Ga'an Libah

The beach at dawn, Berbera. The excavations are courtesy of thousands of resident crabs.

Commenting on overtures from New York-based financier and equity venture company Jarch Capital, run by Philippe Heilberg — the company specialising in energy deals with nonsovereigns, which won sweeping exploration and production rights to the entirety of nearby South Sudan — Dualeh says they are still knocking on the door. “Heilberg tried to do a deal but it didn’t go well. He was offered a huge slice but wanted the whole country, so we just parted ways without agreement.” At the other end of the spectrum, Dualeh says “a lot of oddball ‘Joe Blow’ companies pass through Hargeisa, but I don’t pay them any attention — we’re looking for serious technical and financial competence to get real exploration restarted” By Barry Morgan http://somalilandpress.com/dualeh-was-always-ready-for-call-from-somaliland-25753 Upstream Online

Somaliland completely closed its airspace for UN planes Minister of Aviation, Mr. Mohamoud Hashi Abdi, just announced government decision banning all UN airplanes its airspace, where new flights refused to reach and all grounded UN airplane can't departure, without further notice, in retaliation, decision UN and ICAO presented space control to SFG. Mr. Mohamoud Hashi, ascertained starting 27th May, somaliland, will have complete authority controlling its airspace. also, starting June, Somaliland aviation will start collecting all charges fee from airlines using its airspace and all airline using their airports. Somaliland Aviation minister, also warned SFG, if they pursue their decision of controlling airspace of what was known Somalia, that might jeopardize continued dialogue between them. Mr. Hashi, accused UN and its agency of ICAO deliberately underscoring overlooking tripartite agreement between Somaliland, SFG and ICAO and formed committees consist them.

Search for oil expands in Somaliland Somaliland hopes that exploration by international oil companies will unearth reserves similar to those in nearby Yemen, and is in talks to increase the number of companies taking on acreage in the quasi-autonomous region. The region, which considers itself independent from Somalia but is not recognised by the international community, last week signed its second deal with an established international player - Norway's DNO International, a company that merged with the UAE's RAK Petroleum. DNO's move was preceded by Genel Energy, which signed a production-sharing agreement for two blocks in Somaliland last August. Both companies are already producing oil in the Kurdish region of Iraq, another autonomous region. DNO plans to begin exploration of its block in Somaliland next year. Like Genel, it has suffered from delayed payments from the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), the result of a dispute between Baghdad and Erbil. Iraq's government considers the oil contracts between the KRG and international oil companies illegal. Genel will start seismic surveys of its blocks soon, and aims to start drilling for oil next year, said Hussein Abdi Dualeh, Somaliland's minister of mining, energy, and water resources. This is the first significant step towards establishing the region's oil and gas reserves. "We have similar geology to Yemen, and Yemen has so far proven about 9 billion barrels of oil, and it hasn't looked at all its prospects. We are very hopeful that we have a similar potential," said Mr Dualeh. While no other deals are imminent, Somaliland is working to add to the companies committed to the search for oil in the region. "We are actively engaged with other companies as well," said Mr Dualeh. He said his government has had preliminary talks with Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Petroleum, and even signed a memorandum of understanding with International Petroleum Investment Company, another Abu Dhabi investor. No estimates for oil and gas reserves exist, but Somaliland is proximate to countries that are producing or are gearing up to do so. Nearby South Sudan is a significant exporter of oil, and recent discoveries are about to kick off a gas boom in Tanzania and Mozambique. On the other side of the Gulf of Aden, Yemen, Oman and Saudi Arabia all produce hydrocarbons. Mr Dualeh is unconcerned that tensions with Mogadishu, which does not recognise his government, will deter oil companies from coming to Somaliland. Despite the endemic piracy that plagues the maritime trade routes running through the Gulf of Aden, the minister believes that the region is ideally placed for oil and gas exports. "If we take this crude to the market, we have the biggest markets in the world facing us," said Mr Dualeh.

Building on the Somaliland/Somalia dialogue that we have established, and the bilateral relations that we are working to expand with other governments, a critical next step will be Somaliland’s attainment of observer status in our region’s Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and in the African Union. The United States can do much to engage its friends in the Horn of Africa and beyond to help us secure this role, which will facilitate further dialogue with key stakeholders in the region, including Somalia. We are not asking others to take a chance on what Somaliland may one day become, but rather to simply recognize the current state of affairs. Somaliland is a fully functioning sovereign entity. From 1960 to 1991 we gave unity within a Greater Somalia a chance. It did not work, and we cannot turn back. Today, only the people of Somaliland can and will decide their future – not the government in Mogadishu, not the international community. With proper diplomatic recognition, Somaliland will be able to contribute more effectively to a sustainable and prosperous future for the Horn of Africa, building on our own experience in forging an oasis of stability in a long-troubled region. This is the pragmatic option, and it is also the only option. Recognition of Somaliland’s independence is long overdue and must be part of any sustainable peace in this region. V. Conclusion Ladies and gentlemen: What Somaliland has accomplished in a short period has taken other countries decades, if not centuries. The progress that we have made is irreversible. Our friends in the U.S. understand this, and we are grateful for their continued engagement and support. However, in the long-term, engagement alone – on terms that do not adapt with other changes in policy – will be insufficient. The U.S. has led the international community in supporting the self-determination and sovereignty of many peoples throughout modern times. The people of South Sudan, East Timor, Kosovo and many others remember that the U.S. spoke up for them when others were silent. The people of Somaliland ask for no more, and no less. America emerged from the ashes of the Revolutionary War and became a nation by believing in its own people’s capacity to build something greater than themselves. In Somaliland, we also believe in self-reliance and staying the course. We have rebuilt our nation from the ashes of a brutal war. We are willing to protect our freedom at any cost because we know its true value. And it is this value—more than any other—that we share with the United States. Thank you. http://www.acus.org/files/Africa/042213_PresidentSomalilandRemarks.pdf

