tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64143340797121193192024-03-12T17:08:30.747-07:00Soomal - MilkingTime has come for Somali youths to be productive members of the society. Let us desist from being used to kill, maim and destroy our own people and country.Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-49440569552192774932017-12-22T13:23:00.003-08:002017-12-22T13:37:06.269-08:00Jubaland wins Somalia Inter States Football Tournament<br />
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Mogadishu, December, 22 2017 - Thousands of Somali football fans thronged the Stadium Banadir in Mogadishu to witness the finals of the second edition of Inter States Football tournament organized by Somalia Football Federation and which pitted last years winners Puntland against the loosing finalists Jubaland who went a step further this year by winning the match one goal to nil to lift this year trophy in a scintillating match watched by Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre and other leaders.<br />
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The match was aired live by Universal TV, a Somali satellite channel and relayed by other Somali satellite television stations including national broadcaster Somalia National Television SNTV. A Somali music band including the police band was at hand to entertain the thousands of fans who came to watch the final match with patriotic songs encouraging peace and a special Somali version of the 2010 South Africa World Cup official anthem song Raise Your Flag by Somali Canadian Hip hop star K'Naan.<br />
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Jubaland's triumph brought back memories of their yesteryear's record of 8 regional trophies they won during the past in Somalia cementing their maestro as Somalia's best region in football. The Jubaland win today was confirmed by a brilliant goal scored by their captain Yonis Abdirahman Mohamed in the 74th minute after the first half ended in stalemate. the Jubbaland goal scorer unleashed a beautifully curved culling shot outside the box after a brilliant run evading two Puntland players. <br />
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Jubaland displayed a mature game and withered a Puntland pressure hitting their opponents with deadly counter attack football that could have resulted in several goals had they took the many chances they created. As time elapsed Puntland seemed to have accepted the outcome and never really threatened the Jubaland goal.<br />
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"We scored a beautiful goal. Am really happy we won this tournament making it overall 9 times winners of the regional cup in Somalia. We will be celebrating our win and wish to thank Puntland for their professionalism and grace in defeat. We deserved to win today because our team played very well," Jubaland fan Abdulkadir Ali said.<br />
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The referee blew the whistle after 3 minutes of extra time much to the jubilation of Jubaland fans some of who run into the stadium to join in the celebrations giving heavily armed security officers a hard time in containing them. <br />
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A medal ceremony was quickly set up and immediately Prime Minister Kheyre was joined by Minister of Sports and Youth Khadija Mohamed Diriye, Mogadishu mayor Thabit Mohamed and Somalia Football Federal President Abdiqani Said Arab to hand over medals to both teams including the winning trophy to Jubaland which also walked away with the top scorer's trophy handed to their number 9 striker who scored 3 goals to finish as top scorer in the two week long football bonanza that saw 5 Federal States and the capital Banadir Region compete.<br />
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Speaking after the game SFF President Abdiqani Said Arab said the tournament was a good indicator that Somalis love footbal and was glad the federation successfully hosted the tournament.<br />
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"We are thrilled for organizing this tournament which brought together all the regions. Football is a very important that unites people and you saw how many fans have been thronging the stadium whenever there is a tournament. People don't realize that there are no entertainment opportunities for Somalis and football can play a key role in healing the nation. We urge the government, private sector and the donors to support football," he told this blog.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLEJWbnobi8GNqrjRRJtyoUk1EPe7uyjLhACjJx0VGCpD6DVv9UZsm8E9s503IBTbQUj1CdEx5GSn3nE7i9bWj2nM8mCBH_aWZFJZR8bapPKxo3T_GK5DQK72ibE8Xud-5jPGDF4Ldfg/s1600/Banadir+stadium+Mogadishu.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLEJWbnobi8GNqrjRRJtyoUk1EPe7uyjLhACjJx0VGCpD6DVv9UZsm8E9s503IBTbQUj1CdEx5GSn3nE7i9bWj2nM8mCBH_aWZFJZR8bapPKxo3T_GK5DQK72ibE8Xud-5jPGDF4Ldfg/s320/Banadir+stadium+Mogadishu.jpg" width="320" height="213" data-original-width="1024" data-original-height="683" /></a><br />
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Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.com1Mogadishu, Somalia2.0469343 45.318162300000041.9199868000000002 45.156800800000042 2.1738818 45.479523800000038tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-84183591074017654702017-12-04T12:53:00.000-08:002017-12-04T12:53:08.182-08:00Mogadishu reunionTwo days ago I was reunited with Mogadishu again, a city I developed an affinity for sometimes back during my heydays as a journalist.<br />
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This time round I have decided to live in Mogadishu and again experience what it's like to live here.<br />
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As a war correspondent who covered Mogadishu and Somalia's biggest wars of 2016 until very recently, my re-connection now with the city would not have come at a better time. <br />
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The city these days enjoys an unprecedented relative peace except of course that peace is shuttered by the local franchise of Al-Qaida, called Al-Shabaab.<br />
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Just recently a gruesome attack in a busy intersection claimed the lives of over 500 and more than 300 others wounded after a suicide bomber blew a truck laden with powerful explosives.<br />
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Although Al-Shabaab has not owned the attack, many Somalis here say the attack carried their signature and all the hallmarks and cruelty associated with the group. <br />
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Such attacks are rare these days compared to the past dark days when clan militias battled each other for control of the city and later when government, Ethiopian forces and later African Union peacekeepers battled Al-Shabaab militants in the streets of Mogadishu until 2009 when Al-Qaeda linked Somali militants were removed the city to momentatily give residents a breathing space. <br />
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That war might have been won against Al-Shabaab but certainly not the battle and hence their frequent hit and run attacks including planting mines, roadside bombs and carrying our suicide attacks and assassinations of government forces and officials. Sadly the group has started targeting civilian's as well. <br />
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WHAT HAS CHANGED?<br />
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The Mogadishu of today is much different from the old, war-battered and bullet-strewn city of 2005 when I first came. Many Somalis from the diaspora have returned to rebuilt their houses,open up busineses, visit their families while some have since decided to stay put home forever and have permanently moved here.<br />
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The city now enjoys all the hallmarks of a capital city. Clogged traffic jams, neat tarmacked roads, well lit streets packed with shoppers and revelers who seem oblivious of the negative connotations associated with this city.<br />
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Today if a foreigner visits Mogadishu, unfair titles like the world's most dangerous city will certainly not match what he or she sees. Such negative connotations will for once be a figment of their imagination.<br />
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If you drive or walk you will certainly see police officers patrolling, traffic officers controlling flow of vehicles and humans, children going to school, supermarkets open full of shoppers, women and men hawkers selling different merchandise. It's no difference with any other city <br />
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The calm and peace you experience might make you question whether this is the city over 500 people were mercilessly killed by a suicide bomber. That unfortunate blast is said to be the biggest and most dangerous.<br />
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The only thing you might once in a while hear is a sound of a bullet echoing in the blue skies of Mogadishu which compared to what this city has gone through will sound like a distance whistle.<br />
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There is no question Mogadishu city is slowly regaining its elegance and status. New sky crappers are rising up, elegant apartments are increasing by the day and fancy hotels mushrooming along its new well lit roads. <br />
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That's not all.<br />
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The Mogadishu of today has everything to offer. If you want the latest Toyota car model, iPhone or Samsung mobile phones relax! Your needs will be dully met.<br />
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For those interested to visit, the place to be in Mogadishu is its oldest district Abdulaziz. Its home to the city's Liido beach and a chain of beach hotels where revelers go to eat out while enjoying the cool breeze from the Indian ocean and its stunning beach front and sandy beach.<br />
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A walk into the picturesque Hamarweyne district or the Old town of Mogadishu will take you down memory lane for once you might assume you are walking in Kibokoni, Mombasa city's old town which has similar rich architecture.<br />
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Watch this space for more opinions on Somalia. Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-25395062783845640382016-10-14T01:49:00.000-07:002016-10-14T01:49:17.641-07:00Somali heritage week event kicks off in Nairobi to celebrate the community The city of Nairobi for the second year running hosted a cultural event dubbed Somali Heritage Week with organizers hoping culture enthusiasts could come together to learn and celebrate the Somali community, engage with the challenges facing the community, promote unity and respect between Kenyan cultures but most importantly try to defuse the misconceptions and stereotypes held against the Somali community.<br />
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Those attending the event at the Kenya National Theatre and which is scheduled to run from 13 to 16 October 2016 will surely enjoy a week of inspiring conversations featuring some of the best known thinkers, writers, performers and story tellers as well as the book fair and some nice Somali food, among a host of other activities through round table discussions, musical performances by Somali traditional dancers, storytelling for kids, Somali heritage regalia on display including dressing ,camels and the famous camel milk revered by Somalis.<br />
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The event is organized by Heinrich Boell Foundation and their Somali partner Aw-Jaamac Culture and Reading Centre based in the Eastleigh neighbourhood of Nairobi inhabited by the Somali community. Some of the funders for the event include the Rift Valley Forum, EU, CISP, German embassy, UNESCO, Swedish agency SDC among others.<br />
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The event was officially opened by Honourable Yusuf Hassan, Kamukunji member of parliament and the first Somali lawmaker to be elected in Nairobi. Yusuf, himself a famous journalist who worked with the local Voice of Kenya (VOK) which is now Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and later for the BBC and VOA, reaffirmed the importance of culture in fostering peace and harmony among communities.<br />
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The first day of the event also saw other prominent Somalis who are role models for many young Somalis taking the stage to take part in open discussions and debates on culture, leadership, education and generally the status of Somalis in Kenya.<br />
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What captivated many however is the rich cultural regalia on display at the Kenya National Theatre. A traditional Somali hut, Somali traditional mats, storage containers for milk and women and a man wearing the traditional Somali attires with a spear and of course his camel, a revered animal amongst the Somalis who are traditionally nomadic.<br />
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The event is trending on social media with Twitter followers sharing updates on the event through the hash tag @SHW2016.<br />
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One Kenyan non-Somali man who attended the event says he was really impressed by the rich Somali culture on display and thanked the organizers.<br />
