According to a press release from Somaliland’s Ministry of Defense, Somaliland armed forces have successfully thwarted a terrorist attack planned by a group of six individuals affiliated with an unidentified terrorist organization. The attack, intended as a suicide mission, was disrupted when the explosives prematurely detonated in the village of Sili-xawle killing two of the attackers, while the remaining four remain at large.
At the scene where the attackers died, members of Somaliland military recovered bomb components, including what appears to be a plastic explosive brick along with batteries and other bomb making materials. Sources who did not want to speak on the record on the ongoing investigation stated that focus on the source of the explosives such as country of origin, manufacture date and other important details that can help pinpoint its source. Sources add that Somaliland government is willing to share this vital information through intelligence sharing to help allies prevent future terrorist attacks.
Although Somaliland has been successful in holding terrorism at bay, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by terrorist organizations in Somaliland and the wider region. It highlights the need for continued vigilance and collaborative efforts to counter terrorism.
The last major terrorist incident was in October 2008 when multiple coordinated terrorist attacks in Hargeisa killed more than 20 people and injured dozens at the Presidential Palace, the Ethiopian Consulate and the UNDP offices.
The Ministry of Defense, in its statement, has affirmed its commitment to protecting the public from such threats. In addition, the ministry has called on the international community to stand with Somaliland in the fight against terrorism, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility and cooperation.
What exactly transpired at the site of the explosion that killed the terrorists is unclear and if the attackers explosive detonated following a confrontation by Somaliland’s military who are operating in the area. Other unconfirmed reports state the purpose of the attackers was to blow up roads and bridges to cut off the army supply lines.
Although the only casualties are the attackers, the incident vindicates Somaliland government’s repeated assertion that known terrorists and Turkish and US trained members of Somalia armed forces have poured in Las Anod to fight its military.
Despite claims by Somalia’s government of successfully degrading Al-Shabaab’s fighting capacity, the terror group has been increasingly active and decimated an African Union garrison in in Bulamarer, Somalia, on Friday. The attack reportedly lasted for hours and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Al-Shabab claimed to have killed 137 soldiers, but there has been no official confirmation of this number.
Somalia’s strategic importance in the Horn of Africa has sparked a fierce competition for influence in recent years among outside actors like the U.S., Turkey, China, and the Gulf states.
Farmaajo administration dismantled two decades of federalism and state-building, resulting in chaos and insecurity as the terrorist group Al Shabaab took advantage of the resulting political vacuum.
After the election, rather than addressing these critical security gaps, Sheikh chose to prioritize nation-building over state-building, diverting scarce resources needed to stabilize areas liberated from al-Shabaab. These areas require police stations, judicial systems, and mobile health clinics to provide basic governance and services after more than 15 years in the terrorist group’s shadow.
Sadly, the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) lacks a comprehensive short- and long-term stabilization strategy for addressing this issue, leading to high levels of unemployment, hunger, malnutrition, and extreme poverty in the liberated areas.
Sheikh’s pursuit of nation-building is driven by three main motives. Firstly, the pressing need to unite the country under the “one-Somalia” policy, championed by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, and incorporate Somaliland into the fold. Secondly, the need for safety and stability to ensure democratization and the holding of free and fair elections based on the principle of one person, one vote. Last but not least, the need to shift from the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to Somalia-led security, in line with President Joe Biden’s “partner-led, U.S.-enabled” policy, while maintaining relentless pressure on al-Shabaab, which in turn requires the lifting of the long-standing U.N. arms embargo, originally imposed in 1992.
Instead of pushing for the professionalization and reform of Somalia’s security sector, the Biden administration has enabled President Sheikh’s nation-building project under the banner of the “one-Somalia” policy. This has put a heavy burden on the U.S., which is now supporting Somalia’s unrealistic goals with military aid, despite the government’s poor track record when it comes to weapons monitoring and its fragmented, tribalized military. This short-sighted policy has emboldened the irredentist agenda of the Daarod clan, leading to an outbreak of violence in previously stable Somaliland between state security forces and the militia of the local Dhulbahante clan over control of the city of Las Anod, in Somaliland’s Sool region. As a result, La Anod has become an al-Shabaabsafe haven, posing a potential threat to Ethiopia’s hinterland. The ongoing humanitarian crisis triggered by the Las Anod conflict has only further destabilized Somaliland.
