Ethiopia Officially Claimed Somalia as part of its territory

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June 1, 2019

On May 26th, Ethiopia has officially apologized and removed a map that showed Somalia as part of its territory. The Map was posted a day earlier on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

The Ministry wrote “We have noticed that a wrong and unacceptable image of the Map of Africa has crept in on the Web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia“.

Another posting on the same website showed a list of Ethiopian Representatives including Somaliland and Puntland has forced Ethiopia to once again clarify its position on Somalia.

According to historical records in the United States Department of State, in early 1946 Ethiopia has filed an official claim over the territories of Italian Somaliland and Eritrea and sought support from the United States government for its claim.

“I assure you that Ethiopia’s position on the question of the disposition of Eritrea and Italian Somaliland will be given every possible consideration by this Government.” Secretary of State James F. Byrnes responded back to the Ethiopia’s Prime Minister at the time, Mr. Makonnen Endelkachew.

Though the Ethiopian government has officially apologized and has taken down the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, the map seems to support Ethiopia’s documented claim over the territories of Italian Somaliland.

GPS Tracker on Somaliland Government Fleet could Expose Sensitive Data

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Staff

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May 24, 2019

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On May 2nd 2019, Somaliland’s Ministry of Transportation unveiled a pilot project to install real-time tracking device on government fleet to ensure their use is lawful and is for official purposes only.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Transportation, the tracking device is intended to bring accountability in how government vehicles are utilized.

Minister of Transportation and staff unavailing the pilot tracker program.

From available photos, the Ministry is deploying either a TK102 or TK103 GPS tracker, a Chinese made low end AVL product that costs around 30 US dollars.

Interacting and offloading data from the device is achieved via GPRS cellular network and some models of TK103 have additional options such as preventing vehicle from starting a panic button in case of an emergency and the ability to detect a collision.

TK103 is part a simple tracker class known as automated vehicle locator and it is basically a cellular phone. A call its assigned number will cause it to send a text message reply of its precise coordination of its current location, the speed of the object and other information.

Configuration of TK103 GPS tracker.

The device the Ministry of Transportation has chosen are for applications where security is not a critical factor and a location of an asset being tracked has little to no value to anyone other than the owner.

It is unclear if the Ministry of Transportation considered the potential risk of this platform or has put additional controls in place to ensure the safety of this sensitive information.

With this class of device, where no additional encryption is used aside from GPRS, the risk of sensitive information that pinpoints the precise location and movement of all government vehicles being intercepted by unauthorized parties is simple, especially for a state actor.

Somaliland Chronicle will not discuss the nature of the vulnerability due to its national security implication.

SHEER HYPOCRISY

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Staff

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May 23, 2019

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As soon as he took the helm, Mr Farmaajo has left no stone unturned and spared no effort to make #Somaliland isolated enclave both economically and diplomatically to extent that some gullible, fainthearted Somalilanders and opposition parties doubted the competence of nation’s foreign policy.

For instance, Without further ado, Farmaajo nullified the agreements signed by his predecessors with Somaliland, the airspace accord to be particular.

To add insult to injury, through his minister of planning, he has ordered the western donors to revisit their longstanding policy of dealing Somaliland independently when it comes giving donations which is thorough enmity. Moreover, he engaged a policy to allure Somaliland youth with pseudo Somalism notion and handful payment to use against their country. In a bid to segregate Somaliland, Farmaajo went to Ethiopia to sign agreement by trading for that three ports in his country and plenty other mysterious terms.

On the top of these, Mr Farmaajo did his best to foil Somaliland’s commendable peace and tranquility by bankrolling some local disgruntled elements and by blatantly backing Puntland.

Eventually, with the unpredictable nature of politics and due to tremendous mistakes made by Farmaajo and his aides, the tables have turned in favor of Somaliland. When Somaliland tend to take this chance and decided to form diplomatic ties with the countries in the horn, out of the blue, people from Somalia hypocritically labeled this movement as betrayal act against Somalism and religion. Isn’t that sheer hypocrisy?

About the Author
Fahad mohamoud is an Engineer living in Doha Qatar. He can be reached fahadhargeisa[@]gmail.com

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle and it’s staff.

Notice: This article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Under this license, all reprints and non-commercial distribution of this work is permitted.

Somaliland Delegation in Nairobi Expected to Meet with Mr. Raila Odinga

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May 23, 2019

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The delegation from Somaliland’s UCID opposition and ruling party of Kulmiye, led by Eng Faisal Ali Warabi and the Minister of Interior Mr. Mohamed Kahin Abdi is expected to meet with the veteran Kenyan Opposition leader and former Prime Minister of Kenya Mr. Raila Odinga.

Even though the purpose of the delegation’s visit to Nairobi was to meet with Somaliland’s international donors to discuss the stalemate over elections, building a closer diplomatic relationship with Kenya seems to be another aim for the visit.