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<blockquote>"I have never though of the Somalis as a people with such a rich culture. This event has helped to change my perception of this community. It was inspiring to hear from Hon. Yusuf Hassan, IEBC Chairman Isak Hassan, Former Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim and also seeing the beautiful Somali Dhaanto music and dance. For the first I also tasted a camel milk. This is a wonderful event and I thank the organizers," he said declining to give his name<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDzPR5ckHK4lvGlAcWMDoMNQnJEuWcD6bkxTk-UlXFw1DHJnc4gY-awKXa8M9f6eOUwbWKbIaq1BPkOcpXAJRbemwVAbUlfDWpa4cX7JnuZ4QS5lUhLDPMG_Riz1mHSF7ja5GxUJ7t9M/s1600/Somali+Heritage+Week+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDzPR5ckHK4lvGlAcWMDoMNQnJEuWcD6bkxTk-UlXFw1DHJnc4gY-awKXa8M9f6eOUwbWKbIaq1BPkOcpXAJRbemwVAbUlfDWpa4cX7JnuZ4QS5lUhLDPMG_Riz1mHSF7ja5GxUJ7t9M/s400/Somali+Heritage+Week+2016.jpg" width="400" height="225" /></a></blockquote>.Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-62258909885574824452016-09-29T05:02:00.000-07:002016-09-30T01:12:19.201-07:00Lessons for Somalia from RwandaSomalia and Rwanda share a lot. They are both African countries, located in Eastern Africa and unfortunately both countries suffered a bloody civil war that killed hundreds of thousands of civilians.<br />
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But Rwanda has since turned the page and we can safely say it is in another league now. A visit to the tiny hilly African country reveals a very different story. Rwanda of today is safe, clean and developing so fast. The capital Kigali is so clean you can easily drop food on the road, pick it up and safely consume it without any fear of catching a bug or disease simply because the streets are unbelievably very clean you'd think for once you are in another world and not in Africa.<br />
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Sometimes last year I visited Kigali, the Rwandan capital city, locally known as the city of 100 mountains and I was really impressed by what I saw. I could not stop thinking back not many years ago when Rwanda, just like Somalia was bleeding. But now, there is plenty of peace, fresh milk, honey, fresh fruits and vegetables. <br />
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The questions that lingers in my head is how Rwanda managed to lift itself from the abyss of the 1994 hopelessness, fear, war and hunger while unfortunately countries like Somalia and Africa's youngest and most troublesome State, South Sudan, are both by far still bleeding and in perpetual self-destruction mode. The Rwanda that degenerated into genocide in 1994 is not the Rwanda of today which seems to have put its act together and started its journey to recovery and forgiveness up to where it is today, becoming a ray of hope for many war shuttered countries in Africa and around the world.<br />
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"Why can't we transform ourselves and turn around our problems into solutions that work for us like it worked for the Rwandese"? This has to be the hard question every sane Somalis and South Sudanese national ought to be asking themselves. <br />
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While in Rwanda, I visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum, which really shook me. I rarely cry in public but I must admit I was moved by the sad memories and testimonial's of victims of the 1994 Rwanda massacre in display and perfectly archived at genocide memorial centre. The horrifying tales by the survivors and witnesses will shake even the hardest of hearts and so I could barely stop the tears. The memorial is set a side to remind everyone who visits the city including its own inhabitants of the unimaginable killings that engulfed the city and country during the 1994 genocide. <br />
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For anyone who has never set foot in Rwanda or its hilly capital city Kigali the image they have of Rwanda I believe is that of war or blood, perhaps of machetes and those old horrific images that blurred our TV screens in 1994 during the massacre when neighbours, relatives and acquaintances turned against each other and within a 100 days tens of thousands of Rwandese mothers, boys, girls and even men from the Tutsi minority tribe were butchered to death in one of Africa's most gruesome violence known as the Rwanda genocide which unfortunately the rest of humanity simply sat and watched as close to a million if not more innocent souls were cold bloodedly murdered leaving behind a river of blood to flow like a normal river.<br />
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Thanks God now the Rwandese rivers are fresh and clean water devoid of blood or even dirt. Now, that is a transformation and a miracle, believe it or not. Leaving behind a captivating beauty of Kigali that will simply leave you mesmerized. The city, set on a picturesque range of green mountains is scintillatingly beautiful. <br />
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But what really caught my eyes is the development, the well prawned lawns across the smooth roads and the clean streets. You will never think you are in an African city when you are in Kigali. You might easily think you are in a European city! <br />
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"Kigali is the Switzerland of Africa," shouted my expatriate colleague. <br />
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Looks like Rwanda's quick turn around has even caught the eyes of other Africans too.<br />
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"You can never believe this city was littered with corpses in 1994 during the genocide. Now you have the cleanest, safest and most progressive city's in Africa. Rwanda has turned the page and is now a model country for many war tone countries including the likes of Somalia, South Sudan and other hot spots in Africa," said a Kenyan expatriate working in Rwanda who did not wish to be named.<br />
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As Somalis and South Sudanese continue to senselessly annihilate each other and destroy their lives and country, Rwanda is developing with state of the art buildings sprouting up in the hilly green town. Everywhere you go there is construction going up. At night the various parts of the city several dotted across mountain tops that together make up Kigali city makes you wonder why people there killed each other in 1994. <br />
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REWARD RWANDA<br />
If I were the chairman of the African Union Commission, I would have rewarded the Rwandese people with the crown of being Africa's jewel capital city. Yes, we should consider moving the African Union headquarters in Kigali as our token to the people of Rwanda for their magnificent turn around and the hard work they have put in turning their country from a human butcher to a place where everyone would simply love to live.<br />
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Back to the not so cool genocide story, If you ever visit Kigali or Rwanda, you can never boost you have been to the country of gorillas without visiting the Kigali Genocide Museum, a simple and yet well planned historical site that acts as a remembrance, healing and educational centre as well as a mass burial site for a quarter a million victims of the massacre that remains to date in the memories of many people. <br />
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During my recent visit there, as I held back tears from the moving stories and the remains of the genocide, I gathered strength to speak to the head of the genocide memorial site focusing my discussion on Somalia rather than Rwanda.<br />
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"I believe Somalis have a lot to learn from Rwanda," I struggled to say in a low broken voice. <br />
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"Yes, you are absolutely right my brother," responded the Rwandese youthful head of the Kigali Genocide Museum.<br />
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<blockquote>"You need to bring those Somali boys and men who continue to kill their mothers, brothers and sisters here in Rwanda so that they see for themselves what kind of history they are now writing with the innocent blood of Somalis. If they have an ounce of mercy in them am sure they will be awakened by our dark bloody past. After coming back to normal and they see how Rwanda is fast developing they will go back to Somalia with a different mind-set and I am very certain if they have a normal human heart they will never hurt anyone again, even a fly," he said, choosing his words very carefully.<br />
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</blockquote>I think we should do that. Round off all those brainwashed boys and their evil masters and take them to a healing trip in Kigali.<br />
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Sometimes I wonder why we fight and kill one another because when two Somalis meet, peace is part of their greetings. "ii waran?" - How are you? one owuld typically say, and the other person will respond by saying, "nabad" - Peace<br />
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Guess what? even in the Islamic greetings - As<b>salam</b>u alaikum - the word peace is there too. <br />
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So where is all these violence coming from when if both our religion and culture advocates for peace?<br />
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Sober up my people and stop fighting. Make love instead and spread love and peace in the land of the poets - Somalia. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPq4xyzkK-U_FoOjAi9AY0JbWTJEusRKnlX04L6gQ6gGjtJR23VY-mNkDThL24rFaYV-Qs-FUziEWj13R6UmRGpoWECKytVT7Gn-C6hrGKMssTR_UlJeuv7sXmtc6gVxid5n4BOTtEuM/s1600/Kigali+Genocide+Memorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPq4xyzkK-U_FoOjAi9AY0JbWTJEusRKnlX04L6gQ6gGjtJR23VY-mNkDThL24rFaYV-Qs-FUziEWj13R6UmRGpoWECKytVT7Gn-C6hrGKMssTR_UlJeuv7sXmtc6gVxid5n4BOTtEuM/s400/Kigali+Genocide+Memorial.jpg" width="400" height="226" /></a>Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-4122031220570120612016-09-22T02:44:00.001-07:002016-09-22T02:44:39.201-07:00EU response to UN report on freedom of expression in Somalia <br />
Local EU Statement<br />
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<b>EU response to UN report on freedom of expression in Somalia<br />
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<i>EU Heads of Mission in Somalia issue the following statement<br />
</i>Nairobi, 22 September 2016 - The European Union and European Union Member States congratulate the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for having issued their first report regarding the state of freedom of expression in Somalia. The EU and EU Member States strongly believe in and encourage freedom of expression: it is a key foundation stone of democracy and a fundamental right of every human being. <br />
As the report makes clear, killings, beatings, harassment, arbitrary arrests and illegal detention, lack of due process or fair trial guarantees, and closure of media outlets continue to take place across Somalia, often based on the accusation of spreading "false news" punishable under the Somali Penal Code. <br />
We remain concerned that the large majority of these cases are not being investigated. The EU and EU Member States see the State as having an obligation to respect, protect and promote the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and therefore look to State authorities to systematically respond, investigate and prosecute such cases so that so that impunity gives way to respect of human rights. We also recognise the need to repeal laws that criminalise the "dissemination of false news" and ensure that NISA is regulated with effective oversight mechanisms and accountability measures. <br />
The EU and EU Member States advocate that in the coming weeks an enabling environment for public participation in debates linked to the democratic transition is enabled – including by guaranteeing the right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly – as contribution to a more democratic and inclusive process.<br />
We welcome the recent passing on the law to establish a Human Rights Commission and call upon the FGS to ensure this independent body is created as quickly as possible so that it can carry-out its critical role in the promotion and protection of human rights for all, including the right to freedom of expression. <br />
The EU and EU Member States stand ready to support the implementation of the recommendations provided in the report and invite the Somali authorities and other partners to use this as a tool to address essential issues related to Freedom of Expression in Somalia. <br />
END<br />
Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-66231947105131274792015-12-22T17:23:00.002-08:002015-12-22T18:13:43.999-08:00Muslims shield Christians in the face of death - Mandera's bravery revelation.I have been dormant for sometime after recently changing jobs. Well, this is to break the ice and lull in doing what I like to do, write, so expect much more from this space!<br />
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Back to our story and its eye catching title, Muslims shield Christians in the face of death - Mandera's bravery revelation. Your guess is as good as mine. I smiled, yes, as weird as you might think when I first read about what transpired on Monday in a remote area of the restive North-eastern Kenya bordering Somalia.<br />
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Al-Kabaab militants sprayed bullets on a Makkah bus headed to Mandera town from the Kenyan capital Nairobi, precisely between Kotilo and El-Wak villages. However that was not the news that brought satisfaction among all those who heard about this tragic incident that unfortunately claimed two innocent lives.<br />
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Coincidentally, Makkah is Islam's holiest city in Saudi Arabia. The bus where this miracle survival took place is also called Makkah Bus Service! <br />
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However, the story is not in the attack but rather the real story was in the reaction of the majority Muslim commuters on the bus who came to the rescue of the minority Christians travelling alongside them. <br />
