AMISOM Magazine - Issue 19 | Securing the Future by AMISOM Somalia

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Issue 19 | Aprilâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;August 2016

Securing the Future AMISOM MAGAZINE

Message

SRCC

From the

Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia (SRCC), Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira

omalia is on the homestretch of an electoral process that will pave way for a transition, which will allow the country to reconstitute and re-legitimize its political institutions. This electoral process will be more inclusive, compared to previous processes, where much fewer people participated in the selection of leaders. For the people of Somalia, it represents a big step towards to a bigger and much more elaborate process in 2020, when the country will participate in universal elections. If today, I were to gift the people of Somalia – I would gift them with lasting peace and stability, because this is the cornerstone of Somalia’s national sovereignty. The successful conduct of this election therefore, is the ticket to lasting peace and stability. It represents victory to the Somali people; victory from conflict, political nascence and most importantly, from violent extremism and terrorism. I am full of hope for Somalia, because I believe it is “turning the corner” to political maturity and economic stability. I believe the country will undergo a political transition that encompasses the diversity of one of the world’s most resource rich countries. AMISOM troops, both in the military and police, together with

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the Somali National Security Forces have the uphill task to deliver this electoral process, by providing an environment that is secure enough, to enable people vote. This assistance is happening alongside technical support from the civilian unit of AMISOM, to institutions within the Federal Government and federal states, with the aim of ensuring continuity, even after the electoral process. Other than security support, we are placing emphasis on women’s greater participation in the electoral process by working with relevant organizations that cater for women’s political enhancement, to put the women’s agenda in the forefront. We acknowledge that the responsibility bestowed on us by the people of Somalia and Somalia’s most trusted and faithful partners is a heavy one, but we are committed to fulfilling our role and being part of this defining moment in Somalia’s history. These are our current priorities and I am encouraged by the determination and commitment of AMISOM staff, some of who lay their lives on the line each day, to make Somalia a better place to live in. Irrespective of the challenges that exist from time to time, our aim is to continue building on the successes and rid Somalia of the common enemy – Al Shabaab. Happy reading!

“These are our current priorities and I am encouraged by the determination and commitment of AMISOM staff, some of who lay their lives on the line each day, to make Somalia a better place to live in”

Contents

A mother and her child stand next to their home behind a fence at an IDP settlement, next to the village of Ambresso, Somalia, on August 22, 2016. Ambresso, a village near Barawe, saw heavy fighting in 2014, before it was liberated by AU soldiers.

Message From The SRCC

In The News

At The Helm of AMISOM Military

Somalia Readies for the 2016 Electoral Process

The All Women’s Campaign

Somalia Hosts IGAD Heads of State Summit

Counting The Successes

AMISOM to Build a Hospital in Ceel Jaale

High-level AMISOM Team visits Troops in Jowhar

Ethiopian Government donates Food to Hiiraan Residents

Djibouti Contingent Distributes Food to Flood Victims in Hiiraan Region

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces says AMISOM is Africa’s Success story

Kenya Selected as the First Troop Contributing Country to Benefit from Engineering Courses for Peacekeeping Operations

AMISOM commends Ugandan UN Battalion on Completion of Tour of Duty in Somalia

Southwest Special Forces kill Al-Shabaab Militants in an Operation in Labataan Jirrow, Bay Region

New Training Facility for SNA

EU Broadening its Scope in Somalia

Model Policing

Construction Sector Driving Somalia’s Economic Recovery

Barawe in Pictures, Two Years After Liberation

Acute Hunger Stalking Millions

Somalia’s Budding Athletes and The 2016 Rio Olympics

Photo/Tobin Jones.

Design & Layout: Noel Lumbama Photography: AU-UN IST Newsroom | thenewsroom@auunist.org Email: amisommediacentre@gmail.com P.O. Box 20182 – 00200, Nairobi, Kenya Phone: +254 202 713 755 /56 /58 Fax: +254 202 713 766 Publisher: AMISOM Public Information Unit

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IN THE

NEWS 10 April 2016:

Ambassador Francisco Madeira met Turkish and Emirati envoys to Somalia, in Mogadishu, to discuss matters of mutual interest, especially on how to strengthen

May 2016:

Somalia marked Europe Day with celebrations in Mogadishu. During the celebrations, President H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hailed the European Union (EU) for its support in the rebuilding Somalia’s security institutions, during Europe Day

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celebrations. He appealed for more youth focused projects to address the rising youth unemployment in the country. In his remarks the European Union Ambassador to Somalia Michele Cervone d’Urso pledged even more support to Somalia. He said, “Our (EU) agenda is very clear. Our future is intertwined with yours. We are building it together. We are committed to a stable Somalia and if you look at issues such as migration, radicalization, economic development, and security cooperation, we have a common agenda.”

May 2016:

A proposed new law on Sexual Offences in Somalia received a nod from the country’s key development partners. A discussion forum attended by different stakeholders and interest groups and moderated by a high-level panel comprising of the AU Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador

cooperation to help Somalia stabilize and hold peaceful elections. “Turkey is investing heavily in the training of Somalis. It is investing in the health of Somalis as well as in the infrastructural development of Somalia. We want to emulate that. We do recognize that engaging with Turkey is vital,” Ambassador Madeira said.

May 2016:

Francisco Madeira, the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General

(DSRSG) for Somalia Peter De Clercq, Somali Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed Omar Arteh and the Somali Minister of Women and Human Rights Development Sahra Mohamed Ali Samatar. The panel fleshed out issues in the Sexual Offences Bill, prior to its tabling before parliament. The discussants and other participants were unanimous that if enacted into law, the bill would stem rising cases of sexual offences.

United Nations Security Council members made a one-day visit to Somalia, addressing an international press conference at the end of their visit. Representatives of the Security Council’s 15-member states urged the Federal Government of Somalia to commit to the electoral timetable. Representatives of the Security Council met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, civil society members and senior United Nations and African Union officials. “We will be renewing the mandate of AMISOM shortly. We have all been listening and learning about the successes, but also the challenges that AMISOM faces,” Matthew Rycroft, the United Kingdom Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council told journalists.

May 2016:

Somalia joined the rest of Africa to mark Africa Day, with key celebrations taking place in the capital Mogadishu. Somali President H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over the celebrations. He expressed gratitude for the support the African continent and especially Troop Contributing

May 2016:

June 2016:

The AU Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira held a media luncheon with journalists from regional media outlets and Africa based international journalists, in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, where he made a reassurance that AMISOM would secure the 2016 electoral process in Somalia.

June 2016:

The Djiboutian Armed Forces celebrated its 39th anniversary on June 6, in a colourful ceremony held in Beletweyne, the administrative capital of Hiiraan region. The celebrations were attended by dignitaries from African Union Mission in

Countries to AMISOM have extended to Somalia, in its struggle to rid the country of terrorism and violent extremism. “I am very much grateful for the contribution of our men and women in uniform here in Somalia. There are many others in Somalia (who) have contributed, facilitated and supported them in fulfilling their duties. But they are the ones who shed their blood; they are the ones who leave orphans behind; they are the ones who get disabled because of the difficult war in Somalia,” President Sheikh Mohamud stated.

AU Special Representative to Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira opened a new military training facility for the Somali National Army (SNA) in Mogadishu. Ambassador Madeira commissioned the facility, which will be used to train soldiers on urban warfare, at the Jazeera Training Centre. The facility, whose construction began in December 2015, consists of a collection of buildings that mimic an urban or a built-up fighting area.

“The commitment taken by Somali politicians and leaders is that the 2016 elections be viewed as another transition towards a full-fledged

electoral process of one-person-onevote by 2020. We are happy that they have all agreed on how to go about this,” observed Ambassador Madeira.

Somalia (AMISOM), the Federal Government and Hiiraan regional administration. Addressing guests, Djiboutian Battalion 3 Commander Hassan Jama, commended the soldiers for their selfless efforts in securing Somalia and providing humanitarian aid to locals during times of crises. Colonel Jama said the forces will continue working closely with the Federal Government in fighting Al Shabaab to enable Somalis live peacefully. AMISOM MAGAZINE

A team from the African Union Mission In Somalia (AMISOM) led by Maj. Gen. Fidza Dludlu, AMISOM’s Head of Mission Support, met with representatives of Somali diaspora communities in

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June 2016:

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The National Leadership Forum convened in Baidoa, the administrative town of southwest state of Somalia was officially opened by Somali President H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by federal presidents, senior officials from the Federal Government and representatives of the international community. The Baidoa forum was a followup to the one held in early June, to discuss the implementation of the electoral process. The forum also urged Somalia’s national security institutions to ensure adequate

Force (SPF). Foreign diplomats and officials of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia

security during the August polls. AMISOM, which has been in the forefront of securing the country in joint operations with Somali security institutions, was represented at the forum by the deputy Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Hon. Lydia Wanyoto and deputy the Deputy Force Commander Major General Nakibus Lakara represented AMISOM at the forum, where AMISOM was asked to ensure adequate security across the country during the upcoming elections.

(UNSOM) and AMISOM also attended the event. “We felt that AMISOM, the UN (United Nations) and our brothers from Somalia and other members of the international community, should also show a gesture of unity and togetherness,” Head of AMISOM Ambassador Madeira said in his welcome remarks to the guests.

August 2016:

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Katumba Wamala closed a 4-day AU-UN Mandatory Media and Communication Trainer of Trainers (TOT) course in Kampala, Uganda. The course was attended by military and police public communication officers from the Troop and Police Contributing Countries to 6

Kampala, Uganda. Maj. Gen. Dludlu represented the African Union Special

July 2016:

AMISOM hosted Iftar for Muslim faithful during the holy month of Ramadan. The guests at the dinner included senior officials of the Federal Government of Somalia, top officials from the Somali National Army (SNA) and Somali Police

Representative for Somalia (SRCC), Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira “Advances have been made in Somalia and there is need for people with skills to come back and help rebuild the country. Due to the many years suffered in civil war, there is now an urgent need for highly skilled people in Somalia,” Gen. Dludlu told the gathering of Somalis.

