent presidential elections have seen extensive delays. There have been no parliamentary elections since 2005, and journalists and independent media experience arrest and harassment. International election observers found widespread multiple voting during 2012 local council elections but accepted those elections as “largely free and credible” — though they were not fully free and fair. There have been a series of electoral delays Somaliland was supposed to hold joint presidential and parliamentary elections in 2015. Severe drought and several political controversies led to multiple postponements. Droughts then forced pastoralists in the country to migrate, which meant that the March 2017 target election date would not be possible after delays in voter registration. Ultimately, complicated negotiations between the political parties and the National Electoral Commission and an intervention by the upper house of parliament led to the decision to hold the presidential ballot Nov. 13, and then hold a separate parliamentary poll in April 2019 in combination with local government elections. The decision to delay both elections, then separate them and further delay the parliamentary elections, greatly angered Somaliland’s Western supporters. One of the opposition candidates has repeatedly expressed concerns over the fairness of the electoral process, yet there is every reason to hope that Somaliland’s presidential elections will be peaceful and ultimately widely accepted. One concern, of course, is the possibility of disruption from the al-Shabab terrorist group. Somaliland’s system of limiting each political party to campaigning only on certain days of the week has calmed nerves and minimized pre-election violence in past elections. The iris-based biometric voter registration processwas largely successful and generally accepted by the electorate. This should obviate many of the problems noted in the 2012 local council elections. Who is running for president? Three parties are fielding presidential candidates. Musa Bihi Abdi is the presidential candidate of the ruling Kulmiye Party. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” represents the Waddani Party. Faysal Ali “Warabe” represents the UCID Party. Both UCID and Kulmiye competed in the 2003 and 2010 presidential elections, but this is the first election for the Waddani Party, which earned the right to field a candidate based on its performance in the 2012 local elections. During the October presidential debate, all three candidates agreed on the need to improve education, combat unemployment and pursue international recognition — no countries have officially recognized Somaliland. Abdi pledged to increase the representation of women in politics and to introduce compulsory national service for high school and university graduates. Irro was emphatic that he would not allow term extensions or delayed elections — and he promised to strengthen the powers of the Central Bank to combat inflation. Warabe promised more government intervention in the economy and to devote 15 percent of the government’s budget to health care. Somaliland’s most pressing challenges come after the election Whoever wins the presidential election will inherit a fragile political economy— one that is highly dependent on diaspora remittances and livestock exports in a drought-prone region. The new president will also take over what political scientist Kenneth Menkhaus has termed a “functional failed state” with a few “clusters of competence.” In other words, the state functions, and maintains public order and a degree of economic growth, but has limited government capacity, low levels of institutionalization, and modest budgets. An overriding concern is that Somaliland has limited state capacity — though the National Election Commission seems to be one area that works. Somaliland’s 2017 budget of $362 million represents about $100 per person of government spending, which is significantly lower than the sub-Saharan Africa average and also that of other conflict states. More than half the budget typically goes to security, leaving little room for education, health, infrastructure or development spending. To date, this has been accepted practice because Somalilanders are “hostages to peace” who value the maintenance of peace and stability above all else. The human development costs, however, are vast, and popular demands on the government to address these needs are growing. Members of Somaliland’s Guurti, or upper house, have not been elected or selected since 1997. They have extended their own terms in office, with some members being replaced by immediate offspring. Scholars now raise questions that Somaliland’s attempt to blend traditional and modern governance may be a “crippled hybrid” in which neither institution functions well. If lower house parliamentary elections are held in 2019, parliamentarians will have served nine years beyond their constitutionally mandated five-year terms of office. Despite these and other challenges, there are reasons for optimism. With comparatively little international assistance, Somaliland has survived two livestock export bans that decimated its leading industry, the sudden and unexpected death in office of President Egal in 2002 and various electoral crises. A new president with a fresh electoral mandate offers the prospects of renewed electoral progress, necessary institutional reforms and incremental improvements in the daily lives of its citizens. If all goes to plan, Somaliland’s fifth president in 26 years will be inaugurated Dec. 13 — and assume responsibility for Somaliland’s continued peace and security. Scott Pegg is professor and chair of the Department of Political Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and is serving as an international election observer for Somaliland’s presidential elections. Michael Walls is senior lecturer in the Development Planning Unit at University College London and is coordinating the international election observer mission for Somaliland’s presidential elections. Washington