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When the heavily armed Al-Kabaab militants stormed into the bus the Muslims passengers were ready to die while defending the few Christians on-board. First, they gave them Muslim attires to wear and later on when the militants sought to segregate Muslims from Christians in order to cold-bloodedly kill the Christians as they have done in the past in Kenya, to be precise in Mandera, Mpeketoni, Nairobi and Garissa. But that was not the case this time after Muslim passengers dismissed them and defied their order.<br />
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What a beautiful thing to do! I have no words to describe this rare, wonderful, kind, brave, honest and love depicted by helpless people overpowered by evil but who did not despair or loose hope but instead stood their ground to say no even with guns pointed at their heads. <br />
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"This time round the notorious Al-Kabaab gang loathed by many in this part of the world for their cruelty and complete disregard of shame, faith or reason were in for a rude shock! Muslims on the bus defied their order to flush out Christians amongst their midst even at the face of death leaving the gun tooting Al-Kabaab vagabonds in limbo and total bewilderment," You can quote me on that!<blockquote></blockquote><br />
They could not believe the Muslims defying their order while still urging them to kill them first. This unprecedented move was not only share bravery unheard of but was also a wake up call for those naysayers who were always quick to jump into conclusions when these savages calling themselves Al-Kabaab, who mind you do not represent true Islam, go about their murderous acts of killing in the name of religion because they hide behind the veil of Islam, which coincidentally means peace.<br />
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What our wonderful Muslim brothers did in the face of adversity to refuse to sell out their Christians brothers and sisters needs to be applauded and imitated by all other true Muslims because it will simply render the bad intentions and madness of the few blood letting losers like Al-Kabaab, useless. This is will kill them because this goes against the whole reason why they are going into their killing spree targeting Christians which is intended to solely create mistrust among Muslims and Christians.<br />
<br />
For those who bought into the cheap propaganda of these murderous thugs like Al-Kabaab, believing that Islam is at war with Christianity, then this rare act of bravery by our Muslim brothers and sisters on the attacked bus who stood against injustice, is proof enough that Islam does not condone violence or hatred and that true Islam has nothing in common with terrorism because it is a peaceful religion maligned by these freelancers whose masters are unknown!<br />
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Can we please salute these brave Muslims men and women, who defended humanity, defended justice and defended true Islam in the face of adversity.<br />
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Peace, salam, nabad!<br />
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Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-10733219847077984912015-07-04T01:36:00.000-07:002015-07-04T01:36:40.802-07:00Mogadishu by night <a href="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HwbPBLuJuKo/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HwbPBLuJuKo/hqdefault.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
My last day in Mogadishu couldnt be better than a ride at night across the white-washed seaside city to sample what it has to offer before I momentarily leave the city for an international assignment.<br />
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It was reassuring to see police checkpoints at all intersections in Mogadishu thst required pedestrians to stop, unwind their car windows and put lights on so that all passengers are seen and in some cases they'd ask you to open your car boot for security check.<br />
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I found the armed security personnel manning the various government checkpoints to be alert and respective except one big checkpoint on your way to the airport which is manned by intelligence officers who are at times rude to pedestrians and at times seen pointing the gun at people without any cause of alarm.<br />
<br />
Apart from that little hitch up, the streets of Mogadishu are well lit at night by street lights allowing businesses to open until late as residents go about shopping in the much cooler evenings as others sat outside coffee shops sipping capuchino and tea as they engaged in lively chit chats.<br />
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Unlike other major capitals in the world, crime is not rampant in Mogadishu unless of course the militants suicide bombing attacks which has also drastically reduced thanks largely to the war weary residents closely cooperating with security agencies by reporting any suspicious characters.<br />
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I cannot imagine how Mogadishu will ultimately look like with permanent peace and no fear of militant attack. <br />
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It's long past midnight now and I have to rest because I have an early morning flight tomorrow to catch before leaving Mogadishu or Xamar Cadey! the local name for this wonderful old city overlooking the Indian Ocean.<br />
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Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-74527124124125144532015-06-25T15:31:00.000-07:002015-12-22T18:10:13.725-08:00'Rer hebel' syndrome – Somalia’s clan cancer.<br />
If there is any single invention that might be a national hit in Somalia it would probably be an anti-clan pill which once ingested automatically reduces the level of adrenaline released into the blood of a Somali to reduce the clan madness, affinity and allegiance beyond reason in the name of equally defending his clan rights or wrongdoing.<br />
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And If you really want to know how we Somalis react to any negative connotations against our clan just check the comments section of the tens of thousands of Somali websites available online. Social media has not been spared either as Facebook and twitter lead in that front. Almost all articles, opinions and news carry a comment section where ordinary readers most of who are Somalis themselves express their views. <br />
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Let me state clearly here that this article is never intended to ridicule or negatively impact the quoted websites, writers or contributors but rather to simply justify my point that clan interests often blind us and surpass national interest pulling us down into the abyss of clan chauvinism.<br />
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For the record the worst offenders and supporters of this backward reasoning are the elite and the most learned amongst us Somalis. Yes, I have said it and its the damn truth. It is so sad that those of us who are learned and who ought to led the ignorant majority are the worst offenders and misusers of the clan card? <br />
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Really? No wonder Somalia is taking too long to heal and settle because of this double faced clan card the learned folks keeping pulling.<br />
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Can the real Somali in us stand up?<br />
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With the above self explanatory personal plea not to turn this observation into one-big-clan-ball, sample the following links I randomly picked from several Somali websites. This does not endorse or implicate the said sites but rather is intended to be viewed as an example. I must also admit apart from some of the hate filled responses, I found some remarks rib-crackingly funny!<br />
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1. http://www.hiiraan.com/op4/2014/jan/52852/clan_federalism_poison_injected_in_the_somali_mind.aspx<br />
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Check out some of the comments:<br />
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Jama fartaag· Top Commenter (signed in using Hotmail)<br />
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Honestly this person is clueless go and see whether Mogadishu is one <b>clan</b> city or not before you jump to wrong fake conclusion.<br />
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The only way out Somali problem is federalism with democracy. When implement good federal system 95% Somalis will feel more comfortable where they live within Somali territory.<br />
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Yixisqil Xababaaq · Top Commenter · Works at Self-Employed<br />
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OH MY GOD WHEN I SEE YOUR NAME IS CULUSOW THEN I UNDERSTAND THAT WATEVER YOU WRITE OR SAY WILL BE USELESS BECAUSE YOU ARE SIMBLY CULUSOW AND CULOW HAVE NO BRAIN AT ALL WHERE HAVE U BEEN IN 1991 OR DID YOU BORN AFTER THAT. GO TO HELL WITH YOUR "CAQLI XUMO NACASYOW TOOGAA" - Useless brainless thief<br />
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<br />
Janno Gale · Top Commenter · Iska waran secondary school<br />
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Kuwaan daaroodka sheegtaa waxay ku oran lahaayeen sidaan Mr Culusoowoow.<br />
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These people who claim to be Darood (Clan) should have said the following to Mr. Ulusow<br />
<br />
He goes ahead to post a Somali poem that starts like this:<br />
<br />
Mar haddaad Hawiye tahay - As a Hawiye (Clan)<br />
Aniguna Daarood ahay - And am a Darod (Clan)<br />
<br />
<br />
ashekow (signed in using yahoo)<br />
<br />
Ahmed Said; Dr. Ulusow has never been against federalism. He is only against the clan based federalism. The system itself has no problem. Today's Somali federalism is neither good for Somalis in general nor make anything to the clans orchestrating today. It is misguided and badly designed federal system. What kind of federal system can call the defection of its federal government? It is a joke bro!<br />
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Tanadeh Tanaad · Top Commenter · Stanley, Falkland Islands<br />
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This guy must be getting social welfare. He has all the time in the world to author this puerile articles every now and then.<br />
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PM Sharmarke should appoint this guy for a post in the local government of GURICEEL so he can shut up for good.<br />
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<br />
Usama Farah · Top Commenter · Perth, Western Australia<br />
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Puerile? I wonder what makes you say that. They guy seems to have legitimate talking points.<br />
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2. http://hiiraan.com/news4/2015/Feb/98139/djiboutian_in_fight_for_fortune.aspx - This is a story about a Djiboutian opposition tycoon accused of links to terrorism. <br />
<br />
Check out some of the comments:<br />
<br />
sigmasoma1 (signed in using AOL)<br />
<br />
Well, there were one dictator and one thief. The thief was the right hand man of the dictator but the thief put his hand deep into the dictator's pocket. The dictator felt it and tried to grab the thief's hand but he skipped and disappeared into the bush. Now the dictator has to catch the thief so this damn ass is worse then the dictator.<br />
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gedigedow (signed in using yahoo)<br />
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who is this arab man mothers fuckers this is somali land<br />
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Ali Abdi · Top Commenter<br />
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SOMALI-Aamaanadii buu labaxsade, markii horeeba soo isagu xoolihii shacabka lagadhace nin carab ah gacanta umagalinin?<br />
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ENGLIS-He fled with whatever he was entrusted with, in the first place isn't he who handed over the public wealth to an An Arab?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Zami @ 2/14/2015 12:36 PM EST <br />
<br />
<br />
Top Three Somali Traitors<br />
<br />
1) Abdullahi Yusuf <br />
2) Hassan Sheikh<br />
3) Omar Guelleh <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
wiifgarow @ 2/14/2015 9:19 AM EST <br />
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This Arab is an Isse (A CLAN). Only his actions make an Arab. All Mankind are Issas and All are Equl. I suppose you are not familiar with either of those declarations mr Bashir <br />
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<br />
bashir326 @ 2/13/2015 6:05 AM EST <br />
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Woow<br />
Is this a joke or a bad dream?<br />
This onion chewing ARAB wanted to become the president of Djibouti.<br />
This is not Yemen my friend. <br />
<br />
---------<br />
<br />
This is now me speaking! Surely, the above conversations are just but a tip of the iceberg!<br />
<br />
<br />
Back to my point about the clan madness amongst Somalis, I sometimes wonder what can Somalia really do to undo the chest thumping and superiority complex around the myriads of clans which people continue to kill for, steal for or even shamelessly defend it with their own blood and pride.<br />
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I wish I knew a way out of this complex and sensitive issue that touches on our own very existence.<br />
You meet a Somali man anywhere, after the normal greetings the next question he would most likely throw at you is always this:<br />
<br />
Warya adigu yad tahay?<br />
<br />
Hey, what clan are you?<br />
<br />
You are expected to say your clan, sub clan, sub-sub clan down to your family.<br />
I used to try to avoid answering this question but over the years my resistance has somehow faded largely due to the numerous arguments my resistant has led to.<br />
<br />
So what makes us so intertwined with our clans? why is the clan issue so important in Somalia?<br />