Ladies and Gentlemen: I have traveled to Washington today from Somaliland, a nation that defends its borders, protects its citizens, and mints its own currency; a nation that your former Secretary of Defense called, simply, “an entity that works,” but a nation that has not yet been recognized by the United States or the international community. Somaliland became an independent, sovereign state on 26 June 1960. Five days after independence, Somaliland chose to unite with Somalia with the aim of creating a “Greater Somalia” comprised of several former European colonies with citizens of ethnic Somali origin. Almost immediately, the people of Somaliland were excluded from decision making and representative governance in the new Somali Republic. In turn, our people rejected the Somali Republic’s constitution by referendum, and their disenchantment continued throughout the early years of the union as political and economic isolation grew. After assuming power in a military coup in October 1969, Mohamed Siad Barre led a brutal military dictatorship that in the 1980s embarked on a violent campaign against the people of Somaliland, killing more than 50,000 civilians and displacing ten times as many people. Despite the atrocities committed, Somaliland rose from the ashes to rebuild and emerge stronger than ever before. We were determined not to allow such a massacre of men, women and children happen again. The people of Somaliland would no longer be victims in our own land. Following the collapse of the Somali state in 1991, the people of Somaliland decided to withdraw from the union and re-assert Somaliland’s sovereignty and independence – in full compliance with international law. As Somalia’s disintegration unfolded, Somaliland built a functioning, stable and democratic state. While the international community spent millions of dollars trying to save Somalia from itself, we focused on maintaining peace within our borders, building strong state institutions, and creating a sustainable economy. And I am pleased to say that Somaliland will be celebrating 22 years of independence on May 18th this year. Despite enormous challenges, Somaliland has held four peaceful elections and has preserved a culture of democracy. Our security forces have ensured that terrorist groups like al Shabab have no safe haven in Somaliland. And we have tackled piracy off our coast with determined and comprehensive actions. Over 100 individuals involved in acts of piracy have been jailed by the Somaliland government. We have forged agreements with other governments on the transfer of these criminals. Our legislature has institutionalized Somaliland’s anti-piracy laws. And we have partnered with friends in Europe and America to thwart these and other violent extremists, both on land and at sea. But we also recognize that there is more work to be done. We have also made great strides with regard to education, development and public health. While others in our region have struggled with famine and relied on external food aid, we have invested in food security and avoided the afflictions of chronic hunger and disease. In fact, during the last drought in the region, our government donated nearly $700,000 in humanitarian assistance to Somalia. We accomplished all this independently, with limited assistance from the international community. This spirit of self-reliance continues to guide our nation to this day. III. The Situation on the Ground in Somaliland My presence in Washington today is a testament to our success. I recently stood in front of my parliament and described the state of our union to the people of Somaliland, one of the methods that we employ to ensure accountability and good governance. I spoke of my administration’s challenges, especially in the diplomatic arena where recognition remains our overarching goal, and our accomplishments, which include:  strengthening the independence of the Election Commission,  facilitating the de-centralization of the state and empowering local communities,  increasing government revenue and streamlining the tax system,  presenting, for the first time in our history, a balanced national budget that currently stands at $180 million per annum,  Institutionalizing public finance reform – with our first report due for publication at the end of this month,  further expanding and professionalizing the armed forces and police,  improving relationships with international aid agencies, and  investing in education, which has allowed us to build dozens of new schools, hire thousands of new teachers, and make primary schooling free for all students. I am also proud of our most recent democratic achievement. Just a few months ago, we held our first Municipal elections in over ten years. In this process, over 4,000 candidates competed for 400 seats on local councils in cities and towns across Somaliland. As the political debates that framed those elections subside and these municipalities settle into the task of governing, we look forward to holding parliamentary elections as soon as feasible following completion of our voter registration process. Somaliland continues to secure its borders to advance peace and stability in the region. Earlier last year, clashes occurred in the Buhoodle area of the Sool region between government forces and certain militia groups – groups that were seeking to destabilise and sow discord amongst the Somaliland population living in that region. It is important to stress that all conflict is regrettable and only a measure of last resort. During these operations, the government took every measure to safeguard the well-being of civilians, including full access to water and other basic services. To advance wider peace, my Government also conducted civilian reconciliation initiatives in key towns throughout the area. Following successful dialogue with the militia groups, the government released more than 200 prisoners and welcomed a number of the militia’s key leaders into Somaliland’s cabinet. To reinforce the peace, our government has also earmarked more than $1.2 million for development projects for the benefit of the communities in that region. Somaliland will continue to promote reconciliation as part of our on-going efforts to strengthen unity within our borders. If you have been to Somaliland, as a guest, a tourist, or an investor, you know that there is an oasis of calm in the troubled Horn of Africa. Dozens of international companies now recognize that Somaliland is a unique frontier market with real opportunities. Areas of Somaliland are anticipated to contain commercial quantities of oil, and energy companies are undertaking significant explorations. Coca Cola has opened a state-of-the-art bottling plant and other companies are beginning to recognize Somaliland’s potential as a regional hub. Somaliland is very much open for business. We are proud of what we have accomplished with only limited outside help. On all fronts, Somaliland is poised to continue advancing security and prosperity for all its citizens. IV. We Cannot Move Backwards, Only Forwards As we do this, my people and I are watching developments to our south very closely. We hope that Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will succeed where past transitional governments have failed. We also hope that enhanced diplomatic support and foreign aid from the international community will impede the corruption, tribalism, and militancy that have afflicted the people of Somalia for too long. A secure and peaceful Somalia that is able to build and preserve strong state institutions, fight terrorism and violent extremism, and stimulate a functioning economy is in Somaliland’s national interest. To this end, over the past year my government has undertaken good faith efforts to renew dialogue with Somalia, and held direct talks with the Transitional Federal Government in London, Istanbul and Dubai. These talks laid the groundwork for my meeting just nine days ago in Turkey with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, where we affirmed our shared commitment to build trust and improved relations between our governments. Future meetings – the first of which we agreed to convene within 90 days – will aim to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, extremism, piracy, illegal fishing, toxic dumping, and other serious crimes. Somalia and Somaliland can and should be equal partners. Yet as we proceed down this track, we hope and expect that those who are now reaching out to the new government in Mogadishu will do the same with our government in Hargeisa. In this regard, we have already received assurances from the U.S. Government that its recognition of the government of Somalia will not negatively impact America’s ongoing engagement in Somaliland. Our people were indeed encouraged by this gesture. However, as we move forward in dialogue and cooperation – and continue to serve as a model of security, stability and democratic governance in this fragile region – the people of Somaliland expect more. And that is why I have come to Washington, on the heels of the landmark agreement between Somaliland and Somalia. The United States and the international community have recognized that the status quo in the Horn of Africa is not sustainable. Their engagement with Mogadishu seeks to stimulate and sustain the transition of Somalia to a viable sovereign entity. The same type of engagement is required for Somaliland. These two tracks are not mutually exclusive. Our people believe that the time has now come for the international community to fully recognize the security and stability they have preserved in the midst of chaos, and to acknowledge the legitimate, sovereign and independent status of their nation. A new international paradigm for Somaliland is overdue.