Xoghayaha arrimaha dibedda Mareykanka Rex tillerson ayaa maanta sheegay inaysan jirin “wax tilmaamo ah” oo muujinaya in ra’iisul wasaarihii is-casilay ee Lebanon Saad al-Hiriri ay xabsi geliyeen Sacuudiga. Hariri, ayaa sabtidii lasoo dhaafay isaga oo ku sugan dalka Sacuudiga ku dhawaaqay inuu iska casilay xilkii ra’iisul wasaare ee dalka Lebanon. Tillerson ayaa sheegay in wasiirka arrimaha dibedda Sacuudiga Adel al-Jubeir uu u xaqiijiyey in go’aanka is-casilaadda ee Hariri uu ahaa mid isaga u gaar ah. Tillerson iyo al-Jubeir ayaa wada hadlay talaadadii. “Sida aad ogtihiin Hariri wuxuu haystaa laba dhalasho oo kala ah Lebanon iyo Saudi. Qoyskiisa waxay Sacuudiga ku noolaayeen muddo, marka wasiirka arrimaha dibedda ayaa ii xaqiijiyey in go’aanka uu yahay mid u gaar ah isaga” ayuu yiri Tillerson. Tillerson ayaa intaas ku daray in Saad Hariri looga baahan yahay “inuu dib ugu laabto dalka Lebanon” si uu is-casilaadda uga dhigo mid rasmi ah, si dowladda dalkaas ay ugu shaqeyso si sax ah. Saraakiil ka tirsan dowladda Lebanon oo ku sugan magaalada Beirut ayaa sheegay inay rumeysan yihiin in Hariri uu lahayste u yahay Sacuudiga. Sacuudiga ayaa muddo taageerayey Hariri iyo xulafadiisa oo loolan adag uu kala dhaxeeyo kooxda Hezbollah, oo Iran ay taageerto. Isha: VOA

The post Madaxweynaha Dawladda Puntland oo U Hambalyeeyey Garsoore Cabdulqawi Axmed Yusuf. appeared first on Puntland Post.

13-ka bishan November, Somaliland waxaa ka dhici doonta doorashadii saddexaad oo dadku ay dooranayaan madaxweyne iyo madaxweyne ku-xigeen. Codbixiyeyaasha: Doorashadan oo laba jeer oo hore dib u dhacday ayaa waxa codayn doona 704,089 (todoba boqol iyo afar kun iyo siddeetan iyo sagaal qof). Waxa ku tartamaya saddex xisbi oo midkiiba ay ka socdaan laba musharrax oo kala ah madaxweyne iyo ku-xigeen. Murashaxiinta Madaxweynnimada iyo Ku-xigeennada: Xisbiga UCID: Waxaa ka sharraxan Faysal Cali Waraabe oo ah musharraxa madaxweynaha iyo Axmed Cabdi Muuse (Abyan) oo ah musharraxa madaxweyne ku-xigeenka. Xisbiga KULMIYE: Waxaa ka sharraxan Muuse Biixi Cabdi oo ah musharraxa madaxweynaha iyo Cabdiraxmaan Cabdillaahi Ismaaciil Saylici oo ah musharraxa madaxweyne kuxigeenka. Xisbiga WADDANI: Waxaa ka sharraxan Cabdiraxmaan Maxamed Cabdillaahi Cirro oo ah musharraxa madaxweynaha iyo Maxamed Cali Aw Cabdi oo ah musharraxa madaxweyne kuxigeenka. Murashaxiinta Halkee Ka Soo Jeedaan? Saddex musharrax madaxweyne ayaa kasoo kala jeeda gobollada Maroodi-jeex iyo Saaxil. Halka saddexda musharrax madaxweyne ku-xigeenna ay kasoo kala jeedaan gobollada Awdal iyo Sool. Tirada goobaha laga codayn doonno ayaa gaadhaya 1, 642 goobood kuwaasi oo la sheegay in ay yihiin Taleex illaa Lawyo-caddo. Shaqaalaha Iyo Korjoogayaasha Doorashada: Tirada shaqaaaha ka hawl-gali doonna doorashadan ayaa ah in ka badan 18,000 oo qof – kuwaasi oo guddida doorashooyinka Somaliland ay kala geeyeen 21 degmo doorasho. Tirada goobjoogayaasha kormeeri doonna doorashadan ayaa ah 690 goobjooge oo iskugu jira kuwo caalami ah iyo kuwo maxalli ah. Goobjoogayaasha caalamiga ah oo ka kooban 60 goobjooge ayaa ka socda 24 dal waxaana maalgalinaysa dawladda ingiriiska. Kuwa maxalliga ah ayaa iyaguna tiradoodu tahay 630 goobjooge. Ammaanka doorashada waxa sugi donna ciidamo iskugu jira Millatari iyo Boolis. W/Q: Khaalid Ismaaciil