June 2016:

AMISOM, Somali National Army and Somali Police Force. General Wamala described the African Union Mission in Somalia as one of the continent’s success

stories, saying it actualises the African dream of having African solutions to African problems. “We need to aggressively communicate where Somalia was before the war and where it is now. We need to aggressively communicate the positive developments taking place in Somalia” General Wamala said, during his address to participants at the TOT course.

August 2016:

efficiency of the UPDF, contrary to section 124 of the UPDF Act. The nine were part of a group of soldiers implicated in a fuel racket that was busted by AMISOM officials in June. The UPDF Divisional Court Martial sitting in Mogadishu, handed down sentences ranging from one year to three years, after finding the soldiers, who included both senior and junior ranking officers, guilty of misconduct and violating the rules and regulations of peacekeeping.

Nine Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldiers serving under AMISOM were sentenced to prison for misconduct. The soldiers were found guilty of pursuing personal interests and endangering operational

A delegation of senior Burundi military officials serving under the AMISOM held a security meeting with Middle Shabelle administration officials on August 16, over the forthcoming electoral process. The meeting held in Jowhar, also discussed the means of degrading AlShabaab. The Burundian delegation

August 2016:

The Commander of the Uganda Special Forces Command (SFC), Maj. Gen. Muhoozi Kaneirugaba visited Ugandan troops in Somalia in August. He commended AMISOM for its support to Somali security forces. Gen. Kaneirugaba praised Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF)

August 2016:

Mogadishu hosted another book fair, which was attended by thousands of book lovers and exhibitors from Somalia and abroad.The annual fair seeks to enhance literacy levels and the art of writing in Somalia.

was led by Colonel Ildephonse Hakizimana, while the Governor of Middle Shabelle region, Ali Hussein Abdullah led the team from the

local administration. The Governor emphasized the need to have successful electoral process devoid of threats from Al Shabaab.

soldiers under AMISOM, for their courage and dedication to duty. He urged AMISOM to help the Somali government hold a successful electoral process scheduled before the end of the year. ‘’We need to ensure a safe election period for the people of Somalia in the coming polls and it is high time we evaluated our readiness,’’ Gen. Kaneirugaba noted.

Dignitaries who visited the book fair includied President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Turkish Ambassador to Somalia, Olgan Bekar. Somalia has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world with only 37.8 percent of the population being literate, according to available research.

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August 2016:

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) organized a one-day training workshop for civilian humanitarian actors from the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia to raise awareness on how to engage with

partners in the delivery of aid within the country. Twenty-two local humanitarian organizations in the region attended the meeting held in the Somali capital

September 2016:

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has made an appeal for technical expertise and equipment to help counter the use of (IEDs) which have become the weapon of choice of the militant group Al-Shabaab. The appeal was made at a three-day seminar organized to raise awareness of the IED situation in Somalia, which ended Thursday. The participants representing AMISOM and Somali Police Force (SPF) met to learn about the devices and ways of countering their threat.

The 28th extra-ordinary session of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Assembly of Heads of State and Government was held in Mogadishu, Somalia, for the first time in over 30 years. The Heads of State and Government renewed their commitment of member countries to continue support towards stabilizing the country. “(We) encouraged all Somalis to participate in the 2016 electoral process and hope that free and fair elections are

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September 2016:

Mogadishu. Central to the workshop was the question of how, and under what circumstances humanitarian organizations engage with AMISOM.

“I have engaged partners and friends on the necessities to enhance counter IED defeat measures. This is because some of the Troop Contributing Countries have limited capabilities that are inadequate to defeat the use of IEDs,” AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in charge of Support and Logistics Nakibus Lakara said during the closing of an IED workshop organized with the support of United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS).

conducted within the timelines,” the communique said in part.

A conference for military engineers ended in Mogadishu with firm resolutions, in the implementation of enhanced engineering capabilities on forward operating bases. The conference which drew engineers from the sectors, force and mission headquarters of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), resolved to put in place mechanisms to fast track clearing of Main Supply Routes, to facilitate troops activity, movement of civilian populations and humanitarian actors. One of the key hindrances on the Main Supply Routes has been the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices and Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosives. The engineers discussed means of ensuring that these weapons of destruction do not remain the weapon of choice for Al Shabaab terrorists.

September 2016:

The AU Military Operations Coordination Committee (MOCC) met in Djibouti to review security plans for Somalia’s electoral process. The meeting discussed security support to the electoral process and joint security operations aimed at degrading Al-Shabaab. Reorganization, training of the Somali National Army (SNA) and payment of troop allowances to AMISOM forces was also a subject of deliberations. AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Ambassador Smail Chergui together with Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) of Djibouti, Ethiopia and Uganda, the

September 2016:

Somali President H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over the launch of an advocacy campaign for women dubbed “ All Women’s Campaign”, to lobby for the 30-percent quota for women’s seats in parliament. “You cannot escape the 30 percent quota for women by saying we are from so and so clan and we have only one or two seats. If you have two seats in your sub-clan, the threshold will be raised to the upper clan level. Amongst that representation,

Deputy CDF of Burundi and Commander of the Kenya Army attended the meeting. Present at the meeting was also the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission (SRCC), for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira.

the 30 per cent reserved seats for women will be realized. If that does not solve the problem, a resolution mechanism has been put in place. All those eventualities have been contemplated and prepared for,” President Mohamud told the women.

September 2016:

Warring sub-clans of Dir and Hawiye have agreed to come up with an action plan on reconciliation and peace building following the signing of a ceasefire agreement mid this year. The resolution was made at a twoday meeting, held in Mogadishu and organized by the Interim South West Administration (ISWA), with the support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Local leaders, elders, women representatives, militia commanders attended the workshop as did religious leaders and area

members of parliament. Biyomaal, a sub-clan of the Dir, and Habar-Gidir, a sub-clan of the Hawiye has been involved in clan fighting for months,

over power sharing and control of resources. The fights have led to loss of lives, displacement of families and destruction of property.

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At The Helm of

AMISOM military

MISOM Force Commander Lt. General Osman Noor Soubagleh formally assumed office on 18 July 2016, replacing Lt. General Jonathan Rono. The Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of AMISOM Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira noted that his arrival had come at a critical time for the Mission. “The General is coming at a moment when we have just revised the AMISOM Concept of Operations for 2016 and I am glad that he did fully participate in the deliberations that led to the adoption of the same. Now that the Concept of Operations has entered into force, he is the Commander-In-Chief when it comes to its implementation,” Ambassador Madeira said. He highlighted the electoral process in Somalia as one of the key priority areas, to which the new Force Commander will have to pay particular attention and provide the required leadership to ensure that all stages of the electoral process take place in a conducive and secure environment. Before his appointment as Force Commander, Lt. General Soubagleh who had previous experience working with AMISOM, regularly participated in meetings of the Joint Military Operations Coordination Committee (MOCC), on behalf of Djibouti. Shortly after his arrival in Somalia, the Force Commander accompanied

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The newly appointed AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant General, Osman Nor Soubagleh, inspects a guard of honor by troops serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). This was on arrival at Aden Abdulle Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia on July 18, 2016.

by Ambassador Madeira formally met with Somali President H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who pointed out that security remained Somalia’s key priority in Somalia. He emphasized on the need for adequate security arrangements, as the country prepares for legislative and presidential polls. “A few years ago, we would not be talking about having elections, but here we are. The threat of Al-Shabaab however must be tackled conclusively.

We must destroy the capacity of AlShabaab and for this to happen; we need to have the force enablers and multipliers deployed as a matter of urgency. The delivery of these has been pending for a long time now and it is a very critical element of the fight against Al-Shabaab,” President Hassan Sheikh said as he asked for enhanced coordination between AMISOM and Somali National Security Institutions, for better execution of security operations.

The newly appointed AMISOM Force Commander General Osman Noor Soubagleh shakes hands with Somali President H.E Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud. This was during a visit to the President in Mogadishu, Somalia on 23 July 2016.

Somalia Readies For

The Electoral Process

efore the end of the year, Somalia will have a new crop of leaders, including President, elected into office under a new electoral system. Preparations for the 2016 electoral process are in an advanced stage as the country prepares to choose parliamentary representatives, in an exercise that will culminate in a presidential poll in late November. As announced by the Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation Team (FIEIT) in September, the presidential election will be held on 30 November 2016, while parliamentary elections kick off on October 23 to November 10 for both the lower and upper houses. The election of speakers of both houses of parliament have been slated for November 23. FIEIT chairperson Omar Mohamed Abdulle ‘Dhagey’ expressed confidence in the preparation, saying “substantial progress” had been made towards achieving a credible process. Outstanding issues that had contributed to the delay of the polls, such as, the Election Dispute

Resolution Mechanism became operational on October 8. The FIEIT also announced a breakthrough on the electoral venue for the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, following negotiations with traditional elders representing the two regions. “After extensive discussions, 16 out of the 18 traditional elders agreed that the electoral process for the two regions be held in the capital Mogadishu,” said FIEIT chairperson Abdulle at a media briefing on 26 September. The electoral process regulations stipulate that 275 electoral colleges consisting of 51 delegates each will choose members of the lower house of parliament. Sixteen of the 51 delegates are supposed to be women, 10 will be youths and the remaining 25 will be drawn from the wider community, including members of civil society. The 2016 electoral process will see 14,025 delegates vote in a Lower and Upper House of Parliament, who will in turn elect a president. The country is expected to hold a universal ballot in 2020.