The tectonic plates are shifting in Kurdistan with the semi-autonomous region of Iraq gearing up to move oil exports through Turkey, rather than via the established network to the south, controlled by Baghdad. An agreement was reached in December making way for an "energy corridor" at the border, providing new opportunities for oil companies on the ground. And according to analysts, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is now well-advanced with plans for a pipeline that takes oil out to the Med via its northern neighbour. The first phase is already complete and connects the Taq Taq Field to the Erbil refinery and Kirkuk-Ceyhan export pipeline at Khurmala. The next stage will link producing fields to Fishkabur on the border and then onto the Turkish coast where the oil will be sold. The pipeline will have the capacity to transport one million barrels of oil a day and Kurdistan's energy minister Ashti Hawrami has claimed the final pieces of the jigsaw could be in place by the summer. Most observers reckon this deadline is optimistic, and suggest the work will be complete by the end of 2013. Even so, the companies working in the country are bullish about the developments. “I don’t think this is something the market could have ever envisaged a few months ago,” said Julian Metherell, chief financial officer of Genel Energy (LON:GENL). The London-listed group owns 44% of the Taq Taq Field and 25% of Tawke, which between them produce 45-55,000 barrels of oil a day. The plan is to lift output to 140,000. “We are currently trucking oil to Turkey,” Metherell explained. “We are getting US$76 a barrel. We will get Brent [spot price] by piping. “But more importantly the pipeline will allow us to increase our production from 50 to 140,000 barrels a day in the next 12 to 18 months. This is very, very significant.” Turkey will likely also provide the export destination for the gas from its 10.5 trillion cubic feet Miran Field. “The country is desperate for gas. It takes a lot of its gas from Iran today,” said Metherell. “In order to keep the Turkish economic story going it needs access to cheap energy. So, we are going to sell them gas from Miran. “We are going to develop the Miran Field gas to Turkey for the winter of 2015, so this is a significant development for us.” Finally, there is Somaliland, which John Hurst, the company’s head of exploration, believes is Genel’s most exciting asset. It owns 40,000 square kilometres prospective for oil and is targeting a resource of 1bn barrels unrisked from licences SL-10B and SL-13. “We believe Somaliland is in the same Cretaceous rift as Yemen, which has around seven billion barrels recoverable [reserves],” said Metherell. “There are oil shows all across the acreage and the potential for some very, very material finds.” At around £8 a share the group trades at a 40-50% discount to the consensus price target for the stock. VSA Capital, the latest to publish research on the group, reckons the stock is worth £12 a share based solely on its producing and near-term development assets. Adding in the gas and exploration opportunities would bump up an already punchy price target by a further £9 a share. The potential value kickers come thick and fast - whether it is the oil and gas export story, the five-well drilling programme in Kurdistan, or Morocco, Malta and Somaliland. And there is also the hint of a special dividend if Genel is unable to usefully deploy all the cash it is generating.