Militariga Maraykanka ayaa sheegay in dhowr ka tirsan Al-shabaab lagu dilay weerar ay diyaaradahooda aan duuliyaha lahayn ka fuliyeen Somaliya,iyadoo maamulka madaxweyne Trump uu siyaadiyey beegsiga mintidiinta xagjirka ah ee gobolka. Weerarka ayaa laga fuliyey degaan ku yaalla gobolka Baay oo qiyaastii 160KM galbeed uga beegan caasimadda Soomaaliya ee Mogadishu,mana jiro khasaare soo gaaray dadka rayidka ah,sida lagu xusay qoraal uu soo saaray Taliska Ciidanka Maraykanka ee Afrika. In ka badan 20 weerar ayaa diyaaradaha Maraykanka ee drones-ka sannadkaan ka fuliyeen Soomaaliya,kuwaasoo lagu beegsaday xubno ka tirsan Al-shabaab iyo Daacish,kadib markii madaxweyne Trump kordhiyey hawlgalka ka dhanka ah mintidiinta,sida laga soo xigtay Waaxda Dicaafa Maraykanka ee Pentagon. Bishii hore, qarax weyn oo gaari loo adeegsaday ayaa caasimadda Soomaaliya Mogadishu ku dilay ugu yaraan 358 ruux,kaasoo lagu tilmaamay weerarkii ugu xumaa ee soo maray Taariikhda Soomaaliya,waxaana lagu eedeeyay ururka Al-shabaab. Al-shabaab ma sheegan qaraxaas oo ay ka dhalatay masiibo ballaaran,laakiin laba todobaad kadib weerar kale oo lagu qaaday hoteel ku yaalla Mogadishu oo ay ku dhinteen ku dhowaad 30 qof,tiro kalena ku dhaacantay,ayaa Al-shabaab durbadiiba sheegatay. PUNTLAND POST The post Dhowr ka tirsan Al-shabaab oo ku dhintay duqayn Maraykanku ka fuliyey Soomaaliya. appeared first on Puntland Post.

Hargeysa (PP) ─ Wararka naga soo gaaraya Magaalada Hargeysa oo ah xarunta maamulka Somaliland, ayaa sheegaya in ciidamada ammanka ay gacanta ku dhigeen kooxo la sheegay inay doonayeen inay falal amni-darro geystaan inta lagu jiro doorashada madaxtinimada ee Somaliland oo lagu wdo inay dhacdo toddobaadka soo socda. Hawl-gal ay ciidamadu sameeyeen ayaa waxay kusoo qabteen toddoba qof oo la sheegay inay qorsheynayeen inay falal amaan-darro ah ay ka fuliyaan deegaannada maamulka, iyagoo markiiba xabsiga u taxaabay. Sidoo kale, Ciidamada ayaa waxay gudaha Suuqa Hargeysa ku qabteen laba nin oo la sheegay inay wateen hub, kuwaasoo la sheegay inay xiriir dhaw la lawhaayeen todoba qof ee ciidamadu ay hawlgallada ku qabteen. Mid ka mid ah saraakiisha booliiska Somaliland ayaa warbaahinta u sheegay in ciidanka amniga Somaliland ay adkeeyeen amaanka guud ee deegaanada Somaliland, iyagoo ka cabsi-qabo in weerarro ay ka dhacaan deegaannada maamulkaas inta ay socoto doorashada madaxnimo. Ugu dambeyn, Deegaannada maamulka Somaliland ayaa haatan waxaa laga dareemayaa diyaar-garow ku aaddan doorashada madaxtibnimada ee lagu wado inay toddobaadka soo socda dhacda, maadaama lasoo gaba-gabeeyay ololayaashii doorashada ee ay xisbiyadu sameynayeen. PUNTLAND POST The post Ciidamada Somaliland oo Xir-xiray Kooxo la sheegay inay Qorsheynayeen Falal Amni-daro appeared first on Puntland Post.

Muqdisho (PP) ─ Madaxweynaha Somalia, Maxamed Cabdullaahi Farmaajo ayaa xalay kulan gaar ah la yeeshay in ka badan 50-xildhibaan oo ka tirsan baarlamaanka Galmudug, kuwaasoo sheegay inay Madaxweyne Xaaf xilkii ka qaadeen. Madaxweyne Farmaajo oo ka hawlan in lasoo af-jaro khilaafaadka ka taagan Galmudug, ayaa xildhibaannadii uu la kulmay ka wareestay xaalada ka jirta deegaanka iyo go’aankii ay qaatayn 26-kii Bishii September ee sanadkan ee la xiriirtay xil ka qaadistii Madaxweyne Xaaf. Sidoo kale, Xildhibaannada ayaa Madaxweynaha u sheegay sababaha ay go’aanka u qaateen, waxaana markii dambe la isku raacay in la raadiyo xalka maamul-goboleedka Galmudug oo dhawaanahan ay dhibaato aad u weyn ka dhex-jirtay. Farmaajo ayaa xildhibaannada ka dalbaday in qoorta ay dhiibtaan kuna qancaan dadaallada uu wado ee xalka Galmudug lagu radinayo, iyadoo la sheegay inay ka ogolaadeen soo jeedintan. Dhanka kale, Kulan kale oo si rasmi ah loogu soo af-jarayo xiisadda iyo khilaafka ka taagan Galmudug ayaa lagu ballamay, waxaana kulankaas iclaamiyay Madaxweynaha Somalia. Ugu dambeyn, Madaxweyne Farmaajo ayaa horay ula kulmay dhammaaan madaxda Galmudug, waxayna arrimahaan oo dhan muujinayaan sida ay uga go’antahay Madaxweynaha Somalia in xal loo helo Galmudug iyo Soomaaliya oo dhan. PUNTLAND POST The post Farmaajo oo xalay la kulmay Xildhibaanadii sheegay inay xilka ka qaadeen Madaxweyne Xaaf appeared first on Puntland Post.