The Sheikh administration’s inability to manage the Las Anod crisis has only added fuel to the fire. Its response has been lackluster and contradictory. At first it advised the Dhulbahante militia to resolve its disputes with Somaliland officials peacefully. However, corrupt clan elders and their armed supporters had an ulterior motive, which al-Shabaab seized upon as an opportunity. They declared the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn to fall under the FGS instead of the de facto control of Somaliland. The Sheikh administration found itself caught in a political dilemma, and in a reckless move, it gave into the demands of Daarod politicians, endorsing the declaration without assessing the potential risks. The Somaliland authorities vehemently rejected the proclamation and were met with hostility by clan militias, resulting in violent confrontations and the displacement of tens of thousands of Somaliland citizens within their borders and into neighboring Ethiopia.
The conflict in Las Anod is being fueled by the spread of misinformation and fabricated videos by both the Dhulbahnate militia and Al-Shabaab media, with the flight of civilians creating a “CNN effect” that has prompted international action. The EU special representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber, released an impartial statement highlighting two key issues: unaddressed grievances within the community and political instability arising from Somaliland’s disputed status as an unrecognized de facto state. The State Department’s statement, by contrast, accused the Somaliland authorities of impeding democracy by delaying elections, demanding that they hold them promptly while also calling for the army to withdraw or face sanctions.
The Sheikh administration subsequently appointed a Somalia-Somaliland envoy to initiate negotiations to resolve the Las Anod crisis. However, at the same time, the government neglected to hold accountable members of the Somalia National Army (SNA) who participated in the conflict and are still on its payroll, thus impeding peace efforts. It is believed that nearly 2,000 former SNA troops from the Harti and Marehan clans of Daarod — including the Haramcad, Duufaan, and Gorgor military and police units trained by Turkey — are contributing to destabilizing Somaliland with assistance from al-Shabaab and ISIS militants. That they are still on the payroll should not come as a surprise given that an estimated 70% of FGS civil service staff are ghost employees that receive salaries without performing any work.
The outgoing U.S. ambassador to Somalia, Larry André, has been a strong advocate for the “one-Somalia” policy, which reinforces Darod irridentism. He gave President Sheikh’s Somali-Somaliland envoy the cold shoulder and only took his phone call, while having dinner with Mukhtar Robow, an al-Shabaab co-founder turned minister of religion, at an iftar hosted by the U.S. embassy in Mogadishu. Actions such as these are detrimental to the U.S. “partner-led” approach and could create a pretext to undermine the Somaliland Partnership Act mandated by Congress, which requires regular assessment reports on U.S. security cooperation with Somaliland due on June 1.
Members of Sheikh’s administration have acknowledged that his failure to implement crucial security reforms has frustrated U.S. officials, and the Biden administration now faces the dilemma of how to mitigate the consequences of its failing “partner-led, U.S.-enabled” approach. Assistant Secretary of State Phee convened an emergency meeting on Feb. 28with key stakeholders, including the Somalia government, the U.K., Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, to ensure continued support for stabilization efforts, including weapons and ammunition management, and to create a path for the U.N. Security Council to lift the arms embargo. The stakeholders also called for de-escalation and peaceful dialogue to end the fighting in Las Anod. However, none of the key outside stakeholders trusts the Sheikh government and considers it a reliable partner.
Guled Ahmed is a non-resident scholar at MEI, a renewable energy and water infrastructure expert, and an entrepreneur. The views expressed in this piece are his own.
Piero Tozzi is the Staff Director of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. His previous positions include Republican Staff Director of the bipartisan Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Staff Director and Counsel for the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.
Tozzi received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and his B.A. from Columbia University.
Tozzi speaks Mandarin Chinese, and is the author of several works on international law and comparative constitutional law, including Constitutional Reform on Taiwan: Fulfilling a Chinese Notion of Democratic Sovereignty.
In the American political establishment and the corridors of Capital Hill, having a staunch supporter of this caliber is extremely significant and greatly advances the Somaliland case.
He spoke at the celebration honoring May 18th, 2023, in the Washington, DC, area about Somaliland’s case for recognition and the country’s political growth and maturity.
Staff members of the US Congress are essential to American politics. They are in charge of helping members of Congress with their legislative and executive responsibilities. In order to help members of Congress make informed judgments, Congressional staffers are responsible for conducting research on a variety of legislative problems:
Drafting laws on behalf of Congressmen and assisting them with the legislative procedure.
