Somalis fighting for survival. Over 10 Million people are out of water and food. The most important needed is water and medical help.
Medicins sans frontieres opens a donation line, where you can help. We support their initiative against hunger and thurst. Please visit their website, where you can find more details and pictures, about their work. You can find it here.
Also you can help by donate for their activities. The donation-Website can be find here.
The next arabic country has it´s revolt against the government. Today thousands of people start fighting for their rights. At least 2 people were killed. Yemen is located in the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula in Southwest Asia.
We will keep you up to date about the next steps happend.
A suicide bomb attack in Mogadishu have been killed on Monday morning, at least ten people.
The assassin detonated his car bomb near a police training camp, said a Somali police official. The car had been catapulted on him and his colleagues and then exploded. „Everywhere arround us were flames and smoke, “ he said. The number of dead could rise. „We are busy trying to collect body parts and all here are shocked.“ Because the force of the bomb was heavy. Victims are also in surrounding houses. It was not clear at first who was responsible for the attack.
Since the overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991 Somalia has no central government anymore. The radical Islamists of the al-Qaeda linked Muslim group Al-Shabaab has been trying for three years, supported by the United Nations to overthrow the government. Al-Shabaab controls large parts of the country and the capital, where the sphere of government is limited to a few streets.
Private „security companies“ engage in the Somali Civil War
A notorious for years mercenary company will take in Somalia foot. To the urgent demands of the Somali Parliament, the so-called Transitional Federal Government (TFG) was added that a contract exists with the „security company“ Saracen International.
The majority of the deputies demanded that first of all, bring the agreement to immediately cease, as it was without the knowledge and consent of the Parliament was closed. The same „applies, according to Somali Member of Parliament for the cooperation of the TFG with at least five other international“ security companies.
That such a company called SKS is a ten-year contract the operation of the airport of the capital Mogadishu has been transferred. SKS is based in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). Premier Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who is only since October 2010 in the office and previously lived in the United States pushes the responsibility of his predecessor Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke. Not been informed, in stating that the content of the contract with Saracen International to be reached Mohamed, the parliament that he admitted four weeks time to clarify the facts.
What tasks Saracen International in Mogadishu – a lot further extends the jurisdiction of the transitional government currently does not – should take is not yet known for sure. According to initial information is in part to the formation of a special force to guard the presidential palace and to personal security for politicians and businessmen.
Payment will be made, „the firm’s activities in Somalia, allegedly from an unnamed“ Muslim nation. Behind it are expected either Saudi Arabia or the Emirates. This raises problems with the UN, for the training of military violates the 1992 on the country in the Horn of Africa imposed arms embargo.
Exceptions are possible only with UN approval. This would, however, the precise content of the agreement between TFG and Saracen International are also known as the donors. The anonymous benefactor will pay the rest of the salaries of two Americans who work as senior adviser to the interim government: Pierre Prosper, who was from 2001 2005 in charge under George W. Bush for the investigation of war crimes, and Michael Shanklin, who in the 90’s deputy chief of the CIA station in Mogadishu.
Already in early December 2010 was made famous officially that Saracen International also works for the regime of Puntland. The area belongs to Somalia under international law claims, but since 1998 a very large degree of autonomy, which amounts to a de facto statehood. The company will train 1,000 soldiers there. Supposedly this action against pirates in Puntland have their main bases. Its actual application, however, the Gilgal Mountains, where the regime is fighting local rebels for control of mineral deposits.
Saracen International was founded in the 1990s by former military and intelligence officials of the South African racist regime. Meanwhile, criminal groups in Uganda to General Salim Saleh, Consultant and half-brother of President Yoweri Museveni, heavily involved in the company. The company was material involved in the plunder of Congolese resources during the Ugandan military intervention in the neighboring country (1998-2003). Many Doctors starting a private initative to help the people.
NAIROBI (AFP) – Puntland, an autonomous Somali region home to pirates who threaten shipping in the Indian Ocean, said Sunday it was breaking with Somalia’s transitional government until a legitimate federal authority is in place in Mogadishu.
The decision was made during a special cabinet meeting in the Puntland capital Garowe, said a government statement received by AFP in Nairobi.