Hargeysa (PP) ─ Idaacadda BBC-da laanta afka Soomaaliga ayaa shalay u qabtay dood kulul musharraxiinta doorashada madaxweyneha ee saddexda xisbi ee ka jira Somaliland, kuwaasoo lagu weydiiyay su’aalo isugu jira kuwo xasaasi ah iyo kuwo kale. Dooddan ayaa waxay u dhexeysa Inj. Faysal Cali Waraabe oo u tartamaya xisbiga UCID, Muuse Biixi Cabdi oo u tartamaya xisbiga KULMIYE ee hadda talada haya iyo weliba C/raxmaan Maxamed C/llaahi [Cirro] oo WADDANI u tartamaya. Qodobbada sida aadka ah looga dooday ayaa waxaa ka mid ah hanaanka ay u marayaan musharraxiinta ictiraaf raadinta Somaillland, Sidoo kale sadexda musharrax ayaa ka hadlay la-safashada ay Somaliland la safatay Wadamada Imaaraadka iyo Sucuudiga. Haddaba, DAAWO; Doodda ay BBC-du u qabtay Musharraxiinta Somaliland; PUNTLAND POST The post BBC-da oo Murashaxiinta Saddexda Xisbi ee Somaliland u Qabatay Dood Xasaasi [DAAWO] appeared first on Puntland Post.

The US military announced Thursday it had killed “several militants” in an airstrike against Al-Shabaab jihadists in Somalia. The attack took place early Thursday in the Bay region in the center of the country, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of Mogadishu. The strike was carried out “in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia,” the US Africa Command said in a statement. “Al-Shabaab has pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and is dedicated to providing safe haven for terrorist attacks throughout the world,” it said. Al-Shabaab was blamed for the October 14 truck bombing in Mogadishu that killed 358 people, and an attack on a hotel on October 29 that left 27 dead. On Saturday the US mission to Somalia urged all non-essential staff to leave Mogadishu immediately following a specific threat against them. That was one day after the US Africa Command launched drone strikes that targeted an Islamic State base in the country’s northeast. Source: AFP

FILE – In this Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 file photo, an armed member of the militant group al-Shabab attends a rally in support of the merger of the Somali militant group al-Shabab with al-Qaida, on the outskirts of Mogadishu, Somalia. The defections of two American Islamic extremist fighters in Somalia highlight tensions within the insurgent group al-Shabab over whether it should remain affiliated to al-Qaida or switch allegiance to the Islamic State group, according to an al-Shabab commander Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015. (AP Photo, File) WASHINGTON— Troops under the African Union Mission in Somalia, or AMISOM, have begun a steady withdrawal of forces from the region, amid increasing violence and threats from resurgent Al Shabab militants. The drawdown of AMISOM forces from the region could have dire impacts on the U.S. mission there, where just over 500 U.S. troops are currently serving. The withdrawal of forces from the five troop contributing countries of Uganda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti — has been scheduled for some time as a result of caps placed by UN Security Council Resolution 2373, according to a U.S. State Department official. The UN Resolution authorized the AMISOM mission to continue until May 31, 2018 with a cap on forces at 21,626 by Dec. 31, 2018. AMISOM has routinely said its withdrawal will be conditions based with a turnover to competent Somali security forces capable of maintaining security stability in the region. “Over the coming weeks, AMISOM’s strategic troop movements will continue, without disrupting the provision of the existing security services, to ensure the safety of the people of Somalia, who remain at the core of AMISOM’s operational consideration,” reads a recent statement from AMISOM about upcoming troop withdrawals from the region. However, AMISOM’s withdrawal from the region appears anything but conditions based as the country has been plagued with a spate of vehicle bombings and killings over the last several months. In mid-October, a truck bomb killed several hundred people and wounded over 500, according to a report from the Guardian. It was one of the deadliest terror attacks in Somalia’s history. Moreover, the withdrawal, especially anything beyond the UN cap, is likely to impact the U.S. mission in Somalia which is dual focused on training Somali forces but also counterterrorism and targeting of high valued Al Shabaab and just recent ISIS targets. U.S. forces carried out a strike against ISIS targets for the first time just last Friday. Officials at U.S. Africa Command won’t comment on future U.S. force posturing in the region as a result of AMISOM’s drawdown, citing operation security issues. But currently, there are over 500 U.S. troops serving in the war-torn region, according to Robyn Mack, a spokesperson for U.S. AFRICOM. According to AFRICOM’s 2017 posture statement presented before lawmakers earlier this year by Marine Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, AFRICOM has supported efforts to push AMISOM’s mission into 2019. “From a security perspective, we view the presence of AMISOM as absolutely vital to maintaining security in Somalia until conditions allow for a gradual withdrawal,” Mack recently told Military Times. Though Somali forces have shown progress “international support will remain a key enabling factor for the Somali National Security Forces,” Mack added. Overall, the security situation in Somalia looks bleak. According to assessments by AFRICOM, there are 3,000 to 6,000 Shabaab fighters and roughly 250 ISIS militants operating in the country. Though, AMISOM forces have been successful in driving militants out of major urban areas, Shabab dominates areas of the rural countryside, using the ungoverned spaces as a springboard to harass and target Somali and AMISOM forces. “Al-Shabab controls roughly 20 percent of Somalia, primarily in southern Somalia where they have maintained historical presence.” Mack told Military Times “ISIS-Somalia doesn’t control any territory but maintains influence and a very small presence in Somalia in northern Puntland. And the Federal Government of Somalia controls less than 50 percent of its territory,” Mack explained. The drawdown of AMISOM forces without an increased U.S. footprint could lead to further loss of territory by Somali forces. “This will depend on how a withdrawal of AMISOM is conducted and highlights the importance of a well-thought out, conditions-based hand-off between Somali National Security Forces and AMISOM,” Mack told Military Times, in response to a question about expected territorial losses by Somali forces as a result of AMISOMs drawdown. Nevertheless, U.S. forces in the region gace already stepped up strikes against militants in the country. In early September, U.S. forces launched a series of 3 airstrikes against Al Shabab from the period of Sept. 5-13th. And on Nov. 9th, U.S. forces conducted another strike killing several Shabaab militants, according to a recent AFRICOM press release. “The operation occurred in the Bay Region of Somalia, about 100 miles west of the capital, Mogadishu,” the press release reads. Officials at the State Department don’t support any further withdrawals below the UN mandated caps. “We do not support further drawdown of forces beyond that level at this time, due to ongoing security concerns, a State Department official told Military Times. “The United States supports a conditions-based AMISOM drawdown that is tied to the standup of capable, professional Somali security forces.” Since 2007, the U.S. has committed more than $1 billion to to provide training, equipment, logistics support, and advisory support, to Somaila and nearly $400 million to “to build capable Somali forces to operate alongside and eventually replace AMISOM,” the official added. Source: – Military Times