Mark Doyle @Doylebytes BBC International Development Correspondent https://twitter.com/Doylebytes/status/324814868391792640

War Deg Deg Ah: Daawo Video, Kulan Saacado Badan Qaatay Oo Dhexmaray Raysal Wasaaraha Ingiriiska Iyo Madaxweynaha Somaliland, Nuxurka Kulankaas Iyo Waxyaabihii Laga Wada Hadlay. (SLT-London) Madaxweynaha Somaliland Axmed Maxamed Maxmauud (Silaanyo) iyo Raysal Wasaaraha Waddanka Ingiriiska David Cameron, ayaa galabta yeeshay kulan rasmiya, kaas oo ka dhacay aqalka looga arrimiyo dalka Britain. Kulankan oo ahaa mid qaatay saacado badan, wuxuu ka dhacay Xafiiska Raysal Wasaraha. Shabakadda Caalamiga ah ee Somalilandtoday.com. Oo Wariyayaal katirsani xilligaas kulanku socday ay ku sugnaayeen afafka hore ee Xafiiska Raysal Wasaraha, ayaanay noo suuroto galin inaanu goob joog ka ahaano qaabka kulanku u dhacay. Maadaama Saxaafaddu dibadda ka joogtay. Balse wararka ku dhaw-dhaw kulanka labada Hoggaamiye, ayaa sheegaaya inay ka wada hadleen, xidhiidhka labada dal. Doorkii tariikheed ee dawadda Boqortooyadda Ingiriisku ku lahayd dalka Somaliland, sidoo kale waxay wararku sheegayaan in labada dhinac ka wada hadleen shirarkii wadahadal ee u socday Somaliland iyo Soomaaliya, oo dawladda Ingiriisku lahayd curintooda. Dhinaca kale Waxaa shirkaas lagu soo qaaday oo ay labada dhinac ka wada hadleen, Shirka London lagu qabanaayo bisha May, kaas oo ay martigalin doonto Dawladda Ingiriisku, Waxaana muddo dheer qaatay ka doodida qodobkaas. Qaabkii Muqaal ahaan uu u dhacay Halkan Hoose Ka Daawo. Wixii warar ka soo kordhana kala soco Shabakadda Caalamiga ah ee Somalilandtoday.com

Somaliland-Somalia Dialogue " A position letter" 8 April, 2013 Somaliland has accepted an invitation from the Turkish government to participate in talks with Somalia in Istanbul on 13 April within the framework agreed in June 2012 at Chevening (UK), and subsequently signed in Dubai on 28 June 2012 at Heads of State level. The Dialogue is of potential benefit to Somaliland. In the short term, it could enable the parties to reach bilateral agreements in areas of cooperation such as security and trade, which will benefit the people in both countries. And in the long term, it would provide an international diplomatic process through which Somaliland could obtain its status as a recognised state. Meanwhile, the process will give Somaliland a means of injecting its views into regional and international discussions on issues which directly affect Somaliland. The government is convinced that participating in the Dialogue is necessary to promote Somaliland's national interests. Details On 13 April, the Turkish government will convene a meeting in Istanbul between delegations from Somaliland and Somalia led by President Ahmed Silanyo and President Hassan Sheikh, respectively. The event will represent a resumption of the Dialogue initiated by Somaliland and the TFG at Chevening House in the UK on 21 June 2012. The Dialogue is supported by the wider international community and originated from a decision taken by the London Conference on Somalia in February 2012, which "recognized the need for the international community to support any dialogue that Somaliland and the TFG or its replacement may agree to establish in order to clarify their future relations." The inclusion of this paragraph in the final communiqué was at Somaliland's suggestion. Engaging in the Somaliland-Somalia Dialogue serves several functions. First, Somaliland's security and prosperity require friendly and cooperative relations with all its neighbours, including Somalia. Despite their differences, Somaliland and Somalia have many shared interests. After more than twenty years of severed relations, the Dialogue will allow Somaliland and Somalia to negotiate on a range of practical measures which can potentially benefit both sides. These could include matters such as cooperating in the fight against terrorism, piracy, serious crime, illegal fishing and the dumping of toxic waste at sea; and encouraging international aid, trade and investment. Reaching agreements on these practical issues will also help rebuild trust between Hargeisa and Mogadishu, which could make it easier to clarify Somaliland's relationship with Somalia by negotiation. Furthermore, the Dialogue could provide a much-needed, internationally accepted diplomatic process through which Somaliland could secure Mogadishu's endorsement of Somaliland's independent status. Such endorsement would make it easier for the international community to recognize Somaliland. And there is an international consensus supporting this process. At a minimum, engaging in the Dialogue will show the international community that Somaliland is willing to talk to Somalia about its position. But Somaliland will continue to pursue its search for recognition. It is ultimately up to the people of Somaliland to decide their future. While recognition remains on the table, the Dialogue would provide Somaliland with a mechanism to influence regional and international discussion which could potentially impact Somaliland's development, security, stability, and territorial integrity. The lifting of the UN arms embargo, AMISOM's displacement of al-Shabaab northwards, the claim in the Somali draft constitution to Somaliland, the possible declaration of an exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the distribution of UN assistance represent only some of the issues in which Somaliland and Somalia's interests are intertwined. The Dialogue will provide a peaceful means for Somaliland and Somalia to address these issues directly and on equal footing. In sum, the Somaliland-Somalia Dialogue has the potential to usher in a period of trust- building and cooperation that could lay the foundations for an agreement over future relations between the two countries. While caution and vigilance are necessary to ensure that the Dialogue serves the best interests of the people of Somaliland, our country enjoys a strong record of governance and democracy and must not shy away from asserting its influence. Somaliland must have the courage to go out into the world and express its views and needs using the diplomatic tools available to it. The Dialogue process represents an historic opportunity for Somaliland to do that. The government is therefore convinced that participating in the Dialogue is necessary to promote Somaliland's national interests and to keep Somaliland on course for recognition as an independent state.