Mogadishu

he quiet Somali capital is a hub of electoral activity in readiness for a more inclusive electoral process that will demonstrate its commitment to democratic reforms. This year’s process promises to be a competitive race, as dozens of local and diaspora Somalis enter the arena. The biggest focus is on the presidential race, where incumbent President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke are having a go at the presidency. Others are former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed; former Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, a female candidate Fatuma Dayib; media owner Yassin Mahi Mallin; former Somali Ambassador to Kenya Mohamed Ali Nur ‘Ameriko’; former Mayor of Mogadishu Mohamed Ahmed Nur Tarsan and Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle. Some Mogadishu residents have expressed optimism about the process as they voice their expectations of future leaders. “I am hopeful about the future and that the electoral process will usher in development. Since I was born, I have never known what peace means in Somalia. We hope for an elected President who will initiate development and investment in education, make scholarships available for students and create more jobs for the youth,” Aliza Mohamed Ibrahim, a student at City University in Mogadishu said. “We hope that after the elections, our livelihoods will improve and job opportunities will increase,” Ali Osman, a cart pusher stated. Mohamed Mohamud Gure, an aspiring member of parliament for Galmudug region says if elected, he hopes to use his position to fight corruption “I want to be the voice of the people. Presently, I realise there is no accountability and corruption is rife. I want to be the member of parliament who will speak for the people and represent their views, hold the government accountable and monitor service delivery,” Mr Gure said. On September 26, Somalia’s Federal Indirect Electoral Implementation Team (FIEIT), the body overseeing the process, announced a new electoral calendar pushing back the voting for a month. FIEIT chairperson Omar Mohamed Abdulle ‘Dhagey’ attributed the delay to logistical and political glitches. “Although substantial progress has been achieved on the electoral process, it seems some of the tasks cannot be completed based on the planned schedule, due to several impediments including political challenges, security, management of the electoral budget, “ Dhagey told journalists at media briefing.

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Baidoa

n Baidoa, candidates campaigning for various parliamentary seats have erected posters in an effort to win the support of clan elders and electoral college delegates. Subaida Haji Muktar, a female candidate for parliament, is readying herself for the process. A newcomer to politics, Ms Muktar says education, job creation and women’s health will be her key priorities if elected. Another female candidate named Samra Ibrahim Omar cited the 30 per cent quota for women in both houses of the next federal parliament as one of her motivations to join politics, and she urged women to take up the leadership challenge. According to Siid Ali Abukar, the Deputy Head of Registration of the State Indirect Electoral Implementation Team (SIEIT), for the Interim Southwest Administration (ISWA), the registration of electoral college delegates is proceeding smoothly. “We have already provided orientation to traditional elders on criteria for selecting the delegates.

We have also received lists of many delegates who will elect the members of parliament from their respective clans. The team is continuously reviewing delegates submitted to ensure the criteria agreed upon has been met”, Mr Abukar said. State assemblies will elect most of the 54 members of the upper house of parliament. Suldan Warsame Suldan Alio Ibrow, one of the 135 traditional elders

charged with selecting electoral college delegates, said the main thrust has focused on ensuring that the 30 per cent quota for women’s representation in parliament is achieved. “The traditional elders welcomed the international community, the Federal Government and the National Leadership Forum’s push for the 30 per cent quota for women. As a result, of every three seats allocated to each clan, one will automatically be contested by women only,” explained Mr. Ibrow. Mr Abukar said venues have been identified where the electoral colleges will meet and adequate security put in place. “Election venues and security plans have all been firmed up. ISWA authorities are very much focused to ensure elections are held. Despite time constraints, everything is going well and on track. We are positive that we will have a successful process,” he added.

A supporter holds a campaign poster for Subeyda Maxamed Malak Mukhtar, an aspirant for the Federal Lower House of Parliament, in Baidoa, Somalia on September 21, 2016. 12

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Kismaayo

s a visitor enters the port city of Kismaayo, he is greeted by an imposing monument bearing the words ‘Kismaayo waa nabad’, which means ‘Kismaayo is peaceful’ in Somali. These reassuring words are especially significant now as Somalia prepares for the formal start of the 2016 electoral process. Preparations for the forthcoming electoral process have been gathering pace, as parliamentary candidates drum up support for their campaigns for elected office. Mohamed Salad Nunow and Abdi Gashan Igal will be seeking the endorsements of clan elders and electoral college delegates to represent the people of Somalia in the next federal parliament. Supporters of the two candidates have already placed campaign posters in strategic positions around Kismaayo to promote their candidate. “Vote for Justice and Prosperity. Elect a youth who is loyal,” one of the posters reads. “Support me for real representation, prosperity, peace and stability,” reads another.

Mohamed Nunow has been on the campaign trail for weeks now. He commends the Jubbaland administration’s efforts to prepare the state for the electoral process. “This year’s electoral process seems to be more competitive. And when there are many candidates, it restores the hope for democracy and good governance for this country,’’ the parliamentary candidate observed.

The Jubbaland Minister of Information, Technology and Telecommunications Abdinor Ali Aden noted that the number of candidates vying for seats in the lower house of the federal parliament had increased. He reaffirmed the commitment by Jubbaland authorities to safeguard the electoral process in the coming weeks. “Jubbaland forces have beefed up security to ensure the electoral process proceeds peacefully,” Mr. Aden said.

Africa Union deploys technical electoral support team

ollowing a Pre-election Assessment Mission conducted by the African Union Commission (Department for Political Affairs), in July 2016, to identify the best form of technical assistance to support elections in Somalia, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) authorized the deployment of a short term Technical Electoral Support Mission to Somalia. The deployment of the AU Expert Team follows a decision at the African Union Peace and Security Council

meeting held in Addis Ababa on the 6th of September 2016 which requested the AUC to expedite the deployment of technical experts and provide other relevant forms of support to AMISOM, in order to assist and reinforce the mission’s capacity ahead of the electoral process. The team comprised of two experts, Ms. Hope Mary Nsangi from Uganda and Mr. Jespa Ajereboh Tichock from Cameroon. They arrived in Mogadishu on September 17, 2016 and will be in Somalia until November 5, 2016. Their role will include inter alia,

• Collection of information on the implementation of the 2016 limited franchise electoral process agreed upon by Somali stakeholders; • Contribution to the identification and documentation of lessons learnt from the electoral process towards the realisation of the 2020 political roadmap; • Liaison and coordination with other international partners supporting Somalia’s electoral process (including the European

The Deputy Prime Minister of Somalia, Mohamed Omar Arte (in dark suit), the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira with officials from the Federal Government of Somalia and AMISOM, meet with a visiting delegation of officials from the African Union who are on a pre-election assessment visit to Mogadishu, Somalia on July 11, 2016.

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Union, the Union Nations; the Arab League and Organization of Islamic Cooperation). In July 2016, a four-member preelection assessment team from the African Union Commission made a two-day working visit to Somalia, on a fact-finding mission, where they pledged more support from the African Union, to Somalia’s political processes. “The situation in Somalia requires that we engage fully and in a more robust manner to be able to support AMISOM. We are aware of the fact that as AMISOM gains ground, the requisite stability to support the security situation is sometimes lacking and this sometimes leads to reversal. For overall security in Somalia, there is need to have the political element to support and give more permanent nature the security

The DSRCC for Somalia, Lydia Wanyoto, and the African Union Pre-election Assessment Team in a meeting with the UNSOM technical electoral team in Mogadishu, Somalia on July 12, 2016.

that is created by AMISOM,” Mr. Olabisi Dare, the Head of the AU Humanitarian Division in the Political Department, of the African Union Commission and leader of the delegation said. Mr. Olabisi said the 54-member continental body was keen to support the growth of the country’s institutional structures and federalization process. “We want to support this particular electoral process, but then beyond that, we need to develop institutional capacity, that then gives the state the capability to be able to run itself,” Olabisi added. The team held consultative meetings with the senior leadership of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the Federal Government of Somalia,

representatives of political organisations, civil society, the Federal Indirect Elections Implementation Team, the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) Mr. Raisedon Zenenga and the UNSOM technical election team. “Without the achievements made by AMISOM in creating the space, for the political process to make progress, we would not be where we are today. What has not been achieved today on the political front is not for want of sufficient security space. The security space to achieve what was set for 2016 is there,” Mr. Raisedon Zenenga noted, during consultations with the AU team in his office, in Mogadishu.

Galmudug

MISOM Force Commander Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh led a team of security officials on a security assessment mission in Cadaado, Galmudug state, to evaluate the state’s electoral preparedness. The visit on Thursday, also aimed at evaluating the security priorities in the state and coming up with a plan on how AMISOM and Somali security forces can work together to guarantee safety of residents, as they participate in the electoral process.

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The team comprising of members of AMISOM Elections Security Task Force, was accompanied by their counterparts from the Somali National Security Forces, and the Federal Indirect Election Implementation Team (FIEIT). The team made an appraisal of the capabilities and level of preparedness of the Galmudug security forces and its ability to implement the National Security Plan for the 2016 Electoral Process. The team visited the Somali National Army training camp

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh, addresses Somali National Army officers during a security assessment visit to Adado, Somalia on September 8, 2016.

and the Somali Police Force training ground in Cadaado. They also visited the electoral centre, and the Galmudug headquarters of the National

Intelligence Service Agency (NISA). “On behalf of the people of Galmudug, I wish to thank the African Union for

the security support to the people of Somalia and the great work it is doing in degrading Al-Shabaab. AMISOM is providing security for the electoral process to happen successfully and we are grateful for that. In Galmudug we look up to AMISOM for security and together with the Somali security forces

we will work hand in hand with them to provide an environment where Somalis can participate in the electoral process without any fear,” the Vice President of Galmudug State H.E Mohamed Hashi Abdi said. The team will compile a report and submit it to the Head of AMISOM

Securing the 2016 electoral process

disrupt the exercise, at one of its review meetings for joint operations ahead of the 2016 electoral process. The African Union Special Representative for Somalia, Francisco Caetano Madeira told the meeting of top military commanders in August, that the forces aimed at curtailing Al Shabaab’s The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African ability to plan and execute Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of Mission, attacks. Ambassador Francisco Madeira, makes remarks during an “Disrupting Al – AMISOM Sector Commanders’ meeting held in Mogadishu, Shabaab means going Somalia. after them and not waiting for them to come to us. ecuring Somalia’s electoral process has The correct tactic is both defence and remained top priority for AMISOM. attack. We need to attack Al-Shabaab,” The Somali National Security Forces Ambassador Madeira was categorical. and AMISOM announced the launch of “Securing the electoral process, joint operations to halt any attempts by ascertaining the physical strength of the the militant insurgent group Al Shabaab to

Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira for further action. Galmudug is one of the federal regional administrations of Somalia, formed in June 2015. However, AMISOM forces do not have a presence in Cadaado, which is the capital of the regional administration.