The Port of Berbera’s future may depend in part on the results of Somaliland’s upcoming presidential election. Opposition party candidate Abdirahman Irro has criticized the current government’s $440 million deal with DP World for a 30-year lease on the port, and he has promised to review the agreement – along with other privatization efforts – if he should win the election. “Our party is welcoming of all investment projects in Berbera, but investment deals shouldn’t be conducted under the table,” Irro said. “We promise to review all the deals that were signed by the [current] administration.” Faisal Ali Waraabe, the candidate of incumbent party UCID, is broadly supportive of the port concession and the economic opportunities it brings. “The port will be expanded and upgraded, we are currently entering the first phase. The second phase of its expansion will follow,” he said in a speech on November 2. “When I am elected president, I will complete these projects for you all, god willing.” On November 6, one week before election day, DP World announced that it would invest in the development of a four square kilometer free trade zone at Berbera, which will be modeled on its own Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in Dubai. The proposed Berbera Free Zone (BFZ) would target a wide range of businesses, including warehousing, logistics, import/export, manufacturing and related industries. The details of the BFZ would be negotiated with Somaliland’s new government after the elections. DP World said that under its management, container volumes at Berbera have hit record levels. In September, the port posed a 40 percent increase over the same period last year. DP intends to continue its investments in its Berbera master plan, including an additional container terminal. It has already purchased two reach stackers, 10 internal transfer vehicles (ITVs) and five forklifts to the port. In a statement, the firm said that the first new cranes are scheduled to arrive next year. Source: The maritime Executive

Muqdisho (Caasimada Online)-Madaxweynaha Somalia Maxamed C/llahi Farmaajo ayaa xalay kulan gaara Villa Somalia kula qaatay tiro Xildhibaano ah oo dhawaan sheegay inay xilka ka qaaden Hogaamiye Xaaf. Madaxweyne Farmaajo ayaa Xildhibaanada kala hadlay xiisada kala dhexeysa Hogaamiye Xaaf oo ay dhawaan sheegen inay ka qaaden xilka uu hayo. Farmaajo oo ku howlan xal u helida xiisada taagan ayaa Xildhibaanada uu la kulmay ka wareestay xaalada deegaanka iyo go’ aankii ay qaaten 26kii Bishii sagaalaad ee xilka looga qaaday Xaaf. Xildhibaanada ayaa Farmaajo u sheegay sababaha ay go’aanka u qaateen waxaana markii dambe la isku raacay in la raadiyo xalka Galmudug. Farmaajo ayaa xildhibaanada ka dalbaday inay qoorta dhiibtan isla markaana ku qancaan dadaalada ay wadaan si looga dhabeeyo xalka Galmudug. Yuusuf Axmed Ciyow oo kamid ah Xildhibaanada baarlamaanka Maamulka Galmudug ayaa sheegay in Madaxweynaha ay kala hadleen xil ka qaadistii ay ku sameeyeen Xaaf iyo wadada ay u mareen. Xildhibaan Ciyow, wuxuu sheegay in Madaxweyne Farmaajo uu soo jeediyay in xiisada Galmudug laga galo dib u heshiisiin. Sidoo kale, kulan kale oo si rasmi ah loogu soo afjarayo Xiisada iyo khilaafka Galmudug ayaa lagu balamay waxaana kulankaas Iclaamiyay Madaxweynaha Soomaaliya. Si kastaba ha ahaatee, Madaxweyne Farmaajo ayaa hore ula kulmay dhamaaan Madaxda Galmudug waxayna arimahaan oo dhan muujinayaan sida ay uga go’antahay Madaxweynaha Daganaanshiyaha Soomaaliya gaar ahaan buuqa ka taagan Galmudug. Caasimada Online Xafiiska Muqdisho Caasimada@live.com