Giving Congress members sound political counsel, including guidance on how to promote both domestic and foreign causes and deal with political challenges.
Overall, Congressional staffers play a critical role in shaping American politics
Excerpt of his speech
“As was mentioned I work on Capitol Hill on congressional executive commission on China that focus on issues of human rights in China but also Africa as well. And we just heard the need for international recognition which is very important. I visited your country/nation in December 2021, and when I was there I also had a chance to meet with some of the countries representatives among them was a delegation from Taiwan Republic of China.
Here we also have a temporary office of Taiwan Republic of China.
And why is this important? It’s important because there are shared democratic values which the people of Taiwan and the people of Somaliland have in part of the world where there is no much democracy no much respect of human rights.
And while we know the situation is not perfect, when you compare you see the progress Somaliland has made.
Unfortunately and because I focus on China, we know there is a lot of interest in China in the Horn region .
We know that the president of Eritrea was just in China. We know last year Wang Yi the foreign minister of China went to visit Eritrea. Already in Djibouti there is a Chinese base. And the he went to Kenya, to Mombasa to visit the port there.
Alone is Berbera is a jewel right there, very precious resource but we know that another of difficultly that we see right now, we know, I believe is because there a malicious Chinese influence there and they are trying to disrupt the peace that you have and the prosperity that you have in Somaliland.
It is very important that you recommit yourselves to elections and democracy because it is important that Somaliland stands for human rights, for democracy, for free and fair elections in contrast to many countries.
And it’s important that you maintain your friendship with the people of Taiwan which is also a believer of democracy that face many of the same threats.
I just conclude that I want to congratulate you again for your May 18th holiday and congratulate you for the progress that you have made.
And we look forward for many years as head and with the hope of one day there will be recognition of Somaliland.”
A report issued by the World Bank said that the port of Berbera has made a lot of progress in recent years.
According to a World Bank’s third edition of the global Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) survey from 2022 that was only just released this year, Berbera PORT was ranked 144 globally in terms of port services, advancing from its previous year ranking that placed it at 165. According to the World Bank report, Berbera Port is situated in a key strategic location, and significant improvements have been made to the port’s infrastructure. The port also serves the cargos destined to Ethiopia, a country that borders the Republic of Somaliland.
The ports of Berbera and Djibouti were rated higher than the port of Mombasa, which was already rated as one of the busiest ports, in the study on global container ports.
The data-based comparative index rated 348 international container ports based on their effectiveness, which was determined by the amount of time it takes for a ship to arrive at a port and leave after completing its cargo exchange.
What made Berbera deserving of this position?
Saeed Hassan Abdillahi, the manager of Berbera port, told the BBC that they anticipated being ranked high in the index because the port has made significant strides in recent years.
“We are proud of the work we have done for the ships and the service we provide, such as loading and unloading, and the work we have done,” stated Mr. Saeed.
The manager added that “The workers working at the port have improved their skills and eventually became competent in doing this work in efficient ways.”
Berbera Port manager also stated that new machinery, such as cranes to offload ships carrying big cargo, has been introduced to the port.
“In the past, we used to run into situations where we didn’t have an appropriate crane to unload some types of containers, but the president of the Somaliland Republic’s policy and the cooperation we established with DP World made it possible for us to bring the most up-to-date equipment ” Manager Saeed said.
Djibouti (26), Berbera Port (144), Port Elizabeth (291), Durban (341) and Cape Town (344) are among the rated ports in sub-Saharan countries. The port of Dar Salaam in Tanzania has also made into the front runner ranks of Sub-Saharan countries.
In this ranking, the ports of Berbera and Djibouti have surpassed Mombasa port in Kenya, one of the formerly top-ranked ports in Africa.
“African ports are an important gateway for trade and related activities that contribute to food security. Efficient port operations are essential for Africa to realize its economic potential” the World Bank report said.
The World Bank report also noted that significant progress has been made in the area of international trade since 2020, when ports all around the world saw a decline in activity following the emergence of the Covid-19 disease.
The World Bank examined a number of things, including service delivery, management, and quality at the port operations.
After the expansion of Berbera Port, it is one of the largest ports in the Horn of Africa.
The first phase of the expansion was handled by the UAE-based DP World, which is one of the cross-border companies in the UAE that works in ports, shipping and handling.
The Berbera port deal with DP World caused a lot of controversy during its initial implementation.