Dulucda Kulan Addis-ababa ay ku yeesheen Madaxweynaha Somaliland & Wasiirka Afrika u qaabsilsan UK April 10th, 2013 Comments Off Adis-ababa (Somaliland.Org)-Madaxweynaha Jamhuuriyada Somaliland Mudane Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud (Siilaanyo) iyo Weftigii uu hogaaminayay ayaa la Kulmay Wasiirka Arrimaha Afrika u qaabilsan Wadanka Ingiriiska kaas oo ka dhacay Magaalada Addis ababa ee Wadanka Itoobiya. MadaxweynahaSomaliland iyo xubno ka mid ah weftigii uu hogaaminayay ayaa kulan kula yeeshay magaalada Addisababa Wasiirka Arrimaha Afrika u qaabilsan dalka Inigiriiska Mr. Mark Simmonds waxaaanay ka wada hadleen sii xoojinta xidhiidhka labada dal. Mar uu Wasiirku ka waramay xidhiihdka taariikhiga ah ee labada dal ka dhexeeya, waxaanu Somaliland u soo bandhigay in Somaliland ka soo qayb gasho shirka arrimaha Soomaaliya ee May lagu qaban doono dalka Ingriiska. Madaxweyne Axmed Siilaanyo ayaa dhankiisa sheegay in aanu dalkiisa khusaynin shirka London, waxaanu tilmaamay in tallo qaran oo Somaliland ka yeelatay shirkaasi ka dib ay u soo baxday inaanay meeli uga banaanayn Somaliland shirka Ingiriiska lagu qabanayo. Dhanka kalena waxa ay labada dhinac ka wada hadleen xoojinta labada dal isagoo madaxweynuhu uga mahad-celiyay taageerada balaadhan ee Ingiriisku siiyaan Somaliland. Waxaana ku weheliyay kullankan Wasiirka Arrimaha dibadda iyo Wasiirka madaxtooyada iyo masuuliyiinta safaarada Ingiriiska ee Addis Abbaba.

Somaliland signs with Glover Park Group By Byron Tau and Anna Palmer With Tarini Parti SOMALILAND SIGNS WITH GLOVER PARK GROUP: The Ministry of Presidential Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland has signed a lobbying and communications contract with Glover Park Group, according to a new filing with the Department of Justice. Somaliland is a self-declared, unrecognized state — officially, it is an autonomous region of Somalia. The region's quasi-independent status dates from the beginning of the Somali Civil War, when former president Siad Barre began massacring citizens of the region. Somaliland declared independence in 1991 amid the collapse of the Somali government, but it has not been recognized by any foreign states or international organizations. Glover Park Group will work on government relations and public relations services on behalf of Somaliland — presumably on a campaign designed to gain international recognition of the region's self-asserted sovereign status. Somaliland is paying Glover Park Group $22,500 per month — a relative bargain in the international sovereign space where retaining a top-tier lobbying and PR firm can run as high as $90,000 per month. http://www.politico.com/politicoinfluence/

Madaxweynaha Somaliland Iyo Waftigii Uu Hoggaaminayay Oo Goor Dhawayd Gaadhay Dubai, Si Balaadhana Loogu Soo Dhaweeyey http://somalilandtoday.com/madaxweynaha-somaliland-iyo-waftigii-uu-hogaaminayay-oo-gaadhay-dubai-si-balaadhana-loogu-soo-dhaweeyey-daawo-sawiro/

Royal Dutch Shell's (RDSA, RDSA.LN) African exploration interests are currently focused on Tanzania and Zanzibar, CEO Peter Voser said Thursday, though he also mentioned the oil giant has blocks of land available in Somalia. Mr. Voser's Somalia comments are the clearest indication yet the Anglo-Dutch major may exercise exploration rights that are more than 20 years old, signed before the African nation descended into brutal civil war. He addressed the company's interests in Africa with reporters on the sidelines of a luncheon in Boston. "We have our exploration blocks in Tanzania Zanzibar and that has all of our focus at the moment," Mr. Voser said, while declining to address a reporter's question about Mozambique. Meantime, "we have also further blocks further north in Somalia. So we are pursuing our organic exploration strategy," the CEO also said. Shell, along with fellow oil majors BP PLC (BP, BP.LN) and Chevron Corp. (CVX), were granted exploration licenses for Somalia by the then-government of Major General Mohamed Siad Barre, whose regime was toppled in 1991. The companies declared force majeure and quit Somalia as the country descended into lawlessness. Speculation has swirled since the election of a new permanent president last year as to whether big Western oil companies would be encouraged to return, bringing much needed investment. The issue has been complicated by two semi-autonomous regions in northern Somalia, Puntland and Somaliland, which have granted their own licenses to smaller, more prospective explorers, some which overlap with earlier licenses handed out to other firms. Mr. Voser addressed broader themes in his address to the Boston College-hosted event, such as how booming natural gas supplies can help lessen greenhouse gas emissions. http://www.foxbusiness.com/news/2013/03/21/royal-dutch-shell-ceo-highlights-somalia-holdings/