The answer to that lies in how our forefathers used the clan for personal gain and protection. During those old days, the clan protected you and your precious herd of camels from robbed by other rival clansmen, which was the order of the day then as riches amongst Somalis then so measured on how much camels you had. The more camels a man had the richer and nobler he was! <br />
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Times have changed my fellow Somalis, we no longer keep camels or live in those old days. Can we sober up please and stop being so trivial.<br />
<br />
A simple Somali man in the streets working so hard to earn a decent life is simply Mohamed, Ali, Warsame or Guled. But as soon as he becomes rich or famous then he becomes Abgal, Marehan or Habar gidir.<br />
What is this nonsense?<br />
<br />
As Muslims this is actually contrary to the teachings of Islam. Allah says in the Holly Qur’an in Surah al-Hujurat Chapter 49, Verse 13: <b>"O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things".</b><br />
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Even with this clear verse that is well known by many Somalis, we continue to look at each other along clan and tribal lines and segregate against each other or look down on one another.<br />
<br />
I sincerely hope we will learn from our mistakes and stop making a fool out of ourselves. This madness must stop and we have not love each other and stop the bloody war that continues to rob us of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers.<br />
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If we don't stop, we might end up having no more Somalis because at this rate we are killing each other on flimsy grounds of tribal or sectarian beliefs, then God forbid, we might as well as disappear on the face of the planet.<br />
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Peace, salam, nadab!<br />
<br />
Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-89923486529695591562015-06-25T14:59:00.000-07:002015-06-25T14:59:58.661-07:00Somalia independence week celebrations kick off in MogadishuMogadishu, June 26, 2015 - Today is 26 June the day when the Somalia flag was hoisted for the first ahead of full independence 4 days later on the 1st of July 1960 <br />
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In the capital Mogadishu, celebrations to kick off the independence week started have started in earnest as hundreds of people, politicians, security officials and members of the diplomatic community converged at the Mogadishu mayors official residence for a Somali flag hoisting event in commemoration of the 26 June when the sky blue flag with a 5 pointed star was first hoisted in Mogadishu 55 years ago at the same venue.<br />
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President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud led the nation in the celebrations which was also attended by the Prime Minister, ministers and other leaders.<br />
<br />
President Hassan wished all Somalis a happy birthday and urged them to desist from being used to break or cause havoc in the country reminding the people that Somalia is on course to reclaim its place among world nations and called upon the Somali people to redouble their efforts and to work and support the government ongoing efforts at reviving the Somalia sovereignty with the help of the world.<br />
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Celebrations to mark the Somalia independence week is expected to continue culminating with actual Independence Day celebration on the 1st July.<br />
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Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-24920059998892514782015-06-24T17:29:00.001-07:002015-06-24T17:29:53.565-07:00Luis Suarez, the best and yet bad-boy of world football.Its 2:26am Mogadishu time and am glued on my TV set watching the mouth watering quarter final clash between hosts Chile and cup holders Uruguay in the first game of the knock out stage of this years Copa America in Santiago, Chile, South America.<br />
<br />
While looking at the Uruguay line up, I overhead the English commentator describe the Uruguayan national team as the "Cup holders who have struggled to score". <br />
<br />
This statement forced me look at the Uruguay line up and its only then that I realized why the cup holders have struggled to score. The answer is Luis Suarez.<br />
<br />
The 28 year old <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyatCWTxvIsLrlccVR5mnwJI7itQoEbx0RYVqv1toFz8979IAAsNUDbXP7DAcQbOGppoxit23ePU-EoavWycBhU2p7WUJQHQq52AxL10BNr5Rpq4ScNsImIyPnvIbXbt1dUXiSRgL3xCQ/s1600/U09_Luis_Su%25C3%25A1rez_7540.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyatCWTxvIsLrlccVR5mnwJI7itQoEbx0RYVqv1toFz8979IAAsNUDbXP7DAcQbOGppoxit23ePU-EoavWycBhU2p7WUJQHQq52AxL10BNr5Rpq4ScNsImIyPnvIbXbt1dUXiSRgL3xCQ/s320/U09_Luis_Su%25C3%25A1rez_7540.jpg" /></a>Suarez might still been infamously remembered for the wrong reasons like biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini or his racist chant against former Manchester United black French player Patrice Evra by calling him a monkey. <br />
<br />
Suarez was banned in both occasions and is actually conspicuously missing from this years Copa America finals for his lengthy FIFA ban for biting Chiellini.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>Love or hate him, Suarez is wonderfully gifted player and simply one of the best strikers in the world at the moment. He has just helped his club Barcelona from winning the coveted UEFA Champions League after beating Italian powerhouse Juventus in the 2014-14 finals played in Berlin, Germany .</blockquote><br />
Two things made me remember Suarez that are both interconnected and which I believe could easily summarize why I highly rate the Uruguayan striker.<br />
<br />
When the shot tempered Suarez left Liverpool following his lengthy FIFA ban, the Merseyside club struggled to find his replacement as his goals, his runs and his constant menace and terror on defenders was solely missed by Liverpool prompting the Merseyside club to finish a lowly 6th position and 25 points adrift of champions Chelsea.<br />
<br />
Liverpool definitely missed Suarez's services and more importantly his goals.<br />
<br />
Now that he is missing for Uruguay, its no wonder they have struggled to score in the Copa America, which they won thanks to Suarez's magic. He scored four goals then and was voted the player of the tournament for helping his country win the fourth Copa America cup. He is also his country's all time goal scorer with 40 goals.<br />
<br />
So what makes Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz special?<br />
<br />
well, he is a fighter, a goal poacher and a workaholic striker who makes life very difficult for defenders. When he is not busy biting, abusing or hitting defenders, he is happy scoring from all angles whether its by scraping a goal from no where, or dancing his way through defenses or simply by scoring from a dead ball situation or free kick for those who are not familiar with some of weirdest of football terminologies which beats common knowledge like dead ball!<br />
<br />
By Guled Mohamed.<br />
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When Guled is not thinking, watching or writing about football he is busy writing about Somalia in his capacity as a journalist, blogger and or public relations /strategic communication expert. Follow Guled on twitter: @guledke<br />
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Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-13698295028079845472015-06-14T04:49:00.000-07:002015-12-23T03:44:16.152-08:00Kenyan public find themselves between a hard place and a rockAl-Shabaab has attacked again, but at least this time round they decided to be men enough and attacked a Kenyan military base in Lamu and of course they were not only repelled but were killed like insects dying from a deadline insect repellent or spray losing 10 of their fighters as well as a cache of weapons and ammunition including rocket propelled grenades and automatic rifles.<br />
This does not mean that I condone this barbaric groups attack whatsoever but we know in the past they had gone for soft targets and killings of innocent unarmed people so now that they have at least tried their luck in vain at a military target it’s a positive move even though generally committing such heinous attacks anywhere is simply against the true teachings of Islam which the group has continuously maligned.<br />
<br />
My biggest worry however is the effects of such Al-Shabaab attacks on ordinary people. Whenever you speak to residents of any site of a terror attack anywhere in Kenya their story of grief is always the same, that they find themselves between these vagabond attackers who have no regards for life whatsoever as well as our own trigger happy security personnel who instead of going for the real culprits simply round off any Dick and Harry, beat them up and lock them in the name of a security crackdown.<br />
We all know what unfortunately happened in Garissa when unknown gunmen killed military personnel sometimes last year. A military unit descended on the town of Garissa, rounded up locals, beat them up and did not only stop there but went ahead and burnt “Suuq mugdi” market which is the main source of livelihood for many Garissa residents. <br />
<br />
This was not only uncalled for but counterproductive because you simply loose trust of the people you swore to protect as well as destroy the same country you also swore to protect because as far as I know Garissa is in Kenya. Some people have even compared the governments reaction to the Garissa attack and the cold blood murder of so many police officers in Kapedo which the government never retaliated like in Garissa when in reality more security personnel were unfortunately killed in Kapedo than Garissa. <br />
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This double standard should stop because no life is sacred than the other and the government must treat all Kenyans equal because true justice knows no tribe or region. Unless of course.<br />
<br />
I believe the government has a plan to fight off or prevent such terror attacks which I do not want to know because it is prerogative of the government of the day to provide security, but what disturbs me is the security agent’s reaction whenever they are deployed to scenes of such attacks. <br />
<br />
Assuming everyone is a suspect, rounding innocent people, beating them and locking them up is not how to respond to such heinous terror attacks. If this is indeed in the government plan then it is wrong and must be stopped otherwise we might not see any difference between terrorist and professional soldiers or police who are trained with the tax payers money and are supposed to protect people and the country. This jungle rule must stop and security agencies should be the first ones to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights of suspects because at the end of the someone is presumed innocent until proven guilty. <br />
<br />
It is therefore unfortunate that many Kenyans who are victims of these terror attacks often find themselves between a hard place and a rock, because Al-Shabaab is out to kill them and the government which is meant to protect them comes round to harass, beat them up and destroy their property. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that turning against your own people is wrong and am sure this is not a directive from President Uhuru Kenya because our President is a gentleman.<br />
<br />
If that is the case, who then has the balls to order hits and public harassment and intimidation like what happened in Garissa. <br />
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Guled Mohamed is a strategic communications consultant. The views expressed here are his own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhmUZXJeQnev7v8snfGa9qmvH13Ti7bGRZflKW9LjrUCTdm_GUTuLmWtbhfVnmQOrPMLHR11a-08V4JlqPEYcTYPPFRVTpx9sCE4lWRpRouZJKTEh51WLdWsdkslBRgPpe7VgGt9e-JE/s1600/Lamu+attack+weapons+recovered.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhmUZXJeQnev7v8snfGa9qmvH13Ti7bGRZflKW9LjrUCTdm_GUTuLmWtbhfVnmQOrPMLHR11a-08V4JlqPEYcTYPPFRVTpx9sCE4lWRpRouZJKTEh51WLdWsdkslBRgPpe7VgGt9e-JE/s320/Lamu+attack+weapons+recovered.png" /></a>Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-19589906052266357492015-06-13T15:40:00.000-07:002015-06-13T16:28:24.417-07:00Will this be Argentina's year to end their cup drought?Blessed with perhaps the most talented of footballers in the world with the likes of the worlds best player Lionel Messi and other top players like Aguero, Di Maria, Pastore and Mascherano just to name but a few, Argentina is again considered by book makers as the favorite to lift this year Copa America cup to end their drought spell.<br />
<br />
But will this be the year for Argentina to end their cup drought?<br />
<br />
The South American football powerhouse comes into the Copa America tournament straight from reaching the finals of the last World Cup which is likely to spur them to do better by trying to win.<br />
<br />
Messi has just helped Barcelona win a treble of cups including the much more coveted UEFA Champions League which will go along way to encourage the little football wizard to power his country into glory to cement his place among the best Argentina has produced like Maradona.<br />
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Argentina's opening match of the Copa America against Paraguay ended in disapointingly 2-2 draw. <br />
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This tournament couldnt have come at a better time for Argentina who now enjoys a good form.<br />
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Will they ever rise up to their potential? Time will tell.Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-58973607129256160482015-05-12T15:12:00.000-07:002015-05-12T15:12:31.938-07:00Mending Somalia's fabric: Is the jigsaw shaping up?<br />
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There is always a time for everything in this world, in Somalia there was a time when war or killing each other might have been the order of the day but it is no longer the case these days as the strategic Horn of African country continues on a road to recovery and development.<br />