Muqdisho (Caasimada Online)-Hay’adda Qaramada Midoobay ayaa mar kale Garsoore Cabdulqawi Axmed Yuusuf u dooratay inuu noqdo garsoore ka tirsan maxkamadda cadliga adduunka ee loo yaqaan ICJ. Cabdulqawi Axmed Yuusuf, ayaa muddo badan ka shaqeynaayay Maxkamada, waxaana xusid mudan in sanadii 2015kii loo doortay guddoomiye ku-xigeen. Garsoore Cabdulqawi Axmed Yuusuf, waxa uu sidoo kale Maxkamada ka tirsanaa tan iyo 2009-kii, waxaana lagu amaanaa inuu leeyahay khibrad fog. Safiirka Somalia u fadhiya QM, Abuukar Daahir Cusmaan ayaa sheegay in Garsoore Cabdulqawi uu ku guuleystay cod aqlabiyad leh. Safiirka waxa uu tilmaamay in guusha Cabdulqawi ay si wada jira u bogaadiyeen dhammaan wakiillada 193-ka waddan ee ka qayb galay doorashadaasi. Sidoo kale, Garsoore Cabdulqawi horay usoo ahaa Guddoomiye ku xigeenka,waxaana lagu wadaa in horraanta 2018-ka uu noqdo Guddoomiye sida uu sheegay Amb:Abuukar Cusmaan. Geesta kale, Wasiirka arrimaha dibadda Somalia Yusuf Garaad Cumar ayaa qoraal uu soo dhigay bartiisa Facebook ku sheegay in Cabdulqawi Axmed Yuusuf uu heerkaasi ku gaaray aqoontiisa, isla markaana dowlada Federaalka ah ee Somalia ay ku bixisay Juhdi. Yuusuf Garaad waxa uu carab dhabay in dowlada Federaalka ah ee Somalia ay cadaadis diblomaasiyadeed saartay 193-ka waddan ee ka qayb galay doorashadaasi. Caasimada Online Xafiiska Muqdisho Caasimada@live.com

Muqdisho (Caasimada Online)-Dalka Sucuudi Carabiya, in kabadan 200 oo qof ayaa su’aalo laga weydiiyay lacago musumaasuq lagu lunsaday oo gaaraya ilaa hal bilyan oo doolar. Sucuudiga ayaa hadda wada baaritaan musuqmaasuq oo ballaaran, kaasi oo lagu bartilmaameedsanayo dadka looga shakisan yahay in ay lacago lunsadeen. Xeer ilaaliyaha guud ee Sucuudiga Sheekh Sacuud Al-Mojeeb ayaa sheegay in tan iyo sabtigii la soo dhaafay 208 qof su’aalo la weydiiyay. Toddobo qof oo ka mid ah dadkaasi ayaa markii dambe la fasaxay oo aan wax dambi ah lagu helin. Amiirro ka tirsan boqortooyada, wasiirro iyo dhawr qof oo ganacsato ah ayaa xabsiga la dhigay kuwaasi oo lagu eedeeyay musuqmaasuq. Suxufi ka tirsan Idaacada BBC-da oo Sucuudiga jooga ayaa sheegaya in musuqmaasuqu uu kal hore hareeyay dalkaasi, waxaana hadda ay dadku is weydiinayaan baaritaannada socda halka ay ku dambeyn doonaan. BBC Caasimada Online Xafiiska Muqdisho Caasimada@live.com