Somali National Army (SNA) and an offensive operation against Al-Shabaab will remain top priority in the coming months”, Ambassador Madeira emphasised. He divulged that the Somali National Army, is undertaking an assessment of its strength in the respective sectors. “There is no way the elections will be stopped because of the attempt by the Al-Shabaab to disrupt them. We are aware that this is their main aim. They will try as much as possible to frustrate our objective, but we are getting even better prepared to make sure that they do not succeed. I appeal to the entire population and all the electors to go to the polling stations and vote and make the elections a success and not feel intimidated,” Ambassador Madeira said. AMISOM and SNA will secure voting centres, important election materials and also provide security for candidates, delegates and the general population.

Force Commander’s call to troops

f we do not work together to defeat Al-Shabaab and if we cannot effectively hand over the security of Somalia to the Somali National Security Forces, then we’ll have failed in achieving our mandate. ” – This was the rallying call from AMISOM Force Commander Lt. General Osman Noor Soubagleh to military officers at a joint conference of AMISOM Sector Commanders and senior SNA officers, also in August. The aimed at helping the forces plan, prepare, coordinate and synchronize joint operations directed against AlShabaab, in all the five sectors.

“If we act together and get support from partners we’ll make major strides”, the SNA deputy Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Alibaashi Mohamed told the joint conference. The Force Commander said AMISOM was obligated to support the Federal government before and after the electoral process. “We must support and assist in the economic development and establishment of effective governance in support of the federal government both now and after elections, to gain the support of the population and counter Al

Shabaab propaganda,” Lt. Gen. Soubagleh stressed. The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, asked AMISOM military commanders to develop a robust security plan to secure the electoral process. “With the task force in place, we will now be able to know what to do and how to move, to ensure that we deliver on elections security, which is one of our key deliverables,” Hon. Wanyoto observed. The DSRCC was referring to the elections security task

The Force Commander of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Lieutenant General Osman Noor Soubagleh.

force established by the Federal Government of Somalia to help secure the electoral process. AMISOM will be part of the taskforce that is tasked with coordinating security matters to ensure the electoral process is secure.

Key dates for Somalia’s 2016 electoral process 5 October

Submission of list of candidates for Upper House

8 October

Election Dispute Resolution Mechanism starts work

10 October

Complete list of delegates for parliamentary elections

23 Oct – 10 November

Parliamentary elections

23 November

Election of Speakers of Upper and Lower Houses

30 November

Presidential polls AMISOM MAGAZINE

Somali women, officials from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and other participants, attend a meeting on the political participation of women in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 7, 2016. Khadija Mohamed Dirie, Member of Parliament

The ‘All Women’s Campaign’

he push for women’s greater representation in parliament has gained momentum as the electoral process draws closer. An ‘All Women’s Campaign’ was launched during the National Women’s Forum organized by the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development, in Mogadishu on September 22. The campaign was launched by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in an event attended by the AU Special Representative for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira. Ambassador Madeira reaffirmed the commitment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to helping Somali women achieve gender parity. “As you continue to push for the 30-percent representation,

AMISOM, the African Union will be with you because your victory is certain,” Ambassador Madeira told women participants during the one-day conference. The ‘All Women’s Campaign’, is an advocacy movement aimed at helping the country achieve the 30-percent quota for women in parliament. The campaign will mobilise women to register for elective positions and use lobbyists to sensitize clan elders on the critical role women play in society. “You cannot escape the 30 percent quota for women by saying we are from so and so clan and we have only one or two seats. If you have two seats in your sub-clan, the threshold will be raised to the upper clan level. Amongst that

representation, the 30 per cent reserved seats for women will be realized. If that does not solve the problem, a resolution mechanism has been put in place. All those eventualities have been contemplated and prepared for,” President Hassan Sheikh challenged the women. The one-day national conference for women was attended by a section of women parliamentary aspirants from the regional administrations of Galmudug, South West, Puntland and Jubbaland and representatives of the civil society. AMISOM has been at the forefront of advocating for the women’s rights in Somalia and has helped the Federal Government in developing policy documents on gender equality.

Zahra Mohamed Ahmed, Director Somali Women Development Centre

ASHA ABULE SIYAAD, Head of Somali Women’s Leadership initiative

Ifrah Abdinur Farah, candidate for Somali Federal Parliament

Zahra Mohamed Ali Samatar, Minister For Women and Human Rights, Somalia

Batula Sheikh Ahmed Gaballe, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee of Goodwill Ambassadors

The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Lydia Wanyoto, speaks at a meeting of women leaders on women’s political representation in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 7, 2016. 16

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Anab Dahir, Presidential candidate

Somalia Hosts first Heads of State Summit in over 30 years

he 28th extra-ordinary session of the InterGovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Assembly of Heads of State and Government was held in the Somali capital Mogadishu on August 13, the first Heads of State summit held in Somalia in over three decades. Attending the high-profile meeting, widely seen as an endorsement of Somalia’s return to stability, were Ethiopia’s Prime Minister H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, who is also the chairperson of the IGAD Assembly, Kenya’s President H.E Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, Uganda’s President H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Djibouti, H.E Mohamed Yousif Abdelmannan. Among other dignitaries that included the AU Special Representative for Somalia and Head of AMISOM Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira and the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General (DSRSG) for Somalia Raisedon Zenenga. In a communique released at the end of the one-day summit, IGAD Heads of State and governments welcomed the Somali government’s commitment to a credible and inclusive electoral process. “(We) encouraged all Somalis to participate in the 2016 electoral process and hope that free and fair elections are conducted within the timelines,” the communique stated. The IGAD heads requested the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to provide “all necessary security” for the electoral process. The summit condemned continued attacks against the civilian population by terrorist group Al-Shabaab and urged Somali security forces and AMISOM, to expand their operations, to enable them

deal with the group’s “evolving terror threats”. Degrading Al-Shabaab is a key mandate of AMISOM, which together with the Somali security forces have pushed out the militants from all the

“The presence of the Heads of State in Somalia is a clear dividend of returning stability in the country. It is an endorsement of Somalia’s recovery and a testimony of the resolve of the Somali people to imbibe a culture that promotes peace instead of conflict. As AMISOM, we will continue to work hand in hand with the Somali security forces to sustain the prevailing peace” —Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira

President Uhuru Kenyatta (left), President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (second from left), Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn (third from left) and Mahboub Mohamed Maalim, the IGAD Executive Secretary (right), attend the historic 28th Extra-Ordinary IGAD Heads of State Summit in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 13, 2016.

country’s major towns. The joint forces continue with military operations to flush Al-Shabaab from pockets of territory it still occupies.

assistance to the Federal Government of Somalia. Somalia’s refugee situation was also discussed during the session. The leaders agreed

The Federal President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, receives the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni (with hat), ahead of the historic 28th Extra-Ordinary IGAD Heads of State Summit in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 13, 2016.

The statesmen appreciated the role international partners are playing in providing financial, material and technical

to convene a special summit on durable solutions and the effective reintegration of returnees.

The Federal President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, receives his Kenyan counterpart, Uhuru Kenyatta ahead of the historic 28th Extra-Ordinary IGAD Heads of State Summit in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 13, 2016. AMISOM MAGAZINE

SNA, AMISOM Register Astounding Success in Luuqjeelow

he Somali National Army (SNA) supported by AMISOM, launched a hugely successful operation against Al-Shabaab in Hiiraan region in June. The joint operation whose aim was to secure the area during the holy month of Ramadan, was conducted in Luuqjeelow, located about 20kms from Beletweyne town, where Al-Shabaab manned a checkpoint. Troops operating in Sector Four, launched attacks against Al Shabaab, under the command of the Hiiraan SNA commander Col. Tawane Ahmad Gurey and AMISOM Djibouti contingent commander Col. Hassan Jama. “We came here in response to intelligence reports that Al-Shabaab militants had arrived here from Halgan. They intended to attack residents of Beletweyne, because Al Shabaab does not know the importance of observing the holy month of Ramadan. We have been able to secure the area. I tell AlShabaab that we will secure every place they attempt to reach,” Col. Hassan Jama, said.

Luuqjeelow residents sit in front of a shop after Alshabab was defeated in the village by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Djibouti and the Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers on June 21, 2016.

“The era of Al-Shabaab in Sector Four has ended. The joint troops are ready to hunt down Al-Shabaab and their

sympathisers everywhere,” added Hiiraan SNA commander, Col. Tawane Ahmad Gurey.