It said the Mogadishu government „does not represent Puntland in international forums“ and called on „the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS) to reconsider its position and support for the TFG at the expense of other Somali stakeholders“.
And it criticised „the lack of participation, consultation and representation of the Puntland Government during the 2008-2009 Djibouti Peace Process which led to the formation of the current Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia.“
The statement also slammed „the marginalization of Puntland from the international community’s initiatives and funding intended for the reconstruction and development of Somalia as a whole.“
It said it „welcomes, supports and endorses the new U.S. Dual-Track Policy which is based on realities on the ground in Somalia“ and called for a conference to speed up national reconciliation.
Unlike neighbouring Somaliland, Puntland, which was founded in 1998 by former transition president Abdullahi Yussuf Ahmed, did not secede from Somalia but has its own government bodies at Garowe.
The United States said in September it was seeking to develop closer ties with Somalia’s northern breakaway states as part of efforts to undercut Islamist extremists threatening Somalia’s fragile central government.
The new policy aims to help the governments of Puntland and Somaliland improve services for their people, by having more US diplomats and aid workers visit them.
Al-Qaeda-inspired Shebab militants control most of Somalia and have been closing in on the Western-backed Transitional Federal Government’s Mogadishu quarters.
Original News was posted by yahoo news.
5579th Meeting (PM)
Security council approves African protection, training mission in Somalia,
unanimously adopting resolution 1725 (2006)
The Security Council today, emphasizing the need for continued credible dialogue between
the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts, authorized the
Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) and African Union member States to establish a protection and training mission in Somalia, to be reviewed after an initial period of six months.
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter and through its unanimous adoption of resolution
1725 (2006), the Council mandated the mission to: monitor progress by the Transitional
Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts in implementing agreements reached in their dialogue; ensure the free movement and safe passage of all involved with the dialogue process; and maintain and monitor security in Baidoa.
Reiterating that the Transitional Federal Charter and Institutions offered the only route to
achieving peace and stability in Somalia, the Council further mandated the mission to
protect the members of the Transitional Federal Institutions and Government, as well as
their key infrastructures, and to train the Transitional Federal Institutions’ security forces to enable them to provide their own security and to help facilitate the re-establishment of
Somalia’s national security forces.
Endorsing the specification in the IGAD Deployment Plan that those States that border
Somalia would not deploy troops in Somalia, the Council decided that measures of the arms
embargo imposed by resolution 733 (1992) and further elaborated in resolution 1425 (2002) would not apply to supplies of weapons and military equipment and technical training and assistance intended solely for the support of, or use by, the force.
Affirming that the resolution’s provisions aim solely at supporting peace and stability in
Somalia through an inclusive political process and creating the conditions for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Somalia, the Council urged the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts to fulfil the commitments they had made, resume without delay peace talks on the basis of the agreements reached in Khartoum, and adhere to http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sc8887.doc.htm (1 of 6)12/10/2006 2:10:06 PMSECURITY COUNCIL APPROVES AFRICAN PROTECTION, TRAININ… SOMALIA, UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1725 (2006)
agreements reached in their dialogue.
The Council also stated its intention to consider taking measures against those that sought
to prevent or block a peaceful dialogue process, overthrow the Transitional Federal
Institutions by force, or take action that further threatens regional stability.
Background
The situation in Somalia has changed drastically since the Transitional Federal Government was formed. There are two major players in Somalia, namely the internationally recognized Transitional Federal Government and the new reality represented by the Union of Islamic Courts. The latter controls Mogadishu and continues to increase its sphere of influence.
According to the Deployment Plan for the IGAD peacekeeping mission in Somalia, which
was before the Council today in a note verbale of 16 October from the Permanent Mission
of Kenya to the Council President, the lack of clarity of the political agenda of the Islamic
Courts, the uncertain situation in Mogadishu, the alleged involvement of external players
and countries in Somalia, as well as the unclear whereabouts of the warlords and the
existence of numerous militias from a clan-divided society with deep mistrust, have
contributed to a volatile security situation in Mogadishu and throughout the country. That
was manifest in the resumption of hostilities on 9 July and the capture by the Union of
Islamic Courts of areas towards Baidoa and Beletweine, formerly under the control of the
Transitional Federal Government.