One of the largest ports in the Horn of Africa, Berbera Port has grown significantly as one of the largest ports in the Horn of Africa. The first phase of the expansion was handled by the UAE-based DP World, which is one of the cross-border companies in the UAE that works in ports, shipping and handling.
One of the cross-border businesses in the UAE that works in ports, shipping, and handling is DP World, which managed the initial phase of the expansion.
When Somaliland signed the deal with the DP World to manage the port, it generated a great deal of debate in Somaliland.
What has been added to the port of Berbera?
500 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) containers can be handled by the port at once.
It is intended to be raised to 2 million TEU.
It is being developed into a commercial center for the Horn of Africa.
There are now eight large cranes.
In the following three years, the new port will be constructed and ready for use.
The U.S. Embassy in Somalia has expressed serious concern regarding a security incident at the Diplomat Freight Service (DFS) camp on May 17. In an official letter, the embassy called for disciplinary measures against those responsible for the incident.
The letter, signed by Tim Trinkle, the current interim Chargé d’affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Somalia, described the behavior of Somali security personnel as “dangerous.” It outlined that members of the U.S. Embassy’s security team were assaulted and threatened by the security teams of the Prime Minister and the President of Southwest State. The security teams forcefully entered the venue, disregarding agreed-upon procedures, resulting in physical altercations and pulled firearms against three embassy security members.
Highlighting the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the letter reminded the Federal Republic of Somalia of its obligation to treat diplomatic agents with respect and ensure their safety and added that the The U.S. Embassy possesses video evidence of the incident, which it is willing to share with Somali authorities.
The incident raises concerns about the overall security situation in Somalia. The response from the Federal Government of Somalia regarding the embassy’s demand for disciplinary action remains unclear.
The U.S. Embassy reiterated its commitment to maintaining a strong and mutually respectful diplomatic relationship with Somalia. It urged the Somali government to take prompt action to address the incident, prevent its recurrence, and ensure the safety of all diplomatic personnel in the country.
In a development that further accentuates the shifting dynamics in the strategic horn of Africa, Russia’s foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, has announced Russia’s willingness to provide military equipment to Somalia’s army in their ongoing fight against terrorism. This revelation comes as the United States grapples with diminishing influence in the region, highlighting Russia’s growing engagement in the African continent. The offer not only underscores Russia’s expanding interests but also positions it as a viable alternative partner to the West, including the United States, in nations affected by conflicts.
In a statement issued today, the United States Department of State announced today that it has designated five al-Shabaab leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) under Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. The designations target al-Shabaab leaders who are responsible for financing, planning, and carrying out terrorist attacks in Somalia and East Africa.
The five designated individuals are:
Maxamed Siidow, a finance emir and a commander in al-Shabaab’s armed wing, the Jabha. Siidow oversees illicit taxation operations in Aliyow Barrow in the Lower Shabelle, Somalia. He has also led al-Shabaab fighters in attacks and participated in attack planning operations utilizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Cali Yare, a finance emir who oversees al-Shabaab’s illicit taxation operations for the village of Beled Amin, Lower Shabelle. Yare is responsible for consolidating all religious taxation and illegal taxes collected from civilians and clan elders. Yare directed and claimed responsibility for the November 14, 2018, IED attack on Somali Armed Forces near the village of Calagaad, Lower Shabelle.
Maxamed Dauud Gabaane, a finance emir, responsible for all al-Shabaab finance operations in Wanlaweyn District and Beled Amin, Lower Shabelle. Gabaane also serves as the head of the group’s intelligence wing, the Amniyat, in Wanlaweyn District. Gabaane operates an extensive early warning and informant network that regularly collects information on coalition forces and Somalis who work at the Baledogle Military Airfield.
Suleiman Cabdi Daoud, a finance emir, and wali (commissioner) of Beled Amin. Daoud also oversees al-Shabaab’s illicit taxation operations in the Lower Shabelle, responsible for collecting religious taxation from villagers. He also assists in overseeing an al-Shabaab “court” that stores fines collected from civilians in the region. Daoud previously served as an Amniyat official.
Mohamed Omar Mohamed, the wali of the al-Shabaab group in the Diinsor District, Bay Region, Somalia, and has been responsible for a series of attacks targeting civilians. Mohamed was previously the wali and Jabha commander of the Berdaale District, Bay Region.