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Djibouti Contingent convoy in preparation for an operation to Luuqjeelow in Hiran region on June 21, 2016. 18

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AMISOM to build a hospital in Ceel Jaale

n May 9, AMISOM went on a feasibility study to Ceele Jaale village in the coastal town of Marka, Lower Shabelle region, where it will support the construction of a community hospital. The Level II hospital will be constructed in partnership with the Italian government through the African Medical Research Foundation (AMREF), under the Quick Impact Projects programme. When complete, the hospital will serve approximately 773 families who are in dire need of medical services. It will Col. Peter Omola (left) , the commander of the Uganda Battle Group XVI serving under the African Union also ease the pressure from Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) walks with the Governor of Lower Shabelle region Ibrahim Aden Ali (middle), military doctors from AMISOM during a field assessment visit by a delegation from AMREF and AMISOM to Ceel-Jaale, Lower Shabelle who step in to provide region in Somalia, on 09 May, 2016. medical services to residents from AMREF toured the proposed provision of medical services has been of Ceele Jaale. AMISOM construction site. one of the biggest challenges here and the has implemented similar projects in Locals donated the land where the construction of the hospital will go a long Beletweyne and Barawe. hospital will be built. way in solving this problem,” said the A delegation of senior officials “Thank you for coming and giving Governor of Lower Shabelle Mr. Ibrahim from AMISOM Mission Headquarters hope to the people of Ceele Jaale. The Aden Ali. accompanied by their counterparts

Victoria Kimotho, the regional programmes manager of AMREF (centre) and Muna Hassan Mohamed, a Somali youth activist speak to residents of Ceel-Jaale, Lower Shabelle region during a meeting with a visiting delegation of officials from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

High-level AMISOM team visits troops in Jowhar

n July 24,the Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, led a high-powered delegation of senior AMISOM officials to Jowhar, in Middle Shabelle region to meet with Burundi troops. The team held discussions on security in Middle Shabelle region. SRCC Madeira formally introduced the new Force Commander, Lt. Gen Osman Noor Soubagleh, to the contingent and

officially welcomed the new sector five commander, Brig Gen Ndiwayo Venaste. “I challenge the new battalion to be aware of the challenges at hand and future operations to enable it succeed,” Ambassador Madeira added. The SRCC urged the troops to work closely with the local administration officials and make effort to winning over the population in the fight against terrorism. Ambassador Madeira noted that AMISOM’s new Concept of Operations (CONOPs), adopted recently, required

troops to not only capture and liberate towns, but also degrade Al Shabaab and limit their capacity to cause terror in other parts of the country. The new CONOPs, he said, will be the focus of the Mission, going forward, to pave way for a smooth handover of the country’s security to the Somali Security forces. “The only way we can do this is to effectively destroy Al Shabaab and hand over Sector V and others to the Somalis. This requires us to strengthen SNA,” the SRCC stressed. AMISOM MAGAZINE

Ethiopian government donates food to

Hiiraan residents

he government of Ethiopia donated food aid to residents of Hiiraan who were displaced by floods. The consignment that also included non-food items was presented to the Mayor of Beletweyne Mr. Omar Adan Dekow, by the Deputy Ambassador of Ethiopia to Somalia, Mr. Jamaldiin Mustafa Omar, at a ceremony held in Beletweyne on August 14. The donation followed appeals made by Hiiraan administration officials to development partners for assistance to more than 7,000 families affected by floods; after Shabelle river, which originates from the Ethiopian highlands, broke its banks and flooded the region. Beletweyne, Bulo Burde and Jalalaqsi residents were displaced and their food crops destroyed, as a result of the floods “I would like to thank the Ethiopian government for their noble gesture, donating food aid to help the residents who suffered from flooding in the months of May and June,” the Mayor of Beletweyne said. The effects of the floods are still evident as internally displaced persons shelter at the E’eel Jaale refugee camp, located 5km east of Beletweyne town. The Ethiopian Ambassador to Somalia said his country was keen on improving the welfare of Somalis. “The Ethiopian government is not only involved in security matters. In the past year we offered education scholarships to 350 local students. Despite the challenges we face in our country, we thought of sharing what we have with our brothers in Somalia,” Ambassador Omar said.

Ethiopian Deputy Ambassador, Jamaludiin Mustafa Omar, speaks at a ceremony to distribute food aid to the residents of Beletweyne, Somalia. (Below) Vegetable oil, donated to the residents of Beletweyne by the Ethiopian government, sits awaiting distribution in Beletweyne, Somalia, on August 11, 2016.

Djibouti Contingent Distributes Food To Flood Victims In Hiiraan Region

roops from the Djibouti contingent of AMISOM responded to the plight of residents of Hiiraan region and distributed food together with other essential commodities to thousands of residents displaced by floods in Beletweyne. The consignment of food was donated by the Djibouti government following appeals for humanitarian aid, by the Federal Government of Somalia. “The number of IDPs fleeing the floods is estimated at between 17,000 and 20,000. The damage is huge but we are doing our best,” said the Djibouti contingent Sector Four Commander Abdirahman Abdi Dhimbil. According to OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs), Hiiraan office, the floods caused by the overflow of Shabelle river rendered approximately 70,000 families homeless. It is estimated that 60,000 were displaced in 20

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Ceel jaale east of Beletweyne, 922 families in Nasiib camp, 380 in Doon-subagle west of Beletweyne, while the rest were been forced to move from Burjada ciinta and Farlibaax. The raging floods had a negative impact on many villages, among them, Bundaweyn, Koshin, Hawo tako and part of Howl-wadag. “These floods are one of the worst and it reminds us of another bad one which affected us 36 years ago in 1980,”

said the 75-year-old elder, Mohamed Farah. Djibouti Ambassador to Somalia, Dayib Dubab Roble, said his country will do all it can to help Somalia tackle the flood problem, by not only donating food but also providing other essential commodities like blankets and mosquito nets. In early May, OCHA warned that Somalia could experience floods due to heavy rains. At that time, the UN organization said there was a

foreseen high risk of flooding in the middle and lower reaches of Shabelle River and moderate risk along Jubba area. Deputy Hiiraan Governor, Mohamed Ibrahim Abdulahi, said maintaining peace and security had been a challenge as main streets and alleys were covered by water. “When the flooding started on the 14th of May, it became difficult to ensure security prevails as main streets became closed. However, we did the best we can,” he said.

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces says AMISOM is

Africa’s success story

ganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Katumba Wamala described the African Union Mission in Somalia as one of the continent’s success stories, saying it actualises the African dream of having African solutions to African problems. Gen. Wamala was speaking in Kampala, Uganda on August 12, where he officially closed a 4-day AU-UN Mandatory Media and Communication Trainer of Trainers (TOT) course. The course was attended by military and police public communication officers from the Troop and Police Contributing Countries to AMISOM, Somali National Army and Somali Police Force.

“We need to aggressively communicate where Somalia was before the war and Gen. Katumba Wamala speaking at the closing ceremony of where it is now. We need to the 4 days AU-UN Mandatory Media and Communication Preaggressively communicate deployment TOT for AMISOM in Kampala, Uganda, on August 12, the positive developments 2016. taking place in Somalia” General Wamala challenged the pool of trainers for the media and the media, during his communication component of the AU/UN address to participants at the TOT course. Mandatory pre-deployment training. The training was organized by the Troop Contributing Countries (TCC’s) Training Unit of the United Nations comprise Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), Djibouti and Burundi. Police Contributing in-conjunction with AMISOM Public Countries (PCC’s), on the other hand, Information Unit through the AU-UN consist of Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Information Support Team (AU-UN Nigeria and Ghana. IST). The aim of the TOT is to increase

Kenya selected as the first troop contributing country to benefit from engineering courses for peacekeeping operations

n June, the United Nations Department of Field Support (UN DFS) launched the training of 60 Kenyan military officers in an Engineering Plant Operation Course, intended to equip trainees with skills on operation, maintenance and recovery of heavy engineering equipment, during peace support operations. Kenya is the first troop contributing country to benefit from the second phase of training under the UN-led Triangular Partnership Project (TPP), whose aim is to boost the engineering capability of peacekeeping troops. “Today’s peacekeeping missions are increasingly operating in non-permissive environments; in some of the poorest, conflict prone, remote and almost inaccessible areas; in places where there is little peace to keep and no agreement to support,” said Mr. Harinder Sood, the Triangular Partnership Project Manager, during the launch of the next phase of the training, in Nairobi on Monday. Mr. Sood highlighted the challenges facing peacekeepers across the world, amidst the rising need for protection of civilians. “In such a context, the capability that this project intends to enhance cannot be overemphasized. While peacekeeping remains fundamentally a political endeavor, very little can be achieved in peacekeeping without the missions being actually present, without secure and livable camps, without passable roads, without functional airstrips and helipads. When a mere 125-thousand peacekeepers operate in mission areas as large as 7-million square kilometers

Participants attend the opening ceremony of the UN project for African Rapid Deployment of Engineering Capabilities (ARDEC) training held in Nairobi, Kenya on June 06, 2016.

(simplistically, that is, one peacekeepers every 56 square kilometers), and in areas to which they are new and unaccustomed, essential infrastructure is a prerequisite for them to be able to operate. But often, this is a major challenge in the startup phase of a peacekeeping operation. And it is precisely at this time that the needs and expectations of the host government and the local people are at their highest,” Mr. Sood stated, as he explained the overstretched nature of peacekeeping missions. The training was undertaken with support from the Japanese Government, which provided 18 trainers for the first course. “These trainers are Japan’s proud experts with abundant experience in engineering training, capable of handling heavy equipment such as excavators and heavy shovels,” the Japanese Acting Ambassador to Kenya Mr. Mikio Mori

said while describing the quality of trainers. Mr. Mori reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the realization of peace in East Africa. The Japanese government provided $38m for infrastructure, training and operations. Major General Robert Kibochi, the Assistant Chief of Kenya Defence Forces expressed confidence with the choice of trainees. “They know the challenges of providing support to civilians in terms of Main Supply Routes,” he noted, adding that most of them had previously been deployed in Somalia. He highlighted the critical role of training in peace support operations, but was concerned about the lack of adequate engineering capability, despite the growth in number, of African peacekeeping operations. AMISOM MAGAZINE

AMISOM commends Ugandan UN battalion on completion of tour of duty in Somalia

n June 26, a battalion of Ugandan soldiers from the UN Guard Unit received a formal send off after tour of duty in Somalia. The Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto has commended the soldiers for their exemplary work. “The relationship between UNGU and AMISOM has only grown in strength and better. We feel more secure and better organized in the way we manage our security here which, reflects even in the way of securing the foregrounds and sector hubs, working as one family, building for Somalia, for Africa and the future,” said Hon. Wanyoto. “For each one of you congratulations. You have received a well-deserved medal today. Even as you go back home to your families and to your country, that sent you here, remember that you have done Uganda proud and you have done Africa proud,” she added The ceremony was presided over by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG), for Somalia, Mr. Michael Keating. “What you are doing is really important. You are a very important part of a bigger effort to help Somalia find its feet. To find peace and security,” Mr. Keating told the soldiers. AMISOM Deputy Force Commander Maj. Gen. Nakibus Lakara, who expressed satisfaction with the soldiers’ achievements in Somalia said, “I am convinced, unless to the contrary, that UNGU II has performed exceptionally well,” Maj. Gen. Lakara observed.