The Deployment Plan, which acknowledges the international legitimacy of the Transitional
Federal Government, seeks to deny external support to all other parties through political
pressure and harness the military strength of the Union of Islamic Courts for the national
good, by incorporating the militia into the national military and police forces. The Plan also
seeks to persuade the Islamic Court to consent to the peacekeeping operation. The larger
strategic goal for the mission is a peaceful and stable Somalia, pursuing prosperity and
development, in normalcy. The proposal also contains, among other things, details of its
concept of operations, the mission’s components and structure.
The meeting began at 4:23 p.m. and adjourned at 4:38 p.m.
Resolution
Following is the complete text of resolution 1725 (2006):
“The Security Council,
“Recalling its previous resolutions concerning the situation in Somalia, in particular
resolution 733 (1992) of 23 January 1992, resolution 1356 (2001) of 19 June 2001,
resolution 1425 (2002) of 22 January 2002, and the statements of its President, in particular that of 13 July 2006 (S/PRST/2006/31),
“Reaffirming its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Somalia,
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“Reiterating its commitment to a comprehensive and lasting settlement of the situation in
Somalia through the Transitional Federal Charter, and stressing the importance of broad-
based and representative institutions and of an inclusive political process, as envisaged in
the Transitional Federal Charter,
“Reiterating its insistence that all Member States, in particular those in the region, should
refrain from any action in contravention of the arms embargo and related measures, and
should take all actions necessary to prevent such contraventions,
“Emphasizing its willingness to engage with all parties in Somalia who are committed to
achieving a political settlement through peaceful and inclusive dialogue, including the Union
of Islamic Courts,
“Underlining the importance for stability in Somalia of broad-based and representative
institutions and of an inclusive political process, commending the crucial efforts of the
League of Arab States and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to
promote and encourage political dialogue between the Transitional Federal Institutions and
the Union of Islamic Courts, expressing its full support for these initiatives, and affirming its readiness to assist as appropriate an inclusive political process in Somalia,
“Urging both the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts to unite
behind and continue a process of dialogue, recommit to the principles of the 22 June 2006
Khartoum Declaration and the agreements made at the 2-4 September 2006 Khartoum
meeting, and establish a stable security situation inside Somalia,
“Calling upon the Union of Islamic Courts to cease any further military expansion and reject those with an extremist agenda or links to international terrorism,
“Deploring the bombingin Baidoa on 30 November 2006 and expressing the Security
Council’s concern regarding the continued violence inside Somalia,
“Welcoming the agreement reached between the Union of Islamic Courts and the
Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development dated 2 December 2006,
and encouraging IGAD to continue discussions with the Transitional Federal Institutions,
“Calls upon all parties inside Somalia and all other States to refrain from action that could
provoke or perpetuate violence and violations of human rights, contribute to unnecessary
tension and mistrust, endanger the ceasefire and political process, or further damage the
humanitarian situation,
“Taking note of the note verbale dated 16 October 2006 from the Permanent Mission of
Kenya to the United Nations to the President of the Security Council transmitting the text of the Deployment Plan for a Peacekeeping Mission of IGAD in Somalia (IGASOM),
“Determining that the situation in Somalia continues to constitute a threat to international
peace and security in the region,
“Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,
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“1. Reiterates that the Transitional Federal Charter and Institutions offer the only route to achieving peace and stability in Somalia, emphasizes the need for continued credible
dialogue between the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts, and affirms therefore that the following provisions of the present resolution, based on the
decisions of IGAD and the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, aim solely at
supporting peace and stability in Somalia through an inclusive political process and creating
the conditions for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from Somalia;
“2. Urges the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts to fulfil
commitments they have made, resume without delay peace talks on the basis of the
agreements reached in Khartoum, and adhere to agreements reached in their dialogue, and
states its intention to consider taking measures against those that seek to prevent or block
a peaceful dialogue process, overthrow the Transitional Federal Institutions by force, or
take action that further threatens regional stability;
“3. Decides to authorize IGAD and Member States of the African Union to establish a
protection and training mission in Somalia, to be reviewed after an initial period of six