In addition to the five individuals designated by the State Department, the Department of the Treasury also designated 15 al-Shabaab financial facilitators and operatives, four charcoal smugglers, and seven of their associated companies. These combined designations reflect the United States’ counterterrorism priorities in Somalia and support the dynamic relationship we have established with the Somali government to counter the terrorist threats endangering their people and undermining their communities.
According to the statement, as a result of these actions, all property and interests in property of those designated today that are subject to U.S. jurisdiction are blocked, and all U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them and adds that the United States remains committed to working with our Somali partners to defeat al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups that threaten the security of Somalia and the region.
Somalia has long been plagued by terrorism, with Al-Shabaab being the the most prominent and active extremist organization in the country. Al-Shabaab is an Islamist militant group that seeks to establish strict Islamic rule and has pledged allegiance to Al-Qaeda and has been responsible for major terrorist acts in Somalia and in East Africa including suicide bombings, ambushes, assassinations, and IEDs, targeting government officials, security forces, AMISOM troops, humanitarian workers, and civilians. Their attacks have inflicted significant casualties and undermined stability and security in Somalia.
The group finances its operations through extortion, smuggling, and taxation of local businesses. Al-Shabaab also recruits from marginalized communities, exploiting grievances and offering a sense of belonging.
Efforts to combat terrorism in Somalia involve the Somali government and international partners such as the African Union, the United Nations, and the United States and although some progress has been made in weakening Al-Shabaab’s capabilities and territorial control, the group remains a significant threat in most of Somalia.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has laid off another 10,000 employees as part of its ongoing cost-cutting efforts. The layoffs, which affect employees across all levels and functions, are the third round of cuts Meta has announced in the past six months.
The company has said that the layoffs are necessary to “ensure that we are best positioned for long-term growth and success.” Meta has also said that it is investing heavily in new areas, such as the metaverse, and that these investments are driving up costs.
The layoffs have been met with mixed reactions from employees and investors. Some employees have expressed anger and frustration, while others have said that they understand the need for the company to make tough decisions. Investors, on the other hand, have praised Meta’s cost-cutting efforts, saying that they are a sign that the company is serious about its long-term growth.
Meta is not the only tech company that has announced layoffs in recent months. Other tech giants, such as Netflix, Twitter, and Spotify, have also announced layoffs as they grapple with rising costs and slowing revenue growth.
The layoffs in the tech industry are a sign of the changing economic landscape. The tech industry is no longer immune to the challenges that are facing other industries, such as rising inflation and supply chain disruptions. As a result, tech companies are being forced to make tough decisions, such as laying off employees, in order to stay afloat.
It remains to be seen how the layoffs at Meta will impact the company’s long-term growth. However, the company has said that it is confident that it can weather the current economic storm and emerge stronger on the other side.
Tina Turner, an iconic American-born singer, passed away at the age of 83. She rose to fame after overcoming a difficult upbringing and an abusive relationship to become one of the greatest recording artists of all time. Turner began her career in the 1950s and gained popularity during the early years of rock and roll. She later became a prominent figure in the 1980s pop music scene, known for her bold style and powerful vocals.
Turner won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including six Grammy Awards in the 1980s. She released several hit songs such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Typical Male,” and “Private Dancer,” which resonated with audiences and showcased her musical experimentation and candid lyrics.
Despite facing hardships, including an abusive marriage to guitarist Ike Turner, Tina Turner emerged as a survivor and an inspiration to many. She openly shared her experiences of abuse and transformed herself into an international sensation. Turner’s life story was captured in various forms, including the stage musical “TINA: The Tina Turner Musical” and the HBO documentary “Tina.”
Turner’s unique and powerful voice, described as a three-tiered instrument with a distinct range, captivated audiences worldwide. Her impact on the music industry is undeniable, with over 200 million records sold throughout her career.
After retiring from show business, Turner battled health issues and experienced personal tragedies. However, her name and legacy continue to resonate, and her music remains beloved by fans around the world.
Characteristically, before I look at the budget in detail, I must say a word or two about the definition of budget. Budget is a financial plan that states the objectives and goals of a government for a certain period of time; usually a year. In other words, it is the annual economic strategy but there are occasions when planning, instead of helpful, becomes harmful. Budgeting is a difficult and daunting process of estimating both revenue and outlays or expenditures during a specific period. Propounding a balanced budget with strong macro-economic and fiscal policy for a country with no de jure recognitions is prodigy. Lack of participation with the international economic system including the Brent Wood institutions is hampering Somaliland’s economic prospects. A national budget is the financial plan of a country. The government gets money from fees, taxes, and fines, and spends it on its national interests like national defense, security, infrastructure, grants for research, Education, social agendas such as social security and Medicare.