Officers and men of the United Nations Guard Unit from the UPDF mount a guard of honour during a medal awards ceremony held in Mogadishu, Somalia on June 26, 2016.AMISOM Photo/Omar Abdisalan

Southwest special forces kill Al-Shabaab militants

in an operation in Labataan Jirrow, Bay region

n September 6, joint troops of Southwest Special Forces and AMISOM

A member of South West Special Forces that destroyed Al Shabaab hideouts and recovered firearms 22

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conducted an operation in Labaatan Jirrow, in Somalia’s southwestern region, during which they killed Al-Shabbab

militants among them an AlShabaab leader who oversaw zakat collection. They also recovered firearms.

AK 47 rifles as seen after South West Special Forces destroyed Al Shabaab hideouts and recovered firearms in the on-going security operation in Labaatan Jirow neighbourhood situated in Baidoa, Bay, Somalia on September 6, 2016.

The operation is aimed at flushing out Al Shabaab militants from the Bay and Bakool region. Labaatan Jiroow is located 60KMs out of Baidoa district, the administrative capital of the South West state. The Southwest Administration Minister in charge of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, Mr. Hassan Hussein Mohamed commended the forces for the successful operation. Mohamed said similar operations would be conducted in cooperation with AMISOM across the Bay and Bakool regions and urged the public to support the initiative, which would guarantee security to communities in the affected regions

New Training Facility for SNA

he African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) opened a new military training facility for the Somali National Army (SNA), at the Jazeera Training Centre, in Mogadishu on May 31. Ambassador Francisco Caetano Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, commissioned the facility, which will be used to train soldiers on urban warfare. The facility consists of a collection of buildings that mimic an urban or a built-up fighting area.

AMISOM Acting Force Commander Maj. Gen. Mohammedesha Zeyinu who accompanied SRCC Madeira said fighting in built-up areas required specialised training. “Such kind of training facility is very important to train and build our soldiers physically, mentally, and psychologically in order to enable them overcome different manmade and natural obstacles that they may find in built-up areas,” said Maj. Gen. Zeyinu. The opening of the facility was witnessed by officials from AMISOM, the European Union Training Mission (EUTM) in Somalia and high-

ranking officers from the Somali National Army. Ambassador Madeira said training of Somali military personnel is a key part of AMISOM’s mandate and is essential in helping achieve the exit strategy for African Union troops in Somalia. He thanked the European Union and the United Nations for supporting military training programmes at the facility. “Without trained Somali soldiers and officers, we will have a lot of difficulties to leave you without an army that will be capable of securing the Government, the administration, the population and the

infrastructure. So, that puts a dilemma on us. You need to train well and train quickly and be motivated to continue the work that we have been able to do,” said Ambassador Madeira. Brig. Gen. Abdullahi Ali Anod, the SNA Commander at Jazeera Training Centre also thanked the European Union Training Mission and AMISOM for setting up the training facility. The training is critical in preparing Somali security forces for urban warfare, especially in built up areas like the towns where Al-Shabaab militants target innocent civilians.

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira, and other senior officials from AMISOM, EUTM and SNA make a tour of the Jazeera Training Centre for the commissioning of the Fighting in Built Up Areas (FIBUA) training facility in Mogadishu, Somalia, on May 31, 2016.

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EU Broadening Its Scope in Somalia

he European Union has disbursed funding to AMISOM to the tune of Euro 178 million. The Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Smail Chergui, on behalf of the African Union, signed with the European Union the fifteenth contract for financial support to the AU Mission in Somalia. The latest contract covers the period from 1st January to 30th September 2016. The EU fund will be used to cover allowances for AMISOM troops and police, international and local civilian staff salaries, as well as operational costs of the Mission. The African Union welcomed this encouraging development, which is the result of continuous and fruitful consultations between AU and EU on the enhancement of the logistical and financial support to AMISOM. The renewed financial support to AMISOM comes at a critical moment when AMISOM is engaged in major offensive operations and the preparation of the elections in Somalia. The funding confirms the European Union’s commitment to AMISOM, in its efforts to stabilize Somalia. The EU Ambassador to Somalia Cervone d’Urso, at a media briefing in Mogadishu in April 2016 emphasized AMISOM’s importance in the fight against terror, saying the Mission must be given the necessary support, by the international community. “Since we are involved and working together in other crises in the world, we should also stand with AMISOM in Somalia. On our side, we are committed to maintain the current relationship, which is a big commitment,” he stated. Last February, heads of state from Troop Contributing Countries, meeting in Djibouti, expressed concern about the

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Somalia President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (2nd from right), the European Union Head of Mission to Somalia, Ambassador Michele Cervone d’Urso (center) and senior officials from EU in a group photo during a ceremony to mark the European Union Day in Mogadishu on May 09, 2016.

EU’s decision to reduce AMISOM troop allowance by 20 percent. The EU remains the main funding partner to AMISOM and has committed to continue playing a key role in restoring peace and security in Somalia. “We have seen in the past three years the development of administrations; we have federal states being created. In a few months, we will have elections in Somalia. In this context, the role of AMISOM is key,” observed the EU ambassador at the press briefing in April. “We believe that Al Shabaab is not just a military issue, we need to tackle it in a comprehensive manner. Al Shabaab thrives to a certain extent on some grievances,” he noted. Addressing Europe Day celebration on May 9, Ambassador d’Urso said eliminating Al Shabaab would be

The EU Ambassador to Somalia, Michele Cervone d’Urso addresses journalists at a press conference in Mogadishu on April 25, 2016. He spoke about the European Union’s continued commitment to support the AU MIssion in Somalia.

easier, if grievances such as poverty and radicalization were addressed. His sentiments were backed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who hailed the European Union (EU) for its support in rebuilding Somalia. “Today I have seen a lot of projects and programmes that are funded by the European Union in Somalia. And everyday, every month, every year, these programmes are increasing in number. And the role of Somalis in participating in these programmes is also increasing. We are very much grateful,” said President Hassan Sheikh, while addressing guests at Europe Day celebrations in Mogadishu. In his remarks, the EU Ambassador pledged even more support to Somalia. “Our (EU) agenda is very clear. Our future is intertwined with yours. We are building it together. We are committed to a stable Somalia and if you look at issues such as migration, radicalization, economic development, and security cooperation, we have a common agenda. But above all, I am proud I can also claim without any reservation that the wellbeing of the Somali people always comes first,” he emphasized. He announced the broadening of the scope of EU engagements in Somalia in areas of migration, supporting community resilience, fighting human trafficking, and countering violent extremism, among others. “We mean business in Somalia. We are committed and the partnership I must say has been growing over these years. And it’s not just the normal slogans we tend to say sometimes on these occasions,” he said.

Model Policing

trengthening the Somali Police Force has been one of the key goals of AMISOM Police, as it delivers its mandate, to help the force improve the safety and security of the local population. Somalia’s security priorities have informed the

strategic approaches to policing in the federal and regional states. AMISOM Police operates under that premise, to implement a policing model that will see Somalia through the current security challenges to the future.

Security Improves In Somalia As Somali Police Force Builds Capacity

The Somali Police Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Hamud (right) flanked by the AMISOM Police Commissioner Anand Pillay address journalists at a press conference in Mogadishu, Somalia on April 25, 2016.

he security situation in Somalia has seen improvement with the strengthening of its national police force despite the constant threat of terrorist attacks from Al Shabaab. Individual and institutional capacity building by AMISOM Police has seen Somali Police Force expand is knowledge base in policing. Observers say policing in Somalia is steadily growing

to internationally acceptable standards, a huge leap forward, for a country emerging from conflict and complete breakdown of institutions. General Mohammed Sheikh Hamud, the Somali Police Commissioner told a visiting team of journalists from Police Contributing Countries to AMISOM in April, that Somalia is focusing on internal security and learning from terror attacks

in built up areas where terrorists melt into urban crowds and in the federal states, where the presence of law and order is critical. “People do not realize the improvements made in security. They only comment when there is an explosion or suicide attack. These attacks will continue as long as we have radicalized youth. It is not an easy thing as it is also happening in other cities, including Europe. But if you compare since 2010, we are in a better state of security”, Gen. Hamud noted. AMISOM Police Commissioner, Brig. Gen. Anand Pillay said the country’s revamped police force is being structured to accommodate the new federal system of government. “We have revised our concept of operations to align with the new political status, now that we are in all the Somali regions,” Pillay said. AMISOM offers 12-week basic training courses for newly recruited Somali police officers before their deployment. This is followed by on-the-job training, in line with AMISOM Police mandate to train, mentor and advise the Somali Police Force in order to transform it into an effective institution that is capable of handling policing in Somalia.

South West State boosts Police Numbers

n April the South West State recruited and trained another 200 police officers with the help of AMISOM Police, for deployment in Bakool region. This group of trainees completed the 600 officers targeted for the South West State. The initial batch of trainees had been earmarked for Bay region, while the second group deployed in Lower Shabelle regions. The recruits went through vetting, overseen by a team comprising officials from AMISOM Police, the Interim South West Administration (ISWA) Police and traditional elders. The process included taking recruits’ photos, fingerprints and other biometric data, as well as medical and physical check-up. The vetting aims to bar infiltration into the force, by Al-Shabaab militants. Deployment of the 600-strong police force to the South West Administration is expected to improve public safety and security in the region.