On Monday, the delegation together with Somaliland’s Representative in Kenya Mr. Bashe Awil held separate meetings with the leaders of the Minority and Majority blocks of the Kenyan parliament, Hon. Juno Mohamed and Hon Aden Duale.

Our discussion focused on how to create partnership between the Kenya @NAssemblyKE and the Somaliland Parliament. I order to support the capacity buildings of their committees. pic.twitter.com/CKWk13hHvJ
— Hon. Aden Duale (@HonAdenDuale) May 20, 2019

Somaliland’s warming diplomatic ties with Kenya comes as Kenya’s increased diplomatic pressure and isolation on Somalia following the maritime border dispute between the two countries.

Citing a security concern, Kenya has instituted a mandatory stopover in Wajir airport for all flights from Mogadishu for additional security checks.

On Tuesday, immigration officials at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport refused entry visas to a large Somali Federal Government delegation travelling on Somali diplomatic passports and deported three of them back to Mogadishu.

Others were allowed to proceed after they produced western passports.

It is unclear if the move to deny entry visas to members of President Farmajo’s cabinet was a response to the passing of the petroleum legislation by Somalia’s parliament.

Today, Somalia’s Federal Government has lodged an official complaint with Kenya, calling its actions “potentially destabilizing”.

Somaliland: Government Responds To Ludicrous Claims From Mogadishu

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May 22, 2019

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The Somaliland government has issued a strongly worded response to a ludicrous statement made by the chair of the federal government of Somalia’s elections commission, Marwo Halimo Ibrahim.

Speaking to the media, the Somaliland minister of Information and Public Guidance, Mohamed Muse Dirie stated “the assertion by the chair of the Somalia’s election commission that candidates from Somaliland who will take part in the prospective “national elections” slated for 2020, should submit their names, is not only offensive, but delusional”.

Minister Dirie declared “In the event that the administration in Mogadishu can even hold one person, one vote elections in the scant territory they presume to control is a fallacy, and not based on the reality on the ground. It is disturbing to hear such silly statements such as the one as made the chair of the elections commission in Somalia”.

The minister concluded “It is in the interest of the region and all the Somali speaking administrations, that Mogadishu must get it’s own house in order first, and reach an agreement with all the “federal” administrations, before they can even mention Somaliland. How are we expected to hold talks with people who are living in a fantasy world, when all we do is wish them all the best, peace, security and progress and all they wish Somaliland is the opposite? Please, have some respect for Somaliland”

The weak federal governemnt in Mogadishu recently held a meeting with the member federal states in Garowe, Puntland, on election issues. The meeting ended without a consensus.

Meanwhile, Somaliland is planning to hold parliamentary and local elections on December 12th, 2019.

About the Author
Ahmed Kheyre is based in London, UK and can be reached @ ruraledcomm[at]yahoo.co.uk

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle and it’s staff.

Notice: This article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Under this license, all reprints and non-commercial distribution of this work is permitted.

High Level Delegation from UCID and KULMIYE Parties Depart for Nairobi for Talks with International Community

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Staff

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May 19, 2019

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A delegation from the two of Somaliland’s political parties, UCID and Kulmiye departed for Nairobi today to meet with Somaliland Donor Working Group chaired by the UK.

The delegation is led by the chairman of UCID Eng Faisal Ali Warabe and the Minister of Interior Hon. Mohamed Kahin Abdi representing Kulmiye. Other members include Abdiasis Samaale, the former Minister of Finance in President Siilaanyo’s administration and member of Kulmiye party, Ahmed Abdi Dheere and Prof. Ahmed Abdi Muse Abyan.

It is unclear why only two of the three political parties are attending the meeting. Efforts to reach Waddani for comments have been unsuccessful.

According to diplomatic sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation is scheduled to hold talks with the EU, UK, Denmark and the United States about Somaliland elections.

International community has been pressing Somaliland parties to come to consensus and resolve disputes to hold parliamentary and local council elections on time.

Efforts to reach Somaliland’s diplomatic mission in Nairobi for more information have been unsuccessful.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.

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May 19, 2019

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The blessed republic of Somaliland is in celebration today. It is exactly the day in which its sovereignty is reclaimed or regained. On the eve of 28th celebrations of the nation’s birth, I have a simple and short message to send.

Dear countrymen it is the day to show the world that we are as strong as a solid foundation which can’t be fallen apart. It is the time we have survived and stand firmly against all odds. It is the right time to feel proud and joy for the betterment of our nation. Surely, We are in a better position than 28 years ago. We had built a nation with law and order in a lawlessness east-African region.

Dear countrymen, let me remind you, Somaliland is a country built by its people from the ashes without one’s help. So, what ever disagreements happen will only be solved by its grassroots. Our country’s issues are always be open for discussion. We all know, Somalilands’ means of addressing its own internal misunderstandings had been hailed across the globe.