Somaliland Budget [i]2023 is 421.5 million dollars. The Central Government Budget is 298 million—making executive allocation to 71 percent. The parastatal agencies (like Hargeisa Water Agency, National Printing Agency, Central Bank and Berbera Fuel Depot) have 33 million, while the Local governments had a budget of 69 million. Moreover, the development investments such as World Bank projects, Somaliland Development Fund and Joint Programme for Local Governments are 21.5 million.
Local governments [ii]revenue has remarkedly improved from $43 Million to $69 Million for the last couple of years. It is an increase and upsurge of more than 50%. This has led major service delivery improvement.
The Minister of Finance Development presented the 2023 National budget to the House of Representatives in October 2022. Using budget data from the 2023 Financial Year, I will make a number of analyses regarding the budget source of revenues, allocations, mismatches, and budget priorities. This will allow us to understand how the 2023 Government Budget allocations differ from the National Development Plan II which has ended on 2021 and realities on the ground.
The best practice for budget measuring contains no more than the following 8 steps: Pre-budget Statement, Executive Budget Proposal, Enacted Budget, Citizens Budget in year report, mid-year review, year-end reports as well as Auditors Report. However, to the dismay of many citizens hardly five of the above-mentioned items exist; even though those are shrouded with secrecy while public participation has augmented distinctly and with little details and unfortunately at least three of these eight steps does not exist, at all.
The 2023 budget and its format are markedly different from last decade not as format uniquely but substance as well. Under the leadership of the acclaimed economist, the finance ministry has taken baby steps of reform. The ministry produced Macroeconomic and Fiscal framework, Medium-term Budget framework and budget outlook paper. Tax identification numbers has markedly increased from a few hundred to over 30,000. The number of regulatory frameworks has been introduced, to some extent the information management system has been implemented, staff training, and development has been prioritized which further facilitated streamlining data and production of quarterly economic performance bulleting was the icing on the cake. This has facilitated timely production of pertinent and reliable data in a consistent manner.
This budget is 5% higher than the last 2022 budget, with the forecasted 5% to 10% growth for a coming couple of years; 2025 will be historic year for Somaliland, domestic revenue will surpass or to be close to [iii]500 million dollars coupled with the recently completed Berbera port expansion and Ethiopia’s much anticipated and projected to shift certain % of its import handling to be channeled through Berbera port will have a multiplying effect on the revenue. Donor funded projects are 20% unlike Somalia with the direct [iv]budgetary support and donor project funded are approximately 70% its budget.
Despite having a 421.5-million-dollar budget, only 24.5 million has been allocated the paramount portfolio of Education Ministry which is only no more than 8.2% of the overall budget. Currently, we are lowest in terms of Gross enrollment Rate in the region approximately 43% of primary grade 1 Gross Intake Rate while Kenya whose Gross enrollment Rate surpassed 109% in 2015 coupled with 105% completion rate of primary schools with further close to 90% transition rate from Primary to secondary heavily invests Education in 4.4 Billion dollars but our inconsequential allocation for this overriding portfolio is hindering not only the current development endeavors but as well future generations.
From 2018 to 2023 Education Ministry Budget has increased from14 Million to 24.4 Million USD which is 43% upsurge. But it is not adequate, huge investment is required in order to enable the Education Ministry to increase enrollment progressively and steadily. Currently, 8.2% of the 2023 Budget has been allocated but at least 12% to 15% of the budget is required to be directed to paramount and supreme Ministry of education.
The health sector is not in any better shape under the current 2023 budget. For example, 14 million dollars has been allocated a country with the highest child and infant mortality and coupled with the high maternal mortality rate h approximately 396[v] per 100,000 (it is too insignificant such a small amount). Education and Health in total have been allocated 38.5 million dollars which is a fraction of $7.7 dollars per person. Lack of heavy investment for the social services will critically diminish any future economic growth as half of our population lack both basic education opportunities and basic health facilities. A country which is not heavily investing in education and knowledge production will never reach self-sufficiency and its governance will not produce the desired outcomes.