Muqdisho (Caasimada Online)-Xukuumada Somalia ayaa ku goodisay inay talaabo lixaad leh ka qaadi doonto shaqsiyaadka baraha bulshada ku baahiya wararka been abuurka ah. Xukuumadu waxa ay sheegtay in shaqsiyaadkaasi ay habdhaqan ka dhigteen kicinta bulshada, iyadoo la adeegsanaayo baraha ay wadaagan bulshada. Waxa ay tilmaantay in aan loo dulqaadan karin in la kiciyo oo xaalad jahwareer la geliyo shacabka Soomaaliyeed. C/raxmaan Iidaan Yoonis oo ah Wasiir ku-xigeenka Wasaarada Warfaafinta Xukuumada Soomaaliya, ayaa cadeeyay inay kawarqabaan ficilada ay sameeyan shaqsiyaadkaasi, balse ay ka jawaab celin doonaan, sida uu hadalka u dhigay. ”Waxaa sii kordhaaya shaqsiyaadka baraha bulshada ku faafiya warar been abuur ah oo lagu kicinaayo dadka shacabka ah, waxaan ku wargalineynaa inaan ku howlanahay ka jawaabida wararka beenta ah oo ay usoo bandhigaan shacabka” Wasiir ku-xigeenka Wasaarada Warfaafinta Xukuumada Soomaaliya, waxa uu sidoo kale sheegay in maalmihii dambe magaalada Muqdisho ay ku soo badanaayeen dad baraha bulshada ku faafinaya warar been abuur ah oo ay ka mid ahaayen in meelo uusan qarax yaalin la dhaho qarax baa mee hebel yaalo, sida uu wasiir ku xigeenka sheegay. Haddalka Wasiir ku-xigeenka ayaa kusoo beegmaaya xili wixii ka danbeeyay qaraxii ka dhacay Isgoyska Soobe ee loo adeegsaday gaariga xamuulka ahaa ay dadka shacabka ah bilaabeen in baraha bulshada ay kusoo bandhigaan gaadiidka yaala waddooyinka ee laga shakisan yahay. Caasimada Online Xafiiska Muqdisho Caasimada@live.com

Muqdisho (Caasimadda Online) – Labadii maalmood ee lasoo dhaafey waxaa magaalada Muqdisho la isku gudbinayey fariimo xambaarsan digniino dhanka amniga ah oo lagu argagixinayey shacabka Muqisho. Fariimahan qaarkood waxaa loo sawirayey inay yihiin kuwa ay isdhaafsadeen saraakiil dhanka amniga u qaabilsan hay`ado iyo safaarado shisheeye ah oo shaqaalahooda uga digaya magaalada Muqisho. Waxaa fariimaha qaarkood lagu sheegayey in xataa garoonka caalamiga ah ee Adan Adde uusan amni aheyn. Haddaba waxaa la isweydiin karaa yaa ka dambeeya noocan cusub ee argagixisnimada ah oo sharci ahaan dambi la isku maxkamadeyn karo ah? Markii aan u kuur galnay baarneyna cidda ku hawlan dacaayadan iyo been abuurkaan lagu cabsi galinayo shacabka, ayaa waxaa ogaanay inay ku lug leeyihiin ajandana ka dhigteen kooxda ay soo kireysatay dowlada Imaaraatka ee qaska iyo fitnada loosoo xilsaartay. Waxaa hawshaan farsamo ahaan iyo fikir keedaba ka shaqeynayey Cabdiraxman Cabdishakuur Kamaal Guutaale iyo Abshir Bukhari. Sadexdaan qaswade iyo kuwa kale ee ku arragtida ah ayaa aaminsan in la abuuro khalkhal dhanka amniga ah si dowladda loogu eedeeyo fashil dhanka amniga ah si taas u hirgashana la abuuro warar iyo daacayado been ah oo dhanka amniga la xiriira ayagoo adeegsanaya erayo ka mid yihiin gaari qaraxa ku jira magaalada, qof aan la dilin oo la diley iwm. Dacaayadahaan ayaa kusoo beegmaya waqti ay ciidamada xooggu dagaal iyo guluf joogto ah ku hayaan fariisimihii ay kooxda Shabaab ku laheyd gobolada Shebelada Hoose iyo Shabelada Dhexe, waxaana dagaaladan oo wali socda Shabaabka looga laayey maleeshiyaa farabadan halka qaarkalena maxaabiis ahaan loo qabsadey. Hay`adda nabad sugidda qaranka ayaa ayaduna xoojisay hawlgaladoodii caadiga ahaa ee ay kaga hortagayeen dhagarta shabaab .

Kulankii Golaha Wasiirada ayaa si adag loogu hadlay baahinta wararka been abuurka ah iyo xaaladaha lagu kicinayo dadka Soomaaliyeed. Xukuumada Soomaaliya ayaa sheegtay in talaabo adag laga qaadayo dadka mar walbo bulshada usoo bandhiga wararka been abuurka ah. Xukuumada ayaa sidoo kale sheegtay in aan loo dulqaadan Karin in la kiciyo oo xaalad jahwareer la geliyo shacabka Soomaaliyeed. Wasiir ku xigeenka Wasaarada Warfaafinta Xukuumada Soomaaliya C/raxmaan Iidaan Yoonis ayaa sheegay in talaabo laga qadayo cid walbo oo bulshada kicisa una soo bandhigta warar been abuur ah. Waxa uu sidoo kale sheegay in maalmihii dambe Magaalada Muqdisho ay ku soo badanaayeen dad baraha bulshada ku faafinaya warar been abuur ah oo ay ka mid ahaayeen in meelo uusan qarax yaalin la dhaho qarax baa mee hebel yaalo sida uu wasiir ku xigeenka sheegay. Ka dib qaraxii ka dhacay Isgoyska Soobe ee loo adeegsaday gaariga xamuulka ahaa ayaa wixii xilligaasi ka dambeeyay dadka reer muqdisho waxa ay bilaabeen iney ka shakiyaan gaadiidka waa weyn ee xamuulka. Waxaana mararka qaar dhacday in ciidamada amaanka ay si kedis ah ku xeraan wadooyinka Muqdisho oo laga shakiyo gaadiidka qaar.