months by the Security Council with a briefing by IGAD, with the following mandate drawing on the relevant elements of the mandate and concept of operations specified in the
Deployment Plan for IGASOM:
(a) To monitor progress by the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic
Courts in implementing agreements reached in their dialogue;
(b) To ensure free movement and safe passage of all those involved with the dialogue
process;
(c) To maintain and monitor security in Baidoa;
(d) To protect members of the Transitional Federal Institutions and Government as well as their key infrastructure;
(e) To train the Transitional Federal Institutions’ security forces to enable them to provide their own security and to help facilitate the re-establishment of national security forces of Somalia;
“4. Endorses the specification in the IGAD Deployment Plan that those States that border
Somalia would not deploy troops to Somalia;
“5. Decides that the measures imposed by paragraph 5 of resolution 733 (1992) and
further elaborated in paragraphs 1 and 2 of resolution 1425 (2002) shall not apply to
supplies of weapons and military equipment and technical training and assistance intended
solely for the support of or use by the force referred to in paragraph 3 above;
“6. Encourages Member States to provide financial resources for IGASOM;
“7. Requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Commission of the African
Union and the secretariat of IGAD, to report to the Security Council on the implementation
of the mandate of IGASOM within thirty (30) days, and every sixty (60) days thereafter;
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“8. Emphasizes the continued contribution made to Somalia’s peace and security by the
arms embargo, demands that all Member States, in particular those of the region, fully
comply with it, and reiterates its intention to consider urgently ways to strengthen its
effectiveness, including through targeted measures in support of the arms embargo;
“9. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”
Explanations of Vote
Speaking after adoption of the resolution, JOHN R. BOLTON ( United States) said he was
pleased to have co-sponsored the resolution with all of his African colleagues on the
Council. In Somalia, the security situation was deteriorating and tensions continued to run
high, which was of deep concern to the United States. Like many other Member States, his
country was concerned about the prospects for a wider regional conflict. However, the
United States viewed the deployment of a regional force to Somalia as a key element in
preventing conflict.
Through the International Somalia Contact Group, he said his country was committed to
working with its international partners to encourage dialogue among Somali partners.
Despite those efforts and the 22 June Khartoum Declaration between the Transitional
Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic Courts, the situation had not improved.
Although both parties had violated the terms of the Khartoum Declaration, the Union of
Islamic Courts had done so through concrete military expansion, he said. It had sought to
further destabilize the Horn of Africa region through irredentist claims on the Somali-
populated regions of neighbouring States and support for insurgent groups in Ethiopia.
He said that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the African Union had put forth a proposal aimed at helping to restore stability in Somalia through deployment of a security, training, and protection mission. The primary purpose of that deployment was to help stabilize Somalia by providing security in Baidoa, and protection and training for the
Transitional Federal Institutions, and not to engage in offensive actions against the Union of Islamic Courts.
The United States strongly believed that a sustainable solution in Somalia should be based
on credible dialogue between the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic
Courts, and it continued to work with its African and other partners towards that goal, he
said. The continued military expansion of the Union of Islamic Courts, however, had not
helped to promoted dialogue and, in fact, had created the need for deployment of a regional
force to stabilize the situation inside Somalia.
He said his country supported the regional proposal and viewed the deployment of the
IGAD Peacekeeping Mission in Somalia (IGASOM) as a critical element to help resume
credible dialogue between the Transitional Federal Institutions and the Union of Islamic
Courts. That would also help to create the conditions for Ethiopian and Eritrean
disengagement from Somalia.
The deployment of IGASOM was only one of the critical elements, however, of what must
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be a comprehensive plan to reach a durable solution in Somalia, he stressed. A political
settlement was needed, and dialogue towards that must resume. A security protocol,
including a verifiable ceasefire and military disengagement, was the next step towards a
longer-term solution.
BASILE IKOUEBE ( Congo) welcomed today’s adoption today by the Council of the
resolution, which supported the efforts undertaken for some time by the African Union and
IGAD to bring peace back to Somalia. For years, the country had felt abandoned by the
international community. Last week in Abuja, Somalia’s Prime Minister had asked African
leaders to do everything possible to ensure that the Council adopted the draft being
negotiated at the time in New York. He welcomed the fact that the Council had adopted the text unanimously.