Prospective recruitx have their documentation checked during a vetting exercise for new ISWA Police recruits by AMISOM Police in Baidoa, Somalia, on April 11, 2016. AMISOM MAGAZINE

First batch of Jubbaland Police Trainees Graduate

n May 23, 198 Somali police graduated in Kismaayo, after a three-month intensive course. They were the first batch of 600 officers from Jubbaland, trained with funding from UK’s Department For International Development (DFID). The police officers received training on basic principles of policing, arrest of suspects and public order management. They were also taught aspects of human rights law. Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, the deputy Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson for Somalia (DSRCC) Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, Somali Police Commissioner General Mohammed Sheikh Hamud, AMISOM Police Commissioner Anand Pillay and the UN Police Commissioner Christopher Buik were among dignitaries who attended the passing out ceremony held in Kismaayo. “You are needed to keep the culture and discipline and to serve the people. Don’t misuse your positions and power in the community; always keep your mind focused on that. You are Somali Police, Jubbaland Police and you are serving your community and others. Endeavour to assist the vulnerable and don’t misuse

Somali police cadets, serving in the Interim Jubba Administration, march in a parade for a passing out ceremony to mark the completion of their training in Kismayo, Somalia, on May 23, 2016.

your weapons,” the Somali Police Commissioner Brigadier General Mohamed Sheik Hassan Hamud advised the new graduands. The Deputy Special Representative of the African Union Commission Chairperson (DSRCC) for Somalia Hon. Lydia Wanyoto emphasized the important role played by local security institutions. She asked the new officers to uphold discipline and impact positively on the lives of the communities they serve. She made a case for recruitment of more female officers into the police force. There were only 12 women police officers out of the 198 officers who graduated. “We would like to see more mobilization of women to join the Somali Police Force. I applaud the twelve that are

already with us, to serve the community. I congratulate them in addition to their male counterparts,” Hon. Wanyoto said. AMISOM Police Commissioner Anand Pillay emphasized the commitment of the Force to mentorship and training of Somali police officers. “This is the first group of police officers for the Jubbaland state and as we all know, policing is an integral part of any country, responsible for ensuring community safety, protection of the community and ensuring long term stability in the country. So this is a great responsibility on each one of you to ensure that you protect your communities, ensure their safety and also ensure stability in Somalia‘’. Jubbaland President

Ahmed Mohamed Islam ‘Madobe’noted that the officers had been entrusted with the security of the communities that they will serve. He urged them to uphold a high sense of discipline and professionalism. “These police officers were not trained to guard ministers and members of parliament. They were trained to safe guard the interests of the nationals. They have to protect communities from criminals and help the vulnerable members of society,” he stressed. Training and mentorship of Somali Police is central to the mandate of AMISOM Police. Through individual and institutional capacity building, AMISOM Police aims to transform the Somali Police Force into a more professional policing outfit.

Second phase of Police Training Kicks off in Kismaayo

n July Jubbbaland embarked on phase two of police recruitment and training in the port city of Kismaayo. 203 recruits trained between July and October. AMISOM Police’s deputy Superintendent of Police Mr. Alexander Kweku Obeng said the basic policing course focused on human rights observance and community policing, among other aspects. ‘’The training program for these recruits is designed for three months from July to October. It is very intensive because we are looking at both, practical and theoretical aspects that will affect their side of the community’s effective and communicative domain of the recruits, so that eventually we are going

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Police recruits for the Interim Jubbaland Administration (IJA) on parade during the commencement of training in Kismayo, Somalia on July 07, 2016. The training was conducted by the African Union Mission in Somalia.

to have recruits who are trained to be responsive to human rights and to save and to protect not only life but also property of all Somalis including Jubbaland residents. This is to ensure that the

liberated areas are secured for the general public to go about their routine activities,’’ Superintendent Obeng said. The second phase of the training was sponsored by the Department of International

Development (DFID), through United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). 30-percent of the trainees comprised of female recruits, an improvement from the last recruitment exercise.

Biometric Data Management

o professionalise the Somalia police force, AMISOM Police trained police officers on biometric data collection and compilation, for effective management of its human resource. The training enables the Force to capture all data of its personnel in the federal and regional police units. The biometric data management also allows for storage of critical information, including officers’ fingerprints, ranks, stations of work and academic qualifications. “Now that we have the bio-data, the report that will be generated will help in terms of managing the personnel, in terms of rank, promotion, in terms of crime prone areas, where to send more personnel. By a click of a button you will be able to know all the data about a particular station,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Samwel Winful explained. The data will also guide human resource management decisions on personnel

An AMISOM Police Officer makes a presentation at the handover of bio-metric data compiled for the Somali Police.

transfers, promotions and identity verification. The database provides details of officers in all ranks by seniority, in all police stations. The process of data collection of police officers started in November 2015 and has been introduced in all police

stations across Somalia. The AMISOM Police Commissioner Anand Pillay in July handed over the data system to the Somali Police Commissioner Major General Mohamud Sheikh Hassan Hamud. “After two decades and a half of civil war and

lawlessness in this country, we are trying to recover what we had lost in the previous years. It will help to know the exact number of Somali police officers that we have,” Somali Police Commissioner Major General Mohamud Sheikh Hassan Hamud said.

A helping hand

MISOM police donated equipment including biometric equipment, to the Somali Police Force’s human resource directorate. The equipment was handed over to the SPF Commissioner, Maj. Gen. Mohamed Hassan Sheikh Hamud by the AMISOM Police Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Apenteng Baffou, at a ceremony held at the force’s headquarters. CSP Baffou said the donation was part of AMISOM’s goal to enhance the capacity of the SPF and enable it perform its key functions. Somali Police Force is one of the fastest reforming institutions in Somalia. With the help of AMISOM the force continues to break new grounds in policing.

A Somali police officer checks the new database software donated by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Police component in Mogadishu on August 03, 2016. AMISOM MAGAZINE

Countering Violent Extremism

n September, AMISOM Police jointly with regional police units rallied the youth and the general public to counter violent extremism. The teams visited Baidoa, the administrative centre of South West State, and the port city of Kismaayo, where they sensitized youths on radicalization. The well attended engagements with the communities saw residents of both towns commit to fostering peace. Jubbaland Police Commissioner Colonel Hassan Kheyre described the meeting in Kismaayo as fruitful. He said it had been convened in line with the regional police’ strategy, of working more closely with members of the public, to enhance security. “We have planned to strengthen the collaboration between the community and the police. We as the police cannot fulfil our duties without the help of the society. These members of the community have to share with us information related to criminal acts, to enable the police respond accordingly,’’ Colonel Kheyre said.

A participant makes a point during a community policing event on countering violent extremism held in Baidoa, Somalia on August 30, 2016.

Sahro Hussein Hassan, a police officer with Jubbaland Police said the meeting had been an invaluable learning experience, “We were trained on how to engage communities through community policing. The police work with local communities to protect them and their property from criminals. That is our job,” she said. Chief Inspector John Marete, the AMISOM Police Public Information Officer, stressed the importance of community engagements, noting they were an integral part of modern day policing. He said the engagements

would remain key in all activities undertaken together with the Federal and regional Somali police. “The police are supposed to be servants of the people and for you to serve people, you need to know what their needs are, you need to know the security needs of the community and then you can work with the community. Therefore we cannot have policing without having the police work with members of the community, ’’ Marete said. In Baidoa, the campaign took a community-policing approach in the meeting presided over by Mr. Abdirashid

Abdullahi, the Governor of Bay Region, representatives from civil society organizations, women leaders, youth, senior Somali Police Force officers and officials from the South West Administration. “The local community has a role to play in this. They have been sensitized about this at the district and the regional level. The Ministry of Security and the Ministry of Interior have carried out awareness activities to encourage community members to participate in security programmes and counter any threats,” said the Bay Governor.

Joint policing efforts heralds peaceful Ramadan

MISOM police jointly with the Somali Police Force deployed on the streets of the capital Mogadishu to reinforce security, during the holy month of Ramadan. The officers comprised of teams from the Formed Police Units (FPUs) of Uganda and Nigeria and Individual Police Officers (IPOs) and were stationed in strategic locations in the city. The officers conducted day and night patrols, set up snap checkpoints based on intelligence received and also took part in cordon and search operations. “Experience has shown that insecurity is on the rise in

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Police officers serving in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) get briefing from their commanders on June 06, 2016. This was during preparations by the AMISOM police component, to conduct patrols in Mogadishu city to improve security during the holy month of Ramadan.

the month of Ramadan, when our brothers and sisters engage in a month long fasting and

prayer. We have done a threat assessment and analysis and have put in place strategies

to ensure safety of Somalis during this period,” ACP Francis Ayitey Aryee said.

Hats off to Nigerian Individual Police Officers

n July, a contingent of the Nigerian Individual Police Officers (IPOs) returned home after completing their tour of duty in Somalia. During their one year of service, the Nigerian IPOs mentored their Somali Police counterparts.

Nigerian Police officers serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) stand for the Nigerian National Anthem during a send-off ceremony held in Mogadishu, Somalia on July 17, 2016.

At a farewell ceremony hosted in their honor, AMISOM Police Commissioner Anand Pillay praised the officers for

their resilience at work, which saw them achieve significant results despite working in a challenging environment.

Nigeria is one of the Police Contributing Countries to AMISOM. The country first deployed police officers in Somalia in 2010. “There is no increase in police officers and the numbers we have are the numbers we will work with, to achieve much more than was previously expected. The Somali Police have decided on the model, which will be used at federal and state level. This means we have to develop the structures both at federal and state level and ensure they are functional,” Commissioner Anand Pillay stated in his address to the outgoing officers. The contingent commander of the Nigerian IPOs Chief Superintendent of Police Ezeona Ifeoma said, “I know they will be remembered positively in this mission for a very long period. individually and collectively, they were all outstanding.”

Ugandan Individual Police Officers feted for Distinguished Service

n August, the African Union feted a contingent of Ugandan Individual Police Officers (IPOs) serving in its Somalia mission, for their distinguished service.

The IPOs were awarded certificates of recognition after completing one-year tour of duty where they trained and mentored Somali Police officers. “I want to congratulate you and on behalf of AMISOM

and the AMISOM Police Commissioner I want to say you have done a great job,” AMISOM Deputy Police Commissioner, Christine Alalo, said at a ceremony held in their honour.

Ms Alalo hailed the Ugandan government for its Pan African spirit, saying African countries must help one another overcome problems and challenges facing the continent.

A group photograph of police officers about to rotate out of the African Union Mission in Somalia on August 19, 2016.

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Grand Send off for Departing Sierra Leone Police Officers

n July 27, a group of seven Sierra Leonean police officers received a grand send off. The police officers were returning home after a successful 3-year tour of duty in Somalia. They had served beyond the mandatory one year service. Assistant Inspector General of Police, Amadu Mannah, the commander of the departing contingent explained that they served for more than a year because of the Ebola epidemic that ravaged their country for two years. “We did not wish to do so. It came about because of the calamity we had back home. We could have been replaced several months ago, but a few of us were retained,” Mr Mannah explained. The police officers were recognised for their exemplary service at a ceremony graced by AMISOM Deputy Police Commissioner, Christine Alalo.