The SDC, has now launched its new website. The website will help to bring investors and host communities together as well as act a platform through which to share news and information on the SDCs activities and projects. The SDC (Somaliland Development Corporation) was founded in 2011 and is part of a process that seeks to better integrate the Horn region of Africa into the international community. The organisation aims to increase outside investment in Somaliland – and the surrounding Horn of Africa – by providing a secure, professional and mutually beneficial environment for investors and local communities to interact. The Founding Board Members of the SDC comprise President of the British branch of the International Law Association, Jeremy Carver CBE; former UK Ambassador to Ethiopia and Independent Vice-Chair of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, Dr Myles Wickstead CBE; Resources Sector Executive and Investment Specialist, Leoned (Len) Tiahlo and ex-Somaliland Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Rashid Hassan. In addition to the four founders, the SDC is supported by its Director Edna Adan Ismail, a UN diplomat, French Legion of Honour recipient and former Foreign Minister of Somaliland. The SDC benefits from their combined knowledge of the natural resources and political climate of Eastern Africa and international law. The SDC assists in negotiating mutually beneficial contracts in order to ensure that they are enforceable under international law, thus supporting the sustainability of relationships, transparency of business practices and full accountability for both parties. This in turn provides the local host communities with greater capacity and access to quality investors – which improves choice and creates opportunity to interact and negotiate with the international business community. Somaliland is an area in the Horn of Africa rich in natural resources. The SDC works closely with local communities to increase their understanding of the potential of their local resources and the accompanying business environment. http://www.sdc-africa.com/home/

Turkey's Erdogan has flu, cancels schedule until the end of the week A+ BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, MARCH 12, 2013 ANKARA, Turkey - Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says he has flu and will rest at home until the weekend. Erdogan was speaking to reporters Tuesday after a visit to a hospital in Ankara from where he emerged looking tired but smiling. The prime minister, 59, is known as a workaholic and rarely scales back on his intense schedule. Two years ago, Erdogan had surgery to remove polyps from his intestines and doctors said no trace of cancer was found. He assured reporters that his hospital visit Tuesday was not related to that operation. Erdogan's aide said the prime minister went to the hospital for tests that lasted a couple of hours. http://www.montrealgazette.com/touch/story.html?id=8083727

Somaliland ,Turkey relationship and GENEL OIL connection. Turkey-based, London-listed Genel Energy continues with its aggressive growth with a fuelsearch license in Somaliland, a self-declared country. This comes after the company's large investments in the Kurdistan Regional Government, another autonomy Genel Energy, an Ankara-based oilfirm with vast investments in northern Iraq, announced yesterday that it has obtained an exploration license for Somaliland, the self-declared East African country not formally recognized by the international community. "Because of its similarities with the geographicalstructure of the Arab peninsula, it is strongly predicted that Somaliland, a region Genel Energy prioritizes for its investment program, has important oil and coal assets," Genelsaid in a press release on Oct. 29. The company solidified its presence in northern Iraq with the acquisitions of the Bina Bawi and Miran fields this year. $1 billion in cash The London-listed oil explorer holds some $1 billion in cash for new investments according to the statement, which did not elaborate on the finances of the Somaliland project. It added that the company will make use of its experience working in northern Iraq in exploring the new field, which is about half the size of the Iraqi project. The company also holds licenses for exploration in Malta and the Ivory Coast. The autonomous region of Somaliland is not a safe haven due to security concerns and ongoing unrest in central Somalia. Yet Genel quoted a recent World Bank report declaring the region suitable for private sector structuring despite the problems in its vicinity. The region declared its independence in 1991 following a civil war in the 1980s. The international community sees the land as an autonomous region while President Ahmed Muhammed Silanyo, elected in 2010, rules the country. Turkey is among the main internationalsupporters of both Somalia and Somaliland. Somaliland Foreign Minister Muhammad A. Omar was also present at the second Somalia Conference in Istanbul in May, where he met with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet DavutoÄŸlu, Genel said. The merger process between Genel -the Turkish company owned by Mehmet Emin Karamehmet - and Vallares -“ a fund founded by former BP chief executive Tony Hayward, British financier Nat Rothschild, banker Julian Metherell and investment manager Tom Daniel - was completed in September 2011, establishing Genel Energy International Limited. The company had an initial $2 billion reserve when its investments began in northern Iraq, controlled by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Source huriyat Somaliland: Turkey Hosts President Silanyo for Bi-lateral Talks http://www.somalilandsun.com/index.php/world/2457-somaliland-ankara-scheduled-to-host-dr-silanyo-and-pm-erdogan-meeting-