He added that he was particularly thankful to the United States, which had joined the three
African members of the Council in supporting the draft, which was an important resolution
for Africa. With its adoption, IGAD would be in a position to deploy a training and protection
force, the purpose of which had been and would remain the restoration of peace in Somalia
and assistance in restoring dialogue among all parties. The African Union supported the
Transitional Federal Institutions and encouraged dialogue with the Union of Islamic Courts.
All States, in particular neighbouring countries, had been invited to strictly respect the
resolution and the arms embargo. That was significant proof of their commitment to the
restoration of peace in Somalia.
TUVAKO N. MANONGI (United Republic of Tanzania) thanked the United States for co-
sponsoring the draft and for its support. While it was not a perfect resolution and did not
offer all the answers to the challenges facing Somalia, it was, however, a step in the right
direction and a step that needed to be taken. Encouraging all parties to work together
towards the restoration of peace and security in Somalia, the resolution also responded to a
degree to the concerns raised by IGAD and the African Union, which would continue to
need support, not only of the Council but also of the international community in supporting
Somalia as it walked a tenuous road towards peace and stability in Somalia.
Speaking in his national capacity, Council President NASSIR ABDULAZIZ AL-NASSER
( Qatar) said he had supported the draft out of a need to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and
territorial integrity, as well as its political independence and the unity of its territory. He
reaffirmed his readiness to undertake all measures that would contribute to alleviating the
intensity of the crisis in that country. He also reaffirmed the need to deal with that situation cautiously, and without rushing to any preconceived judgements, in order to spread peace and the rule of law throughout Somalia.
He said his positive vote had stemmed from his understanding that the text aimed to
encourage all Somali parties to arrive at a peaceful settlement through a comprehensive
dialogue among all parties. It was important that the resolution not have a negative impact
and that it not be construed as being directed against a certain party at the expense of
another; that must be kept in mind when the resolution was implemented.
The Structure of Government in Puntland State of Somalia
The State of Puntland has three branches of Government,
The Executive Branch
President:
The executive authority of the State is vested in the President who is the Head of State, and who also symbolizes the unity of the State. As President he is also the Commander-in-Chief of the military forces.
The President is elected by the House of Representatives; the term of office for the President is four (4) years. He is eligible for re-election at the end of his term.
Vice–President :
The Vice-President is to assist the President in the execution of his duties, in the absence of the President he is the Head of State.
The Vice-President is elected by the House of Representatives in conjunction with the President; the term of the office is four (4) years. He is eligible for re-election.
Cabinet:
The Ministers are appointed by the President, in consultation with the Vice-President, based on who, in his opinion, can form a government that has the confidence of the House of Representatives.
The function of the Cabinet is to advise the President. It is collectively responsible to Parliament for all government policies and the operation of government services.
Affairs of the government are carried out by the government departments, each headed by a Minister. The Minister is responsible to Parliament for the activities of the department. These departments are staffed by a career public service, whose members do not relinquish their jobs on a change of government.
The House of Representatives
The legislative authority of the State is vested in the House of Representatives, comprised of 66 members who represent every region of Puntland. The House of Representatives has a president and two (2) deputy presidents who are elected from amongst its members.
The President is to preside over the House when it is in session and exercise the factions designated in the constitution. The Deputies are to assist the President in executing his duties. The House of Representatives has committees that oversee, scrutinize, and hold to account the Departments of the Ministries of the executive branch, in the conduct of their duties.
The Judiciary
The judiciary is independent from the Executive and Legislature, and is required by the law of the land.
The judicial agencies are; the Supreme Court, the Courts of Appeal, and the Primary Courts.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, which is the highest court in Puntland, is appointed by the President and approved by the House of the Representatives.
Puntland State consists of the following seven regions : 1. Ayn 2.Bari
3. Sanaag, 4. Karkaar 5.Nugaal 6.Mudug 7.Sool Total area of the State of Puntland is 212,510 km2, (roughly one-third of Somalia ’s geographical area).
More about the History can be found here.