“Thank you for mentoring the Somali Police Force, thank you for committing yourselves to building this nation. You have done a good job,” she said. The AMISOM Police Coordinator for Training,

ACP Francis Aryee, hailed the departing officers for their self sacrifices they had made, overcome challenges of civil strife, to become active participants in peacekeeping missions in others countries.

“Sierra Leone, a country that needed help, is now providing help as peacekeepers in peacekeeping missions all over the world. This is a feat that we must all recognise and appreciate,” ACP Aryee noted.

Kenya sends 10 Independent Police Officers to Somalia

n July, AMISOM Police held a one-week induction training for recently deployed Kenyan police officers. The training educated the 10 Individual Police Officers (IPOs) on Mission objectives and its relevance to their work, in line with the mandate of AMISOM Police. “You are coming in at a time when the police component is actually scaling down due to rotations and at the same time, we are preparing for the forthcoming elections which make the tasks before you herculean. I am sure that you will be able to cope, with the training that you have got and the prospect we have seen in you,” AMISOM Police Chief of Staff, Rex Dundun told the officers, at the end of their induction course. At the same event, Superintendent of Police (SP) Rachael Munge Kironji, the Kenyan Contingent Commander said the officers 30

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Some of the Kenyan police officers serving as IPOs in AMISOM listen to a facilitator during the induction course in Mogadishu on July 24 2016.

were ready to help AMISOM achieve its mandate. “We feel capacitated to undertake the tasks ahead of us. As we embark on our AMISOM duties we will continuously remind ourselves

of the mandate of AMISOM and we promise to work towards its achievement,” she stated. Individual Police Officers are tasked with mentoring the Somali Police Force (SPF), part

of the wider AMISOM police component mandate, to build the capacity of the SPF and transform it into a credible and effective institution that adheres to international policing standards.

A worker pushes his wheel barrow at a locally owned quarry in Mogadishu, Somalia, on April 10. The quarry, owned and operated locally, is run by just two dozen men who create gravel used for building out of the rocks that line Mogadishu’s coastline.

Construction Sector Driving Somalia’s Economic Recovery

group of young men crush boulders with sledgehammers under the sweltering mid-morning sun in Wadajiir district. Not far away, youths feed crushed stones into a machine that grinds them, producing different sizes which they wheel away and deposit in a heap for sale. Nearby, a rumbling earthmover scoops a load of boulders from a quarry and dumps it on higher ground, before being loaded into a waiting truck. The quarry in Wadajiir district is a testimony that Somalia’s construction industry

is on the path to recovery, thanks to the high demand for construction materials. “As Somali citizens we are doing our best by contributing positively in developing and rebuilding the country. That is why we are running such quarry to meet demands of the construction sector,” says Mohamud Hassan, the proprietor of the business. Crushed stone is a form of construction aggregate, normally produced by mining suitable rock deposit, which is removed and broken down to desired size using crushers. The stone is a major basic raw material used in the construction industry.

Since the return of relative peace in Mogadishu, thanks to the immense contribution by AMISOM and the Federal Government of Somalia, who wrestled control of the city from Al-Shabaab militants in 2011, the construction sector is on a roll. High-rise buildings boasting modern architecture are being constructed and old ones, destroyed during the war, are receiving a facelift or brought down altogether. “Yes, we are earning a profit out of the work we are doing. Most important our private investment is employing citizens who earn a salary to sustain their families.

Large pieces of coral and taken from the ground and then hammered into smaller pieces, which are then taken to a grinder where they are made even smaller, at a small local quarry near Mogadishu, Somalia, on April 10.

We are playing our role in rebuilding the country to the best of our ability,” adds Hassan. Somalia has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, however, the good news is that small and medium sized industries, such as the quarry in Wadajiir district, are fast becoming major sources of employment for the country’s young population. Despite Al-Shabaab’s desperate hide-and-seek tactic, aiming at soft targets like restaurants and residential buildings, the spirit among Somalis to reconstruct again has remained strong. This has been made possible by the availability of raw materials produced by the quarry in Wadajiir district and many others in the country. “When the security gets better that is when everything will improve because stability is the key and the country moves forward. We have great expectation that the security and stability returns to normal and Government consolidates its power so that life gets better” Hassan, the proprietor and manager of the quarry says. Though the quarry has been in existence for the last 30 years, it only resumed operation in 2015 following an improvement in security and an increase in the demand for construction materials. It now provides jobs for truck drivers, manual labourers and machine operators. AMISOM MAGAZINE

Barawe in Pictures, Two Years After Liberation

arawe savours dividends of peace, two years after it was liberated from AlQaeda linked Al Shabaab militants. Al Shabaab’s loss of Barawe in 2014 after six years of control, marked the end of the group’s control of key port towns in Somalia. The liberation of Barawe, came a month after Al Shabaab’s leader, Ahmed Abdi Godane was killed by a US air strike near the town. A visit to this beautiful seaside town shows residents savouring dividends of peace. Fishing, which is the town’s mainstay continues to thrive and sustain communities living here. Barawe is situated 220 kilometres south west of Somali capital Mogadishu.

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Acute Hunger Stalking Millions

he United Nations has sent an appeal for humanitarian assistance for five million people in Somalia facing hunger caused by acute food shortages. The latest Food Security and Nutrition Outlook for August to December 2016 released in Mogadishu on September 20, contains grim statistics on the state of hunger in Somalia. At least 1.1 million people face an acute food crisis, while another 3.9 million people are classified as foodstressed, according to the report. The report notes that 43,000 more people will be in an emergency situation before the end of the year. The figures reveal a major deterioration of food security conditions in the Horn of Africa country, with more people currently facing acute food crisis and emergencies.

A crowd of people fight over food aid at a distribution center near the town of Beletweyne, Somalia, on May 29, 2016. Flooding in the Hiraan region of Somalia has led to the displacement of 17,000 people so far and is the worst to hit the region since 1981.

The nationwide seasonal assessment attributes the worsening food security situation to poor rains between April and June, flooding in some parts of the region, trade disruption and the continued displacement of people. According to the report, the onset of the rains came late in most parts of the country, exacerbating existing shortages of food. Southern Somalia, a major crop producing region, recorded a significant drop in cereal production, the report states. In addition, flooding in agricultural areas along the Shabelle and Jubba rivers contributed to the deteriorating food security situation in Jubbaland and the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. The latest October to December forecast for Somalia indicates that the country will experience below-average

rainfall, which could further affect crop production and available pasture for livestock, thus negatively affecting the food situation. “Life-saving humanitarian assistance is needed to support more than 1.1 million people,” the report states. “Livelihood support is needed for nearly 3.9-million people who have been classified as stressed in order to protect their livelihoods and increase their resilience against shocks,” the report adds. The Food Security Assessment Report was released by the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit for Somalia - a project managed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the Famine Early Warning Systems Network, which is funded by the US Agency for International Development and European partner agencies.

A young Somali girl walks through an IDP camp near the town of Beletweyne, Somalia, on May 28, 2016. More than 17,000 people have been displaced by flooding in the Hiraan region of Somalia, which has caused the Shabelle river to break its banks

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Somalia’s Budding Athletes and The 2016 Rio Olympics

n the remodelled Banaadir Stadium, situated in the heart of Somali capital, Mogadishu, a group of track and field athletes go through their paces in the blistering mid-morning sun. Of the group, two of the athletes represented Somalia in the 2016 Summer Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Maryan Nuh Muse and Mohamed Daud Mohamed held the country’s flag when they participated in the track and field races. It was not be the first time Maryan was representing her country in track and field competitions. She has represented Somalia at regional, continental and

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international youth competitions held in Kenya, Republic of Congo, Botswana, Tanzania, Ethiopia and China among other countries. The athlete competed in the 400 metres race with dismal performance but that did not break her spirit. Before leaving Somalia for the Olympics, she exuded confidence about the prospects of a win. “A number of countries will be participating among them Jamaica and United States; but I am hoping to shine. We don’t have the same training facilities, theirs is better than ours. I know they are determined to win but we are also equally

determined,” she had said during her training exercise at Banaadir Stadium, in the capital Mogadishu. Her colleague, Kenyan-born Mohamed, was until recently a soccer player. He has since transitioned to become a middle distance runner for 5,000 metres. The Rio Olympics was his first appearance at an international athletic event. “I am improving by the day and I hope to improve on my finish time. Running is hard and all athletes aim to win. My objective is to win; but there are different ways of winning. It is not about being first, second or third. If I set a new personal record, it is a win for me,” Mohamed Daud Mohamed said shortly before the Rio Olympics. Somalia has produced several talented athletes, but few stay in the country, for fear of being targeted by terror group Al Shabaab. Athletics coach Mohamud Adow Nur offers perspective on the departures of several Somali-born athletes that run for other adopted countries. “During the 1970s, top athletes would be enlisted into

the military. It was prestigious. Then in the 1980s, athletes would be awarded scholarships for further studies abroad. When the Government collapsed in the 1990s, the objective of the athletes was to work hard and escape the hard life,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Nur explains. Somalia is recovering from a long war that has ravaged much of the country leading to the collapse of critical

institutions. The once well-established sports sector that nurtured and horned many young sportsmen also collapsed, leaving many with no training facilities. With the restoration of peace, Mohamud is hopeful Somalia will recover its past glory as an athletics powerhouse. Vibrant sporting activities being witnessed in Somalia today, is as a result of the relative peace being enjoyed in the country. The African Union in Mission

in Somalia (AMISOM), working with Somali security institutions have restored normalcy in almost every facet of life in Somalia, including in sports, which was hitherto banned by militant group Al Shabaab. As a dividend of peace, sports has given thousands of young people in Somalia a second chance in life. Many of them engage in sports to steer away from illegal activities, such as terrorism. AMISOM MAGAZINE