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A good case to study in Somalia is the lucrative southern port city of Kismayu. Until recently it was the most contested and fought over city in Somalia largely due to its modern sea port, fertile hinterland that is good for agricultural productivity ans blessed with all season pasture in a country whose main economic activity remains to be pastrolism deeply anchored in its nomadic culture.<br />
<br />
Just three years after the liberation of Kismayu from the much loathed Alqaeda linked militants Al-Shabaab, locals there seems to have found a coexistence formula to share power in a civilized manner through consensus, mutual understanding and agreement contrary to their old ways of defeating each other by the barren of a gun.<br />
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The recent inauguration of the Interim Juba Administration parliament and swearing in of a parliamentary speaker is a major milestone towards the revival of Somalia and a step in the right direction towards not only realizing peace and stability but getting the Somalia jigsaw puzzle together.<br />
<br />
Just like a painting during its sketching period, it might be hard for us to notice Somalia shaping up but if you look carefully I think we are unknowingly busy sketching it via the Federal State formation process as stipulated in the constitution. We now have Jubaland, Puntland, Interim South West Aministration with the Central State of Somalia in the pipeline. Two more regions, Hiiran and Middle Shabele are expected to also join to form a State.<br />
<br />
Once all the States are formed, it will be much more easier to administer the entire country throughly devolution and joint cooperations between the various States and the National Government. The Somalis must support ongoing efforts to revive back their nationhood.<br />
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I know there are so many problems with many people or even communities feeling left out but what Somalis must never forget is that a weak government is better than no government. This is why it is important for all Somalis to work together and agree to make concessions for the sake of peace, which as we all know is precious and has no value.Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-22451707910981081722015-05-05T05:30:00.001-07:002015-05-12T14:16:55.827-07:00US Secretary of State John Kerry makes a historic surprise visit to SomaliaMogadishu, May 05 - US Secretary of State John Kerry made unannounced historic visit to Mogadishu to meet with Somali leaders from the national government and those from the Federal States to discuss bilateral issues mainly focused on security, reconstruction of Somalia and anti terrorism efforts in the first ever visit by a sitting US Secretary of State in the Horn of African country, a security official confirmed on Tuesday.<br />
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Kerry visit to Somalia came after his first visit to Kenya where he had a video conference chat with Somali refugees at the Dadaab refugee camps home to over half a million Somali refugees amid rising tensions in Kenya following a series of terror attacks in the East African country blamed on Somalia militant group UGUS or the Union of the Massacre of Somali Community, a new name brandished by the government.<br />
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Kerry pledged US assistance to the Somali refugees and urged Kenyan not to withdraw its forces from Somalia as part of the African Union peacekeeping Mission in Somalia.<br />
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Mogadishu was locked down ahead of Kerry's visit which was never made public leaving local and international media to speculate about the visit. <br />
<br />
"John Kerry secretly came to Mogadishu to meet with Somalia President, Prime Minister and a few other Somali leaser to discuss security especially on the ongoing US led counter terrorism operations in Somalia as well as discuss US reconstruction efforts and support to Somalia. His visit was kept a secret to avoid any security lapses due to the volatile security situation in Somalia," a female security official who did not wish to be named told www.guledmohamedblogspot.com <br />
<br />
Somalia, is a strategic country located in the Horn of Africa where the US has vast interests ranging from hydrocarbon drilling to the control of the busy Indian Ocean sea trade via the Gulf of Aden. However, the country is slowly recovering from over two decades of civil war and is now battling an Al-Qaeda affiliated UGUS militants.<br />
<br />
The US is Somalia's biggest financial backer, trains and supports the Somalia national army and is also the single biggest funder of humanitarian activities in the Horn of African country directly through USAID or through the UN and international humanitarian agencies.Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-18720821371966140182015-05-04T07:50:00.000-07:002015-05-04T07:50:09.049-07:00Somalia's Spy Chief orders use of new name for militants.<br />
Mogadishu, May 03 - "From now onwards we do not want to hear the media using the name Al-Shabaab which is a good name meaning youth because that name and their actions do not correspond, the government has decided from now onwards the group will be referred to as UGUS which stands for Ururka Guumadka Ummada Soomaaliyed", loosely translated in English as Organization for the Annihilation of the Somali Community, Somalia's Spy Chief General Abdirahman Mohamed Tuuryare said during celebrations to mark World Freedom of Press Day in the capital Mogadishu.<br />
<br />
Me think this is exactly what the blood-letting militants ought to be referred to. So what? That is who they are and its a perfect description of their horrible actions.<br />
<br />
However, this is the catch. Renaming the militants, I believe, would not be as easy as selling it to the media and worse off by threatening journalists with arrest should they refuse to comply.<br />
<br />
In my opinion such sensitive PR issues need strategic communications, which is what the government needs to do by going back to the drawing board and come up with a good communication plan on how the name UGUS will stick to the militants but not by enforcement.<br />
<br />
The Spy Chief General Tuuryare went ahead to explain why the government thinks this new name suits the militants. He said the group is best known for massacring innocent people in Somalia, which is a reality, and hence the new name UGUS.<br />
<br />
What really worried me was his admission that the government was aware the militants alias UGUS actually infects their new recruits with the deadly HIV Aids virus before they brainwash them slowly until finally convincing them that instead of dying with AIDS and going to hell they are better off to blow themselves up with a free ticket straight to heaven!<br />
<br />
Talk of the creepiest propaganda machine by the militants alias UGUS laced with deception of the highest degree.<br />
<br />
If indeed this turns out to be true then we have a crises at hand. No wonder the militants alias UGUS always claim they have so many suicide bombers in line ready to go to heaven! Imagine having all those HIV positive would-be suicide bombers ready to grab the next flight to heaven! what a prank the group pulls off on this clueless young boys! <br />
<br />
Gen. Tuuryare said the government considers the militants alias UGUS as a diseases which affects those who join it. He said unlike normal diseases where someone is required to go to a doctor, in the case of UGUS victims their doctors are Somalia government security forces who after arresting them take them to jail instead of a hospital. He said the government has to immunize its people against this deadly disease called UGUS which is out to completely wipe out the Somali race!<br />
<br />
The Spy master urged the media to take side with their government and people against a group that has declared a total wipe out of the Somali people including the media because it is the same group that assassinates journalists and continues to do so to date. <br />
<br />
Last year 5 journalists were murdered in cold blood by the militants in Somalia. So far this year one journalist in the agricultural rich city of Baidoa has already been murdered by UGUS together with his wife in bed as they were deep in their sleep in the wee hours of the night.<br />
<br />
It is yet to be seen whether the media will abide by these new government regulations which is a high tech aerial battle of the airwaves with the militants who seem to have perfected the use of social media which is believed to be their biggest source of recruitment where they easily prey on their victims especially among disillusioned Diaspora youths facing an identity crises from the culture shock of being brought and raised in a far flung country away from the ideals or morals of the Somali culture which however primitive it might sound compared to Western cultures subdues youngsters and instills discipline and respect especially among his old peers and parents.<br />
<br />
Otherwise, how do you explain a privileged Somali youth in the diaspora who has better opportunities and more importantly a safe and conducive environment to somehow brainwashed to blow himself up!<br />
<br />
It just doesn't add up, I cant get it? <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-1747513952384567962015-05-02T09:33:00.000-07:002015-05-02T09:33:37.788-07:00Somalia awaits #MayPac historic boxing bout.MOGADISHU-THE HORN OF AFRICA, MAY 2, 2015 - It has been touted as the biggest fight of the century and the most lucrative bout in the history of world boxing and just like the rest of the world many boxing fans from in Somalia will not be sleeping tonight as they anxiously await the much hyped boxing match between American pound-to-pound best defensive fighter Floyd "Money" Mayweather against his livewire challenger, Manny Pacquiao from the Philippine's.<br />
<br />
A walk in the streets of Mogadishu revealed an unknown love of boxing in the streets of Mogadishu, with the news of the early morning bout dubbed #MayPac in the social media from the tow fighters initials dominated the streets talks and the Mogadishu coffee houses chitchats.<br />
<br />
Support for the two boxers was almost shared equal with Mayweather slightly edging out Pacquiao. Just few years ago such enthusiasm for any sports would not have been openly revealed when the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab militants ruled much of southern Somalia banning all forms of sports or entertainment including even the traditional colorful Somali weddings.<br />
<br />
Thanks to the improving security and the ouster of the militants, the people of Somalia can now enjoy watching soccer, movies even dare attend weddings. <br />
<br />
"Go, go, Mayweather, make us proud," ranted 57 year old Ahmed Gedi who claims to be Floyd Mayweather diehard fan who has been watching boxing since the days of Mohamed Ali. "I believe Mayweather is currently the best boxer in the world and I can't wait to see him maul the little Filipino Pacquiao because Mayweather has never lost any fight, that is how good he is,"<br />
<br />
Even the ladies were not left behind, 23 year old Shamsa Ibrahim said she supports Manny Pacquiao because according to her he more handsome than Mayweather.<br />
<br />
"Manny is a superstar, he is loved by millions of people in the world because he is down to earth and very simple. I hope he beats the American boxer," she said, at the famous K4 junction in Mogadishu.<br />
<br />
Electronic business was brisk in Mogadishu as locals who did not have cable TV's were seen doing last minute shopping for TV sets and local pay TV decoders so that they don't miss the much awaited bout.<br />
<br />
I met Adan Mohamed at an electronic shop bargaining for a decoder to watch the match.<br />
<br />
"The fighting had slipped my mind, that is why am trying to buy a decoder now and fix it before the match begins," the 45 year said, "I just love boxing. I want Mayweather to win because he is a better fighter than Manny. Many people in Somali will be watching the fighting because Somalis generally love sports,"<br />
<br />
Speaking from the northeast post city of Bosasso, Abdi Hassan said he plans to sleep early tonight so that he does not miss the fight scheduled for 4am Somalia time.<br />
<br />
"Many people in Somalia know about the fight because they watch local and international televisions and also because we have many boxing fans too. I have been waiting for this bout for many years and I cannot miss it now that it has finally come to pass. Am with team Pacman," he said.<br />
<br />
Further south in the port city of Kismayu, which was <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSITZRLX1k1B8WBlRouyYbnx_qJSAGq8u9T5D2PY_ffPGw0_dt5riGhTDvdG8-L5d-QmUThRJBVby0de1J6CigP_ye5mzHXPaeXsFNNapQzm44j4pYhoCJ4xWYTMrzge91HRfZXgVP-G4/s1600/MayPac+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSITZRLX1k1B8WBlRouyYbnx_qJSAGq8u9T5D2PY_ffPGw0_dt5riGhTDvdG8-L5d-QmUThRJBVby0de1J6CigP_ye5mzHXPaeXsFNNapQzm44j4pYhoCJ4xWYTMrzge91HRfZXgVP-G4/s320/MayPac+2.png" /></a></div>a few years ago a no go zone let alone people there watching any kind of entertainment, people said the boxing provides them with a rare opportunity to relax and away from their daily struggles<br />
<br />
"I wish the fighting was much earlier in the night. I will now be forced to sleep very early in order to wake up by 4am so that I can watch my most favorite boxer Manny Pacquiao square it off with Mayweather. It will be an incredible duel that boxing fans across the world have been waiting for, I can't miss it come what may," Abdinasir Nur, 19, said by telephone. Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-69339958861728386332015-05-01T01:59:00.000-07:002015-05-01T01:59:22.073-07:00Somalia referees receive FIFA training Mogadishu, April 18 - Two instructors from Egypt and Jordan have arrived in Mogadishu to conduct a three day high level training and fitness test for 30 local and international Somalia referees as part of the World football body FIFA support to increase their fitness level and football knowledge which is a major boost for the country as it continues its road to recovery.<br />