International Partners Statement A high level delegation of international partners will visit Hargeisa, Somaliland, on 12 to 14 November 2017. The purpose of the visit is to demonstrate the partners’ continued engagement and strong encouragement to Somaliland’s democratic transition process and, in that context, to support a peaceful, inclusive, credible and transparent presidential election on 13 November. The high level delegation is not mandated to observe the elections and will not represent an election observation mission. The International Partners note the progress in preparation of the election and encourage the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to continue its good work. They also call on the political parties to participate in the election responsibly and peacefully, in respect of the established legal frameworks and procedures, and to provide the NEC with the space and time it needs when the polls close to prepare and declare the result. They further call on all sides to accept the result produced by the votes of the duly registered electorate, and in case of any grievances or contestation, to pursue such matters through the legally mandated institutions and formally established procedures. They also urge all stakeholders to respect the role of the media in informing the public and thus enhancing the transparency and credibility of the electoral process. The International Partners reiterate that this election represents an opportunity for Somaliland to strengthen its democratic credentials for continued progress for the benefit of all Somalilanders. This Statement was signed by the following countries: Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States of America

HARGEISA—Somaliland President HE Ahmed Silanyo left for a visit to Addis Ababa Ethiopia on Thursday. The president is leading a delegation and is accompanied by the FM, the First Lady and President’s special secretary. According to Presidential spokesman, Mr. Deyr said that Mr. Silanyo is due to meet with Ethiopia’s PM, Hailemariam Desaleng. The two leaders are due to hold talks on Somaliland elections and bilateral tie between SL and Ethiopia.

Muqdisho (Caasimada Online) – Dowladda Turkiga ayaa ku gacan seertay isku dayo deeq bixiyayaasha caalamka ay doonayaan in deeqda ay siiso Soomaaliya laga dhigo mid ku xiran beesha caalamka, oo aysan toos ula macaamilin dowladda federaalka. Professor Michael Woldemariam oo xiriirka caalamiga ah ka dhiga jaamacadda Boston ayaa sheegay in deeq bixiyaal badan ay isku dayeen inay dhanka xun u qaloociyaan taageerada Turkiga ee Soomaaliya, ayaga oo ku eedeeyey inay wixii ay doonaan ay dalka ka sameystaan. Woldemariam waxa uu sheegay in Turkiga uu u diiday inuu beesha caalamka Soomaaliya ka mid noqdo, sababtuna ay tahay ayaga oo aan dooneyn in lala xiriiriyo faro-gelinta ay quwadaha shisheeye ku hayaan Soomaaliya. “Dalal badan oo ka mid ah kuwa Soomaaliya caawiya waxay leeyihiin taariikh aysan Soomaali badan la dhacsaneyn, Turkigana ma doonayaan inay taas qeyb ka noqdaan” ayuu yiri. Woldemariam ayaa sheegay in go’aanka Turkiga ee ah inuu toos u caawiyo Soomaalida, uu ka dhigay mid ay Soomaali badan la dhacsan yihiin, soona dhaweeyaan. Waxa uu sheegay in Turkiga uu yahay dalka ay dadka Soomaalida ugu jecel yihiin, sababta oo ah wuxuu doortay hab ka duwan qaabkii Soomaalida loo caawin jiray, oo ah inuu wax qabad rasmi ah muujiyo, oo uu ka howlgalo gudaha Soomaaliya. Caasimada Online Xafiiska Muqdisho Caasimada@live.com

A Somali family celebrated a milestone Wednesday night when the 150th family member arrived in Canada, in the 150th year of Canada's founding. "I am feeling so joyful," said Marcus Askar, who started it all 20 years ago when he fled civil war in Somalia and found refuge in Winnipeg. On Wednesday, Askar welcomed three relatives — Ismail Ali Askar (his youngest brother), Ilhan hussen Ahmed and Ayanleh hussen Ahmed. "I have been waiting so long," he said. "I don't remember his face he was so young — two or something like that." Ismeal Askar cries as he sees his brother Marcus Askar for the first time in 20 years. (Justin Fraser/ CBC) Askar, who comes from a family of eight boys and five girls, said all but two of his siblings are now in Canada. He said his extended family now lives all across the country but every one of them considers Winnipeg to be home. Hannah Askar joined her father at the airport to welcome her three new relatives in from Djibouti. "I am excited that they are going to start a new life here and hopefully they are comfortable when they get here," she said. The 14-year-old was born in Winnipeg and said it's a new experience for her, welcoming family in from a war-torn country. "I don't think I would ever be able to understand the struggles that they went through back home, because obviously it's hard there." The Askar family reached 150 members in Canada on Wednesday night. (Justin Fraser/ CBC)