In some cases, If some of our citizens feel neglected we have the capacity and means to discuss and settle our difference. Although we have had a very rough road there is also a long way to go. That very rough road ahead can only be overcome through unity. Unity among Somaliland people. Through unity and patience recognition will eventually arrive at our door-step sooner rather than latter. That is just a matter of days.

Dear Somalilanders, held your head high and stand together to bravely reject the nasty plans intended to destroy our nation.

About the Author: Mohamed Samater is an engineering technologist by profession now lives in Melbourne, Australia. He was also an educationalist. Former Dean and lecturer at local universities in Somaliland. Email: engsamater[at]gmail.com

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle and it’s staff.

Notice: This article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

Lack of Access to Reproductive Health for Young Girls is Why Babies End up in Toilets.

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Staff

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May 18, 2019

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I am heartbroken over the news that a baby was rescued from a toilet in Hargeisa few days ago and relieved that the baby is safe. I am heartbroken over the agonizing decision that led a mother dispose of her precious baby after giving birth. How hard did she embrace the baby, kissed it or perhaps breastfed just once before she threw it in a latrine?

I am a mother and I cannot fathom the events or the circumstances that would drive a new mom do this to her baby. However, I am not here to litigate her state of mind what sins led to her pregnancy but cringe at the thought of the monstrous her act of discarding her precious baby in a toilet hoping it will drown in excrement.

Even though this is an act by a single individual, on the whole, it reflects on the dark corners of our souls, the isolation this young mother must have felt is a testament to harshness of our nature.

Would things have turned out different if this young mother had access to counselling services that could have guided her to give up the baby for adoption or safely hand it over to one of the few orphanages anonymously?

What about if she had access to contraceptives? before you assume that I advocate we should be ok with people’s sexual activities outside of the sanctity of marriage, I am not.

I am not sure how often this happens but I would imagine it is not the first time and there is a likelihood that many of these discarded babies do not survive or get rescued.

It is convenient to sidestep this uncomfortable topic of teen pregnancy and what leads to it but she was not alone in making that baby. There is a gentleman walking about in Hargeisa who is equally responsible and probably saw the news reports of a baby rescued from a toilet on his social media before he moved on to browse the next post on Facebook.

Let us give our young girls access to reproductive health and education to at least give them a chance to avoid committing a mysterious act against a precious baby who deserves to be loved and cherished.

About the Author Anonymous female.

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle and its staff.

Notice: This is an article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Under this license, all reprints and non-commercial distribution of this work is permitted.

Breaking – Large Delegation of Kenyan MPs To Visit Somaliland

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Staff

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May 16, 2019

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A large delegation of Kenyan MPs are heading to Hargeisa, Somaliland to take part in the commemoration of Somaliland’s independence day on 18th May. The delegation is expected to arrive in Hargeisa on Thursday afternoon.

According to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International cooperation, the delegation of at least a dozen Members of Parliament are from various parliamentary committees including Defense and Foreign Affairs, Energy, Investment and others.

Sources added that the delegation will meet with Somaliland President HE Muse Bihi Abdi and members of his administration.

Image result for abiy ahmed farmajo uhuru — President Uhuru Kenyatta (middle), Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed (right) and Somali President Mohamed Abdillahi Farmajo

Diplomatic relations between Somaliland and Kenya have been on a positive trajectory. It is unclear if Kenya is pivoting to Somaliland following the recent dispute with Somalia over maritime border between the two countries.

Efforts by the Prime Minister of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed to mediate Kenya and Somalia have been unsuccessful.

Update

The delegation of Kenyan MPs have arrived in Hargeisa and were welcomed at Egal International Airport by UCID Opposition party chairman, Eng Faisal Ali Warabe, Deputy Mayor of Hargeisa and other government officials.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates.

5 Dead and 6 Injured in Flooded Hargeisa

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Staff

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May 14, 2019

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Heavy rains in Hargeisa today have claims the lives of five people and injured six others. This is according to the government officials, including the President HE Muse Bihi Abdi, who have surveyed the damaged areas of the Capital of Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Image may contain: 10 people, including Agg Khadar Y Ali, people smiling, people standing and outdoor — President Bihi and other government officials surveying flood damages in Hargeisa.

Two of the victims were killed by downed power lines where the remaining three were swept in a vehicle by heavy floods. Officials added that a total of nine people were rescued from floods by police and fire services.

This is not the first time that heavy rains and floods have resulted in loss of live in Somaliland, especially in the capital. Last year, 2 children were killed by floods in Hargeisa after heavy rains.

Madaxweyne Muuse Biixi ayaa booqday goobta ay masiibadu ka dhacay una tacsiyeeyay aabaha dhalay carruurta dhimatay — Ahmed Qorane, father of children lost to floods in Hargeisa last year.

Lack of building, electrical codes or designated flood areas coupled with non-existent flood drainage in Hargeisa have often caused heavy floods in the rainy season.

Investigative Reports

Update

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