FIFA Instructor and Africa Regional Development Officer Ahmed Al Shanawi from Egypt and Hassan Mohamed Hassan, a Jordanian FIFA Fitness Instructor conducted a 3 day refereeing training and fitness test for Somalia referees officiating in the second division, first division of the Somalia premier league as well as some International referees and assistant referees from Somalia. The training started on 28 April and is expected to end on the 30th of April.<br />
The Somalia Football Federation is a member of FIFA and is the only organization mandated by FIFA to manage football in Somalia. FIFA supports Somalia with such high level technical trainings and has in the past provided material support too like the construction and carpeting of Banadir stadium. Somalia has three football divisions that bring together over 20 football clubs. For the first time in the country history, the local league has also attracted foreign players from Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda<br />
Speaking on behalf of the government during the opening ceremony to officially launch the FIFA Somalia Member Association Refereeing Training and Fitness Test at a psoh Mogadishu hotel, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Adan Dubow reiterated the government’s commitment to support sports and the youth.<br />
“I sincerely wish to thank FIFA and the Somalia Football Federation (SFF) under the leadership of its charismatic Chairman Abdiqani Hassan Arab for their unflinching dedication to continue engaging the youth and entertaining the Somalia people with football and such high level training to improve the sport. We want to assure them that the Somalia government and people are ready to cooperate with them because football is the most loved sports in Somalia,” Assistant Minister Dubow said.<br />
SFF Chairman Abdiqani who also spoke during the launch of the program thanked the FIFA officials and urged Somalia referees to be disciplined during the training course show dedication and hard work in order to benefit from the experience of the FIFA instructors. <br />
“Referees are the backbone of our football because without proper training and incentives they can easily bring the game into disrepute and hence the need to increase their knowledge and fitness level in accordance with FIFA standards. Somalia is represented in international matches by 9 referees but we want to produce more international referees and we can only do so with such high level training,” Abdiqani said amid applause from the referees and officials who attended the colourful event.<br />
For his part the FIFA Africa Regional Development Officer Ahmed Al Shanawi from Egypt lauded Somalia referees’ progress and promised to share their experience with them. He said FIFA is impressed by Somalia’s recover and is ready to continue supporting Somalia football.<br />
“There is a period Somalia was not good and Somalia was not in the plans for FIFA courses. So now FIFA is happy, very happy. This year I think FIFA have sent a lot of good things for the referees and also next year God willing we will send more and more,” <br />
Somalia referee Aweys Abdullahi Sheikh is one of 9 other Somalia international referees and assistants. He said such high level training keeps them fit and well prepared for their hard task of officiating a football match. He hopes to one day officiate in a world cup final match.<br />
“I am an International Assistant Referee. I officiated in many international football matches like in Tunisia where I took part in a match between Libyan and Chad. I also officiated in Angola this year. I have also taken part in a match between Burundi and Egypt. I have also been in Djibouti several times and many other places. I became an International Assistant Referee in 2014. I hope to learn more and gain more experience so that I can officiate a final world cup match in 2018, that is my dream,” he said, with a broad smile at Banadir stadium, venue of Somalia referees FIFA fitness training.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3D4iVpGxt0o8pLaR6Xir9hubWhqe662W5x9jUNp5Vl9Cg0rvw8sZPrMv-NSgkFDxdNYBASpX5ZwOmKOxrioHCHDxgYo7dIMCU38s7JsQIjXAjBIm6b3ZfiPrk_dzVjsjTnOJQnNbxFk/s1600/FIFA+Fitness+Instructor+Hassan+Mohamed+Hassan+conducts+fitness+training+for+Somalia+referees+in+Mogadishu's%2BBanadir%2Bstadium.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3D4iVpGxt0o8pLaR6Xir9hubWhqe662W5x9jUNp5Vl9Cg0rvw8sZPrMv-NSgkFDxdNYBASpX5ZwOmKOxrioHCHDxgYo7dIMCU38s7JsQIjXAjBIm6b3ZfiPrk_dzVjsjTnOJQnNbxFk/s320/FIFA+Fitness+Instructor+Hassan+Mohamed+Hassan+conducts+fitness+training+for+Somalia+referees+in+Mogadishu's%2BBanadir%2Bstadium.jpg" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2JKEwoe1J952w-K-1_gTYHGJZvAmJU79NcrwxMkhwr638EWLG_1QsV5rt5aKL-hiZUf_7Pf3PFw0thMnqwDumCe7KDprd4JcFaPsXNbjLzqRSNtm0fBliiQzwkO_b6HPw7kbs2UKjGQ/s1600/Somalia+Football+Federation+Chairman+Abdiqani+Arab+stresses+a+point+during+the+opening+ceremony+of+the+FIFA+MA+Refereeing+Training+in+Mogadishu,+Somalia..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2JKEwoe1J952w-K-1_gTYHGJZvAmJU79NcrwxMkhwr638EWLG_1QsV5rt5aKL-hiZUf_7Pf3PFw0thMnqwDumCe7KDprd4JcFaPsXNbjLzqRSNtm0fBliiQzwkO_b6HPw7kbs2UKjGQ/s1600/Somalia+Football+Federation+Chairman+Abdiqani+Arab+stresses+a+point+during+the+opening+ceremony+of+the+FIFA+MA+Refereeing+Training+in+Mogadishu,+Somalia..jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCvPkSSYyqzO2ck330J5l1X-ZN_jHe2bpkfr1-PrdQXeuCk5DybBEt7EVZt5xntTu3IWGyr-rk5szH0Pfp8Kj-KB-x27QQROhUIwlButFBEBhHksGXjhmbv_y57-HC4iEWr2uW69SkAI/s1600/Somalia+Referees+pose+for+group+photo+with+FIFA+Instructors,+Somalia+Assistant+Minister+of+Sports+Osman+Dubow+and+SFF+Chairman+Abdiqani+Arab+and+other+sports+officials+in+Mogadishu+Somalia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCvPkSSYyqzO2ck330J5l1X-ZN_jHe2bpkfr1-PrdQXeuCk5DybBEt7EVZt5xntTu3IWGyr-rk5szH0Pfp8Kj-KB-x27QQROhUIwlButFBEBhHksGXjhmbv_y57-HC4iEWr2uW69SkAI/s400/Somalia+Referees+pose+for+group+photo+with+FIFA+Instructors,+Somalia+Assistant+Minister+of+Sports+Osman+Dubow+and+SFF+Chairman+Abdiqani+Arab+and+other+sports+officials+in+Mogadishu+Somalia.jpg" /></a></div>Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-21695709365641740012015-04-29T17:28:00.000-07:002015-04-29T17:28:05.535-07:00Meet the Libyan warlord who feeds on immigrantsMr. Magafe, the Libyan warlord who feeds on immigrants.<br />
Somalis are very good at nicknaming things and even people. The name Magafe literally means the one who never misses in Somali and that is what Somalis use to describe a Libyan warlord who has made a business out of kidnapping poor immigrants heading to Europe via the Sahara desert.<br />
He waylays for immigrants in southern Libyan and has over the years built a network of freelancers said to be mostly Tuareg militias across the Libyan Desert snatching any immigrant crossing the Libyan border. <br />
He then goes to illegally detain the immigran’ts until when they pay off a ransom to buy their freedom. Talk of slavery in the 21st century!<br />
After he is paid a ransom, at least he is descent enough to take the immigrant’s across the desert to the coastline and hand them over to other human traffickers who charge them a certain amount of money to take them across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe via Italy. <br />
Mr Magafe’s kidnapping business has grown so huge that it is said that he has a fleet of 4x4 vehicles, horses and even camels specifically bought to patrol the expansive Libyan Desert in search of immigrants. <br />
He commands dozens of battle hardened-Tuareg militias who fought for the Libyan President Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and who are inhabitants of the desert themselves giving him an edge over the immigrants as his foot soldiers know every hiding place in the desert including the entire oasis where travellers rest during the hot humid day, which is the only location you can find a well or water source which in the desert means survival or death.<br />
As a result of Mr. Magafe’s cruelty on the immigrants, it is believed hundreds if not thousands have died in Libya either in the hands of Magafe himself from torture and at times even assassinations. <br />
If you thought that is cruel enough of Mr. Magafe wait until you hear what he does to beautiful immigrant women.<br />
Survivors say any beautiful woman caught by Mr. Magafe naturally becomes his wife until when her family buys her off like a slave. His libido must be abnormally high since it is said that he sleeps with more than 4 or 5 women a day at times during the high season when there are many immigrants crossing the Libyan desert on their way to Europe.<br />
His militias are said to also rape women at will or even sodomize young boys at will. The cruelty meted on the poor immigrants is simply mindboggling. <br />
I started hearing about Mr. Magafe sometimes last year but I first thought he was simply an amateur trying to eke out a living in chaotic Libya. But then his name started going round Somalis and you’d hear stories of how Mr. Magafe has kidnapped Somali immigrants whom then he forces to call their relatives and ask for ransom to release his captives.<br />
There is no picture or video available to show this man called Magafe, at least not any I know of or heard of leaving this sad story to remain a harrowing mystery.<br />
This week one of my colleagues received a call from his brother who claims to have been kidnapped by Mr. Magafe and urging the brother to pay $3000 or else he will be killed<br />
This bad news has understandably disturbed my friend. They have met as a family and have been forced to contribute money to send to Mr. Magafe.<br />
I tried to speak to Mr. Magafe in vain, as he could not speak English. He could only speak his Libyan Arabic language, but from his horse voice I can imagine what kind of a face he was wearing, it must be a very angry face of a human slave trader in the 21st century.<br />
If you have any information about Mr. Magafe, including pictures or videe please send to libyamagafe@gmail.com<br />
We are trying to collect as much information and evidence as possible to bring Mr. Magafe on trial for his crimes against humanity.<br />
Change starts with you and me. Let us save humanity.<br />
By Mohamud Hassan<br />
Leverage Media<br />
Consultant<br />
Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-9861901133626202852015-01-13T09:35:00.000-08:002015-01-13T09:35:02.725-08:00Vote of confidence for Somalia security forces.I have reported on Somalia since 2005 covering fighting, elections and peaceful spells but I must admit I have never been impressed by the zeal and genuine patriotism of the Somalia police, military and intelligence officers like their recent display during the IGAD ministerial summit in Mogadishu.<br />
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Understandably, Mogadishu was closed down for this important meeting because it was the first of such high level meeting by IGAD in 28 years. Ordinary people were somehow affected but many of those I met in the streets on the day were generally happy saying such important conferences are a sign of good things to come.<br />
<br />
My crew and I were kept at a checkpoint for 2 hours a few meters from the SYL hotel where the conference took place despite having all relevant documentation and our press badges. They told us they were ordered never to let anyone through and politely asked us to call their superiors.<br />
<br />
After hours of calling and begging, we were finally allowed after a Somalia paramilitary police captain clad in black uniforms, never seen before, and an AMISOM captain were dispatched by the office of the President to fetch us.<br />
We had to weave through several checkpoints, which we also had to introduce ourselves even though we were accompanied by senior officers from Somalia and AMISOM. <br />
<br />
Finally we were allowed into the premises one hour and a half after the conference had started and we went ahead to cover the historic meeting which will go into history books as a major milestone for Somalia.<br />
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MASKED FACES AND HAWK EYES<br />
As the IGAD Foreign Affairs ministers were busy deliberating in the meeting, which was opened by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and closed by Prime Minister Abdirashid Omar Sharmarke, outside and within the SYL hotel, Somalia security forces and their AMISOM counterparts were busy moving around questioning anyone they came across all in the spirit of making the meeting a success.<br />
<br />
<blockquote>The special forces from the police who were wearing black stood out from the rest as they paced up and down in their masked faces revealing hawk eyes , even when it was so hot in the mid-day Mogadishu sun or even when the guests were having lunch, they swiftly paced around simply to make sure nothing went wrong.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUQOolkTEpzQliuOqN9YRJPmG_o8vVDQE5ZRAIABTcl0nF18taqJbuQuMQV_Ds3AZZNJBZ2pVMNo5MjTuFP9L_YMcdFBJ1pfWlJB5e3lsxrdvfVE88FK-xeR9Zd2ADz8Y8w-HKyQYGOU/s1600/A+Somalia+paramilitary+officer+seen+securing+the+venue+of+the+recent+IGAD+meeting+in+Mogadishu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUQOolkTEpzQliuOqN9YRJPmG_o8vVDQE5ZRAIABTcl0nF18taqJbuQuMQV_Ds3AZZNJBZ2pVMNo5MjTuFP9L_YMcdFBJ1pfWlJB5e3lsxrdvfVE88FK-xeR9Zd2ADz8Y8w-HKyQYGOU/s400/A+Somalia+paramilitary+officer+seen+securing+the+venue+of+the+recent+IGAD+meeting+in+Mogadishu.jpg" /></a></div></blockquote><br />
It is my sincere hope that the Somalia security forces – police, military and the Intelligence officers – will continue with such zeal as the country continues to slowly make inroads towards peace and development.<br />
Lest I forget, the Somalia fire fighters should also be lauded for their presence in the conference to prevent any fire disasters even though nothing happened. <br />
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I salute them all and hope they will keep up the good job of protecting the country and its citizens, from the small and the big, the poor and the rich alike without fear or favour.<br />
Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-23660049432696784632014-07-11T13:10:00.000-07:002014-07-12T14:17:45.079-07:00Brazil, world cup final and football mattersThe 2014 world cup in Brazil, home of football, has never been short of surprises, thrills and heartbreaks alike. <br />