Jacka Resources finds promising structures in Somaliland petroleum block Wednesday, March 06, 2013 by Bevis Yeo Jacka Resources (ASX: JKA) has confirmed the presence of large rift-basin structures, which typically form structural petroleum prospects, within the Odewayne block in Somaliland. These structures were interpreted from the preliminary gravity map from the 22,000 square kilometre airborne geophysics survey that was completed in February by operator Genel Energy (LON: GENL). Two additional basins have also been identified within the licence area. The presence of numerous verified oil/condensate seeps, potentially attractive structures, and the genetic relationship to the multi-billion barrel basins of Yemen results in a highly prospective play in this emerging petroleum province. Genel, a £2 billion market cap, is funding 100% of the exploration program in the Odewayne block until May 2015. Besides the airborne survey, which covered the entire block, Genel is also funding at least 1,500 kilometres of 2D seismic and an exploration well. Mobilisation for the seismic survey is scheduled for April this year, with acquisition expected to commence in May and to be completed by end October 2013. Genel recently indicated that the block has the potential to contain in excess of 1 billion barrels of prospective resources, on which they place a 15% probability of success at this early stage of exploration. http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/40446/jacka-resources-finds-promising-structures-in-somaliland-petroleum-block-40446.html Odewayne surrounded by blocks with multi-billion barrel potential. The JV is preparing for the next phase of the exploration program, acquisition of approximately 1,500km of high quality 2D seismic data in what will be the first seismic survey within the Odewayne basin. Mobilisation for the seismic survey is scheduled for April this year, with acquisition expected to commence in May and to be completed by end October 2013. The seismic survey may be extended beyond 1,500km if necessary, to ensure multiple prospect grids are acquired. With the benefit of a dedicated seismic processing centre currently being established in-country, seismic processing can be accelerated to allow for early definition of prospects and identification of areas requiring additional acquisition while the recording crew is still in-country. The current work program is aiming towards the first exploration well commencing in 2H 2014. Genel recently indicated that the block has the potential to contain in excess of 1 billion barrels of prospective resources, on which they place a 15% probability of success (POS) at this early stage of exploration (pre seismic), and that they would be drilling up to 4 wells in Somaliland from mid-2014, across the Odewayne and adjacent block. http://www.4-traders.com/JACKA-RESOURCES-LTD-10357352/news/Jacka-Resources-Ltd-Odewayne-Update-6-March-2013-16505916/

Residents of Las qoray and Badan districts embrace the Somaliland Flag and request immediate services from the Hargeisa Based central government as deputy energy and water minister makes historic visit. By: Yusuf M Hasan LAS QORAY (Somalilandsun) – The flag of Somaliland flies undisputed in the eastern parts of Sanaag region contested by Puntland. Residents of Las qoray district have appealed for immediate services from the central government in Hargeisa from where such services have been unavailable for two decades. The appeal was made by elders and leaders of the eastern port town during an ongoing tour by the deputy minister of Energy, Water and Mineral Resources-MEW&MR Hon Abdisalan Mohamed Hasan who is on an official tour of Easter districts of Sanaag region as reported by Bakayle our eastern Sanaag stringer. Before arrival in Las Qoray town where the flag of Somaliland adorned all buildings the Deputy minister and his entourage consisting of senior administration officials and traditional leaders sojourned in the Habash Aw Ali trading Centre where jubilant residents briefed on their pressing service's needs. On arrival in Las qoray Hon A.M Hasan who was met by a large crowd of residents inspected a guard of honour mounted by units of the national army whose commander Major Mohamed Salah Tusbahle welcomed the entourage saying, "Sir welcome to Las Qoray town where you become the first government official to visit from Hargeisa, we assure you of the town's security and ask you to feel free in your duties as this is your home" Before addressing the multitude of residents at a primary school situated in the Centre of the port city the deputy minister inspected various infrastructure and government facilities like the road connecting Las qoray and Baran district, District hospital, Central police station, local government offices, and the SAFKO fishers association where respective officials briefed on prevalent status of the institutions and pressing needs. While inspecting the Geel Dora road that connects Baran and Las Qoray the deputy minister's entourage was informed that the road which is in a deplorable condition needs urgent attention after twenty years of neglect. After his inspection the deputy minister flanked by district leaders and security officials addressed residents who he thanked for their warm welcome accorded his delegation as well as their commitment to Somaliland that has ensued with the complete removal of any persons owing allegiance to Puntland. Speaking at the function Sultan Hasan Ali Jibril said that residents of Las Qoray who are living in peace following the ejection of militias loyal to Puntland now require public services thus improve livelihoods within the populace. Similar sentiments were expressed by several speakers who spoke on behalf of local government, civil society organizations, Women groups etc. who also thanked Hon Abdisalan M Hasan for being the senior most government official to visit them. Thanking the residents for their hospitality and continued peaceful co-existence the deputy minister said that their need for public services such as education, health, roads etc. shall be a thing of the past once he returns to the capital Hargeisa. Said he, "I solemnly promise you that your cries shall reach the highest office in the land where subsequent response is anticipated. Before travelling to Las Qoray the government delegation visited Baran district where it was similarly welcomed and hosted by residents and leaders of Hagaftimo town. The deputy minister conducted various inspection tours in places like Schools, Water Borehole, Hagaftimo women's group, local government and security offices where he was briefed on status and needs. This is the first time for a government delegation to visit the eastern parts of Sanaag since after militias aligned to Puntland were dislodged by security forces following reconciliation between the government and residents effected by areas traditional leaders last year.