In 20 years from 2000 to 2020: [vi]The global annual number of maternal deaths also fell significantly throughout this period, from 447 000 to 287 000, a decrease of more than a third. We need to come copying strategy for the Southern African Countries which has done tremendous and marvelous work decreasing maternal deaths and child mortality rate.
The much-touted public finance reform which has been in action for the last 12 years has shown limited early triumphs; all the 11 modules of the information management systems have been implemented with different levels of implementation stage. The asset register has so far captured cumulative amount of several Billion USD equivalent assets. Yearly reconciliation has been made International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) systems, while International Financial Reporting Standards (IFR) has been implemented. Information management system widely known IFMAS has been incorporated for numerous local governments but; much work remains to be done for the coming years in order reach institutions with sufficient capability and highly skilled workforce which can deliver necessary and obligator under the connotationally mandated segregated work.
Revenue has improved relatively for the last 5 years; thus far, the customs dominate 75% while inland revenue has reached 22% and the rest is 3%. In addition to that, few lines are contributing while others are hardly progressing or rolling. Most of the business tycoons are hardly paying profit tax; so, the profit corporate tax has made little improvement. Unlike the Goods and services tax which has shown dramatic headway but still the Telecom and Electric sectors are reluctant and disinclined to implement the required 5% GTS and to open their systems for the finance Ministry regulatory oversight. Increasing and widening the tax base requires robust systems and obligatory laws.
Finally, Somaliland required to dedicate significant political capital and immense investment for the Civil service reform. The World Bank funded project with name of reform will not make an iota of reform. Time is now to reform the current bloated civil servant at some institutions while others are lacking the required number. Skill must match on locations. After through assessment, adequate pay scales is required in order to reach efficient wage, otherwise it will end up, as the old Soviet joke; “They pretend to pay us and we pretend to work”.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan effectively mitigated the spread of the disease, leveraging its comprehensive public healthcare system, well-trained anti-pandemic personnel, and epidemiological surveillance, investigation, and analysis systems.
Moreover, Taiwan fully supports health-related SDGs and the World Health Organization (WHO)’s targets. Taiwan is willing and able to share its experiences with others to create an innovative health approach that positions the international community working toward the realization of health-related SDGs. The efforts of improving overall health standards are shown in many of our joint efforts with our like-minded partners.
Taiwan is willing to share Anti-COVID success with the World
Taiwanese people have played a pivotal role in the success of Taiwan’s anti-pandemic model. When compared with the 38 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member states, Taiwan ranks sixth-lowest in COVID-19 mortality and case-fatality rates. Taiwan also ranks fourth-highest for coverage rates of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and third-highest in terms of vaccine boosters administered. None of the data justifies Taiwan’s exclusion from WHO activities.
Taiwan Model in the East Africa – Awaiting to be Explored Since the establishment of Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland in 2020, healthcare cooperation has long been the flagship cooperation between Taiwan and Somaliland. Health Information System Project (HIS), Maternal and Infant Health Improvement Project, and Dispatchment of Taiwan Medical Mission are implemented. The Taiwan Model of Healthcare Cooperation is combined with software (capacity building and technology transfer) and hardware (follow the priorities and match counterpart’s needs).To assist Somaliland government to combat COVID-19, Taiwan has also shared Taiwan-made vaccines (Medigen), Taiwan-made high-quality medical materials, showing just how Taiwan is actively contributing to the health-related causes of WHO. Although positioned in Somaliland, Taiwan is willing to explore cooperation in the East Africa.
Let Taiwan In and Let World In
Taiwan has not been invited to the World Health Assembly since 2017. Now Taiwan is still seeking to join WHA as an observer and meaningful participation on the WHO activities. To contribute more to the World, Taiwan needs World’s support. Taiwan believes that “no healthcare cause should ever be politized or weaponized”. Taiwan also firmly believes that “Healthcare, sympathy and empathy transcend borders”. Taiwan has the will and ability to contribute more to the World.
As countries work together to build sustainable healthcare development in the post-pandemic era, WHO and all relevant stakeholders should support the inclusion of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly to meaningfully participate in WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities.
Taiwan has been and will continue to work with the world to help ensure the fundamental right to health enshrined in the WHO Constitution are put into practice. In the spirit of the SDGs, Taiwan wishes to bring positive contributions to global public health. Only by fostering an inclusive culture will we be able to have sustainable health development.