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Giant killers and minnows Costa Rica surprised many people by reaching the quarterfinals and thrashing Italy, Uruguay and nearly skinning England to emerge top in a group of death.<br />
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Algeria enchanted many by their belief, speed and talent while bigger teams like Holland, Germany, Uruguay without the horrible Suarez bite. <br />
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Lest we forget teams like Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Belgium who mesmerized us with their fantastic displays. <br />
<br />
Brazilian poster boy Neymar's unfortunate injury and the suspension of their stalwart captain and dependable kingpin Silva not only ended their world cup dream but also the hope and aspirations of 200 million football mad Brazilians.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36PGNQeKFaV5Vdkk4fdn_IS8ncEw3JHk7ve2KoD2L-gVmvpvyS6YrVia56XyaiHpMUdglFcPgECuORtvM4crPrwJotbHiaLchMEUrWPT0aUQEqpJO3BKWzg1bXn5C1KnrvNhL1TFfVGM/s1600/FIFA+WORLD+CUP+2014+FINAL+GERMANY+VS+ARGENTINA.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh36PGNQeKFaV5Vdkk4fdn_IS8ncEw3JHk7ve2KoD2L-gVmvpvyS6YrVia56XyaiHpMUdglFcPgECuORtvM4crPrwJotbHiaLchMEUrWPT0aUQEqpJO3BKWzg1bXn5C1KnrvNhL1TFfVGM/s640/FIFA+WORLD+CUP+2014+FINAL+GERMANY+VS+ARGENTINA.jpg" /></a><br />
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So many surprises and heartbreaks have been the hallmark of this world cup. <br />
<br />
Defending world champions Spain were quickly bundled out and will attest to the high paced game full of energy that swept them off their tiki-taka football. England came with a huge ego too but were brought back to reality fast after finding the going tough in a group dominated by former world champions except the surprise package Costa Rica.<br />
<br />
Then came the shocker of all which become the talk of the world, Germany thrashed Brazil 7-1 in a scintillating thriller of a semi final that is arguably the most one sided world cup semi finals ever witnessed. <br />
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To beat Brazil at home with a humiliating and yet emphatic score of 7-1 can never be an understatement at all. Germans were good and efficient in front of goal and took their chances very well.<br />
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The Germans will square off in the final of the 2014 football world cup with the unpredictable Argentines who have livewire Lionel Messi and a sea of other talents in Di Maria, Aguero, Higuain, Mascherano among others who will not only carry their country's hope but that of the whole continent of South America.<br />
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Just to give you a clue of what is at stake here, old rivalries between Argentina and Brazil have been buried as the 200 million Brazilians will for the first time support their arch rivals Argentina against the Germans purely not out of love for Argentina but in revenge for loosing 7-1 against Germany.<br />
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That is football for you, which, like politics has no permanent enemies. The universal motto, your enemies enemy is your friend, seams to be the order of the day.<br />
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The hullaballoos associated with the world football bonanza is set to also come to a close after the July 13 final meaning the samba rumble, the dance and music and everything will end.<br />
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Football is once again set to leave us with lasting memories bound to captivate us many years after the end of this world.<br />
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One advertisement that will always make me smile is the Coca Cola one, especially the part where three cooks are seen watching a football match as the cooking pot catches fire in the background . Smelling something, one of them say, <br />
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"I smell something,"<br />
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The response he gets is both ridiculous and hilarious!<br />
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"It is victory"! his friend responds as they both laugh and celebrate unaware of their fire gutted kitchen and food!<br />
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On a more serious note, with all due respect for the German team, I wish Argentina and Messi win the coveted world cup trophy and as Neymar admitted the little but decorated Argentine talisman Messi needs to win the world cup in order to join the ranks of legends like Diego Armando Maradona.<br />
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I arrest my case.<br />
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Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-34056865887945262082014-07-08T11:35:00.000-07:002014-07-08T11:35:20.437-07:00Militants attack Somalia Presidential palace in Mogadishu againOver 10 heavily armed Al-Shabaab militants disguised as Somalia military officer driving a pickup technical drove into the Presidential palace in Mogadishu immediately after the call of the evening prayers roared across Mogadishu to symbolize the breaking of the Ramadan fast and immediately opened fire at guards who were busy eating or breaking their fast!<br />
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This is the second time this year for such a brazen attack on the highest office in Somalia after Al-Shabaab attacked the same villa Somalia Presidential palace in February.<br />
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A security source inside Villa Somalia confirmed the incident and said the attackers included militants with suicide vests wrapped around their waists who exploded themselves during the siege which lasted for almost an hour. He said at least 13 militants were killed and that the "real" Somalia military forces have managed to end the siege after bravely fighting off the attackers who hid in one of the buildings.<br />
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The latest news shocked many locals in the Horn of African country and is likely to increase suspicion among its war weary residents raising many questions at the state of security management in the volatile country struggling to shed off years of conflict.<br />
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The attack comes at a time when the capital city is experience a boom in construction and businesses as thousands of Somali returnees from the diaspora return to pick up pieces and rebuild their shuttered homes.<br />
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Despite occurrence of such attacks, Mogadishu is witnessing an unprecedented growth and development with new tarmacked roads, streetlights and exotic restaurants and coffee shops popping up all over the city that is open until late serving locals who move around at night after breaking their Ramadan fasts to enjoy the cooler night breeze in seaside Mogadishu.<br />
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Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-6894274706276941952014-06-06T13:31:00.000-07:002014-06-06T13:31:44.264-07:00Growing fears of diseases outbreak and death at submerged Kismayu IDP camp<br />
KISMAYU, June 4 - Internally displaced persons including vulnerable children and expectant mothers living in squalid camps in Kismayu are spending sleepless nights in the cold without food and medicine after flush floods submerged their makeshift houses for the second time this week after 3 children died with fresh fears now mounting of diseases outbreak in the congested camps, victims and officials said on Thursday.<br />
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In one IDP camp known as Tawakal or to depend in English which houses 350 families majority of who are children, pregnant women and others suckling babies who are victims of a heavy down pour that pounded Kismayu on Tuesday night totally submerging their entire camp and forcing the poor people to spend outside in the cold and rain with their children without food or shelter.<br />
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The 3 children who died last week are said to have succumbed to complications after nearly drowning and gulping the contaminated water only to have been saved too late by their shell shocked parents.<br />
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Interim Juba Administration leader Ahmed Mohamed aka Ahmed Madobe visited the affected IDP camps and his administration has already identified a high ground government land with Kismayu where the IDPs will be moved.<br />
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Shankaron Sidi, a mother of 5 children said she is overwhelmed by the problems crying out that she urgently needs milk for her 2 months old baby boy as well as food and medicine for the rest of her children.<br />
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“My house has been totally submerged by water. I have not cooked anything since yesterday for my children because the food I received last week was washed away. We slept on top of those stones with my children,” Shankaron said inside her former shack that is now inhospitable with water almost reaching her knees.<br />
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She said her biggest worry now is clean drinking water, baby powder milk, food, medicine and shelter which they urgently need now before they fall sick and die.<br />
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“Please anyone who gets my message including the UN, ordinary Somalis and the international community should come to our rescue,” she pleaded almost in sobs as her youngest son cried on her back while the other four children stood in a state of bewilderment in a pool of stagnant water almost drowning them outside their makeshift house made of sticks and pieces of clothes patched together.<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxrfL1wpohRFp0uVKe-KVh4seyWa8CAvLtZ_7ZXxxHWm2e9ZW2yhPPI2ZF01AVOPGJTjtBRKNU-LDJ63nEn6eY0UhaDlX-_-Haso274vOGCnPH7hp4XQlpvfUJdgl25noTCMfoD7u_dk/s1600/Children+seen+at+their+submerged+makeshift+house+in+a+Kismayu+IDP+camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxrfL1wpohRFp0uVKe-KVh4seyWa8CAvLtZ_7ZXxxHWm2e9ZW2yhPPI2ZF01AVOPGJTjtBRKNU-LDJ63nEn6eY0UhaDlX-_-Haso274vOGCnPH7hp4XQlpvfUJdgl25noTCMfoD7u_dk/s320/Children+seen+at+their+submerged+makeshift+house+in+a+Kismayu+IDP+camp.jpg" /></a></div><blockquote></<br />
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AMISOM sent a team to assess the situation led by sector Kismayu engineer captain Salim Mohamed from Kenya to investigate level of damage in the flooded IDP camp as well as several other roads rendered impassable by stagnant water and will work with IJA to come up with a permanent solution to tackle the perennial flooding issue.<br />
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Even though Kismayu city is relatively peaceful since IJA security forces and AMISOM re-captured the city from Al-Shabaab in September 2012, humanitarian agencies are yet to fully resume their operations rendering vulnerable groups like the IDPs situation to worsen due to lack of rapid humanitarian intervention whenever calamities like flooding hits Kismayu just like now.<br />
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“The submerged camp now has stagnant water mixed with sewage and to make matters worse within the same camp there is 3 fresh graves of the three children who died last week. If these people don’t get urgent help we are in for a humanitarian disaster in Kismayu,” Nur Omar, a senior Juba administration official said speaking after assessing the damage at the affected camp together with AMISOM peacekeepers.<br />
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Both victims and officials called for immediate help to avert an unfolding disaster likely to cause more death especially among vulnerable groups like children and women who have been forced to sleep rough on empty stomach in sodden and poor conditions.<br />
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Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-13179419653990296492014-06-04T14:35:00.000-07:002014-06-04T14:35:09.908-07:00Sierra Leonean chief of defense staff visits Kismayu.KISMAYU, Somalia June 2 - Sierra Leone’s top military chief Brigadier General Samuel Omar Williams on Monday visited Kismayu for the first time to pay a courtesy call to AMISOM peacekeepers based there including his own Sierra Leonian forces which together with Kenyan and Burundian forces make up the three contingents stationed in the strategic Somalia southern port city of Kismayu.<br />
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After meeting various continents serving in Kismayu under AMISOM, the General was hosted to a sumptuous lunch at the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) at the main airport, UNMAS brifed him on the work and support to AMISOM and later they had an opportunity to present to the General their latest Sierra Leonean trainee bomb squad unit taught how to handle and dispose off improvised explosive devices, other unexploded ordnances and as well some soldiers taught to as sniffer dog handlers.<br />
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General Williams spent the night with his Sierra Leonean soldier’s stationed at the beach front old Kismayu airport AMISOM base along the main road to Somalia’s capital city Mogadishu which they which they collocate with the Kenya Defense Forces. <br />
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Ordinary soldiers and officers from Sierra Leone had a rare opportunity to freely meet and speak to their chief after he addressed dozens of the forces at a hilltop building surrounded by green mountains with acacia trees on one side and on the other side overlooking a splendid view of the massive the Indian Ocean.<br />
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On his second day the General paid a courtesy call to the Interim Juba Administration leader Ahmed Mohamed at State House Kismayu. The interim Juba is a federal state within Somalia that brings together 3 regions names Lower Juba, Middle Juba and Gedo.<br />