Booliiska oo Laascaanood ka soo qabtay Wiil uu dhalay Feysal Cali Waraabe iyo Gabadh ay wada socdeen iyo jawaabta uu Feysal ka bixiyay Sarkaal ka tirsan Laanta Socdaalka Somaliland ayaa caawa u xaqiijiyay Waaheen in ay Ciidamadda Booliiska Laascaanood soo qabteen Wiil uu dhalay iyo Gabadh ay wada socdeen Sarkaalka Waaheen Xogta siiyay waxa uu intaas ku daray Ciidanka Booliiska Laascaanood inay u soo dhaadhiciyeen dhinaca Hargeysa, balse ilaa hada ma cada sababta loo soo qabtay wiilka iyo gabadhaasi. dhinaca kale Feysal Cali Waraabe oo aanu goor dhaweyd la xidhiidhnay si aanu wax uga weydiino sababta Wiilka uu dhalay loo xidhay ayaa yidhi ” Inanka anigaa dhalay waxa ay wada socdaan Gabadh Reer Wajeer ah, Wasiirka Arrimaha Gudaha iyo Booliiska waanu ka wada soconay qabashada Wiilka iyo Gabadha, waayo ma garanayo meel ay tagayaan laakiin waxaan doonayaa in la hubiyo oo baadhitaan lagu sameeyo” ayuu yidhi. Feysal Cali Waraabe waxa uu intaas raaciyay ” Gabadhu waa Reer Wajeer markaanu ogaanay inaybaxsanayaan ayaanu baasaaboorkii ka qaadnay, xalay abaara kowdii habeenimo ayay Hutelkii ay deganayaan ka guureen, saaka kowdii ayuu JPS ku sheegay Burco inay gaadhi ka raaceen, markaa Laascaanood ayaa nasiib wanaag lagu qabtay, waxa aad moodaa in dabeecadiisii wax laga bedelay oo ay heleen kooxaha Xag-jirka ah. mar hore waxay isku dayeen inay Yeman tagaan laakiin waan ka joojiyay” ayuu raaciyay.

Somaliland:Hargeisa International airport revamp entering final stage of work Hargeisa-The reconstruction of Hargeisa International airport runway is now its final stage according to the Aviation and transport Ministry. The Minister of Aviation and Air Transport Mohamed Hashi Ahmed accompanied by the Director General has supervised the final stage of the restoration of the runway. The Minister held press conference at the airport’s VIP lounge and made public that there are small activities going on in the runway that saw revamp for the past few months. The Minister has added that once the work is accomplished, the runway will be put into operation.

Somaliland enjoys a certain amount of strategic advantage. It has a long coastline and deep sea ports, and could eventually serve as a major energy hub for East Africa. Foreign oil companies are already on to this and exploration is beginning in earnest. Chevron was drilling in Somaliland in the late 1980s, and Conoco was laying airstrips, but these licenses were granted by the Somali government, which was taken over by militias in 1991 – a development that saw Somaliland declare independence that same year. So now we’re starting from scratch. There is the little matter that Somaliland is not an internationally recognized country, but foreign investors do not seem to be bothered by this technical inconvenience. So far, three independent oil companies have signed up for exploration. The most notable is Turkey’s Genel Energy, which has taken the sector by storm in Northern Iraq. Genel will begin surveying in March and expects to drill its first well in early 2014. Somaliland officials are hoping Genel will have the same success it has had in Iraqi Kurdistan. UK-listed Ophir Energy and Australia-listed Jacka Resources are also in the first exploration. Together, the three companies have seven blocks. Genel owns 75% of two blocks, Ophir also owns 75% of two blocks. There are a total of 24 blocks up for grabs and they cover one-third of the country’s territory. http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Two-High-Risk-Venues-With-Big-Potential-Payouts-Somaliland-and-Lebanon.html

"I doubt that the formal recognition by USA of the new Somali government will have any significant impact on Washington's interaction with Somaliland" Amb Shinn By: Yusuf M Hasan HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The US is expected to maintain its dual policy as pertains to its engagement with Somalia and Somaliland. This was informed to somalilandsun by Ambassador David Shinn during an interview in which he allayed mounting fears in Somaliland that a related to the recent formal recognition of the new Somali government by Washington. The former US diplomat who is an expert on Horn Africa issues also urged Somaliland to work even harder to implement democratic governance, resolve differences with factions in Sool and Sanaag and leave the door open for discussions with officials in Mogadishu. Below are the full verbatim excerpts of the interview Does the USA recognition of the new Somali government change its dual track policy for engaging Somalia and Somaliland? During the visit to Washington in January by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the United States officially recognized Somalia. During a press conference, a reporter from the Voice of America asked Secretary of State Hillary Clinton if the United States will continue its previous dual track policy of dealing with both the Somali government in Mogadishu and regional administrations. Secretary Clinton did not respond directly to the question. She emphasized that the United States looks forward to the successful conclusion of Somalia's political transition, which will mark the beginning of a new era of Somali governance. She made no reference to Somaliland. Do we assume the USA has abandoned commitments towards supporting dialogue between Somali and Somaliland dialogue? While I don't speak for the U.S. government, I doubt that the formal recognition of the new Somali government will have any significant impact on Washington's interaction with Somaliland. I believe the U.S. government will continue to work with Somaliland as it has in recent years. While there may not be public references to the two track policy, the separate administration in Somaliland remains a reality and I believe Washington will treat it as such. It is up to the leaders of Somalia and Somaliland to determine the nature of their relationship. I see no indication that the United States has abandoned any commitments reached in last year's London conference. Nor do I expect this development will change in any perceptible way U.S. policy on combatting piracy in the region. What's your advice to Somaliland in view of the enhanced USA partnership with Somalia? From my position as an outside observer, the best approach for Somaliland is to work even harder to implement democratic governance, resolve differences with factions in Sool and Sanaag and leave the door open for discussions with officials in Mogadishu.