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“It is my pleasure to be in Kismayu for the first time. Am grateful to the cordial welcome the people of Kismayu have accorded me and my fellow Sierra Leonean forces serving here under AMISOM. We want to tell the Somalis that it our honor to take part in this noble African mission helping Somalia find its feet,” General Williams told the Somali leader.<br />
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The two leaders held a closed door meeting and discussed bilateral issues mainly focusing on security situation in Kismayu and the entire Somalia. President Ahmed thanked Sierra Leone for their selfless contribution with the pan African Union AMISOM mission in Somalia.<br />
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“Our common enemy Al-Shabaab, which is an international terror network, has been very much weakened thanked to our own Somalia forces and AMISOM peacekeepers fighting alongside us. In Kismayu, the enemy no longer enjoys the public support because of their inhuman treatment of the people. They are like fish removed from the water. They are getting irrelevant by each passing day. We thank Sierra Leone for sacrificing their own sweat and blood for Somalia to get peace,” Mohamed said.<br />
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Before flying to Dhobley for the last leg of his three days working visit to Somalia, Brigadier General Samuel Omar Williams, the Chief Defense Staff of Sierra Leone observed that AMISOM mission is progressing well and thanked all the soldiers and personnel involved in the peacekeeping operation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HHz-aBX-LSAM-r81IPEORMOBoejV_kkCVi5hH_n7huRTGA71UcWJX7q3rTuCfvA_s16C3mDjE7ZCG7j42I-19Qxf8jUkpYEwb2FGItZ73zPAb0lfRiXkTysgfn4VCGxZbkbt1Bh5Dvw/s1600/Sierra+Leonean+CDS+welcomed+to+Kismayu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HHz-aBX-LSAM-r81IPEORMOBoejV_kkCVi5hH_n7huRTGA71UcWJX7q3rTuCfvA_s16C3mDjE7ZCG7j42I-19Qxf8jUkpYEwb2FGItZ73zPAb0lfRiXkTysgfn4VCGxZbkbt1Bh5Dvw/s320/Sierra+Leonean+CDS+welcomed+to+Kismayu.jpg" /></a></div>“I first congratulate AMISOM as a force and then also wish to thank my Sierra Leonean force for their contribution to AMISOM. To the people of Somalia, we wish to remind them we in Sierra Leone had our own experience of war and the solution to the end of this civil war here lies in the hand of the Somali people. They should give their support to the mission and collaborate with AMISOM and at the end of the day we will all succeed and celebrate,” the General said, before flying out of Kismayu.<br />
Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-7051162176847456842014-05-30T15:27:00.000-07:002014-05-30T15:27:48.682-07:00Tears of joy in Kismayu as 30 hostages held by Al-Shabaab rescued.Mumino Haji was going about her khat selling business in Bar Aleen village on Friday May 30 when in a split of a second she suddenly turned from a free person to a prisoner after Al-Shabaab terrorists disguised as Somalia forces drew their guns and abducted 30 hostages including her. <br />
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The 30 civilian hostages were later rescued in a daring operation involving around 200 Interim Juba Administration forces (IJA) aided by AMISOM Kenya Defence Forces air surveillance capability.<br />
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The first rumors after the hostages were snatched away by Al-Shabaab indicated that they were driven towards the Al-Shabaab stronghold of Jilib, but in reality many of hostages were actually taken in a string of kidnapping sprees along the way as the militants kept on filling up the two minivans they had first abducted Mumina and two other women from Bar Aleen.<br />
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By the time the kidnappers drove 20 km away from Kismayu the number of hostages had swelled to 30 and by then they were plotting how to escape from the Juba forces dragnet which was hot in the heels in pursuit of hostages.<br />
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Thanks to the aerial surveillance capability of AMISOM Kenyan Defence Forces, the kidnaper’s hideout was immediately spotted by the high flying Kenyan drone which relayed the message to the tactical information center in Kismayu which passed the message to the dozens of heavily armed Juba security forces trailing the kidnappers.<br />
The kidnappers finally fled after the heavily armed Juba forces spotted them in the village of Jiirmalay 40 km from Kismayu leaving behind the 30 hostages who were immediately found unhurt and were secured by the advancing forces.<br />
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LAST PRAYERS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgPoSW2hJhKst4QtEXEcb4BFL2VuslNPYvtv6WobMzTrSmRMjCTclOPsk4vD2cbpnmH5rqlriahkkcqKHM7-vbW2RPTooBZ43SA8wLmL6mfwmdXBB886WS2bvkYlmx3TFfoyXCj02ckw/s1600/Women+seen+weeping+and+hugging+as+they+welcome+one+of+the+rescued+woman+hostages+in+Kismayu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgPoSW2hJhKst4QtEXEcb4BFL2VuslNPYvtv6WobMzTrSmRMjCTclOPsk4vD2cbpnmH5rqlriahkkcqKHM7-vbW2RPTooBZ43SA8wLmL6mfwmdXBB886WS2bvkYlmx3TFfoyXCj02ckw/s320/Women+seen+weeping+and+hugging+as+they+welcome+one+of+the+rescued+woman+hostages+in+Kismayu.jpg" /></a></div>“We thank God and our forces for rescuing us. I had even said my last prayers knowing that it was my last day on earth. I cannot even believe am still alive because it is very rare to see a Somali captive released by Al-Shabaab as they always kill Somalis captives and release foreigners whose families are rich to pay ransom,” Mumina said as tears of joy dripped off her cheeks.<br />
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Immediately after they kidnapped the 30 hostages, they drove under duress towards the Al-Shabaab stronghold of Jilib using back routes but thanks to AMISOM KDF air surveillance detected their movement and shared the information shared with IJA forces that immediately surrounded the area forcing the terrorists to flee leaving behind the 30 civilians unhurt.<br />
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The 30 freed hostages were brought to Kismayu in a convoy of over 15 vehicles as many of their relatives and friends come out to welcome them amid ululation, jubilation and tears of joy.<br />
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The hostages, all of who were women and men khat vendors, kidnapped from various locations around Kismayu on the same day said while they were under captivity the terrorists kept threatening to slit their throat or cutting off their limbs accusing them of spying for the Somalia government and AMISOM.<br />
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“We were ambushed by Al-Shabaab militia in a place called Qandal. They were almost ten in number. They kidnaped us and confiscated our cellphones and drove us far taking us round and round all-day. We don’t know where they took us. The soldiers later rescued us,” Mohamed Ahmed, one of the hostages said. <br />
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Brigadier General Ismail Sahardid, the Chief of Staff for the Interim Juba Administration in Kismayu, which is a federal state within Somalia, thanked AMISOM and the local community for their support in tracking down the Al-Shabaab kidnappers and finally rescuing the hostages.<br />
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“Our forces were supported by AMISOM aerial surveillance. After tracking the kidnapers at long last with the help of the God we successfully rescued the civilian hostages who numbered 30. We burnt one vehicle of the Al-Shabaab kidnapers,” the Brigadier General said, speaking in Kismayu after the forces safely rescued the hostages.<br />
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Al-Shabaab terrorist have resorted to such cowardly acts of kidnappings and extortion rackets in order to make quick dirty money to fund their callous activities since losing out most of their major economic hubs like Kismayu, Marka and other cities in Somalia that have since been liberated by joint AMISOM and Somalia forces.<br />
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Back in Kismayu, as the hostages finally reunited with their loved ones, women cuddled and shared tears of joy together while the men raised their clinched fists as a sign of victory for the rare rescue operation not so common in Somalia. <br />
Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414334079712119319.post-74011223022624868532014-05-29T10:57:00.000-07:002014-05-29T10:57:32.462-07:00Canadian family donates kit to an airport marshaller in SomaliaIn a rare gesture of kindness, a Canadian family donated airport gear to a Kismayu airport marshaller after they were moved by his story of working without proper gear which was published in the African Union Peacekeepers in Somalia, AMISOM twitter page in January.<br />
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Canadian economist, Sean Paterson from Salmon in British Colombia who is a chief technical advisor working for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO,) says after reading the story of 63 year old Adan Mohamed his 14 year old son Noah Jordan asked him what they could do for the poor old Somalia airport marshaller.<br />
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The story moved Sean and his son Noah so much that they decided to buy the kits themselves. <br />
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They spent $ 35 Canadian dollars to buy a reflector jacket, a pair of reflector gloves and paint and used some of their free time to make two luminous red reflector sticks using wood for Mohamed Adan, the marshaller to use for directing planes during taxing and take off at the Kismayu international airport in southern Somalia.<br />
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“I told my son Noah we could buy Adan Mohamed the kit and so we went to a local supermarket and grabbed him a reflector jacket, a pair of gloves. Since he works during the day we thought he would not need a light reflector and so we made him two sticks using wood and painted it luminous red for him to use to direct plane instead of using his bare hands,” Sean said, moments after handing over the kit to Adan in Kismayu, a southern port city located along the Indian Ocean.<br />
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BARE HANDS<br />
Before he received the gifts, Adan used his bare hands to direct planes and had no gloves or even a reflector jacket endangering his own life especially during foggy weather during the rainy season when visibility is so low forcing him to be careful not to be hit by the planes he is directing.<br />
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Adan was elated with the presents and gesture. <br />
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“I cannot explain how I feel because I have never received a present in my life. It is so kind of them to remember me thousands of miles away and bring me these gifts. I have worked at this airport for the last 23 years under very hard and tough moments under 17 different administrations. The only thing that makes me happy is that this administration in control now wants to bring change and development and that is what keeps me going,” the 43 year old slim Adan said, barely speaking out of excitement.<br />
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Since then, pilots flying into Kismayu international airport have already noticed the difference after Adan started using the kit he was given by Sean.<br />
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“I noticed a difference with Adan today. I clearly saw the reflector sticks and his jacket and I was actually wondering whether it was him,” One pilot who did not give his name said.<br />
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Sean, who is an economist by profession, says his family is happy to help in whatever little way they can.<br />
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“The 35 Canadian dollars and the time we spent in making him the reflector sticks is really nothing compared to the feeling of doing something good or helping improve someone’s life or work. We are really glad we made a difference in Adan’s life and you never know maybe someone working in a real airport might read this story and decide to help Adan or any of the airport staff in Kismayu or Somalia because information is power and reaches far and wide, just like it reached me in Canada,” Sean added.<br />
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Kismayu is a southern port city in Somalia that is known for its farmlands and white pristine beaches. Just like the rest of chaotic Somalia, in the last few years the city witnessed brutal war as different warlords and militia groups fought over the control of the city’s international airport and seaport. <br />
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The last group to be wrestled out of the seaside city is the Somalia militant group Al-Shabaab linked to Al-Qaeda. In September 29 2012, a combined force of Somalia forces and Kenyan military recaptured Kismayu from Al-Shabaab after months of fighting. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHALc-YtFzsDEnB2PUgEut1etifTrvCVMVifJjfnGtvsgQCoyyK-2vOJaOY_m3iBH2-azjP4VdgJNWSTn9O-8crIRDoPQ3TyuAfpxmwZZJJhw71VAZqyd2mvWM_8Mn68aLuISKVgb9KjI/s1600/Sean+presents+the+donations+to+Adan+as+Kismayu+airport+management+looks+on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHALc-YtFzsDEnB2PUgEut1etifTrvCVMVifJjfnGtvsgQCoyyK-2vOJaOY_m3iBH2-azjP4VdgJNWSTn9O-8crIRDoPQ3TyuAfpxmwZZJJhw71VAZqyd2mvWM_8Mn68aLuISKVgb9KjI/s320/Sean+presents+the+donations+to+Adan+as+Kismayu+airport+management+looks+on.jpg" /></a></div>Since then, Somalia forces and AMISOM peacekeepers from Kenya, Sierra Leon and Burundi continue to maintain peace in the city opening it up to international and local investment as natives return to invest back home.<br />
Soomalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15923492098465096686noreply@blogger.com